April 16, 2012

What is Democracy?

For this week’s post I would like to ask a single question: What is democracy?

Please share your answers in the comments. I will feature what I think are the most interesting responses in next week’s post.

I look forward to your thoughts!

—

Image of The Parthenon courtesy of Shutterstock

Strange Maps

America’s news deserts are spreading

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?

Up Next

Should Europe Put Its Royalty Out to Pasture?

An ill-timed African vacation (to shoot at elephants) has landed Spain's royal family in hot water with the public. At what point do cultural traditions themselves become anachronistic?