Science asks big questions about the nature of the universe, the nature of the mind and what it means to be human. Understanding how to interpret the answers often takes us into the realm of philosophy, the underpinning of scientific exploration.
by Barbara J. King
Robot-assisted surgeries have changed the medical landscape for patients with certain diagnoses, including some types of cancer. Commentator Barbara J. King looks forward to meeting her robot surgeon next week and getting the job done.
by Marcelo Gleiser
Physicist Marcelo Gleiser recalls his early interest in competing interpretations of the quantum world. Now a successful researcher in his own right, he wonders if it's time to switch gears and turn his casual interest into a professional pursuit.
by Alva Noë
Sacks turns 80 this year. Philosopher Alva Noë asks the question: What makes Sacks' work so important?
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by Marcelo Gleiser
The quantum world is mysterious. It behaves in ways that just don't match up with what we see in the larger world. Commentator Marcelo Gleiser probes the space between what we see and what we know in search of a bridge between both realities.
by Adam Frank
Refining our capacity to notice is an act of reverence that we can bring to everywhere and everywhen. It's an invitation, bringing the world's most basic presence into view, opening our horizons and restoring our spirits.
by Marcelo Gleiser
Is the importance of life on Earth shrinking as science continually re-defines our world as a meaningless speck in an endless and uncaring Universe? Or is life here a precious thing that grows in importance with our ever-deepening knowledge of the Universe? Commentator Marcelo says it's the latter.
by Marcelo Gleiser
What can we say about how the brain creates our sense of self? A lot and yet surprisingly little, as it turns out. Commentator Marcelo Gleiser ponders the many challenges scientists face to make sense of our mind.
by Adam Frank
Are you one of the last humans who will ever live? Commentator Adam Frank takes us through the famous Doomsday Argument and what it means.
by Alva Noë
What does the truth require in journalism? Commentator Alva Noë sides with Lawrence Weschler in saying that journalists miss the mark when they approach their subjects like anthropologists who have nothing at stake in the exchange.
by Marcelo Gleiser
Can science ever explain the origin of the Universe? Commentator Marcelo Gleiser suggests caution and humility as scientists face this very difficult question.
by Tania Lombrozo
Philosophers are burning their armchairs and heading for the lab as part of a new movement called, appropriately enough, "experimental philosophy." Commentator Tania Lombrozo wonders why this small subfield of philosophy has captured the popular imagination.
by Adam Frank
Can we really see the Universe in a grain of sand, even as we slog through traffic? Can we really hold infinity in our hands, even as we drop off the kids to Violin practice? Commentator Adam Frank says we can if we take the time to notice the beauty of the natural world surrounding us.
by Marcelo Gleiser
Is math a truth or a human invention? In this age-old question lies an interesting analogy with sports, and perhaps a resolution to the conundrum. Updated with sources for further reading on the math as invention vs. discovery controversy.
by Tania Lombrozo
Commentator Tania Lombrozo considers a controversial new paper which argues that decisions about whether to have a child of your own are rarely rational.
by Barbara J. King
PETA's President, Ingrid Newkirk, has declared that "humane meat" does not exist. How should we think about this provocative statement? Commentator Barbara J. King invites her readers to give it serious thought.
