Ka-Boom!: The Science of Extremes

Written by David Darling

Narrated by David Darling

What's the brightest light on Earth? The coldest corner of the universe? The blackest material ever made? The most poisonous substance in nature? Ka-boom! probes extremes of size and speed, depth and density, and reveals the stickiest, sweetest, smelliest and nastiest substances known to science. In an unabashed celebration of the exceptional, David Darling takes an enlightening journey through the universe's weirdest and most wonderful extremes. Travel to far-flung galaxies in pursuit of habitable planets and extra-terrestrial life. Journey to the rainforests of South America and discover the top-speed of the notoriously sluggish sloth. Find out how Earth's hardiest creatures - tardigrades or 'water bears' - ended up living on the moon. And meet the scientists and engineers using these quirks of nature to design faster computers, produce greener energy and revolutionise space travel.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Isis Publishing Ltd
• Release date: Jul 1, 2024
• ISBN: 9781399179805

David Darling

David Darling is a science writer, astronomer and music producer. He is the author of nearly fifty books, including the bestselling Equations of Eternity. He lives in Dundee, Scotland. Together with Agnijo Banerjee, he is the co-author of the Weird Maths trilogy, and The Biggest Number in the World.