Best American Science and Nature Writing 2008

"The articles . . . draw the reader more tightly into the web ofthe world. They forge links in unexpected ways. They connect us tonature and to each other, and those connections nourish theintellect and uplift the spirit."--Jerome Groopman, M.D., editorThis year's Best American Science and Nature Writing offers anotherrich assortment of "fascinating science and impressive journalism"(New Scientist) culled from an array of periodicals, such as TheNew Yorker, Scientific American, and National Geographic. Thetwenty-four provocative and often visionary stories chosen by guesteditor Jerome Groopman form an outstanding sampling of the verybest in a field of writing that stays ahead of the curve, bringingimportant topics to the forefront of American discussion. In "TheUniverse's Invisible Hand," Christopher Conselice takes us into therecent spectacular discovery of the crucial role of dark energy,which is making our universe expand faster and faster. FlorenceWilliams tells the story of a more down-to-earth form of energy in"A Mighty Wind," which describes how a small Danish islandcommunity is making great leaps in energy conservation by usinginnovative wind farms. John Cohen explores the marvelous world ofligers, zorses, wholphins, and other hybridized creatures in"Zonkeys Are Pretty Much My Favorite Animal." And Robin MarantzHenig delves into the possibly hazardous ramifications of therapidly expanding science of nanotechnology. The Best AmericanScience and Nature Writing 2008 packs a wallop of intriguing,informative, and wondrous stories, each one bringing with it, asJerome Groopman writes, "a sense of excitement to be] shared withothers."