If you're stymied about what to buy as a Christmas present, take heart. You're sure to find something in the New Optimists' recommendations about what makes a good read.

They've wide-ranging tastes -- topics include food, computer games, the life of trees, novels and poetry plus biology with gallons of gore as well as other favourite popular science books . . . so there's something in there for everyone. And don't forget to buy their own book, too -- The New Optimists: Scientists View Tomorrow's World and What It Means to Us.

A great way to support science in the region, as well as spreading the word about what these remarkable men and women are doing, right here, to make our world a better place.

note: Profits from the sale of The New Optimists will be ploughed back into science research in the region.