Guest Thinkers — February 16, 2011

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A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Imagine each of the blocks below represents 1,000 students. That’s how many members of the public high school class of 2008 will fail to graduate without a diploma. Be sure to see the entire Graduation Counts 2008 report from Education Week (free this week!).

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

A white lab mouse sits in a glass petri dish, cradled gently by hands clad in blue gloves. The captivating scene underscores the crucial role of lab mice in scientific research and discovery.

Life

Scientists kill 192 million lab mice each year. Is there a better way?

Can laboratories become more humane, or is it time to end animal research altogether?

A rocket launches into the sky against a sunset backdrop, with "T-MINUS" text overlay in bold letters.

The Future

T-Minus: 10 milestones in commercial spaceflight

Reusable rockets, moon landers, civilian astronauts, and more.

Black and white image of two people in hats with "The End" text, next to a red-toned anatomical illustration of a heart.

Thinking

Everyday Philosophy: Why does heartbreak hurt?

How can “you” move on when the old “you” is gone?

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.

Starts With A Bang

Einstein: The lone genius is pure mythology

Many mavericks look to Einstein as a unique figure, whose lone genius revolutionized the Universe. The big problem? It isn’t true.

Up Next

Guest Thinkers

Why don’t we do more pre-testing?

[cross-posted at LeaderTalk] When I moved to Iowa from Minnesota, the Iowa Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) didn’t test me before it issued me a driver’s license. It took into account […]