Science Archives

The Myth of Multitasking: Why You Struggle to Focus

Do you often find yourself doing two or more things at once? Did you know that multitasking is actually a myth? Neuroscience proves that the brain cannot handle doing two tasks at once, hence why multitasking fails. While many people believe they have mastered handling many tasks at once, Dr. John Medina believes this is actually the myth of multitasking because you lose your focus when you redirect your attention. Here are a few reasons why multitasking is a myth, and how to stay focused.

The Science Behind Sleep and the Brain

Why are sleep and the brain often grouped together in science? Why is the brain most affected by sleep? In his book Brain Rules, Dr. John Medina emphasizes sleep as one of the main components of keeping the brain active and healthy. In Rule 3 of his guide to how brains truly work, he explains the importance of sleep and the brain’s reaction to it. Let’s look at how the brain can benefit from sleep, and the negative effects of lacking sleep.

Ways Exercise and the Brain Work Together

What are the ways exercise and the brain work together? Does the brain function better thanks to exercise? In his book Brain Rules, Dr. John Medina theorizes that exercise and the brain go hand-in-hand when striving to achieve greater health. Knowing how the brain benefits from exercise can help build a stronger mind and body to improve cognitive and physiological skills. Let’s look at why and how brains thrive from physical activity.

What Is Hawking Radiation? So Far, Just a Theory

What is Hawking radiation? Can black holes emit heat? Stephen Hawking published his theoretical prediction that radiation would be produced at the event horizon of a black hole in 1974, the same year he was elected a fellow of the Royal Society. “Hawking radiation” was named after him, since it was regarded as his theoretical discovery. Continue reading to learn about this theory.

How the Universe Began: Evidence for the Big Bang

How did the universe begin? What’s the evidence for the big bang? In the twentieth century, new scientific discoveries challenged the theory that the universe had always existed. Based on these discoveries, the “big bang” theory ultimately replaced the old model. In A Brief History of Time, physicist Stephen Hawking discusses the theory, the evidence for it, and its philosophical and theological implications. Keep reading for Hawking’s discussion of how the universe began.

Black Hole Thermodynamics & the Question of Entropy

Are black holes consistent with the second law of thermodynamics? Do they have entropy? For a time, scientists thought black holes had no entropy because they didn’t emit radiation. However, Stephen Hawking realized that, if black holes emit Hawking radiation, then they have a measurable temperature, and so their entropy can also be measured. Read more to learn about black hole thermodynamics.

Einstein’s Theory of Time—Explained by Hawking

What’s Einstein’s theory of time? What’s the difference between special relativity and general relativity? Einstein’s theory of time encompasses his theories of special relativity and general relativity. In A Brief History of Time, physicist Stephen Hawking aims to explain this to a general audience. He discusses why time is relative as well as the implications of this relativity. Keep reading for Hawking’s insights.

What Causes a Black Hole? Hawking Explains

What causes a black hole? How do we know black holes actually exist? In his book A Brief History of Time, Stephen Hawking discusses black holes—what they are, what causes them, and whether they actually exist. He also explores the possibility that primordial black holes exist, suggesting that black holes might have more than one cause. Read on to learn about black holes.

Easily Distracted: Why It’s So Difficult to Focus

Do you get easily distracted? Do you know why your brain finds it hard to focus? Hyperfocus involves single-tasking for a prolonged period of time. Distractions, which Bailey defines as anything that diverts our attention from our original purpose, thwart our ability to hyperfocus. Therefore, limiting distractions is a critical part of hyperfocus. We’ll discuss just how bad we are at avoiding distractions and why.

Stephen Hawking on the Relativity of Space and Motion

Is space relative or absolute? What about motion? How are space and motion related to each other? In A Brief History of Time, physicist Stephen Hawking shares his insights on some of the major scientific discoveries of the twentieth century that deepened our knowledge of the universe. These insights include Hawking’s explanation of the relative nature of space and motion. He provides his analysis of ancient and modern theories. Continue reading to learn about Hawking’s insights on the relativity of space and motion.