Guest Thinkers — September 1, 2010

Another shaken Colombian volcano

After the news of a sizable earthquake under Nevado del Huila, we can add Nevado del Ruiz to the list of volcanoes that have been shaken up recently. There was a M5.7 earthquake underneath Ruiz on Saturday (9/13), which is a pretty significant event. However, the earthquake was located at over 100 km depth, so likely it is not related to any magma movement at Ruiz. I will keep my eyes open for any reports of increasing unrest at Ruiz and at Huila in the coming days.

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?

Up Next

Guest Thinkers

Kasatochi erupts

Just a quick update if you haven’t been following the discussion: Kasatochi volcano in the Aleutians is now listed in “Red Alert” as it is erupting (see image above). Not […]