The World's Best Book Summaries
Can gene therapy cure any disease? How far are we from a future where gene therapy is mainstream? Scientists have already begun to explore the possibilities of gene manipulation with new technologies like stem cell research. However, progress is slow due to ethical and legal concerns, especially when it comes to modifying human genes. Keep reading to learn about the future of gene therapy.
What are the best ways to adapt to climate change? Why do experts say we need to begin adapting now? Climate change-driven heat waves, flooding, and droughts are plaguing the globe. What’s worse, the extreme weather events are exceeding climate scientists’ projections—which suggests we’re unprepared for what’s to come. Keep reading to learn the four ways experts recommend we adapt to climate change now.
Does electric car battery disposal cause pollution? What are the risks of battery disposal? How can society solve them? With revolutionary technology comes revolutionary challenges, and these mostly pertain to the central feature of electric cars: their batteries. In the far future, these challenges could cause environmental threats and manufacturing challenges that will change the way the industry operates. Keep reading to learn about electric car battery disposal, pollution, and what needs to change.
What are some of the best benefits of optimism? How do optimistic people think differently? Psychologist Martin Seligman has studied the science behind optimism and pessimism to understand these mindsets better. According to him, learning to be optimistic does more than simply boost your mood. Keep reading to find out the four important benefits of optimism that improve your wellbeing.
What is it like to die in the 21st century? What are the greatest barriers to successful end-of-life care? People today live longer than ever before thanks to modern medical technology and other advances. However, the process of aging and dying has become worse. Atul Gawande identifies the following four problems in our modern approach to the end of life.
Want to learn how to overcome depression without medication? What methods do psychologists recommend for treating mild depression? Martin Seligman’s work in psychology has unearthed new findings about potential causes of depression, linking it to learned helplessness. Seligman says, if you’ve learned helplessness, you can also unlearn it to become mentally healthier and more confident. Read on to learn why following Seligman’s advice could be a way to overcome depression without medication.
What is DNA sequencing? What is DNA sequencing used for in modern medicine? DNA sequencing makes it possible to extract the genetic information that is carried within a DNA molecule or even a whole genome. Nowadays, gene sequencing technology allows doctors and researchers to find and diagnose genetic diseases. Keep reading to learn about the current applications of DNA sequencing in medicine.
How did Steve Jobs die? How did Jobs try to treat his cancer? In 2003, Jobs’s doctor found a tumor on his pancreas. He battled cancer until he died in 2011, but some of his treatments were unconventional. Here’s how Jobs coped with his pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
What matters most at the end of life? How can we align our approach to end-of-life care with the priorities of the dying? According to Atul Gawande, how we approach caring for the dying is at odds with what’s most important to people close to death. For the dying, living well in the present is more important than hoping for a better future. However, modern-day end-of-life care is designed with a future-oriented outlook in mind. Here’s why we need to reorient our priorities from the future to the present, according to Gawande.
How are culture and depression connected? Which cultural influences predispose you to depression? According to Martin Seligman’s studies in psychology, modern culture has primed you to be at risk of developing depression. Seligman advocates for overcoming cultural pessimism and embracing optimism while keeping a balanced (realist) perspective. Read on to learn why culture and depression are so closely connected, according to Seligman.