Culture & Religion — May 18, 2009

Tomorrow At Big Think: Global Health Expert Laurie Garrett

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Council on Foreign Relations expert Laurie Garrett will discuss international health, infectious disease, bioterrorism and the impact of health policy on international relations tomorrow. Post your questions for Ms. Garret here.

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

The Present

Microplastic overload: Is cutting production the only realistic way to curb pollution?

On November 25, U.N. members will meet in South Korea to cap off a series of meetings aiming to reduce global plastic pollution.

Starts With A Bang

Political realities do not change scientific ones

In partisan political times, recognizing the scientific truth is more important than ever. Scientists must be vocal and clear about reality.

A group of five people stands in front of a brown van, channeling their inner Richard Feynman. The background features a wall adorned with lush plants, setting the perfect scene for these everyday heroes.

Starts With A Bang

Ask Ethan: Why isn’t Richard Feynman your personal hero?

One of the 20th century’s most famous, influential, and successful physicists is lauded the world over. But Feynman is no hero to me.

The Future

How Arc Institute is bringing science into the century of biology

There is one obstacle that reliably blocks innovative ideas: how we fund science.

A person in a black hat and coat raises a black square and a blue square against a clear sky, symbolizing their moral ambition.

High Culture

Effective altruism is stumbling. Can “moral ambition” replace it?

In “Moral Ambition,” Dutch historian Rutger Bregman argues that all would benefit from a collective redefinition of success.

Up Next

Surprising Science

When Mobile Phones Become Eco-Watchdogs

From the Department of Really Cool Gadgets comes a protoype for a mobile phone that will alert us to all the bad stuff out there. It can sense pollen counts, […]