Who’s Not Telling the Whole Truth About Climate Change?

Who’s Not Telling the Whole Truth About Climate Change?

Whom can we trust to report climate science accurately? Why would anyone twist the facts? Steven E. Koonin argues that climate science is frequently misconstrued, and he attempts to diagnose the root of this problem. He accuses various parties of distorting climate science and explains some of the biases and motivations that appear to be behind the misrepresentations. Continue reading to learn who’s not telling the whole truth about climate change—and why.

What’s the Difference Between Placebo and Nocebo?

What’s the Difference Between Placebo and Nocebo?

What is the difference between placebo and nocebo? To what extent do a patient’s beliefs about medical treatment influence its outcome? Placebo is the healing effect conferred by a fake medical treatment. Nocebo, on the other hand, is the opposite of placebo—whereby the negative beliefs about a medical treatment produce ill health effects. Here’s a look at the psychology behind placebo and nocebo.

What’s the Impact of Waste on the Environment?

What’s the Impact of Waste on the Environment?

Does plastic ever degrade? Have we taken care of the CFC problem? What’s the worst byproduct of modern living? Garbage leaves a mark on our planet. That’s because much of our modern garbage never leaves the planet. In The World Without Us, science journalist Alan Weisman addresses the problem head-on. He explores the impact of waste on the environment and identifies the major culprits we need to tackle. Read more to learn what Weisman discovered in his investigation.

Reliance on Fossil Fuels—Why Carbon Neutrality Is Pie in the Sky

Reliance on Fossil Fuels—Why Carbon Neutrality Is Pie in the Sky

Is carbon neutrality a realistic goal? What would it take to get there? As we look for solutions to climate change, the elimination of carbon emissions seems to be near the top of everyone’s list. However, this is not a practical solution, at least for now. That’s the view of former energy industry scientist Steven E. Koonin. Read on to learn why Koonin believes we must accept the reality of our reliance on fossil fuels.

The Origin of Human Language: An Evolved Trait?

The Origin of Human Language: An Evolved Trait?

When and how did human language begin? Why did language develop in the first place? In The Language Instinct, experimental psychologist Steven Pinker argues that language is an innate, biological ability in humans—not just an element of human culture that gets passed from person to person. He discusses the theorized origin of human language—the when, the how, and the why. Read more to learn about the possibilities of this fascinating subject.

How Do Human Activities Affect the Environment?

How Do Human Activities Affect the Environment?

How do human activities affect the environment? Which is more harmful—farms or cities? What’s the Great Pacific Garbage Patch? The human race has left a mark on our planet, sometimes through carelessness and sometimes by design. In The World Without Us, science journalist Alan Weisman outlines several ways that humanity impacts the environment: agriculture, cities, power, waste, and pollution. Keep reading to learn about the human ecological footprint.

What Is a Dopamine Detox and How Can It Help You?

What Is a Dopamine Detox and How Can It Help You?

Are you addicted to social media or your phone? What is a dopamine detox? Social media, television, and video games are all fun to have, but too much of them can steer us away from what’s important. Thibaut Meurisse’s book Dopamine Detox warns us that if we don’t get our dopamine levels under control, we’ll never get meaningful work done. Continue reading to get an idea of the dopamine detox and how it can help you.

Steven Koonin: Climate Science Needs a Serious Overhaul

Steven Koonin: Climate Science Needs a Serious Overhaul

Is the state of climate science worse than the state of the climate itself? How could it be made more useful? According to Steven Koonin, climate science is in big trouble. He argues that climate science is frequently misconstrued, and he attempts to diagnose the root of this problem and propose a remedy. Continue reading to learn Koonin’s suggestions for repairing climate science.

Is Language Innate? Steven Pinker on the Innatist Theory

Is Language Innate? Steven Pinker on the Innatist Theory

Is language innate, or do we learn it from our environment? Is grammar universal? What clues do certain medical conditions give us? Steven Pinker argues in favor of the innatist theory, arguing that language is an innate, biological ability in humans. He contends that, just like the chameleon’s ability to camouflage itself or the falcon’s high-speed flight, the ability to produce and interpret complex language is an evolved human superpower. Read more to learn why Pinker believes that language is not just an element of human culture that gets passed from person to person.