Culture & Religion — August 12, 2009

Ants on the Brain

Researchers are learning about the human brain from a system that is more similar to our gray matter than you may think: ant colonies. Just as neurons navigate through your head in a choreographed but mysterious dance, ants work together in a complex ways in order to make the colony far exceed any individual ant’s potential. Seed reports on how the research of computer scientist James Marshall and biologist Nigel Franks into ant colonies is leading to answers about the general principles of organization of the human brain.

Several experts on the mind have talked to Big Think, including Oliver Sacks, “Welcome to Your Brain” author Sam Wang, and Philosopher Daniel Dennett of Tufts University.

Abstract illustration of orange arrows soaring upwards from converging lines, symbolizing growth, progress, or success.

Business

Answer these 7 questions to maintain your AI edge

It’s not enough just to stay current and competitive with AI — you’ll also need to build a long-term strategy.

Starts With A Bang

Does light itself truly have an infinite lifetime?

In all the Universe, only a few particles are eternally stable. The photon, the quantum of light, has an infinite lifetime. Or does it?

A vintage photograph depicting a chaotic beach landing with soldiers in motion, blurred figures, and smoke clouds across the dune, evoking a sense of urgency and battle.

High Culture

How the “Dune” screenwriters adapted an “unadaptable” book

“Dune: Part One” screenwriter Eric Roth spoke with Big Think about the challenges of bringing Frank Herbert's sci-fi epic to the big screen.

Business

5 essential tools for a first-time CEO

Boardroom veteran David Roche offers key strategies that can lay the groundwork for CEO success.

The Well

What geniuses get wrong about being “smart”

With great genius comes great rigidity. Professor Barabara Oakley on how to stay mentally agile — and get smarter as a result:

▸

7 min

—

with

Barbara Oakley

Up Next

Technology & Innovation

Google Earth: From Security Threat to International Asset

When Google unveiled its innovative, if voyeuristic, satellite photo tool to the computer-loving public, it was revolutionary, it was compelling, it was intriguing, it was… a major threat against national […]