Drugs are everywhere--on our streets, in our homes, and in our schools--but straight facts about drugs are not. Drugs: The Straight Facts fills this void with candid discussions that emphasize a historical and scientific approach to learning about drugs, their use, and their effect on the user's health. A historical perspective on tobacco, this book discusses some of the legal debates surrounding smoking. Trace the path nicotine travels through the body, analyze the health hazards smoking creates, and learn about nicotine's addictive qualities.

Experts in the field of microbiology tell the great detective stories of how some of the world's best-known deadly disease-causing microbes were first isolated, identified, and studied. Readers learn how these deadly viruses and bacteria cause disease and what steps have been taken to eradicate them. The Centers for Disease Control reports that millions of people in the United States contract influenza (the flu) each year. Learn more about this common, contagious virus that is dangerously spread through the air.

Experts in the field of microbiology tell the great detective stories of how some of the world's best-known deadly disease-causing microbes were first isolated, identified, and studied. Readers learn how these deadly viruses and bacteria cause disease and what steps have been taken to eradicate them. The sexually transmitted disease syphilis develops in three stages and is spread through open sores. Read about this complex disease that has infected and maimed people for centuries, but now can often be cured with just a single dose of penicillin.

Experts in the field of microbiology tell the great detective stories of how some of the world's best-known deadly disease-causing microbes were first isolated, identified, and studied. Readers learn how these deadly viruses and bacteria cause disease and what steps have been taken to eradicate them. Tuberculosis killed one out of every seven people living in the United States and Europe in the late 19th century. Today, tuberculosis is the second most fatal infectious disease, claiming the lives of two million people each year. Learn about this ancient disease that we are still striving to...

This book tells the story of one of the deadliest infectious diseases known: Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Originating as an emerging infectious disease on the western frontier that killed up to 90 percent of infected persons, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is caused by a curious organism, Rickettsia rickettsii. "Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever" explains what a rickettsia is, how it lives in nature, and how, when, and where ticks transmit the bacteria to humans. The features of the disease and its potential cures are described in language accessible to persons with little scientific background,...

Nelson Mandela became the first president of South Africa elected by a fully representative democratic vote. His efforts to end the segregation that paralyzed his country resulted in his being awarded the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize.

The World in Focus set consists of anthologies of articles and essays selected from respected sources such as Current History and Foreign Affairs. Each title is organized around a theme relevant to contemporary political affairs, providing readers with sophisticated yet accessible tools for investigating these timely topics. Introductions from set editor John C. Davenport frame the debates and assist students in connecting their studies with these real-world issues.