Guest Thinkers — February 16, 2011

Violent video games as exemplary teachers of aggression

Iowa State University researcher Dr. Doug Gentile studied 2,500

children and adolescents and found that violent video games do indeed foster

hostile actions and aggressive behaviors. Here’s the money quote:

We know a lot about how to be an effective teacher, and we know a lot

about how to use technology to teach. Video games use many of these techniques

and are highly effective teachers. So we shouldn’t be surprised that violent

video games can teach aggression.

Get the full

story at the ISU News Service

.

Strange Maps

America’s news deserts are growing

Most counties in the U.S. have only one local newspaper, often one that publishes weekly instead of daily.

Two people walking past a dark brick wall with numerous security cameras pointing in various directions.

The Present

Are smart cities a wise idea?

When Google runs a smart city, who owns the data?

Illustration of a young woman with closed eyes, smiling, next to a large, detailed eye and surrounded by vibrant, abstract elements and smiley faces.

Neuropsych

Eyes wide shut: Why closing your eyes intensifies psychedelic trips

A recent study suggests that exposure to visual stimuli can diminish the effects of psychedelic drugs.

Starts With A Bang

The big idea of Grand Unified Theories of physics

If the electromagnetic and weak forces unify to make the electroweak force, maybe, at higher energies, something even grander happens?

Microscopic image of a small electronic component with clear details of its structure and connections against a gray background.

The Future

Making microbots smart

What would it take to create a truly intelligent microbot, one that can operate independently?

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