Science Archives

The State of the Environment: Why Steven Pinker Is Optimistic

What’s the state of the environment? What’s the outlook for the future? Steven Pinker believes that the world is getting better. One of his measures of Enlightenment progress is the state of the environment. This assessment is perhaps the one that poses the greatest challenge and is the basis for the strongest pushback against his argument that things are getting better. Keep reading to learn why Pinker is optimistic about the environment.

Can AI Become Sentient & What Happens if It Does?

Can artificial intelligence (AI) become sentient? What would happen if AI becomes sentient? What are the dangers? According to the AI research community, the drive to create intelligent machines and use them in our daily lives could eventually lead to the creation of sentient AI. Some believe that if AI becomes sentient, society as a whole needs to address the issue of AI civil rights. Read on to learn if AI can become sentient and what the consequences would be for society.

The Anti-Technology Movement: Putting Their Concerns to Rest

Why are some people opposed to technology? Are fears about artificial intelligence and bioterrorism valid? Steven Pinker addresses some of the concerns of the anti-technology movement in his book Enlightenment Now. He says that it’s important to allay their fears because, not only are their fears unfounded, they stand in the way of progress. Keep reading to learn Pinker’s views on anti-technology.

The Great Mental Models Vol. 2: Physics, Chemistry, & Biology

Do you struggle to make changes in your life? Should you be a generalist or a specialist? What’s the benefit of understanding other people? The Great Mental Models Volume 2: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology shows how certain scientific principles can be applied personally, professionally, and socially. The authors Rhiannon Beaubien and Shane Parrish use models from these disciplines to understand things such as progress, competition, and relationships. Keep reading for an overview of this fascinating book.

Climate Change Mitigation Strategies, According to NASA

Why are climate change mitigation strategies important? What do scientists suggest we do to reduce global warming? Millions of people around the world will soon find their homes threatened by wildfires, floods, and drought as a result of climate change, according to scientific models. In the U.S. alone, we’re likely to see millions of people fleeing the South and Southwest to escape the deadly heat. Read on to learn how NASA says we can address these threats through climate change mitigation strategies.

How to Prepare for Climate Change as a Homeowner

How is climate change predicted to impact homeowners? How can you prepare for the potential threats? Scientists predict there will be millions of climate refugees over the next few decades. Whether or not your home is directly threatened by climate change, that could mean major changes for you, and preparing for the worst is better than hoping for the best. Keep reading to learn how to prepare for climate change as a homeowner, according to expert advice.

Common Misconceptions About Sex That Prevent Female Orgasm

What are some common misconceptions about sex? Why are men more susceptible to believe these? There are many traditional beliefs about sex that are based on male anatomy and rarely on female anatomy. Because of these beliefs, women often don’t experience the same pleasure men do during sex. Let’s look at the different male-centric sexual misconceptions and how they impact sex.

How Physics Teaches Us the Importance of Understanding Others

Why is eyewitness testimony so unreliable? Is it possible to use leverage to get what you want—without taking unfair advantage of others? In The Great Mental Models Volume 2, Rhiannon Beaubien and Shane Parrish draw on models from science to help you figure out yourself and the world around you. They show how the theory of relativity can help you understand somebody you disagree with, and they explain how you can use leverage to get what you want in life. Keep reading to learn the importance of understanding others in a way that benefits everyone.

Problems of Renewable Energy: Green Trash

What is one of the biggest problems of renewable energy? How could renewable energy actually be bad for the environment? Many believe using renewable energy is the future and the answer to environmental harm caused by human activities. In fact, the amount of trash generated by renewable technologies, particularly spent solar panels and discarded wind turbines, threatens to overwhelm landfills. Keep reading to learn how experts explain one of the worst problems of renewable energy: green trash.

We Are Stronger Together: Social Lessons From Science

What strengths do you have that you could be combined with the strengths of others to accomplish something great? How might you help yourself by helping others? Everything we do affects—and is affected—by other people. If you join forces with others, you’ll be capable of much greater things than you could achieve on your own. Two scientific models, alloying and cooperation, show you how to do just that. Keep reading to see how science shows us that we are stronger together.