BRAINS ON! PRESENTS...IT'S ALIVE

A ramble through “the totally bizarre, ultra-epic, sometimes disgusting world of biology.”

With unflagging zest the hosts of American Public Media’s Brains On! podcast take on dozens of such need-to-know topics as whether plants can perceive sound, “why…frogs’ tongues stretch so far,” why we dream, and “are dogs self-aware?” Along with introducing real scientists working in the actual Dog Cognition Lab and elsewhere, the authors—depicted as small cartoon figures throughout—cast sidelights on historical hoaxes, tuck in “mystery photo” close-ups, and also pair up lots of unlikely adversaries in smack-down–style contests. For the latter, they lay out facts about each and leave it to readers to judge winners: “Which stinker is cooler: Durian or Corpse Flower?” The survey includes breezy ventures into the animal and plant kingdoms, quick rides through select systems of the Bodyland amusement park, and a closing voyage to the teeming realm of microbiota for ganders at microscopic mites, fungi, and bacteria (but not viruses). Even scientifically savvy readers may find the small-print bibliography more than a bit on the technical and scholarly side. Still, it’s always better to challenge an audience than underestimate it. Recurring cast members in the illustrations present White; other cartoon figures include people of color.

A grab bag of bio-wonders.