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Synthesis
The source material of the entire Wiki article of Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void by Mary Roach was the most influential source of research. Considering the synopsis is mostly based on the book itself and that the topics also come directly from everything Mary Roach discusses in it, the book was by far the most useful and important of the sources. Everything in it goes towards a synopsis and topics list, and everything is at least considered. The book discusses many topics concerning the world involved with space science and spacefaring technology. The biography of the author of the source material is written by the author, Mary Roach, herself and provides insight into her interests and writing process. Though the autobiography may be small and its information condensed, sources like biographies (and especially autobiographies) make it easier to understand the author, and through her, her main works as well. Considering the article, this will point out what parts of the book might have influenced her the most, or which parts she might have been most interested in during the research and writing process. Mary Roach makes it very clear in her autobiography that she is interested in general science, but especially the weird or humorous aspects of it as well. Though the review of the book by M. G. Lord for the Sunday Book Review might have been written from a more personal perspective, there was much to take from it once looked over. It gives another’s insight into the topics discussed by the book directly, which makes for a more successful synopsis. As a review, it also provides an outsider’s neutral analysis. It was a mostly neutral review of the topics discussed in the book, but even though the author did. It seems that from reviews, the topics revolving around the gross or awkward aspects are always brought up; the author commonly discusses the disgusting bits and the parts having to do with sex and are popular topics amongst reviewers and readers in general. An interview with Mary Roach discussing her book is an extremely useful source that can be used as a reference in a countless amount of ways, seeing as there is potentially information from the book that just plainly isn’t there, or information that anyone besides Mary Roach wouldn’t know. An interview provides insight into the work by both the audience and the author herself, especially of what she thinks of the book. Among the interview is discussion of what topics most interests the audience and author, which is useful in forming a successful synopsis. Asides from that, there is also a chance of discussion into something the author had written about in the book, like explaining in depth about something she had researched, like her whole experience with being in the Johnson Space Center in Houston and deeper discussion into any of the many topics in the book. Another interview, this one from Talk of the Nation, focused much more on the science of as well as around the book, and of how Mary Roach’s research had affected her scientific perspective. A special point of interest is the discussion on where Mary Roach believes the future of space science will take us, based on what she researched. Much like the autobiography, this particular interview provides a view into how the author’s research has influenced her long-standing ideas, and is important in understanding her. And much like the other interview, there is also conversation of topics discussed in the book, which reveals a better of understanding of the source material.

Synopsis
In Packing for Mars, Mary Roach searches for answers to questions about the gross, the bizarre, and the uncomfortable aspects of space travel. The book's 16 chapters cover the entire comedic spectrum of all things space-related, and also include some study of the scientific side of space travel. The chapters discussing the various bodily functions of astronauts in space (going to the bathroom, having sex, vomiting) and obscure testing procedures (animals in space, lying in beds for months, parabolic zero-g) are balanced by the informative sections on topics such as the psychological effects of being in space, astronaut training, and the increasing use of human cadavers over crash test dummies in research.

Topics covered
The book covers 12 topics:


 * The psychological specifications for being considered for a space mission
 * The psychological effects of being in space
 * Initial precautions of going to space
 * Testing procedures
 * Cadavers used for anatomically precise testing
 * Animal testing
 * Simulation procedures
 * Space hygiene
 * The physiological effects of being in space
 * Sex in space
 * Preparing food for space
 * The author's thoughts on space travel