Guest Thinkers — June 27, 2011

Risk Communication Expert David Ropeik Joins Big Think Bloggers

David Ropeik, a leading expert in risk communication, has joined Big Think as a regular blogger. Among his inaugural posts at “Risk: Reason and Reality,” Ropeik discusses a fascinating new study on city living and stress (see also spotlight at The Economist) and the risks of organic foods.

Ropeik, is an Instructor at Harvard, consultant in risk perception and risk communication, former environment reporter in Boston, and author of the book, “How Risky Is It, Really? Why Our Fears Don’t Always Match the Facts.” Readers are likely familiar with Ropeik’s guest post contributions to AoE including this much talked about piece on nuclear fear, science and ideology.

Starts With A Bang

Can the known particles and interactions explain consciousness?

At a fundamental level, only a few particles and forces govern all of reality. How do their combinations create human consciousness?

A person in a karate gi breaking a brick with a hand strike, demonstrating the physics of karate, superimposed on a background of mathematical equations and graphs.

Hard Science

Karate physics: How your hand can break concrete without breaking itself

A human hand has the power to split wooden planks and demolish concrete blocks. A trio of physicists investigated why this feat doesn’t shatter our bones.

An American flag and a decorative shield with a peace symbol, evoking a sense of paranoia, in front of the United States Capitol building under a cloudy sky.

The Present

Is the U.S. becoming more paranoid?

Although social paranoia is more common than clinical paranoia, studies suggests that American society isn’t any more conspiratorial than it has been in the past.

A digitally rendered yellow sponge, inspired by the "Twinkie defense," depicted within geometric wireframe shapes on a black background, symbolizing conceptual and design analysis.

Neuropsych

The “Twinkie defense”: What we know about diet and crime

In the murder trial of Dan White, the defense touched on diet as a cause for White's actions. It has become known as the "Twinkie defense."

Business

The science of motivation: 5 simple fixes for team engagement

Too many companies fail to recognize that “the deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated” — but the solution is easy.

Up Next

Technology & Innovation

Court Issues Gaddafi Warrant

The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and two of his confidants, citing evidence of crimes against humanity.