Coming March 9, 2027



SUPERPOWERED

The Surprising Science of Becoming Extraordinary

The author of GORY DETAILS returns with another fantastic, funny look at the extreme edges of human ability, in the vein of Mary Roach’s Replaceable You and Joshua Foer’s Moonwalking with Einstein.

Superpowers are real. Okay, maybe the human body can’t fly or turn invisible—but it does hold the potential for seemingly superhuman feats. From memory champions and blind echolocators to fearless daredevils and men and women with steel-bending strength, the world is filled with people doing things that most of us would think impossible.

Science journalist Erika Engelhaupt ventures forth to explore the limits of the human mind and body, and to reveal the science behind some of the world’s most astounding feats. You’ll meet monks who can control their body temperature using the power of the mind; memory phenoms who can recall every detail of daily life for decades; math wizards who solve dizzying problems in their heads; and many more.

Can anyone learn to tap into these abilities? What lessons can we learn from these inspiring people to become our best selves? Engelhaupt puts these questions to the test, embarking on a journey of discovery that reveals how each of us can become more connected with our own bodies and minds.

On the road to hell

This one-of-a-kind travel guide takes you
around the globe to explore the history, culture, and science behind places linked to the underworld.

Around the world and throughout history, humans have imagined some form of hell or the underworld — often including vivid details inspired by the natural world, including caves, rivers, and volcanic features. Now, in this illustrated collection, you can add hell to your travel bucket list with more than 50 one-of-a-kind underworld destinations around the globe, from the entrances to hell of ancient legends to the volcanic landscapes and otherworldly landscapes that still inspire our imaginations.

Featured on the Frommer’s Travel Podcast

Hear a full episode featuring Go to Hell!

“A must-read for curious minds, trivia fans, and crime drama enthusiasts.”

Library Journal, Starred Review

Amazon Top Seller

A Best Seller in Natural History
and Science Essays & Commentary

About me

I’m a freelance science writer and former online science editor at National Geographic. My writing has appeared in magazines and newspapers including National Geographic, NPR, Scientific American, Popular Mechanics, Science News, the Philadelphia Inquirer, Boulder Daily Camera, and more.

I write about various science topics — whatever captures my curiosity, really — but I gravitate toward the weird/gross/morbid, forensic science, and overlooked aspects of women’s health.

I live in Knoxville, TN, and part-time in Washington, DC.

A sampling of my writing for National Geographic, Scientific American, and more