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AsapSCIENCE: Answers to the World’s Weirdest Questions, Most Persistent Rumors & Unexplained Phenomena
From the creators of the wildly popular and seriously scientific YouTube channel, AsapSCIENCE, comes entertaining, irreverent, and totally accessible answers to the questions you never got to ask in science class.
Why do we get hung over? What would happen if you stopped sleeping? Is binge-watching TV actually bad for you? Why should I take a power nap? In their first-ever book, Mitchell Moffit and Greg Brown, the geniuses behind YouTube channel AsapSCIENCE, explain the true science of how things work in their trademark hilarious and fascinating fashion.
Applying the fun, illustrated format of their addictive videos to topics ranging from brain freeze to hiccups to the science of the snooze button, AsapSCIENCE takes the underpinnings of biology, chemistry, physics, and other hard sciences and applies them to everyday life through quirky and relatable examples that will appeal to both science nerds and those who didn’t ace chemistry. This is the science that people actually want to learn, shared in a friendly, engaging style. And in the spirit of science, no subject is taboo. Amid the humor is great information and cocktail conversation fodder, all thoughtfully presented. Whether you're a total newbie or the next Albert Einstein, this guide is sure to educate and entertain...ASAP.
Why do we get hung over? What would happen if you stopped sleeping? Is binge-watching TV actually bad for you? Why should I take a power nap? In their first-ever book, Mitchell Moffit and Greg Brown, the geniuses behind YouTube channel AsapSCIENCE, explain the true science of how things work in their trademark hilarious and fascinating fashion.
Applying the fun, illustrated format of their addictive videos to topics ranging from brain freeze to hiccups to the science of the snooze button, AsapSCIENCE takes the underpinnings of biology, chemistry, physics, and other hard sciences and applies them to everyday life through quirky and relatable examples that will appeal to both science nerds and those who didn’t ace chemistry. This is the science that people actually want to learn, shared in a friendly, engaging style. And in the spirit of science, no subject is taboo. Amid the humor is great information and cocktail conversation fodder, all thoughtfully presented. Whether you're a total newbie or the next Albert Einstein, this guide is sure to educate and entertain...ASAP.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2015
116 people are currently reading
2,575 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
December 10, 2020
Probably the most accurate title I've seen yet
This book delivered - it was chock-full of quirky questions with scientific answers.
Most of them are well-known musings (i.e. what came first, chicken or the egg?) or explaining the grain of truth behind certain wives tales (i.e. do you really get sick more often in cold weather)?
I appreciated how each and every question was thoroughly researched - even if it was rediculous (i.e. Could the zombie apacolypse happen?).
I do wish they would have gone into some of the wider-ranged controversy in the midst of Are silent farts really deadly? Something about vaccines/autism or climate change would have been a nice addition.
Audiobook Comments
Hats off to the guys for reading their own audiobook and rocking it. (though, I did have to turn down the volume considerably when we got to the male/female questions)
| | | | | Snapchat @miranda_reads
This book delivered - it was chock-full of quirky questions with scientific answers.
Most of them are well-known musings (i.e. what came first, chicken or the egg?) or explaining the grain of truth behind certain wives tales (i.e. do you really get sick more often in cold weather)?
I appreciated how each and every question was thoroughly researched - even if it was rediculous (i.e. Could the zombie apacolypse happen?).
I do wish they would have gone into some of the wider-ranged controversy in the midst of Are silent farts really deadly? Something about vaccines/autism or climate change would have been a nice addition.
Audiobook Comments
Hats off to the guys for reading their own audiobook and rocking it. (though, I did have to turn down the volume considerably when we got to the male/female questions)
| | | | | Snapchat @miranda_reads
December 19, 2016
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I follow asapSCIENCE on YouTube. Their bite-sized science snippets, replete with colorful whiteboard drawings, are like a modern-day version of Bill Nye the Science Guy or The Magic School Bus. It's hard not to like a couple of guys who are setting out to erase common misconceptions and make science fun. Naturally, when I saw that they had a book coming out, I hit the apply button faster than you can say "Fahrenheit."
Here, asapSCIENCE covers a wide variety of topics, ranging from the science of zombies (are you prepared?), to the effects of sleep deprivation, to what really causes brain freeze. There's an entire section dedicated to sex, and another section devoted to hypotheticals, and another section that debunks myths, like whether you can sneeze your eyeballs out of your sockets (nope) or whether the common cold is caused by the cold (maybe).
If you have watched a lot of their videos, you probably won't be too blown away by this book because it addresses many of the same topics and there is a lot of recycled content, including the drawings. On the other hand, I think this would be a handy tool for educators and parents, because it explains science in a way that is easy to understand and fun. I just felt like they should have anticipated that a lot of their YouTube fans would be reading/buying this book, and included some never-before-discussed material for us especially devoted followers.
I got an advanced reader copy so some of the drawings and art were left out, especially toward the end. I didn't mind this too much, because this was incredibly polished for an ARC - full color illustrations, anyone? Yaaaaasss! I do wish my edition contained a bibliography, because I would have enjoyed learning more about some of these topics, and I was curious where they got their research from - especially in the sections that involved studies (can you tell I was a lab assistant?). Still, it was good. Fun. I like that there are YouTubers out there who are trying to use their wide audience as a platform for education, knowledge, and learning. #TalkNerdyToMe
Thanks to the publisher/Netgalley for the review copy!
3.5 stars!
October 17, 2016
I received this book on Netgalley in exchange for a review.
This is a cute little science book. If you have ever seen any of the AsapSCIENCE videos, then you know what to expect: short and sweet explanations with lots of drawings. It’s a very accessible book, it can be read by readers of (almost) any age, even if they know nothing about science.
But I have a complaint: one of the questions the book tries to answer is what’s more painful � childbirth or getting kicked in the balls? The two male authors of the book somehow come to the conclusion that it’s a tie. Now, I’ve never experienced either, but childbirth can last for HOURS � how can a few minutes of pain compare to that?
Still, if you want something quick and fun, but still smart � you should give this book a try.
This is a cute little science book. If you have ever seen any of the AsapSCIENCE videos, then you know what to expect: short and sweet explanations with lots of drawings. It’s a very accessible book, it can be read by readers of (almost) any age, even if they know nothing about science.
But I have a complaint: one of the questions the book tries to answer is what’s more painful � childbirth or getting kicked in the balls? The two male authors of the book somehow come to the conclusion that it’s a tie. Now, I’ve never experienced either, but childbirth can last for HOURS � how can a few minutes of pain compare to that?
Still, if you want something quick and fun, but still smart � you should give this book a try.
August 20, 2017
لديهم قناة في اليوتيوب تحمل نفس الإسم و نفس الفكرة و لكنها هنا محولة الى كتاب ممتع و مثير و يناسب الجميع. قاموا بالإجابة على أسئلة عامة في مواضيع مختلفة مثل: هل البرد يصيبنا بالمرض حقاً ؟ لماذا نشعر بأن الزمن أسرع عندما نكبر ؟ أين يذهب الضوء عندما تغلق الإضاءة ؟ و ما الذي سيحدث إن توقفت عن الخروج الى الخارج ؟ و أسئلة كثيرة غيرها.
المميز في الفيديوهات التي تقدم و الكتاب أن الإجابات مرفقة برسومات جميلة، و بسيطة، و أن الاجابات نفسها علمية و مختصرة فلا توجد اجابات تمتد الى عشرة صفحات من الحديث في كل شيء و لا شيء. قاموا بتبسيط اجاباتهم لكي تناسب الجميع و لكنهم للأسف لم يضعوا قائمة بالمصادر و خاصة للأبحاث الجديدة التي تحدثوا عنها رغم ذلك الكتاب دقيق و ممتع.
المميز في الفيديوهات التي تقدم و الكتاب أن الإجابات مرفقة برسومات جميلة، و بسيطة، و أن الاجابات نفسها علمية و مختصرة فلا توجد اجابات تمتد الى عشرة صفحات من الحديث في كل شيء و لا شيء. قاموا بتبسيط اجاباتهم لكي تناسب الجميع و لكنهم للأسف لم يضعوا قائمة بالمصادر و خاصة للأبحاث الجديدة التي تحدثوا عنها رغم ذلك الكتاب دقيق و ممتع.
March 13, 2015
Read all my reviews on
Are you wondering about weird scientific questions? Or are you a fan of the Youtube channel? This might just be the book for you.
Most questions in the book are actually more or less biomedical questions, like the chemistry of love or what causes brain freeze. As a biomedical scientist, there was little new for me. By and large I think most explanations are okay, though of course sometimes oversimplified. This makes the book - I think - understandable for most people.
It was not as funny, witty or interesting as I expected, but I think this might be due to the fact that this actually is my field and I'm supposed to know a thing or two about it. It's still I think I nice book for people who want to know the answer to scientific questions in a fun way.
One example of what I thought was a somewhat weird choice of expression is concerning the never ending discussion what hurts more: giving birth to a child or getting kicked in the balls. It's said that a kick in the balls is so painful because, while certain organs do not have pain receptors, like the liver (though your liver can hurt, when it swells it does trigger the pain receptors in the surrounding membrane), testicles have a large number of pain receptors. Okay, seems fair. They then move on to state that this is due to the fact that it's an important organ. And I'm like (almost screaming at the book at this point); 'As opposed to the LIVER?!' Though I don't want to play down the role of reproduction in human life, I'd still say a liver is the more important organ here (I might be biased as a female, but I'd choose a liver out of the two). Look at it this way: without a liver, you'll be dead real quick. Without testicles, it's a problem for the next generation...
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Are you wondering about weird scientific questions? Or are you a fan of the Youtube channel? This might just be the book for you.
Most questions in the book are actually more or less biomedical questions, like the chemistry of love or what causes brain freeze. As a biomedical scientist, there was little new for me. By and large I think most explanations are okay, though of course sometimes oversimplified. This makes the book - I think - understandable for most people.
It was not as funny, witty or interesting as I expected, but I think this might be due to the fact that this actually is my field and I'm supposed to know a thing or two about it. It's still I think I nice book for people who want to know the answer to scientific questions in a fun way.
One example of what I thought was a somewhat weird choice of expression is concerning the never ending discussion what hurts more: giving birth to a child or getting kicked in the balls. It's said that a kick in the balls is so painful because, while certain organs do not have pain receptors, like the liver (though your liver can hurt, when it swells it does trigger the pain receptors in the surrounding membrane), testicles have a large number of pain receptors. Okay, seems fair. They then move on to state that this is due to the fact that it's an important organ. And I'm like (almost screaming at the book at this point); 'As opposed to the LIVER?!' Though I don't want to play down the role of reproduction in human life, I'd still say a liver is the more important organ here (I might be biased as a female, but I'd choose a liver out of the two). Look at it this way: without a liver, you'll be dead real quick. Without testicles, it's a problem for the next generation...
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
March 30, 2016
I just finished a great book about science and I think everybody should read it
the chapters that I liked most are :
does being cold make you sick?
are silent farts more deadly?
is cracking your joints bad for you?
which is worse childbirth or being kicked in the balls?
does shaving make your hair grow thicker?
can sneezing pop your eyeballs out?
which came first the chicken or the egg?
is there a hiccup cure?
why are men so hairy?
could a zombie apocalypse happen?
Selfie science
the science of bad breath, aging,love,sexy, heartbreak, lying and orgasms
some sentences that I loved :
we love being loved.
halitophobia the fear of bad breath.
studies have also shown that people who watch less TV tend to burn more calories—even if they aren’t doing more physical activity! Simply doing more mentally rigorous tasks like reading, playing a board game.
in the chapter which is worse childbirth or being kicked in the balls? : The main difference between these two painful experiences is that one results in a newborn baby, while the other potentially results in a decreased chance of having one
the chapters that I liked most are :
does being cold make you sick?
are silent farts more deadly?
is cracking your joints bad for you?
which is worse childbirth or being kicked in the balls?
does shaving make your hair grow thicker?
can sneezing pop your eyeballs out?
which came first the chicken or the egg?
is there a hiccup cure?
why are men so hairy?
could a zombie apocalypse happen?
Selfie science
the science of bad breath, aging,love,sexy, heartbreak, lying and orgasms
some sentences that I loved :
we love being loved.
halitophobia the fear of bad breath.
studies have also shown that people who watch less TV tend to burn more calories—even if they aren’t doing more physical activity! Simply doing more mentally rigorous tasks like reading, playing a board game.
in the chapter which is worse childbirth or being kicked in the balls? : The main difference between these two painful experiences is that one results in a newborn baby, while the other potentially results in a decreased chance of having one
February 6, 2019
I suggest this book to people who are interested in scientifically answered questions of whatever is happening with us and around us on daily basis.
For instance, this book provides general questions and answers that aren't difficult to understand although I don't really think that it can be comprehended by every age group - maybe teen and above who are able to understand some little science words that were provided within the book, like myostatin, dopamine, MrgprA3 neuron (?), etcetera.
Questions and contents goes like:
1. Does being cold make you sick?
2. The science of swearing.
3. The science of lying.
4. The scientific power of naps.
5. What are eye boogers?
6. Etcetera.
Questions are answered with vivid pictures and short paragraphs in between to make it more fun for us to read. We can also find videos of ASAP sciences on YouTube, incase you prefer to listen than reading. (I guess I'll try to listen to their vids from time to time.)
For instance, this book provides general questions and answers that aren't difficult to understand although I don't really think that it can be comprehended by every age group - maybe teen and above who are able to understand some little science words that were provided within the book, like myostatin, dopamine, MrgprA3 neuron (?), etcetera.
Questions and contents goes like:
1. Does being cold make you sick?
2. The science of swearing.
3. The science of lying.
4. The scientific power of naps.
5. What are eye boogers?
6. Etcetera.
Questions are answered with vivid pictures and short paragraphs in between to make it more fun for us to read. We can also find videos of ASAP sciences on YouTube, incase you prefer to listen than reading. (I guess I'll try to listen to their vids from time to time.)
June 15, 2015
I listened to this on my commute and found it informative, interesting and pleasant. This is a great book for science newbies even if you're not subscribed to the AsapSCIENCE YouTube channel.
January 1, 2017
SIX WORD REVIEW: Know where eye boogers come from...
December 9, 2019
Honestly Greg and Mitch just makes science fun for me. I often catch myself watching their funny and quirky videos on youtube for the past few years. I got this book a while back but never had the chance to finish it until now. Certainly impressed by how well and nice the pages look, just wished there was more to it! My personal favorite are the few hypothetical chapters but the exclusive chapters not shown on ASAP Science's channel were still pretty neat. Overall, I would highly recommend this book whether it is that you want to learn more about the human body and its interesting features or to just to satisfy your curious mind with a bit of science.
May 20, 2015
I took a chance and purchased this book on the weekend just because it had an eye-catching cover. I am sure people of all ages would find this book interesting. The explanations are accompanied by diagrams so people that struggle with science vocabulary need not be intimidated. I now know more about farts, boogers, and hiccups than I ever thought I wanted to know.
September 29, 2019
Buku ini lebih menyerupai buku panduan kesehatan praktis dengan tambahan informasi terkait kesehatan tubuh. Intinya:
Tubuh menyukai keteraturan (tidur, makan, olahraha, rebahan yang teratur)
Semakin kamu bergerak, kamu semakin hidup.
Membaca juga ternyata membakar kalori.
Tubuh menyukai keteraturan (tidur, makan, olahraha, rebahan yang teratur)
Semakin kamu bergerak, kamu semakin hidup.
Membaca juga ternyata membakar kalori.
October 25, 2017
This was fun!
February 1, 2015
5 Stuff Stars
I seriously requested this book and had to wait three months for approval!!! Why would I do that!! I should have just bought it immediately!!!! I requested this book and the book stuff you should know about stuff from netgalley and my only complaint is the media type its given on. It took forever to load each page no matter how I downloaded it. The drawings are so simple yet effective in this one. The table of contents is literally something ive never seen before its little blocks with marker written titles and I love the edge! This book teaches you stuff like
Which came first the chicken or the egg
Does being cold make you get sick
Are silent farts more deadly
Which is worse childbirth or getting kicked in the balls
Selfie sciences
Etc
This book is a freaking gem!
March 8, 2015
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
See for entire review.
Just like in their YouTube channel, the guys of AsapSCIENCE educate their viewers/readers about science in an entertaining way. In their book they give answers to some often-wondered mysteries like "What came first: the chicken or the egg?" or "What would happen if you stopped feeling?" or "Does giving birth or being kicked in the nuts hurt more?"
I imagine that advanced students of science may not get a lot out of this book, but as a casual fan, I really enjoyed it. I like that the scientific research is presented in easy-to-digest prose and fun whiteboard drawings.
Just a note: there are some adult subjects tackled in this book. If you are planning on buying it for a younger reader, I would recommend reading it with them! Or, you know, just let them go for it. But it's good to know before you dive in.
See for entire review.
Just like in their YouTube channel, the guys of AsapSCIENCE educate their viewers/readers about science in an entertaining way. In their book they give answers to some often-wondered mysteries like "What came first: the chicken or the egg?" or "What would happen if you stopped feeling?" or "Does giving birth or being kicked in the nuts hurt more?"
I imagine that advanced students of science may not get a lot out of this book, but as a casual fan, I really enjoyed it. I like that the scientific research is presented in easy-to-digest prose and fun whiteboard drawings.
Just a note: there are some adult subjects tackled in this book. If you are planning on buying it for a younger reader, I would recommend reading it with them! Or, you know, just let them go for it. But it's good to know before you dive in.
November 28, 2016
Personal Response
It is educational and funny. The whole book was fascinating about life of the human being. I liked it because it was about facts that are proven to be true. And the facts are about life and what goes on in the human body.
Plot
It is about facts on the human being. There's facts about What if we never slept again, why do we get hangovers. Which came first the chicken or the egg?. Is binge watching tv bad for you? for the which came first the chicken or the egg the egg came first because the chicken had to come from some where.
recommendation
I recommend this book to ages 13-any other above. the gender came be anyone its a great facts book and it's also educational if you want to find out certain things that happened to you or you just want to know. The people who made the book also have a youtube channel if you want to learn more about life and living things. It's a great book when you want to relax te read some good facts about life.
It is educational and funny. The whole book was fascinating about life of the human being. I liked it because it was about facts that are proven to be true. And the facts are about life and what goes on in the human body.
Plot
It is about facts on the human being. There's facts about What if we never slept again, why do we get hangovers. Which came first the chicken or the egg?. Is binge watching tv bad for you? for the which came first the chicken or the egg the egg came first because the chicken had to come from some where.
recommendation
I recommend this book to ages 13-any other above. the gender came be anyone its a great facts book and it's also educational if you want to find out certain things that happened to you or you just want to know. The people who made the book also have a youtube channel if you want to learn more about life and living things. It's a great book when you want to relax te read some good facts about life.
March 17, 2015
My Thoughts
I so admire anyone who can make science fun and these two authors have done exactly that. Never dry, filled with delightfully silly drawings and answers to some of life’s truly important questions such as “Can Sneezing Pop Your Eyeballs Out�(I never thought of this one) or “Are Silent Farts More Deadly�(I’ve often wondered about the SBD phenomenon). The chapter titles made me laugh, but then the authors go on to outline in very down-to earth terms the scientific explanation behind the answers.
Bravo to Mr. Brown and Mr. Moffit. This is a perfect example of how using humor makes learning so much more enjoyable.
Many thanks to Scribner, via Netgalley, for allowing me to read this in exchange for an unbiased review.
I so admire anyone who can make science fun and these two authors have done exactly that. Never dry, filled with delightfully silly drawings and answers to some of life’s truly important questions such as “Can Sneezing Pop Your Eyeballs Out�(I never thought of this one) or “Are Silent Farts More Deadly�(I’ve often wondered about the SBD phenomenon). The chapter titles made me laugh, but then the authors go on to outline in very down-to earth terms the scientific explanation behind the answers.
Bravo to Mr. Brown and Mr. Moffit. This is a perfect example of how using humor makes learning so much more enjoyable.
Many thanks to Scribner, via Netgalley, for allowing me to read this in exchange for an unbiased review.
July 14, 2015
It was a fast, easy read. I liked it a lot, but I would have preferred if they had dealt with more topics that they didn't feature on their channel, since I may or may not have binge watched all of their videos. Also there were a few pages that bugged me because they had one huge doodle on it and only a tiny paragraph of text????
But I'm just picky about these things. All in all, this is a great book that's a perfect gift to any science nerds out there.
But I'm just picky about these things. All in all, this is a great book that's a perfect gift to any science nerds out there.
November 13, 2015
Educational and fun, Great and quirky book! I ordered this because I'm a huge fan of the ASAP Science Youtube channel and I was not disappointed by the quality of the book or the content within it. It's full of amazing facts and answers that will satisfy those who are curious about anything science.
I love this book as much as I love their YouTube channel of the videos they do introducing science in a humorous way.
I love this book as much as I love their YouTube channel of the videos they do introducing science in a humorous way.
December 17, 2015
A fun book that had me chuckling as much to the goofy illustrations as some of the written content. Serious science can be, well serious and not entertaining reading often. This book switches gears and takes on some of the imponderables of everyday life such as are silent farts more deadly. Practical things such as this that pack the book make in a light and entertaining read and had me zipping through the pages to get on to the next enlightening topic.
January 9, 2016
Mourning breath, swear words, and wives tales oh my.
I found this book to be highly entertaining. The authors did a fanatic job of explaining the science behind all those questions you wanted answers to with out getting to technical or boggy down the book with to much detail.
In my opinion you don't have to know much about science to understand the authors explanation and at times the explanations were down right funny at times.
I found this book to be highly entertaining. The authors did a fanatic job of explaining the science behind all those questions you wanted answers to with out getting to technical or boggy down the book with to much detail.
In my opinion you don't have to know much about science to understand the authors explanation and at times the explanations were down right funny at times.
March 16, 2015
This was an easy to read book that I could dip into as I had time. The authors provided explanations for a lot of “I wonder why?� questions, without using a lot of unfamiliar science terminology. It was an informative and humorous book, but sometimes the humor got a little silly or juvenile.
Thank you to Scribner and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
Thank you to Scribner and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
April 27, 2015
Science is awesome. But ASAP Science is even more awesome. With simple and comic art, the book, just like the video format, answers the common questions about common phenomena. Simple explanations and powerfully simple backgrounds make this a success story. I'd love to read more in the same series.
I thank NetGalley for a reviewer's ecopy of this book.
I thank NetGalley for a reviewer's ecopy of this book.
December 6, 2015
As a big fan of their YouTube channel, I was sure I was going to love this book, and I did. Simple as that. Not only were the illustrations fabulous, but there were questions in there that I was genuinely curious about. And plus now I have a bunch of random facts I can pester my friends and family with. Woo.
January 11, 2016
I ABSOLUTLEY ADORED THIS BOOK!!! AsapSCIENCE has been my favorite YouTube channel ever since I have discovered them (a year ago)! Man their spirit and ingenuity is what makes them so fun to watch. Their book is so interesting and their answers are so satisfying. However, some parts of this may not be suitable for younger ages, but overall a wonderful and amazing experience!!
August 30, 2015
Go and watch AsapScience on Youtube because I love them, they do the most ridiculous as well as important videos to teach things in the simplest of ways.
September 14, 2015
Not better than the , but great nonetheless.
September 17, 2015
Science is fun. Books like this make it more fun. Careful though, not everything here is for delicate ears. There, that should entice you to have a look. Good.
May 14, 2016
Informative, interesting and irreverent. A fun way to learn about things you've always wondered about.
August 1, 2018
Amazing.
Loved this one.
Loved this one.
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