Book Extract: Bodies Brains & Bogies by Paul Ian Cross PhD

Join me in welcoming Paul Ian Cross PhD to Novel Kicks. He’s here with the blog tour for his book, Bodies, Brains & Bogies.

This fantastic title from Paul Ian Cross, the writer of How to Vanquish a Virus, takes the reader on a whirlwind tour of everything that’s disgusting, unusual and amazing about the human body. Find out everything about poo, pus and bogies, while learning a whole lot about how our bodies work hard in hundreds of fascinating ways to keep us alive.

With tons of hilarious and informative illustrations, it includes lashings of Paul Ian Cross’s trademark laugh-out-loud humour, in-depth knowledge and infectious optimism. It’s the perfect funny, accessible way to discover everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the human body, but were too grossed-out to ask!

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Paul Ian Cross PhD has shared an extract today. Enjoy!

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The human body is amazing – a machine that’s been perfected through trial and error.

Take a look at your hand.

Go on! Hold it out in front of you.

Now, wiggle the fingers! Did you know that you’re looking at the outcome of millions of years of evolution!

Whether you’re texting, gaming, or doodling, your hand is what equips you for modern life. The evolution of our THUMBS – yes, those stumps with only two bones – are the reason why modern humans evolved to write music, build cities, fly planes and even travel to the moon.

Your thumbs LITERALLY CHANGED THE WORLD.

Well, not your thumbs – although they’re probably lovely – but thumbs in general. They made the difference between the beginning of human civilisation and humans disappearing off the face of the Earth (probably by being eaten by Sabre Toothed Tigers). OK, maybe that’s a little dramatic, but you get the drift.

As it turned out, shorter thumbs and longer fingers were helpful for climbing. But when our ancestors moved from living in the trees to life on the African savannah, they began using their hands in different ways. This changed the actual structure of their hands, and eventually they became much better at GRASPING.

Many primates have precise and powerful grips. But early humans took it one step further, using their hands to make tools, and strengthening their thumbs in the process.

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About Paul Ian Cross PhD: 

Paul Ian Cross, PhD, is a scientist, researcher, writer, and educator from London, UK.

Paul works in clinical research (developing new medicines) and he’s also a science communicator (presenting science to non-scientists). Paul specialises in vaccine development and has an interest in pharmacovigilance (the safety of medicinal products). His PhD research investigated the benefit-risk assessment of medicines, and how patients and the public can be more involved in their treatment decisions.

Paul’s popular social media accounts (@DrPaulScience) are full of STEM-themed content for all ages, but particularly for parents and adults to share with the children in their lives. Paul is a member of #TeamHalo, a UN backed initiative where doctors, healthcare workers, and scientists share accurate information about healthcare, science, and the COVID-19 vaccines. In 2021, Paul was named as a ‘Luminary’ at the G7’s Vaccine Confidence Summit, in recognition for his science communication work on social media.

In addition to his research career, Paul has a passion for introducing children to STEM subjects, particularly reluctant readers. By introducing science creatively, he aims to spark their interest, allowing them to gain confidence with their reading. As a previous reluctant reader himself, he understands how hard it can be. But it’s all about making reading fun and interesting!

Say hello via Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

Click to buy Bodies, Brains & Bogies on Amazon UK, Waterstones and Amazon US.

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.