Why are plants green and sunsets red? Why does time go forwards and not backwards? Why does the world never run out of oxygen? From lightning to lasers, dandelions to DNA, science pervades the world around us. Written in simple, clear language and beautifully illustrated, this book sets out to explain the links between scientific concepts and our everyday experiences. Moving from basic ideas to challenging new developments, this is the essential book for those who ask searching questions about the world around them and are eager to gain a deeper understanding of issues that lie at the heart of science.