How to build a medieval castle. It’s called experimental archaeology: “The project launched in 1998 with a straightforward mandate: Build a thirteenth-century castle using only thirteenth-century tools, techniques, and materials.” ~ learn more
The traveling salesman problem. “Is it possible to compute the shortest route through a large number of stops? … Join mathematician Bill Cook as we explore the history and applications of this fascinating challenge, and examine state-of-the-art approaches to solving […]
The day Return became Enter. This one is for anyone who has memories of typewriters or interest in modern keyboards. ~ learn more
Aliens wouldn’t do that. “A good reason to not believe in UFOs is that only 13% of tenure-line faculty at major research institutions do. This post attempts to address other, less-good reasons people dismiss them.” ~ learn more
Will we ever understand the brain? “We asked 12 leading neuroscientists to reflect on our understanding of the brain.” Don’t hold your breath. ~ learn more
$31M carbon removal pact pushes ocean alkalinity into the mainstream. I’m pleased to share some great news from a company I am fortunate to be a small investor in. “Ocean alkalinity enhancement boosts the ocean’s natural chemistry to capture CO2, […]
Wiggling magnetic micro-robot goes after kidney stones. “Once in the body, the filament can be imaged via ultrasound, and moved by an external robotic arm equipped with a rotating magnet at the end. As that magnet rotates, the filament likewise […]
Fairness is what powerful can get away with. “We wanted to answer the question, is our individual idea of what is ‘fair’ just what we think we can get away with? So, we designed an experiment to test whether the […]
World’s first ‘behavior transplant’ between species. Wild times! “In a breakthrough study, scientists have transferred a courtship behavior from one species to another, triggering the recipient to perform this completely foreign act as if it was its own.” ~ learn […]
Presidential fitness test is coming back. Remember the sit & reach? “The move is part of the administration’s goal to “restore urgency in improving the health of all Americans,” according to a statement released by the White House.” ~ learn […]