The Latest from Big Think

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The most influential contemporary scientists and their accomplishments.
These findings may help us better understand how humans perceive our environment and make decisions based on sensory information.
Altruism may be influenced by other biological mechanisms outside of the brain.
It's not just for the lols. If you're up for some soul-searching, they need you to contribute to this MIT research survey...
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There is no blueprint for how humans deal with grief and the death of a loved one. But Ariel Levy has some helpful insight as to how to begin the process.
Berkeley scientists develop a technology that uses smartphones to help treat an infectious illness.
A new study shows that “magical thinking” can be reduced by presenting and processing information in a second language.
If you can’t explain the astrophysical signal that you see and cry ‘dark matter,’ chances are you’re not thinking hard enough. Despite our knowledge of the laws of physics, and the […]
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Without sounding like internet hyperbole, this super-simple listening trick can help you better understand people's intentions. And provide a fascinating insight into the minds of others.
A previously unknown species – single people – has recently been discovered.
The study may help us develop a new biomarker for obesity and even type 2 diabetes.
Terrorism. Technological disruption. Globalization. Life in the 1870’s was wild. Harvard historian Maya Jasanoff on Joseph Conrad, his times, and ours.   
A new look at the intertwined lives of two of the 20th century’s greatest minds. In the years prior to World War II, physics was in an odd, post-revolutionary state. Quantum […]
‘Buy land – they aren’t making it any more,’ said Mark Twain.  
The idea is to flood the markets and drive prices down. Contrary to what you may think, a rhino horn is not made of bone but of keratin - the material found in nails and hair.
As wonderful as the evidence that supports or invalidates a theory is, it can never truly kill the ones that don’t work out. When it comes to science, we like to […]
A new study shows that oxytocin plays a similar role in dogs’ emotions as it does in humans.
A reappraisal of the Chinese Dali skull suggest a more prominent role for China in early human history.