Marcelo Gleiser
Theoretical Physicist
Marcelo Gleiser is a professor of natural philosophy, physics, and astronomy at Dartmouth College. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society, a recipient of the Presidential Faculty Fellows Award from the White House and NSF, and was awarded the 2019 Templeton Prize. Gleiser has authored five books and is the co-founder of 13.8, where he writes about science and culture with physicist Adam Frank.
A “Theory of Everything” doesn’t make sense
No matter how hard we try, we will never reach a final theory that unifies scientific knowledge. The very nature of science doesn't allow it.
Can quantum mechanics explain consciousness?
Quantum mechanics + consciousness: There is nothing better than mixing two great mysteries to produce an even bigger one.
How a powerful telescope found a tiny black hole
Science continues to amplify our view of reality.
Do the laws of physics and neuroscience disprove free will?
Many have argued that free will is in illusion, but science does not support that.
The only certain thing about life is uncertainty
We pretend to be in control, but we have frighteningly little knowledge upon which to base our life’s decisions.
Einstein’s demon-haunted quantum world
Einstein hated "spooky action at a distance," but much to his chagrin, quantum mechanics remains as spooky as ever.
Seeing silence: what nature tells us if we listen
The beauty of this magical medicine called silence is that it is available to all of us, even in cities, if only we care to listen.
The mediocrity of the mediocrity principle (for life in the universe)
The mediocrity principle is often used to make claims about the abundance of life across the universe, but these claims are likely unfounded.
Ultrarunning: the ultimate experience of being in the world
Ultrarunning is a celebration of living and a rehearsal of dying all rolled up in a single intense experience.
What does the Copernican principle say about life in the universe?
The Copernican principle states that Earth is an ordinary planet, but that does not mean that life is ordinary in the universe.
A new window to the early universe (and aliens?)
The upcoming launch of the James Webb Space Telescope is the event of a lifetime.
A fable of ancient Greece: when the mythic universe became a rational machine
This short story is a fictional account of two very real people — Anaximander and Anaximenes, two ancient Greeks who tried to make sense of the universe.
Peeking behind a black hole: how matter bends space that bends light
Albert Einstein and his theory of general relativity continue to amaze us to this day.
To the very beginning: going back in time with Steven Weinberg (Part 2)
What was the universe like one-trillionth of a second after the Big Bang? Science has an answer.
The first three minutes: going backward to the beginning of time with Steven Weinberg (Part 1)
The great theoretical physicist Steven Weinberg passed away on July 23. This is our tribute.
Beyond the two cultures: rethinking science and the humanities
Cross-disciplinary cooperation is needed to save civilization.
The Einstein-Bohr legacy: can we ever figure out what quantum theory means?
Quantum theory has weird implications. Trying to explain them just makes things weirder.
What happened before the Big Bang?
Asking science to determine what happened before time began is like asking, "Who were you before you were born?"
The incredible story of Wu Hsin and Roy Melvyn
Must a religious story be confirmed as a true fact to be effective and inspiring?
Dark matter and dark energy: the mysterious ingredients in our universe
Science is an ongoing flirtation with the unknown.
Aliens are a mirror to humanity
Aliens symbolize the best and worst of humanity. When we dream of aliens, we are pondering our future selves.
A big lesson from the ‘Oumuamua alienware controversy
Scientists should be cautious when expressing an opinion based on little more than speculation.
From the bowels of the earth to the sky: Rethinking civilization growth
A revolution of the mind must occur in order for humanity to succeed on a finite planet.
Does science tell the truth?
It is impossible for science to arrive at ultimate truths, but functional truths are good enough.
Could muons point to new physics?
New data have set the particle physics community abuzz.
COVID vaccine: Where does freedom end and civic duty begin?
Instead of insisting that we remain "free from" government control, we should view taking vaccines and wearing masks as a "freedom to" be a moral citizen who protects the lives of others.
Can humans travel through wormholes in space?
Two new studies examine ways we could engineer human wormhole travel.
Did Einstein believe in God?
Here's what Einstein meant when he spoke of cosmic dice and the "secrets of the Ancient One".
Individual action can stop climate change. How? Environmental herd immunity.
If more people decide to apply pressure through their choices, slowly but surely we would reach climate change herd immunity.