Would You Take This Bet?
Adults Life PhilosophyPsychological 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?
Adults Ecology NatureWhile 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?
Adults Language ScienceDyslexia 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
Adults Environment History WorldHow 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"
Adults Film Visual 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?
Adults Health Science BiologySome 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
Adults Art ProductivityCan 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.
Adults Art CreativityLook 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?
Adults Society SpiritualityHappy 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?
Adults Biology NeuroscienceSometimes, 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.
Peru Is Now Giving Free Solar Power To Its 2 Million Poorest Citizens
Adults Global Warming TechnologyOff-grid solar panels are bringing electricity to Andean villages as part of a 15-year plan to provide Peru's vast countryside with electricity.
8 traits of successful people
Adults Leadership SocietyTen years of research and 500 face-to-face-interviews led Richard St. John to a collection of eight common traits in successful leaders around the world.
The Most Radioactive Places on Earth
Adults Global Warming Life WorldI'm filming a documentary for TV about how Uranium and radioactivity have shaped the modern world. It will be broadcast in mid-2015, details to come. The filming took me to the most radioactive places on Earth (and some places, which surprisingly aren't as radioactive as you'd think). Chernobyl and Fukushima were incredible to see as they present post-apocalyptic landscapes. I also visited nuclear power plants, research reactors, Marie Curie's institute, Einstein's apartment, nuclear medicine areas of hospitals, uranium mines, nuclear bomb sites, and interviewed numerous experts.
Derby the dog: Running on 3D Printed Prosthetics
Adults Animals Biotechnology DisabilitySee how unique, custom 3D printed prosthetics allow Derby the dog to run for the first time.
This double amputee can control two robotic arms with his mind
Adults Biotechnology DisabilityA Colorado man made history at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) this summer when he became the first bilateral shoulder-level amputee to wear and simultaneously control two of the Laboratory's Modular Prosthetic Limbs.
The science of spiciness
Adults Food ScienceWhen you take a bite of a hot pepper, your body reacts as if your mouth is on fire -- because that's essentially what you've told your brain! Rose Eveleth details the science and history behind spicy foods, giving insights into why some people continue to pay the painful price for a little spice.
Where Do Birds Go In Winter?
Adults Animals Ecology EnvironmentAs winter approaches, V-shaped flocks glide overhead as the world's birds begin their long treks to warmer climates. Humans used to have some pretty crazy theories about where birds went for winter, like the moon, or to the bottom of the ocean.