Science Archives

The Paradox Jobs Pose to Flow: Why We Prefer Leisure

What do jobs pose a paradox to flow? How can we enter a flow state doing work that we don’t enjoy? In his book Flow, Csikszentmihalyi performed a study to determine whether we entered the flow state more at work or during leisure time. As it turns out, participants enjoyed their leisure time more even though they entered the flow state more often at work. This is the paradox jobs pose. Continue below to learn more about Csikszentmihalyi’s findings.

String Theory, Explained: Beyond Four Dimensions

What is string theory? What conundrum does string theory attempt to resolve? In physics, string theory states that the fundamental building blocks of the universe are one-dimensional strings as opposed to point-like particles. String theory attempts to solve one of the toughest stumbling blocks of physics—that is the difficulty of uniting the uncertainty principle with the predictions of general relativity. Keep reading to learn about string theory, explained in simple terms.

Absolute Time: Newton’s Oversight

What is absolute time? How does the location of the observer affect the speed of time? Originally coined by Isaac Newton, the concept of absolute time refers to the idea that time flows without regard for anything external, progressing at a consistent speed throughout the universe. As it turned out, Newton was wrong. Albert Einstein established that time is relative, that is, it moves at different speeds for different observers. Keep reading to understand why time is not absolute, but relative.

Mental Flow: The Mind and the Optimal Experience

What is mental flow? How can you reach a flow state of mind by thinking? There are a multitude of ways you can enter a flow state but one method that’s usually overlooked is through science. It’s possible to enter a mental flow by thinking or manipulating concepts in your mind. Here’s how you can enter a mental flow through science.

Black Hole Entropy: Stephen Hawking’s Discovery

What’s entropy like inside a black hole? And how do we know that black holes have entropy in the first place? Jacob Bekenstein suggested that the area of a black hole was itself a measurement of its entropy. But if black holes had entropy, they would have to emit radiation (which was thought impossible at the time). In 1973, Stephen Hawking ran calculations that showed that black holes would indeed create and emit particles. Keep reading to learn more about black hole entropy.

The Iatrogenic Effect Is Proof of Fragile Systems

What is an iatrogenic effect? Is this the result of fragile systems? An iatrogenic effect is when harm is caused as a result of a medical treatment or intervention. Sometimes, harm is caused because of the fragile medical system, and humans’ intense need to do something in the face of suffering. Read more about the iatrogenic effect and how human intervention can cause fragility.

Singularity Explained: Decoding the Origin of Origins

What is a singularity? How do singularities form? A singularity is a point in space-time where density, gravity, and space-time curvature are infinite. A black hole singularity is formed when a massive star depletes its reserves of nuclear fuel and starts to contract, eventually collapsing into an infinitely small point of infinite gravity and density. Learn about the concept of singularity, explained in simple terms.

Why Do We Get Attached to Someone? Love Explained

Why do we get attached to someone romantically? What roles do evolution and biology play in attachment? Human attachment is an inescapable fact of biology. In prehistoric times, pairs of humans had a better chance of survival than any solo human, so genetic selection favored people who “attached.” Keep reading to learn more about why we get attached to other people.

Childhood Attachment: Does It Affect You as an Adult?

Do your experiences with childhood attachment affect your attachment style as an adult? What other factors contribute to your adult attachment style? Psychologists used to believe that your adult attachment style was a direct reflection of your childhood attachment to your parents. However, studies now show that childhood attachment is only one piece of the puzzle. Keep reading to learn why your childhood attachment style doesn’t always follow you to adulthood.

The Psychology of Birth Order and Personality

Does birth order affect the psychological make-up of a child? What are some ways firstborn children differ from lastborn? Birth order has a very strong effect on a child’s psychology. Firstborns tend to be more dominant and conscientious, while lastborns— more unconventional and rebellious. Keep reading to learn about birth order psychology.