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The newest essays, interviews, and features from Big Think.
So, yes, I watch American Idol--not obsessively or religiously, but whenever I can. It's a conservative show. It promotes a meritocracy based on singing excellence, and that excellence is not […]
A couple of days ago, I wrote about an op-ed William Cronon wrote in The New York Times arguing that by attempting to strip public unions of their bargaining rights, […]
The F.D.A. has recently approved the drug Yervoy, which is the first treatment shown to extend the lives of late-stage melanoma patients. There are indications it may even cure some.
Although women go under the knife in the name of beauty in larger numbers, a new report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons shows an increase in operations among men in 2010.
People with Tourettes struggle with uncontrollable physical tics and verbal outbursts, but a new study reveals that they also have highly developed cognitive control over their reactions.
With agriculture research on a down slope, large food companies have begun wading into science and policy realms to ensure the future sustainability of natural resources—and the food business.
A new study conducted by the University of Colorado has found that people living at higher altitudes have a lower chance of dying from heart disease and tend to live longer than others.
Only a fraction of what physicians do is based on solid evidence from randomized, controlled trials; the rest is based instead on weak or no evidence and on subjective judgment.
Research suggests that while men and women may behave differently in relationships, their underlying needs, wants and perspectives may not be so different, especially in committed relationships.
When you consider that the first human genome was completed a decade ago for billions of dollars, D.N.A. sequencing has come a long way, fast. Now robots sequence genes for less.
While only a subset of patients responds to targeted cancer drugs, scientists are starting to figure out how to make those drugs work more effectively in a larger number of patients.
The human body has become a site for debates, as the genetics and biotech industries argue for owning genes, tissue samples, and even the very processes that occur in our cells.
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Once humans and machines merge—in 2045, according to Kurzweil—reproduction will no longer be a biological necessity. So why and how will we continue to have sex?
Well, I really messed up that Mystery Volcano Photo, eh? I had, in fact, posted that very image before of Kirishima to show the "before" of the crater [head slap […]
Why any man is willing to pay $3.8 million dollars for a one-time experience, when he doesn’t get a wife out of the deal, is frankly beyond economic reasoning.
Even if the Singularity is bogus, machines very well may be as smart as humans by century's end. How will we make sure they don't turn on us? Sometimes you […]
Today’s copy of the New York Times sits beside me, unopened. Most of my normal internet haunts have been ignored this morning. Why? Because I have been totally absorbed by […]
Thank you to all for the comments over on the "state of the blog" post - keep those comments coming. I thought I'd send you off for the weekend with […]
People tend to focus on "The Origin of Species," but Darwin’s later work "The Descent of Man" has fascinating insights into human behavior and leadership.
I had wonderful plans for a post today, but as they say "best laid plans ..." The post in question will see the light of day, but it turned out […]