While studying a second language is known to be more difficult in adulthood, recent research shows that even adult brains can mimic the brain patterns of native speakers.
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Two weeks ago, we published, “Is Brain Science Just Hype?,” our interview with Swarthmore professor of psychology Barry Schwartz. The author of The Paradox of Choice and Practical Wisdom (two of the most-watched TED Talks ever), […]
A survey conducted at a North Carolina business where dogs are regularly present suggests that employees have less stress, better morale and higher productivity in the presence of canines.
New research shows that people who self-identify as conservative distrust science as an institution. Is it because our culture has changed or because their brains are wired that way?
Big thinker Will Willkinson summarizes and analyzes a summary of a study by Scott Eidelman and others that’s hurt a lot of conservative feelings. The big point seems to be that when […]
What’s the Big Idea? In her essay “Outfox Them!” in the March 8th edition of the London Review of Books, Sheila Fitzpatrick, an Australian-American historian of Soviet Russia, tells an […]
Tom Jacobs of Miller-McCune reports on a study from Scott Eidelman, et al, finding that “Low-Effort Thought Promotes Political Conservatism.” Here’s Jacobs’ summary: A research team led by University of […]
A robot designed to mimic the biology of a lamprey may soon be swimming through your body, with the capacity to detect the presence of diseases better than your immune system.
This week on Animal Kingdom, observe while the finely plumed CEO spreads his majestic tail in an attempt to attract a mate. This decorative display may be effective, but doing […]
My Google news alert has been flooded with stories about the Reason Rally this week, and quite a few of them come from religious organizations expressing their own viewpoints about […]
I received an advance reading copy of The First Frontier: The Forgotten History of Struggle, Savagery and Endurance in Early Americaby Scott Weidensaul recently, even though the book was released […]
Cancer institutes from around the world have collaborated to release two databases which catalog data on hundreds of cancer cell lines, giving a boost to personalized medicine.
Where is the intersection of nature and nurture? The world’s largest medical database, which compiles the lives of 500,000 patients from birth to death, will help us understand the answer.
The Data Design Diabetes challenge asks participants to bring human-center design and open data to the diabetes community. Here we examine the competition’s semi-finalists.
In two unrelated studies, researchers found that adults who eat chocolate regularly are slimmer than abstainers and that consuming fast food is strongly linked to depression.
The battle over Bisphenol A (BPA) rages on, and continues to teach lessons far beyond the particulars of the issue itself. Environmentalists argue that BPA (the supposedly dangerous chemical […]
With the Mega Millions jackpot now at the $640 million mark, it’s no wonder that everyday people without any prior interest in playing casino-like games of chance are willing to […]
The Economist hosted its “Ideas Economy” event this week at the Berkeley Haas School of Business to talk about disruptive technologies, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. The focus of the event […]
A new start-up is offering a fast track to satisfying employment by connecting applicants with jobs that offer more emotional fulfillment than a big pay check, though that doesn’t hurt.
What is the Big Idea? Felipe Leonard moved to Brazil from Argentina two years ago. He didn’t speak the language and knew very little about the Brazilian market, but he […]
Under new legislation, start-up companies will be able to raise up to $1 million through small (online) donations without disclosing much beyond a rudimentary business plan.
In a whirlwind interview, Chomsky explains how Richard Nixon is a left-wing radical, how the ultimate expression of science is art and what climate change has to do with communism.
Former Wall Street Journal reporter Pamela Druckerman moved to France in 2003 and discovered that French children were much better behaved than American kids. Here’s what she brought back with her.
What is the Big Idea? The working conditions at Foxconn is about to get a lot better. At least that is the idea behind purported reforms announced last week, some of […]
If you feel that life is uncomplicated, easy, satisfying, carefree, under control – then this post is not for you. On the other hand, if you feel frustrated, anxious, deeply […]
— Guest post by Emma Waldman, American University student. Scientist-turned filmmaker Randy Olson argues that it takes more than literal-minded facts and information to communicate about topics like climate change to […]
An independent study confirms that the businesses of Silicon Valley are some of the most innovative on Earth. They actively create a culture of innovation, which can be replicated anywhere.
Eastern Europeans have child rearing habits that we could learn from, such as teaching independence (Slovenia) and the importance of family (Macedonia).
–Guest post by Amanda Frank, graduate student at American University. Contemporary debates over climate change reveal the inherent complexity of the issue, which the New York Times’ Andrew Revkin refers […]
Big Think expert Roy Cupples weighs in on this crucial issue.