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Debate: Should Schools Embrace The Common Core?

Education experts faced off on the motion "Embrace the Common Core" at an Intelligence Squared U.S. debate, moderated by John Donvan (center). Samuel LaHoz/Intelligence Squared U.S. hide caption

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Samuel LaHoz/Intelligence Squared U.S.

Opinion

Intelligence Squared U.S.

Debate: Should Schools Embrace The Common Core?

The Common Core has arguably become the most contentious issue in American education. Experts face off over the new state standards in the latest Intelligence Squared debate.

Debate: Should Schools Embrace The Common Core?

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A Frightening Curve: How Fast Is The Ebola Outbreak Growing?
Source: Columbia Prediction of Infectious Diseases, World Health Organization Credit: Alyson Hurt/NPR

Goats and Soda

A Frightening Curve: How Fast Is The Ebola Outbreak Growing?

Health leaders now say the Ebola epidemic is growing exponentially. That means, if nothing changes in the next few weeks, we could see at least 60,000 Ebola cases by the end of 2014.

A Frightening Curve: How Fast Is The Ebola Outbreak Growing?

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Scientists Put A 'Sixth Sense' For Numbers On Brain Map

A sixth sense? A small patch of neurons on either side of the brain recognizes how many dots are on a screen. As more dots appear, active neurons shift to the right. Courtesy of Ben Harvey/Utretch University hide caption

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Courtesy of Ben Harvey/Utretch University

Shots - Health News

Scientists Put A 'Sixth Sense' For Numbers On Brain Map

Ever wondered how Dustin Hoffman's character in Rain Man quickly counted all those toothpicks on the floor? Scientists have found a region of the brain that allows us to estimate quantities at a glance. Unlike Hoffman's Ray, though, most people are accurate up to only about five toothpicks.

Is Mathematics A Criterion For Truth In The Natural World?

Math and sports are expressions of our controlled creativity. Above, Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar watches as the ball sails past for an England goal by Frank Lampard during a friendly at London's Wembley Stadium on February 6, 2013. Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

Opinion

13.7: Cosmos And Culture

Is Mathematics A Criterion For Truth In The Natural World?

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.