Edited by Michio Kaku, cofounder of string field theory, theoretical physicist, and New York Times bestselling author, The Best American Science Writing 2012 is the latest edition of the popular annual series dedicated to collecting the most crucial, thought-provoking, and engaging science writing of the year. Culled from a wide variety of publications, these selections of outstanding journalism cover the full spectrum of scientific inquiry, providing a comprehensive overview of the most compelling, relevant, and exciting developments in the world of science. From climate change to public health, the origins of the universe to the wiring of the human brain, parallel universes to artificial intelligence, the world of science is vast and diverse, offering endless challenges and possibilities that provide new understanding of ourselves, our world, and our universe. Provocative and engaging, The Best American Science Writing 2012 reveals just how far science has brought us and where it is headed next.