Will humans form emotional bonds to robots? Probably — especially if they’re cuddly.

Its emergence will challenge what it means to be human.

Still from Alex Garland's 2015 film, "Ex Machina."
Surprising Science
  • Human-like robots may creep us, at first, but roboticists believe the more like us they appear, the more likely we'll feel comfortable around them.
  • Some studies suggest that we could develop feelings for robots, despite them not being human.
  • As the loneliness epidemic continues, such robots may fill certain people's social voids.

As we go about our everyday lives — miraculously getting out of bed, somehow trudging through work, deciding what to eat for dinner — one fact remains quietly on the backburner: The robots are, indeed, coming.

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Why getting to love is 'daunting' for millennials

Have sexual interludes obscured the path to love?

"The Lonely Ones" by Edvard Munch
Sex & Relationships
  • The majority of millennials are still unmarried by age 32.
  • Susan Winter, a relationship expert based in New York City, says the culture of modern dating has had an impact.
  • Among her tips for finding love? Act in accordance with what you said you want.
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Originally, Poe envisioned a parrot — not a raven

Quoth the parrot — "Squawk! Nevermore."

The Green Parrot by Vincent van Gogh, 1886
Culture & Religion
  • Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849) is considered one of America's great writers.
  • Poe penned his most famous poem, The Raven, in his 30s.
  • Originally, the poem's feathered subject was a bit flamboyant.
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Could Kevin Hart have 'evolved' since posting his controversial tweets? Yes, says science.

People's views can change. What do we do with that?

Photo credit: Paras Griffin / Getty Images
Culture & Religion
  • Decade-old tweets by Kevin Hart, directed at gay men, have recently enflamed controversy.
  • 2016 studies suggest that people's outlook and opinions can dramatically change over time.
  • His hosting the Academy Awards ceremony could signal a message of redemption in terms of LGBT alliance.
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