The Magic of Elements. Secrets of the Periodic Table, or How Chemistry Changes Our Life

Chemical elements appeared alongside the Universe, shaping our planet and life on it. However, we rarely think about how much human life depends on these invisible heroes. Norwegian physicist Anya Royne introduces readers to the amazing world of the matter that makes us all.

How many chemical elements are in a mobile phone? Why is iron essential for breathing? What is the connection between phosphorus and DNA? Could the elements ever run out, and have humans already caused irreparable harm to the planet?

From Royne's book, you will find answers to many questions and unravel the mysteries of the “bricks” of the periodic table. “The energy you expend reading this book, the movement of your eyes, and the conversion of text into information in your brain, is the result of chemical reactions during which oxygen and carbohydrates in body cells are transformed into carbon dioxide and water” (Anya Royne). Previously, the book was published in the series “Scientific Interest” under the title “The Chemistry of Humans: How Iron Helps Us Breathe, Potassium Helps Us See, and Other Secrets of the Periodic Table.”