Guest Thinkers — September 1, 2010

One more break …

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Well, I’ll be taking one more break before summer ends here in California (yes, we run on the quarter system, so classes don’t start until the end of September). This trip is decidedly non-volcanically related, but I will likely not be posting again until 9/16. As always, be sure to check the Volcanism Blog and the USGS/SI Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for your volcano fix.

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

The Present

Microplastic overload: Is cutting production the only realistic way to curb pollution?

On November 25, U.N. members will meet in South Korea to cap off a series of meetings aiming to reduce global plastic pollution.

Gloved hands holding a computer processor chip, viewed from an angled perspective against a black background.

The Future

AI is now designing chips for AI

AI software is rapidly accelerating chip design, potentially leveling up the speed of innovation across the economy.

People walking on a city street with steam rising from vents create a scene reminiscent of an omics exposome research study. A woman in a white beanie looks back as buildings and traffic form the vibrant backdrop.

Health

The next omics? Tracking a lifetime of exposures to better understand disease

Of the millions of substances people encounter daily, health researchers have focused on only a few hundred. Those in the emerging field of exposomics want to change that.

A rocket launches into the sky against a sunset backdrop, with "T-MINUS" text overlay in bold letters.

The Future

T-Minus: 10 milestones in commercial spaceflight

Reusable rockets, moon landers, civilian astronauts, and more.

A group of five people stands in front of a brown van, channeling their inner Richard Feynman. The background features a wall adorned with lush plants, setting the perfect scene for these everyday heroes.

Starts With A Bang

Ask Ethan: Why isn’t Richard Feynman your personal hero?

One of the 20th century’s most famous, influential, and successful physicists is lauded the world over. But Feynman is no hero to me.

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