Author(s): Alok Jha

Popular Science

We live in a world positively teeming with threats and apocalyptic scenarios. Many of them are familiar: terrorism, deadly viruses, global warming and war, but many others most of us can't even imagine. Self-replicating nanobots that can devour an entire planet, high-energy experiments that threaten to suck the Earth into a mini black hole, and even super-sophisticated scientific contraptions that can put an end to the entire universe are all explored in this fascinating book. Scenarios covered include: Nuclear proliferation; AIDS; Genetic engineering run amok; Extinction of key species; Exhaustion of natural resources; A new Ice Age caused by climate change; Mega tsunamis; Tilting of the Earth's axis and changes in magnetic polarity; Freak quantum event that could wipe out the universe; Evolution of species superior to humans; Massive meteorite impact; Water/resource wars; Global influenza pandemic.