Surprising Science — April 9, 2014

Einstein’s Last Desk

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Albert Einstein passed away on April 18, 1955. A photographer from LIFE snapped his desk at Princeton hours after Einstein had died. Einstein gave new meaning to the saying, cluttered desk, cluttered mind. Perhaps genius requires a little disorder.

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An astronaut stands proudly on the moon's surface near scientific equipment and a lunar lander, as the American flag waves in the background, symbolizing a pioneering USA nation.

Starts With A Bang

Science’s value, unlike NASA, cannot be destroyed by politics

After drastic cuts to the NIH, the FDA, the NSF, and the DOE, NASA science faces down its smallest budget ever. All of society will suffer.

An older man with a white beard sits in a room, wearing a light blue shirt, hands clasped together. Bookshelves and artwork are visible in the background.

The Future

Kevin Kelly points a new way forward into the Age of AI

One of the most original and optimistic thinkers in America sketches some big ideas about what’s possible with AI in the next 25 years.

A retro computer displays a ghost on the screen as pixelated chains drift across the foreground, reminiscent of a scene from a Ken Liu short story. This digital haunt unfolds against a vivid orange background.

High Culture

“The gods will not be chained”: A short story by Ken Liu

The first in a series of short stories by the Hugo- and Nebula-winning author that inspired the cult hit “Pantheon.”

Starts With A Bang

Ask Ethan: Can we turn Einstein’s equations into Newton’s law?

Einstein’s general relativity has reigned supreme as our theory of gravity for over a century. Could we reduce it back down to Newton’s law?

A group of five men in suits pose with model rockets, showcasing their commitment to fundamental research. Beside them, an illustration depicts a space station orbiting Earth and the Moon, highlighting their visionary investment in space exploration.

Starts With A Bang

Why invest in fundamental research? A former Nazi explains

Back in 1970, Sister Mary Jucunda wrote NASA, decrying large investments in science. A former Nazi’s legendary response is still relevant.

Up Next

Words of Wisdom

Khalil Gibran on Work

“Work is love made visible.” – Khalil Gibran