Surprising Science — March 22, 2012

Michael Gazzaniga: The Criminal Mind

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Michael Gazzaniga is in charge of a MacArthur foundation project that explores using brain science to determine people’s legal culpability. Most of his work is against determinism — the popular idea (even among neuroscientists) that a) recent brain science shows that there is no free will and b) therefore people aren’t responsible for their actions.

Gazzaniga’s latest book is Who’s in Charge?: Free Will and the Science of the Brain.

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

A white lab mouse sits in a glass petri dish, cradled gently by hands clad in blue gloves. The captivating scene underscores the crucial role of lab mice in scientific research and discovery.

Life

Scientists kill 192 million lab mice each year. Is there a better way?

Can laboratories become more humane, or is it time to end animal research altogether?

A group of five people stands in front of a brown van, channeling their inner Richard Feynman. The background features a wall adorned with lush plants, setting the perfect scene for these everyday heroes.

Starts With A Bang

Ask Ethan: Why isn’t Richard Feynman your personal hero?

One of the 20th century’s most famous, influential, and successful physicists is lauded the world over. But Feynman is no hero to me.

Illustration of human evolution with silhouettes of ape to human walking against an abstract background with swirling red and white patterns.

The Past

A new spin on the “Stoned Ape Hypothesis”

The controversial theory about magic mushrooms and human evolution gets a much-needed update.

Starts With A Bang

8 lessons on lifelong learning from an astrophysicist

Beyond stars, galaxies, and gravity, studying the fundamental workings of nature reveals widely applicable lessons for learners everywhere.

A human hand reaches toward a robotic hand, which includes a speech bubble with mathematical code. A pixelated pink background completes the scene.

The Future

AI chatbots may ease the world’s loneliness (if they don’t make it worse)

Man seeking meaningful relationship at the intersection of on-demand empathy and Rule 34.

Up Next

Technology & Innovation

Will Pornography Create More Freedom In Pakistan?

What is the Big Idea? The half-lit room smells strongly of hashish. On the screen, a woman wearing too much make up and a clingy, provocative outfit sways her hips […]