Guest Thinkers — February 22, 2011

Cool People Doing Cool Things: Craig Venter’s new biofuels project

Sequence the human genome. Been there, done that. Genomics pioneer Craig Venter is now moving on to a colossal new project to develop and produce new second-generation biofuels from algae. Thanks to a $600 million investment from ExxonMobil, Venter and his company, Synthetic Genomics, is now at the forefront of the green fuels revolution. According to ExxonMobil, the project to develop biofuels produced by algae could result in an economically

viable, low net-carbon emission transportation fuel sometime in the near future.

In other words, get ready for a future in which your choice at the local gas pump is between “Regular, Unleaded, and Super-Algae.

Starts With A Bang

The Universe might never run out of hydrogen

The most common element in the Universe, vital for forming new stars, is hydrogen. But there's a finite amount of it; what if we run out?

Abstract monochrome sketch of two figures, one with head bowed and the other looking downward, conveying a contemplative or somber mood, suggestive of the Chiron effect.

Neuropsych

The Chiron effect: Are “wounded healers” better healers?

Sometimes you just want to hear, "I know what it's like."

Two hands making a pinky promise with a notification icon showing one like against a blue background.

Neuropsych

“Tend and befriend”: The simple relationship hack for burnout resilience

You really can get by with a little help from your friends — if you also look beyond your personal to-do list.

Ancient bust of a bearded man, believed to depict one of history's generous leaders, with detailed facial features, set against a plain turquoise background.

Business

Aristotle plus generosity: How to soften the hard-boiled leader

Tough and cutthroat leaders are celebrated in a results-driven culture — but there is another path to C-suite success.

Starts With A Bang

The unsurprising non-detection of intelligent aliens

Life arose on Earth very early on. After a few billion years, here we are: intelligent and technologically advanced. Where's everyone else?

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Guest Thinkers

Starbucks and “Lean Retailing” innovation

Throughout 2009, Starbucks has been making waves about how much it is changing in response to new consumer spending patterns. First, it was the announcement that it planned to revisit […]