Orion Jones

Self-awareness has been billed as the ultimate quality that separates humans from machines, but robots are edging closer to us, learning about themselves through observation.

Using a two-stage approach that builds on the work of William James, Harvard astrophysicist Robert Doyle says freedom is compatible with even highly determined physical systems. 

Testing the clinical benefits of exercise is no small task. While placebos can be given in drug trials, there is no such equivalent for physical activity. A new study has raised controversy over its methods. 

Despite the promise of budding medical technologies, which could extend the human life span significantly, people are generally wary of living much longer and firmly reject immortality. 

Medical engineers have successfully lined surgical stitches with silicon sensors that can detect infections and apply heat to wounds, a known method of shortening recovery time. 

Were the 20-year trend in declining circumcision rates to continue, reaching levels currently seen in Europe, Johns Hopkins physicians estimate substantial rises in health care spending. 

By uploading medical journals, clinical guidelines and patient records into Watson’s “brain,” physicians are working closely with IBM to usher in the next generation of computer-assisted medicine. 

The health of the human body partially depends on the bacteria living in every crevice of skin and organ. Scientists believe altering their genetic makeup may help fight genetic diseases. 

As men age, they become more likely to pass down genetic mutations to their offspring. Most of these mutations are benign but some are associated with diseases like autism and schizophrenia. 

It’s not the big party universities that order the most late-night takeout. A new study shows that smaller colleges in general and art schools in particular get the most grub.

A study evaluating demand for valuable artworks shows that a variety of factors can affect the bidding price, including age of the artist, whether it was purchased before, and how popular the artist is on Google.

Contrary to popular belief, going to the theater isn’t something only rich people do. A new study proves that different classes of people go for different reasons.

A new report from a parents’ advocacy group shows that the FCC isn’t doing nearly enough to prevent (pixelated) nudity from appearing on network TV programs.

The tanning industry, beset on several sides by mounting evidence showing the dangers of their services, isn’t going down without a fight.

A redesigned microbial fuel cell converts more electricity from waste products than ever before, and can potentially help create sustainable treatment plants.

A nanotech “electronic nose” is being tested with small devices to allow detection of airborne toxins before they can harm living beings.

Researchers are using robotics to create machines that will allow babies with motor skill challenges to move themselves. Theoretically, this will help their brain development match that of their typically-developing peers.

A new iPhone app allows Americans a clear window into the operations and rationale behind the Super PACs that are currently blanketing television’s airwaves with campaign ads.

Far from being a science-fiction dream, “future cities” are slowly coming within the grasp of reality. An article reviews a number of different projects from around the world.

There’s a lot of uranium in the world’s oceans, and the energy industry is one step closer to getting more of it, courtesy of American laboratories’ redesign of existing Japanese technology.

Twenty years after Hurricane Andrew, the third iteration of the “Wall of Wind” hurricane simulator provides scientists and construction industry experts with new ways to measure and improve on building material integrity.

In California, an almost 100-percent energy-efficient tomato greenhouse is about to go online, thanks to the addition of a plant that provides heat, electricity, and valuable carbon dioxide gas.

The same issues that experts worry about for our world today — climate change combined with environmental mismanagement — helped end Mayan civilization, according to a recently-released article.

The increase in electric cars may lead to extra demands — and costs — on power grids during the early evening hours. Researchers are looking for ways around this dilemma that won’t hobble sustainability efforts.

In a victory for disability advocates, the FCC has ruled that networks and others must provide closed caption data on online video content that was originally produced for television.

A study that starts today uses ordinary citizens and vehicles equipped with Internet access to help researchers gather data that could drastically improve the driving experience.

A new report calls out electronics companies that are doing their part to ensure that the sourcing of materials they use in manufacturing isn’t fueling violence in war-torn areas.

The increase in digital technology penetration in Muslim-majority countries is creating revolutionary changes in many aspects, and not just when it comes to politics.

Evidence of plagiarism by students taking free noncredit online courses begs the question: Why cheat if the outcome doesn’t count for anything?

Portuguese citizens, despairing at the European economic crisis, are trying their luck in Angola, once a colony beset by conflict and now home to a thriving economy and a more affordable way of life.