Out of Sight!
From Quarks to Living Cells

This book is a popular introduction to modern natural science and provides an insight into the advanced and expensive technology that is required in the exploration of the universe too small for the eye to see. This is the domain of the living cell, and even smaller, the basic building blocks of all matter: quarks, atoms and molecules. It is possible with modern technology to obtain images of objects as small as an individual atom. It is even possible to hold one atom in place and study it individually. This book will explain, in non-technical language, how we obtain our knowledge of the micro-universe. With the help of many clear diagrams, it goes on to describe the structure of living cells, of atoms and molecules as they are found in everyday objects, as well as in more exotic and dramatic forms of matter, such as anti matter, stars and black holes.

Preface; 1. Our microworld; 2. Light; 3. Darkness; 4. Invisible radiation; 5. Forces; 6. Matter; 7. Living matter; 8. Cosmic perspective; Postscript and outlook for the future; Appendix; Index.