Bestselling popular science author Dr. Joe Schwarcz breaks down the science of essential oils, placenta creams, intermittent fasting, and of course the spread of COVID-19 misinformation in this new collection from the master of demarcating non-science from science

Science has gone viral! In more ways than one.

Since we first heard rumblings about a novel type of pneumonia in Wuhan, China, terms like pandemic, spike protein, viral particles, variants, mRNA vaccines, antibodies, hydroxychloroquine, social distancing, immune response, convalescent plasma, aerosol transmission, and of course, face coverings, have entered our everyday vocabulary. The scientific literature has exploded with studies exploring every facet of COVID-19, but unfortunately the “viral” spread of misinformation about the pandemic has also reached epic proportions.

Science Goes Viral provides a framework for coming to grips with the onslaught of COVID-19 information and misinformation in this ever-changing pandemic. Here, you’ll learn about the first antibodies ever identified, the connection between tonic water and coronavirus, and whether we can zap COVID with copper. And although our thoughts and daily activities have been hijacked by the pandemic, life does go on, as does the pursuit of science. Dr. Joe features his usual array of diverse topics, including biblical dyes, essential oils, Jean Harlow’s hair, Lincoln’s magician, and bioplastics, along with assorted examples of quackery.

Delving into the many fascinating facets of science can serve as a welcome distraction from the COVID curse. In fact, enchantment with science can also be contagious. Will you be infected?

Sales and Market Bullets

• Dr. Joe began to write a book in his traditional debunking style: he had pieces about red M&Ms, hair dye, and intermittent fasting. Enter COVID-19. Since coronavirus has affected every aspect of our lives and forced us to engage with the world of science, learning terms such as viral particles, variants, antibodies, hydroxychloroquine, immune response, and aerosol transmission, Dr. Joe decided he must grapple with the pandemic. The bulk of the book either deals directly with COVID-19 or nods to it in investigating other everyday science that is now affected by our lives amidst a pandemic.
• Topics covered in the book include COVID-19, the disappearance of toilet paper from store shelves at the beginning of the pandemic, the Spanish Flu, vaccines, coronavirus aerosols, placenta, lice, hair dye, salt, vodka, omega-3, and plant-based protein.
• “The author’s entertaining writing style and clear, precise explanations make the book a joy to read, and his choice of subjects is so wide-ranging that there is really something for everyone here.” — Booklist on Is That a Fact?

Audience

• People interested in the science behind COVID-19 and pandemics
• Dr. Joe fans
• Fans of pop science, including Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Bill Nye, Mary Roach, and I Fucking Love Science
• Readers interested in health, diet, food trends, vaccines, and debunking science