An in-depth look at the theories behind the most intriguing puzzles in physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, and astronomyIn The Five Biggest Ideas in Science, authors Arthur W. Wiggins and Charles M. Wynn discussed science's most important current ideas. Now, they tackle the questions that science has been unable to answer-so far. Choosing one unsolved problem from each discipline, they explore the current scientific thinking behind these questions: How are particle masses determined? How did simple atoms first combine to form complex molecules? What role does the genome play in the development of life? Why is it so difficult to predict the weather? And what is the future of the universe? Featuring cartoons by Sidney Harris, the book includes discussions of recent theories such as the God particle, string theory, "brane" theories, and the Theory of Everything and also explores other science questions.Arthur W. Wiggins (Farmington Hills, MI) is a Professor of Physics at Oakland Community College in Michigan. Charles M. Wynn (Willimantic, CT) is a Professor of Chemistry at Eastern Connecticut State College. They collaborated on The Five Biggest Ideas in Science (0-471-13812-6).

Preface.1. Science in Perspective.2. Physics: Why Do Some Particles Have Mass while Others Have None?3. Chemistry: By What Series of Chemical Reactions Did Atoms Form the First Living Things?4. Biology: What Is the Complete Structure and Function of the Proteome?5. Geology: Is Accurate Long-range Weather Forecasting Possible?6. Astronomy: Why Is the Universe Expanding Faster and Faster?Problem Folders.Idea Folders.Resources for Digging Deeper.Photo Credits.Index.