The Human Mind

It is the most complex and mysterious object in the universe. Covered by a dull grey membrane, it resembles a gigantic, convoluted fungus. Its inscrutability has captivated scientists, philosophers and artists for centuries. It is, of course, the human brain.

With the help of science we can now begin to understand the extraordinary complexity of the brain’s circuits: we can see which nerve cells generate electricity as we fall in love, tell a lie or dream of a lottery win. And inside the 100 billion cells of this rubbery network is something remarkable: you.

In this entertaining and accessible book, Robert Winston takes us deep into the workings of the human mind and shows how our emotions and personality are the result of genes and environment. He explains how memories are formed and lost, how the ever-changing brain is responsible for toddler tantrums and teenage angst, plus he reveals the truth behind extra-sensory perception, déjà vu and out-of-body experiences. He also tells us how to boost our intelligence, how to tap into creative powers we never knew we had, how to break old habits and keep our brain fit and active as we enter old age.

The human mind is all we have to help us to understand it. Paradoxically, it is possible that science may never quite explain everything about this extraordinary mechanism that makes each of us unique.

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Random House (2004)

ISBN 978-0553816198

Human Instinct

Few people doubt that humans are descended from the apes; fewer still consider, let alone accept, the psychological implications. But in truth, man not only looks, moves and breathes like an ape, he also thinks like one.

Sexual drive, survival, competition, aggression – all of our impulses are driven by our human instincts. They explain why a happily married man will fantasize about the pretty, slim, young woman sitting across from him on the tube and why thousands of people spend their week entirely focused on whether their team will win their next crucial match.

But how well do our instincts equip us for the twenty-first century? Do they help or hinder us as we deal with large anonymous cities, stressful careers, relationships and the battle of the sexes? In this fascinating book, Robert Winston takes us on a journey deep into the human mind. Along the way he takes a very personal look at the relationship between science and religion and explores those very instincts that make us human.

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Bantam Publishing (2003)

ISBN 978-0553814927

 

Superhuman

Co-authored with Lori Oliwenstein

Following on from the enormously successful BBC program, The Human Body, Superhuman explores the body’s amazing ability to heal, renew, and regenerate itself. This illustrated book relates dramatic tales of futuristic medicine taking place today, and, also, describes how the body’s own power of self-repair is enhanced with contemporary drugs and techniques. It also looks ahead to what will be possible in the near future — ‘designer’ babies, viruses carrying repair genes to cells before they become cancerous, tailor-made human tissue and organs from modifying animal organs with human genes, and electrodes implanted into the brain allowing the blind to see.

Superhuman concentrates on six key medical areas — cancer, infection, transplantation, trauma, repair, and reproduction. It records the before, during, and after of radical operations on real people. It gives witness to the hopes and fears of doctors and patients as new treatments are administered — in many cases, for the first time for both the patients and the professionals. None of these developments would be possible without an increasing understanding of the basic way our body functions, or without a clear recognition of medicine’s history. Superhuman focuses on these aspects of medicine and, also, on the key ethical problems raised by the advance of medical technology.

 

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DK Publishing (2001)

ISBN 978-0789468277

IVF Revolution

A guide from a leading British expert on the practice and ethics of assisted fertility techniques. Subjects include the latest in vitro fertilisation and gamete intra-fallopian transfer techniques, egg donation and embryo freezing. Winston also looks at the possible causes of infertility and offers advice on the emotional and practical angles.

 

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Vermilion Publishing 1999

ISBN 978-0091863395

Making Babies

Accompanying a six-part BBC1 television series, this is an examination of the human, ethical and emotional issues arising from in-vitro fertilization. The book presents the background to the problems faced by women who had IVF treatment during the filming of the series.

 

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BBC Worldwide (1996)

ISBN 9780563387213

Getting Pregnant

Pregnancy is one of the great miracles of everyday life, and infertility, for many couples, is one of the greatest sadnesses. This book examines conception and pregnancy and all the potential surrounding problems. Based on the most up-to-date research, the author gives advice on topics such as how to increase the chances of conception, the causes of male and female infertility, miscarriage, and late motherhood.

 

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Pan Macmillian (1989)

ISBN 978-0330327664

Infertility: A Sympathetic Approach

What are the causes of infertility? How can it be overcome? What is involved in IVF treatment? What are the chances of success?

An estimated 1 in 8 couples have trouble conceiving. In this indispensable guide, Professor Robert Winston, Director of the Infertility Clinic ay Hammersmith Hospital, London, looks at the facts: the known cures for infertility in both men and women, what tests and investigations can be done and what they involve, different treatments available and their success rates, together with advice and support for sufferers of untreatable infertility. All the most up to date information is presented with sympathy and insight.

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Published by Ebury Press (1984)

ISBN: 9781448177233