Britannica Educational Publishing imprint: 818 books

Bacteria and viruses are among the oldest agents on Earth and reveal much about the planet's past and evolution. As scientists and doctors make progress in fighting the harmful effects of bacteria and viruses, they also often make discoveries that can lead to life-saving vaccines and antibiotics,...

So automatic and mechanical is breathing for most of us that we often fail to consider the complexities of respiration. Engaging the lungs, airways, and more, the intake of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide are only the most apparent aspects of a much longer routine. Although vulnerable to various...

A single cell can be a self-sustaining organism or one of trillions in a larger life form. Though visible only with the help of a microscope, cells are highly structured entities that perform a myriad of functions in every living thing and store critical genetic information. This fascinating volume...

The building blocks of all life—human and otherwise—are basic chemical molecules common to all organisms that simultaneously unite all species and set them apart. Together, nucleic acids, amino acids, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates determine our genetic makeup, power our movements, and generally...

The sub-zero temperatures and glacial conditions to which the polar regions of the Earth are often subject would make it difficult for many of us to survive there for long periods of time. Yet life is present in both the Arctic and Antarctic, and the lure of discovering new territories and resources...

The outlawing of desegregation and attainment of equal rights facilitated a new era of possibility throughout American society. This book details the historic deeds that redefined the American landscape since the 1940s, examining the explosion of creativity that ensued in the areas of literature, music, and sports as African Americans explore new opportunities and prospects.

Although the once-fuzzy outlines of the global map had largely been defined by the 19th century, much had yet to be learned. As some explorers continued to search either for resources or for unknown regions, others increasingly embraced a new kind of discovery—that of scientific knowledge. Readers...

The founders of the Constitution created the office of the President to be the Chief Executive of the United States, as well as an important figure the nation could turn to. This book covers the role and duties of the executive in the office of President, describing how those duties have changed and...

Venerated as the cradle of civilization since the days of ancient Mesopotamia, Iraq served as an intellectual and cultural center in the Arab world for much of its history. Unwilling to let the turbulence of the 20th and 21st centuries eclipse their rich culture and society, the Iraqi people endeavor...

The study of living matter is an important part of biology. Being able to recognize living matter and differentiate it from nonliving matter is a key component of the science curriculum. This volume is a straightforward, comprehensive guide to the study of living matter: what it is composed of, how...

Though he had less than three years in office, John F. Kennedy made a lasting and profound mark as U.S. president. Deftly handling the Cuban Missile Crisis and supporting civil rights laws and the space race, Kennedy represented the promise for a better future. Readers examine the life of the accomplished and charismatic 35th president whose life and term were tragically ended too soon.

Life on Earth can be viewed as a complex network of interactions between living organisms and their respective environments. By parsing the natural world into various ecosystems and biomes, the extent and significance of such interaction among species and between organisms and their natural habitats...

Formalizing study of the natural world may seem like a daunting task considering the sheer breadth and variety of living things that inhabit the planet. From the microscopic organisms in the world’s most remote locations to those in the human body, evidence of the intricate structures and mechanisms...

Battling disease, championing new techniques, recommending necessary medications, and offering comfort and guidance to those in need are just some of the many responsibilities with which healers over time have been charged. Even as the field of medical science rapidly evolves, doctors, researchers,...