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Science
Science is the key that unlocks the mysteries of our past, present, and future. So, dive into our science section and discover something cool today!
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Jeff Stibel
Why the internet won’t last forever.
It’s easy to assume the internet will always be around, but Jeff Stibel applies his expertise in understanding networks to prove that that isn’t the case. By drawing parallels between the brain and the internet, Stibel demonstrates that the two have more in common than we think and that it may be possible to link the commonalities between virtual and neurological networks to create a better system.
9 minutes
Annaka Harris
A Brief Guide to the Fundamental Mystery of the Mind.
What is consciousness? Generally, you likely think of consciousness as what it means to be human. It is only human nature, however, to take the experience of being in the world for granted. After all, why would any collection of matter in the universe be conscious? How are we even able to think about consciousness? Even more so, why should we? Throughout Consciousness, author Annaka Harris will guide you through what consciousness is, where it came from, and whether or not being conscious is a key element in human behavior. As we continue to understand more about consciousness, the harder it becomes to define, and in the age of artificial intelligence, it becomes even harder to determine who or what might possess it. As you read, you’ll learn how plants and trees are more complex than we might think, what we can learn from LSD, and what split-brain patients can teach us about consciousness.
11 minutes
Carl Sagan
Unlock the mysteries of the universe.
Have you ever paused for a moment to ponder the complexities of the universe? Or wondered what it would be like to understand what’s really going on up there? Carl Sagan’s revolutionary expose of the cosmos seeks to answer those questions and more. By unpacking the concepts which characterize our understanding of the universe and our place in it, Sagan takes you on an unparalleled intergalactic journey.
9 minutes
James Gleick
Richard Feynman might not be a household name, but he’s still a name you need to know! Genius (2011) explores Feynman’s life and contributions to the field of theoretical physics.
When you think of the word “genius,” whose name comes to mind? Most people think of Albert Einstein — and with good reason. There’s no doubt about it: Einstein’s inventions and discoveries forever changed the future of science. However, as a result of his notoriety, Einstein has eclipsed some other notable scientists, all but erasing them from our memory. And that’s why Genius was written. James Gleick writes to connect us with the story of Richard Feynman, a theoretical physicist whose own contributions paved the way for the future of modern science. Over the course of this summary, we’ll explore his life and discoveries and what we can learn from them.
14 minutes
Jamie Metzl
How technology can help us to hack our genetic makeup.
We tend to think of genetics as something fixed and unchangeable; we’re born with a certain genetic code and that’s just how it is. But genetic engineering aims to change all that. In fact, Jamie Metzl posits that the fusion of genetics and technology can help us arrive at a form of evolution that transcends Darwinian theory. Hacking Darwin (2019) is our roadmap to unlocking the genetic revolution and hacking the code which confines us.
16 minutes
Darrell Huff
Learn to Identify How Companies Use Statistics to Deceive and Manipulate the Public
Today our news is bombarded with statistical information. We are given averages, percentages, and more, and are simply expected to trust these numbers without question. H.G. Wells understood the importance of understanding this information by stating, “Statistical thinking will one day be as necessary for efficient citizenship as the ability to read and write.” Unfortunately, many in society don’t have a strong sense of statistical thinking, and writers take advantage of this by using the necessary vocabulary and numbers to dupe their readers. At first glance, numbers seem credible and trustworthy, but if you take a deeper look, you might find that there is more than meets the eye. Throughout How to Lie With Statistics, Darrell Huff shares the tricks writers use in statistics to their advantage. As you read, you’ll learn when it is statistically safest to drive, how to create the best sample in a study, and why counting all the beans is simply too hard.
13 minutes
Ian Stewart
Learn how math and physics equations have impacted society.
Would you believe that math can save the world? It might sound a little crazy, but In Pursuit of the Unknown (2012) explores math and physics equations that literally make the world go round.
14 minutes
Loretta Graziano Breuning
Learn about the science of happiness.
Happiness might be a feeling, but have you ever thought about what causes it? This accessible expose, pioneered by author and physician Loretta Graziano Breuning, unpacks the science of happiness and the chemicals which bring us joy. Follow along with Breuning’s research as she unpacks the four major “happy chemicals”: dopamine, endorphin, oxytocin, and serotonin.
9 minutes
Julie Holland
If you’ve ever wanted a roadmap to the inner workings of the female brain, Moody Bitches (2015) is your new travel guide!
Documented with wit and wisdom by Dr. Julie Holland, Moody Bitches is an in-depth examination of the hormonal fluctuations and biological processes which make women unique and wonderful. By exploring such topics as your menstrual cycle’s impact on your mental health and the reason sex is vital for a healthy life, Holland demonstrates why a nuanced understanding of the female body and its hormones is crucial for the development of every woman’s health and relationships.
11 minutes
Ben Moore
Learn about the past, present, and future discoveries about the earth’s Moon.
Beginning with the space race between the USSR and the USA, humans all over the world have been captivated by the Moon. As Armstrong took his first steps on the surface, people watched in awe as they wondered about the possibilities that would come afterward. And once the Apollo mission returned to Earth, scientists quickly researched all they could about Earth’s neighboring celestial object. The world waited in anticipation for the findings of their research. Those findings have largely shaped what we know about the Moon today; however, now it seems as if the research and interest have come to a standstill. Do people still get excited about the Moon? While you may think that we’ve simply moved past this phase in history, lunar exploration is only just beginning. Today, private companies and space agencies all over the world are returning their focus to the Moon. So what does the future have in store? Will you and your family be taking vacations to the Moon in the future? Will people be living there someday? As the scientific community begins to research more about the future of the Moon, it’s the perfect time to spark your interest in the Moon again. As you read, you’ll learn about the space race between the USA and the USSR, what it was like for Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to walk on the Moon, and whether or not a holiday to the Moon is in your near future.
13 minutes
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