GoKawiilNature reviews four new 2026 science books on journalism, kelp and alchemy
A books-in-brief roundup covers four forthcoming 2026 titles: Siri Carpenter's edited collection on science journalism craft, David Helvarg's book on the ecological importance of cold-water kelp forests, Kit Chapman's history of alchemy's role in founding chemistry, and Roberta Kwok's 'Lost in Curiosity.' Each entry summarizes the book's core argument and notable details, such as kelp forests producing a fifth of the world's oxygen and the 1901 exchange between Frederick Soddy and Ernest Rutherford over radioactive transmutation.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
These reviews suggest a renewed publishing interest in explaining the human and historical dimensions of science, from journalism craft to overlooked ecosystems and discredited precursors like alchemy. Highlighting kelp forests' carbon absorption and oxygen output could raise public awareness of an underappreciated conservation priority alongside better-known ecosystems like rainforests and mangroves.
- Four 2026 science books are profiled, spanning journalism, marine ecology, chemistry history and curiosity.
- Kelp forests reportedly cover more area than the Amazon rainforest and help produce a fifth of global oxygen.
- Kit Chapman's book argues chemistry could not have developed without alchemy's earlier influence.
Source: nature.com — Robinson, 2026-09-25
Published there as: “Why science wouldn’t exist without alchemy, curiosity and great writing: Books in brief”
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