Science Archives

Are We Still Evolving? Yes—Perhaps Faster Than Ever

Are we still evolving as humans? Why did Stephen Hawking predict that human evolution will soon accelerate? Before he passed away, Stephen Hawking wrote that he believed humans were going to soon enter a new stage of evolution. Hawking believed that humans will move past the slow, Darwinian evolution phase and will speed up their evolution through genetic engineering. We may even become superhumans one day. Here’s what Hawking had to say about the future of evolution.

What Is the Most Important Sense? (Why It’s Vision)

Do you know what sense you use the most? Why is vision the most important sense? Dr. John Medina argues that vision is the most important human sense because it takes up half the brain to process visual information. Vision also dominates the other four senses because it shapes how you see the world. Here’s Medina’s explanation for what the most important sense is, and why it’s vision.

Colonize the Moon? Stephen Hawking’s Argument

Is it possible to colonize the moon? How could it be done? Famous theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking thinks that, not only can we colonize the moon, but that we should. Hawking said in his book Brief Answers to the Big Questions that humans are quickly outgrowing Earth, and they need to colonize outer space or they will go extinct. Here’s how moon colonization could work.

How Human Curiosity Aids in Childhood Development

Why are babies so curious? Do you think human curiosity has helped you learn and mature? Human curiosity, also known as epistemic curiosity, is about seeking and gaining knowledge. In his book, Brain Rules, Dr. John Medina explains human curiosity as the innate human desire that is with you since birth—it even imitates the steps in the scientific method. Here’s how human curiosity is developed through the early stages of life.

Stephen Hawking: Evolution Explained

How did humans come into existence on Earth? Why do monotheistic religions challenge Stephen Hawking’s evolution theory? In his book Brief Answers to the Big Questions, Stephen Hawking gives a brief overview of how humans got here. He begins his timeline in the present day and goes back to the singularity that created time. Here’s Stephen Hawking’s evolution timeline—and why many religions disagree with him.

Stephen Hawking: AI Might Become a Threat to Us

Why does Stephen Hawking consider artificial intelligence to be a form of life? How can humanity avoid a disaster like the one in I, Robot? According to Stephen Hawking, AI fulfills the two requirements to be considered living. Hawking warns that artificial intelligence may even become conscious one day, and if it does, it better be on the side of humanity rather than against it. Here’s more of what Hawking had to say about AI.

Are There Differences in Male and Female Brains? Yes

How to Build a Latticework of Mental Models

Do sex and gender affect the way we think? Is there evidence of differences in male and female brain structures? While most of the cognitive differences between male and female brains are shaped by social expectations, there are some differences that molecular biologist Dr. John Medina suspects have a profound impact on behavior. Medina posits that the male and female brains react differently to a number of situations. Here are the physical and psychological differences in male and female brains.

How Music Affects the Brain: The 4 Cognitive Benefits

How does music affect the brain? What are the benefits of music’s impact on the brain? In his book Brain Rules, Dr. John Medina theorizes that listening to music can affect your hormones, cognition, and mental health. Medina believes that music can go so far as to improve your social and language skills. Let’s take a detailed look at how music affects the brain.

How to Write About Science and Technology

Do you write about science and technology? How can you make your writing sound less robotic? When people write about science and technology, they tend to lack humanity, making the piece too boring and matter-of-fact. To make your technical writing more interesting, focus on humanity first and incorporate facts and statistics only if they add to the story. Here’s how to make your technical writing more interesting.