Politics & Current Affairs — March 9, 2011

The Causes of Anti-Muslim Sentiment

What are the causes of anti-Muslim sentiment in the U.S. today? Scott Appleby, Professor of History at the University of Notre Dame, identifies three causes.

notredame

What are the causes of anti-Muslim sentiment in the U.S. today? Scott Appleby, Professor of History at the University of Notre Dame, identifies three causes: misinformation, the economy, and crises:

Starts With A Bang

The idea that matter is mostly empty space is mostly wrong

Practically all of the matter we see and interact with is made of atoms, which are mostly empty space. Then why is reality so... solid?

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?

Up Next

Guest Thinkers

Eruption Update: The Kamoamoa Fissure on Kilauea, lake heating at Ruapehu, quiet times in Alaska and more!

The eruptions have been coming nonstop this week. Much of the news has been Hawaii-centric—for good reason—but there has been volcanic activity around the globe as well.