January’s long, dark days are brightened by a strong wave of new science releases. From the surprising benefits of art to the unsettling realities of a melting Arctic, these books cover vital topics—some practical, some existential—that demand attention.
The Science of Well-Being and Human Behavior
Daisy Fancourt’s Art Cure posits that creative engagement—from playing music to attending festivals—isn’t just enjoyable; it actively boosts physical and mental health, even potentially delaying dementia. This challenges the idea that self-improvement must be grueling, suggesting instead that pleasure is productive.
Charles Knowles’ Why We Drink Too Much tackles alcohol addiction from a clinical and personal perspective. Knowles, a recovering alcoholic himself, offers a scientific dissection of how alcohol hijacks the brain’s reward systems, and proposes a “blueprint” for breaking free. This avoids moralizing, focusing instead on the neurological reality of addiction.
Deborah Cohen’s Bad Influence questions our blind trust in online health and wellness “experts.” The book highlights the danger of following unqualified advice from strangers on the internet, given that no credentials or accountability exist in many cases.
Geopolitics and Environmental Crisis
Kenneth Rosen’s Polar War dives into the escalating geopolitical tensions in the Arctic as climate change unlocks new resources and shipping lanes. The book details how the melting ice is triggering a scramble for power, with implications for global security and resource control. This underscores how the climate crisis isn’t just ecological; it’s a catalyst for conflict.
Megan Eaves-Egenes’ Nightfaring explores the rapid increase in light pollution and its consequences for wildlife, sleep patterns, and our connection to the natural world. The book argues that the loss of darkness is a growing crisis, with cultural and ecological implications that most people overlook.
The Human Condition in a Modern World
Charles Foster’s The Edges of the World proposes that true innovation doesn’t come from established centers, but from the periphery: from unconventional thinking, extreme environments, and radical movements. This challenges the notion that progress requires conformity, suggesting that disruption is key.
Claudia Hammond’s Overwhelmed addresses the modern epidemic of chronic stress and burnout. The book provides a psychological toolkit to combat procrastination, perfectionism, and endless to-do lists, offering practical strategies for managing pressure in an accelerated world.
Aimee Donnellan’s Off the Scales investigates the rise of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, exploring the scientific, economic, and ethical implications of these powerful medications. The book questions whether these drugs represent a genuine cure for obesity or a dangerous shortcut with unforeseen consequences.
Jennifer Vail’s Friction provides an unexpected biography of this fundamental force, tracing its impact from early fire-making to modern engineering and viral research. The book reveals how friction—often overlooked—underpins much of human progress.
Toby Walsh’s The Shortest History of AI delivers a condensed overview of artificial intelligence, from Ada Lovelace to ChatGPT. The book asks whether the entire AI story can be distilled into a concise narrative, and if so, what the essential milestones truly are.
These books collectively demonstrate that science writing is evolving beyond niche specializations toward broader, more urgent explorations of human behavior, environmental crisis, and the future of technology. They offer not just information, but a reflection of the anxieties and possibilities that define our era.
