The Latest from Big Think

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Urbanization is increasing rapidly, worldwide. It's good for innovation, but is it good for people? 
3mins
Al Qaeda in Iraq took advantage of information age innovation to take hold and subvert counter-terrorism measures. Retired Gen. Stanley McChrystal's team had to adapt in order to contain this new enemy.
But especially for anyone who listened to your “Celebration of Creation” speech. “In science it often happens that scientists say, ‘You know that’s a really good argument; my position is […]
Laughter helps us cope with negative emotions, new research says, and that's a — comedic — relief.  
Painting for Picasso was rule-breaking, serious business, but sculpture was rule-innocent child’s play.
Lemurs, humans, sea birds — they're all at risk. But we can change our fates if we choose to acknowledge what's happening.
Obesity isn't about an individual's choices. It's about the choices of a whole culture.
The median house price in London's most expensive borough is almost six times as high as in its cheapest one.
The world’s most powerful and influential nations are democracies that have been ineffective (at best) at combating climate change.
America is one of the wealthiest nations in the world, so how could people from much poorer ones be better off health-wise than us?
A plant that redefines the relationship between the industrial facilities and the community.
And is blue even a rare color for planets? “Whenever I gaze up at the moon, I feel like I’m on a time machine. I am back to that precious […]
New findings out of Duke University will allow medical researchers to act like computer programmers except with genetic code rather than digital.
The latest in a string of lurid allegations about initiation ceremonies in elite British universities has shocked the British public. What causes otherwise intelligent individuals to engage in unspeakable acts?
2mins
In order to actually solve the refugee crisis you have to solve the problems from which the refugees are fleeing.
Words of Wisdom from 20th century actress, comedian, and sex symbol Mae West: "You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
Words of wisdom from J.K. Rowling: "Those who choose not to empathize enable real monsters; for without ever committing an act of outright evil ourselves, we collude with it through our own apathy."
As neuroscience has begun studying the mind, they have looked to those who have mastered the mind. University of British Columbia researchers have verified the Buddhist belief of anatta, or not-self.