The Secret Life of Germs

What They Are, Why We Need Them, and How We Can Protect Ourselves Against Them

By: Philip M. Tierno

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Paperback | 6 January 2004 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Paperback
320 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
21.43 x 13.97 x 2.29

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They're on everything we touch, eat, and breathe in -- on every inch of skin. And despite the advances of science, germs are challenging medicine in ways that were unimaginable ten years ago. No wonder the world is up in arms -- and using antibacterial soaps.
From the common cold, E. coli, and Lyme disease to encephalitis, mad cow disease, and flesh-eating bacteria, Tierno takes readers on a historical survey of the microscopic world. Rebuffing scare tactics behind recent "germ events" Tierno explains how the recycling of matter is the key to life. Yes, he'll tell you why it's a good idea to clean children's toys, why those fluffy towels may not be so clean, and why you never want to buy a second-hand mattress, but he also reveals that there is a lot we can do to prevent germ-induced suffering. You'll never look at anything the same way again.

Industry Reviews

Booklist A fascinating, informative book on the good as well as the bad features of germs.

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You Can Find This Book In

Non-Fiction Science Science in General Popular Science Family & Health Popular Medicine & Health Biology, Life Sciences Microbiology excluding Medical Medicine Medicine in General Public Health & Preventive Medicine Epidemiology & Medical Statistics

Coping with / Advice about Personal, Social & Health Topics Coping with / Advice about Illness & Specific Health Conditions

Acknowledgments
The Animalcules
Seeds of Disease, Seeds of Life
How We Make Each Other Sick
The Germ Domain
The Germ Factory
The Enemy Within
The Seeds of Disease
Person to Person
Common Ground
In Thin Air
On the Wing and on Eight Little Legs
The New Age
Not the Usual Suspects
The Germ Revolt
Germ Warfare and Terrorism
Germs for Life
Index
Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.

The Secret Life of Germs

What They Are, Why We Need Them, and How We Can Protect Ourselves Against Them

At a Glance

Paperback

Industry Reviews

Shipping

How to return your order

Defective items

You Can Find This Book In

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