WHEN...questions to 50 interesting answers

"When was writing invented?" "When does a child start recognising faces?" "When do we dream?" The list of such questions is endless. Some of them are mundane experiences. Many are related to scientific phenomena. Still others are philosophical. Whatever their nature, scientists not only handle them with the respect they deserve, but also attempt to satisfy our curiosity with perfectly logical and scientifically acceptable answers.

Presented in a simple and easy to follow language, this collection of 50 essays discusses many such fascinating questions. The facts and arguments are based on scientific investigations of the issues concerned. An interesting read for all.

A prolific freelance science communicator, Bal Phondke obtained his doctorate in Biophysics-Immunology from London University. He began his career as a research scientist in BARC. Later, he was the chief editor of Science Today, Science Editor of the Times of India group of newspapers and then the Director of National Institute of Science Communication (CSIR). He has more than 50 published books to his credit and his columns are featured in almost all leading Marathi newspapers. Dr. Phondke has been honoured with the NCSTC National Award, the INSA Indira Gandhi Award for best science popularisation, as well as the B.C. Deb Memorial Award from the Indian Science Congress.