Cart Publications |
The Mysterious Moon & India's Chandrayaan Mission
ISBN
978-81-7480-177-7
Price: Rs. 195
Vigyan Prasar has
brought out this publication on the eve of the launch of Chandrayaan-1.
Professor Narendra Bhandari, a senior scientist from Physical Research
Laboratory, Ahmedabad, who has done pioneering work in the study of Moon
and who was associated with Chandrayaan-1 mission from the
concept phase.
This book
presents, in simple language, the motivation for this mission to Moon in
the framework of the unresolved problems in lunar science. Meant mainly
for the inquisitive students, the subject is dealt with a view to
highlight the science aspects and in this respect it is different from the
information available in other publications or on the web.
"Professor
Bhandari’s simple style of writing would make even a layman
evince keen interest to understand and
study the various aspects of the Moon. The book, I am sure, will be
a good source of information for not only the general
public but also for students intending
to take up space and astronomy as a career. I congratulate Professor
Bhandari on this magnificent effort and compliment Vigyan Prasar for
bringing out this book to reach out to a large number of readers."
— G Madhavan Nair, Chairman,ISRO
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Experimenting
with The Quantam World
ISBN 978-81-7480-158-6
Price: Rs. 95
Quantum mechanics is fascinating. It explains most physical phenomena with
incredible accuracy. Also, the assumptions are so counter intuitive. Aside
from these difficulties in conveying the essence to the students,
philosophical ramblings of non-physicists are a source of confusion and
chaos. This book explains, through a series of experiments, the strange
properties of quantum objects.
Dr S T Lakshmikumar |

Thin Film Technology - A Layman's Perception
ISBN
978-81-7480-156-2
Price: Rs. 195
Thin films play an
important role in investigations of the fundamental properties of solids as
well as in revolutionizing the basic concepts, quality and performance of
products of modern electronic, optical and automotive industries, in the
harnessing of solar energy, in realizing a multitude of sensors for
different physical, chemical and biological parameters, and so on. This book
aims to educate and enlighten those who are engaged in the commercial
applications of thin films but have inadequate knowledge of the basics of
vacuum technology and thin film deposition processes. It also aims to
address scientists and technologists in various fields, to whom thin film
coatings and multiplayer structures appear deceptively simple and who do not
appreciate the complexities and sophistication involved in the design and
fabrication of thin film coatings for specific user requirements.
V.V.Shah and A.Basu |
The
Story of Chemistry
ISBN: 81-7410-135-9
Price:
75/- This
book traces the development of chemistry, the science of matter, from its
origins in antiquity to the modern and quickly evolving science that it is
today.
Anirban Hazra
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Glimpses into the Life And Works of J. Medhi
ISBN:
81-7480-132-4
Price:
95/-
The book traces the life and works of Professor J. Medhi, who
has not onlymade pioneering contributions in the field of statistics, but
also has played apioneering role in establishing this branch of science in
the North-East India.
Chandra Kanta
Chetia
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MAGIC
MANTRAS to a Pain-Free Youthful Back
ISBN:
81-7480-138-3
Price:
Rs. 395/-
The book
gives a detailed roadmap of back pain management signposted with the
fundamentals: pain control, back protection, exercise, yogic postures, diet
and, perhaps most importantly, how best to maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Dr. A.P. Singh
and Dr. Yatish Agarwal
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Origami-Fun
and Mathematics
ISBN: 81-7480-125-1
Price:Rs.65
Shri V.S.S.
Sastry works in a Bank. He had his basic training in science and enjoys
conveying abstract mathematical concepts in an innovative manner through
origami. He has written six books related to various aspects of origami
and mathematics. He writes regularly in magazines and newspapers. He has
conducted over 200 workshops for school teachers on "Maths through
Origami"
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Yash Pal: A Life in
Science
ISBN: 81-7480-128-6
Price:Rs.225(HB)
ISBN: 81-7480-128-4
Price:Rs.150(PB)
Prof. Yash Pal
embodies several personalities – scientist, science manager, educator, and
communicator – all rolled into one. There are few Indian scientists who
have done so much in so many different fields, and have done it with such
fervour. He built up the Space Applications Centre at Ahmedabad and was
the key person to plan and execute the yearlong Satellite Instructional
Television Experiment (SITE) during 1975-76, which brought in a new
dimension in educational communication in India. Later, he became popular
as one who could explain science in layman’s language. His regular
appearance in the TV science programme ‘Turning Point’ to answer questions
sent by viewers made him almost a public icon. He developed his own unique
style of explaining science – not giving direct answers but making the
viewers think and understand to get to the answers. This brief biography,
profusely illustrated with rare photographs, is an attempt to bring out
the multifaceted personality of Prof. Yash Pal, his emphasis on
independent thought, and his innovative ways of problem solving.
Biman Basu
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Information
and Communication Technology (ICT) and Gender
ISBN: 81-7480-127-8
Price: Rs. 45
This publication is the first step in an attempt to synergize the efforts
of the Department of Science and Technology, and Vigyan Prasar in
particular, with non-governmental organizations to address, through
innovative uses of ICTs, a pervasive social problem in the country: that
of gender discrimination. The idea for a publication of this kind came out
of the debates and discussions that took place during a seminar convened
by the Gender Network, a network of gender researchers operating out of
the Institute of Social Studies Trust in New Delhi. The seminar brought
together researchers from India and abroad, representatives from
Government and non-Government organizations and activists, policy planners
and senior bureaucrats, and members of the corporate sector, to see how a
multi-stakeholder interaction of the kind could feed into the process of
informed policy making in addressing the twin problems of income and
gender inequalities in our societies.
The issue is of
great relevance as regards the role of technology in addressing social
concerns, especially when technological development is state sponsored.
Swapna Mukhopadhay and Vinay B.Kamble
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Vigyan Rail -Science Exhibition on wheels
ISBN: 81-7480-126-X
Price: Rs. 250
Vigyan Rail–Science
Exhibition on wheels was unique concept in bringing India’s scientific
heritage and recent achievements to the doorsteps of the people. The
Science Exhibition on Wheels, which traveled across the country for about
eight months, halting at 60 stations, was conceived, formulated and
implemented by Vigyan Prasar jointly with the Ministry of Railways, and
with the active support of the Department of Science and Technology.
Vigyan Rail was a result of co-operation among 18 Departments/Ministries
of Government of India, engaged in different aspects of Science and
Technology. Displayed in 12 coaches, the exhibits included panels
depicting India’s achievements in the various fields of S&T, working
models, hand-on activities, and multi-media shows. The exhibition drew
huge crowds wherever it visited. This profusely illustrated book attempts
to present a glimpse of the unique Science Exhibition on Wheels and
recounts its momentous journey across the length and breadth of the
country.
B.S.Padmanabhan
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Fermi Problems or The
Art of Estimation
ISBN:
81-7480-122-7
Price: Rs.20.00
Fermi problems widen one’s
horizon and develop a sense of appreciation. What is more important,
it helps understand the inter-relationship of different disciplines in a
given problem, phenomenon or situation. It is therefore a training
and experience that enriches our
lives.
An attempt has been made here to illustrate the Fermi approach through
some problems in physics and our socio-economic environment. There
are some problems only for fun.
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The
Unknown Einstein
ISBN:
81-7480-120-0
Price: Rs.75.00
Most famously known for his theory of
relativity and the path-breaking equation E = mc 2, Albert Einstein remained an enigma during his lifetime. Even
after his death his brain remains a source of wonder for neurologists.
What was this man like in his real life? Chosen as the Man of the
20th Century by Time magazine, Einstein was a
genius, but he had his eccentricities too. He was also a statesman and
even held a patent for his invention. Replete with anecdotes, this book is
an attempt to bring out these and many other little-known facets of
Einstein’s personality.
Bal Phondke (b. 1939) is a popular science writer par
excellence, whose columns are featured in almost all leading Marathi
newspapers. A recipient of several prestigious awards including the NCSTC
National Award for Best S & T Coverage in the Mass Media, INSA Indira
Gandhi Award for science popularisation, and B.C. Deb Memorial Award of
the Indian Science Congress Association. After obtaining doctorate in
biophysics-immunology from London University, he began his career as a
research scientist in BARC. He rose to become Chief Editor of Science
Today, science editor of the Times of India group of newspapers, and later
Director of National Institute of Science Communication (CSIR). He
continues to be a prolific freelance science communicator. He has
published so far over 40 books in Marathi, English and Hindi.
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The Quest for New Materials
ISBN:
81-7480-121-9
Price: Rs. 120.00
In the course of human history, man
has continuously developed newer materials primarily to improve his tools.
This quest originated with the use of naturally occurring stones and
sticks which he shares with his cousin, the chimpanzee. Since then, the
quest had resulted in the development of the miracles of ancient
metallurgy and today has reached the nano dimension. Man currently has the
ability to manufacture millions of electronic devices on a small chip of
silicon, each of the transistor being as small as a few nanometers. He has
also learnt to manipulate individual atoms and emulate the capabilities of
living organisms which they acquired in the course of 3.5 billion years of
organic evolution. These exciting capabilities in turn are the
consequences of the fundamental understanding of physics, chemistry and
biology. The book provides a bird’s eye view of the saga of human
materials development from the stone age to nanomaterials and genetic
engineering and a coherent brief description of the science which
underpins this development.
Dr S T Lakshmikumar obtained a Ph. D degree from Indian Institute of Science
Bangalore joined the National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi as a
scientist in the materials division. He has been a visiting scientist at
the Ransellaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, USA as a C V Raman Fellow in
1992. He began his research on metallic glasses and has continued research
and development of new materials for nearly thirty years. Over the years,
his research interests have included glassy metals, amorphous
semiconductors, photovoltaic materials, extrinsic dielectrics and
currently nanostructured materials. In this book he draws on his expertise
in materials development, characterization and instrumentation to provide
an account of the latest research in mankind’s quest for new materials,
translating the high science to be palatable to young science students and
general public interested in understanding materials
science. |
Music of Life Development of
Molecular Biology: A Personal Account
ISBN:
81-7480-106-5
Price: Rs.150.00
An outcome of 50 years of teaching an
research experience of the author in the field of Molecular Biology. It
depicts, in an interesting manner the history of molecular biology as it
developed following the discovery of the structure of
DNA
Prof. D.P. Burma .
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The Story of Physics (in
Colour)
ISBN:
81-7480-080-8
Price: Rs.85.00
A rare combination of science and
entertainment. In a very simple and entertaining comic strip manner it
describes the important events and milestones in the history of Physics
beginning with Archimedes and Pythagoras till date.
T. Padmanabhan
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