Surprising Science — March 7, 2014

How High Can We Build?

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

The Eiffel Tower once shocked the world for being the tallest building in the world. Of course, it was surpassed by other structures. But how high can we build?

Our friends at VSauce explore this question and give a history of the “tallest structure built by man” competition:

Image credit: House of Hall/Flickr

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Collage of architectural designs: a detailed stone arch with sculptures reflecting ancient architecture, an ornate geometric pattern, and a faded image of the Taj Mahal.

The Long Game

Why every long-term investor should study ancient architecture

Magnificent time-tested buildings are filled with lessons in resilience and stability — and the benefits for investment strategy can be huge.

A robotic prosthetic arm with visible internal mechanisms, wires, and a mechanical hand. Labels such as "SFU" and "BESOM" are visible on the arm casing.

The Present

The Cybathlon: Bionic athletes compete for the gold — and push assistive technologies forward

In the international competition, people with physical disabilities put state-of-the-art devices to the test as they race to complete the tasks of everyday life.

In a black and white illustration, four cartoon characters stand among poppies, set against a fantasy world backdrop. Overlaid text delves into the 19th-century currency debate, highlighting the clash between "Silverites" and "Goldbugs," merging historical intrigue with imaginative charm.

High Culture

5 beloved fantasy novels based on real history

Many beloved fantasy adventures take place in worlds that bear a striking resemblance to our own.

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 vivid cosmic scene reveals colorful nebulae and stardust in vibrant shades of blue, purple, and orange, set against a backdrop of space. NASA observatories capture this celestial beauty, unveiling hidden holes in the vast tapestry of the universe.

Starts With A Bang

The biggest holes in NASA’s suite of observatories

NASA’s space telescopes and observatories bring humanity unrivaled science images and scientific discoveries. Here’s what should be next.

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