Words of Wisdom — May 13, 2014

Zelda Fitzgerald on the Human Spirit

"Nobody has ever measured, not even poets, how much the heart can hold." - Zelda Fitzgerald

bigthinkeditor

“Nobody has ever measured, not even poets, how much the heart can hold.”

– Zelda Fitzgerald

Strange Maps

America’s news deserts are growing

Most counties in the U.S. have only one local newspaper, often one that publishes weekly instead of daily.

Two people walking past a dark brick wall with numerous security cameras pointing in various directions.

The Present

Are smart cities a wise idea?

When Google runs a smart city, who owns the data?

Illustration of a young woman with closed eyes, smiling, next to a large, detailed eye and surrounded by vibrant, abstract elements and smiley faces.

Neuropsych

Eyes wide shut: Why closing your eyes intensifies psychedelic trips

A recent study suggests that exposure to visual stimuli can diminish the effects of psychedelic drugs.

Starts With A Bang

The big idea of Grand Unified Theories of physics

If the electromagnetic and weak forces unify to make the electroweak force, maybe, at higher energies, something even grander happens?

Microscopic image of a small electronic component with clear details of its structure and connections against a gray background.

The Future

Making microbots smart

What would it take to create a truly intelligent microbot, one that can operate independently?

Up Next

Surprising Science

Smart-Lighter Helps You Quit Smoking

Following in the footsteps of other health-monitoring devices, a new internet-connected lighter is designed to help you quit smoking by measuring your tobacco intake.