Why do competitors open their stores next to one another?
AdultsBusinessWorkWhy are all the gas stations, cafes and restaurants in one crowded spot? As two competitive cousins vie for ice-cream-selling domination on one small beach, discover how game theory and the Nash Equilibrium inform these retail hotspots.
"Slap her": children's reactions
AdultsMasculinitySociety...What happens when you put a boy in front of a girl and ask him to slap her? Here is how children react to the subject of violence against women.
Would You Take This Bet?
AdultsLifePhilosophyPsychological literature shows that we are more sensitive to small losses and than small gains, with most people valuing a loss around 1.5-2.5 times as much as a gain. This means that we often turn down reasonable opportunities for fear of the loss. However over the course of our lives we will be exposed to many risks and opportunities and this invariably means that taking every small reasonable bet will leave us better off than saying no to all of them.
How big is the ocean?
AdultsEcologyNatureWhile the Earth's oceans are known as five separate entities, there is really only one ocean. So, how big is it? As of 2013, it takes up 71% of the Earth, houses 99% of the biosphere, and contains some of Earth's grandest geological features. Scott Gass reminds us of the influence humans have on the ocean and the influence it has on us.
What is dyslexia?
AdultsLanguageScienceDyslexia affects up to 1 in 5 people, but the experience of dyslexia isn't always the same. This difficulty in processing language exists along a spectrum -- one that doesn't necessarily fit with labels like "normal" and "defective." Kelli Sandman-Hurley urges us to think again about dyslexic brain function and to celebrate the neurodiversity of the human brain.
Myths and misconceptions about evolution
AdultsEnvironmentHistory...How does evolution really work? Actually, not how some of our common evolutionary metaphors would have us believe. For instance, it's species, not individual organisms, that adapt to produce evolution, and genes don't "want" to be passed on -- a gene can't want anything at all! Alex Gendler sets the record straight on the finer points of evolution.
Behind the Magic: The Visual Effects of "Captain America: The Winter Soldier"
AdultsFilmVisual DesignWe are proud to present a sampling of of ILM's visual effects work for Marvel's blockbuster hit, 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' directed by brothers Anthony and Joe Russo.
How do pain relievers work?
AdultsHealthScience...Some people take aspirin or ibuprofen to treat everyday aches and pains, but how exactly do the different classes of pain relievers work? Learn about the basic physiology of how humans experience pain, and the mechanics of the medicines we've invented to block or circumvent that discomfort.
How art can help you analyze
AdultsArtProductivityCan art save lives? Not exactly, but our most prized professionals (doctors, nurses, police officers) can learn real world skills through art analysis. Studying art like Rene Magritte's Time Transfixed can enhance communication and analytical skills, with an emphasis on both the seen and unseen. Amy E. Herman explains why art historical training can prepare you for real world investigation.
How It's Made, Decorative Candles.
AdultsArtCreativityLook for the trademarked six-sided ribbon candle Dutch Garden design including the windmill, tulips, hummingbird, butterfly, flower and swan, it's always from Holland House Candles , Inc.
Is Santa Real?
AdultsSocietySpiritualityHappy Holidays! Ever wonder how Santa could possibly manage to deliver all those presents in a single night? Or what gives red-nosed reindeer the ability to fly? And why do your Christmas lights get tangled in knots no matter how carefully you put the away?!
What are those floaty things in your eye?
AdultsBiologyNeuroscienceSometimes, against a uniform, bright background such as a clear sky or a blank computer screen, you might see things floating across your field of vision. What are these moving objects, and how are you seeing them? Michael Mauser explains the visual phenomenon that is floaters.