Scientists at Stanford University have discovered a region in the brain that consistently predicts risk-taking behavior.
Category Archives: Taking Risks
Climber on the thrill and dangers of Mt. Everest
In this video, mountain climber Alan Arnette describes some of the risks of climbing Mt. Everest and compares it to other dangerous summits around the world.
The risk and reward of sport
Columnist Timothy Boyle contemplates the risks of playing sports, even in the face of increasing awareness of their danger.
Once a Risk-Taker, Always a Risk-Taker
A recent study found that though the willingness to take recreational risks declines with age, the willingness to take social risks stays the same, which may leave elderly people open to fraud.
The Overprotected Kid
In this article, the author explores the history of a culture that’s become risk-averse about children’s playing habits.
Risk-takers are smarter, according to a new study
Researchers in Finland have found that high-risk-taking participants in a study displayed more white matter, which contains the brain’s neural superhighways. The experiment involved measuring the participants’ brain activity while they played a driving video game.
Why Success Makes Us Risk Averse
Psychologist Ruth Blatt uses music as an example to explain how achieving success can often lead to risk aversion.
Wild Things Next Door: Dangers of Exotic Pets
This news clip gives an overview of the dangers of keeping exotic animals as pets.
What makes space travel so dangerous?
Read about the risks astronauts face when exploring space.
Food: How Altered?
Learn more about genetically-engineered food in this article of frequently asked questions.
Why Do People Take Risks?
According to psychologist Andreas Wilke, people most often take risks within their “domain of daring.”
The Don’s Don: J.R.R. Tolkien’s Beowulf translation finally arrives.
Katy Waldman, a correspondant for Slate, reviews J.R.R. Tolkien’s translation of Beowulf, published in 2014.
World War II in a New ‘Light’: Empathy Found in Surprising Places
Author Anthony Doerr discusses his new award-winning book, All the Light We Cannot See.
Richard Branson on Taking Risks
Entrepreneur Richard Branson explains how he has improved his businesses through competition and record-setting pursuits, including an attempt to fly around the world in a balloon.
With the Thrills Come Extreme Risks
With the growing popularity of extreme sports comes an increasing number of deaths and injuries. Doctors recommend training properly and wearing protective gear as more studies are conducted into the risks involved.
The Greatest Risks They Ever Took
Successful people often must take risks to achieve their goals. Explore what these 34 people consider to have been their greatest risks on the road to success.
Beowulf—an epic game for the whole family
The game company that created a board game based on Moby Dick is now hoping to manufacture a new game based on Beowulf. Read this blog entry and decide if you would like to play.
28 Years Ago, Challenger Shuttle Disaster Gave NASA Painful Lesson
In this opinion piece, Hugh Harris, former director of the NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center Public Affairs Office, shares his experiences and thoughts on the United States Space Program.
Things Every Courageous Leader Knows
One of the key factors in becoming a leader is the ability to take risks. Check out this list of attributes that define a courageous leader.
Eliza Griswold on the Importance of Taking Risks
A young writer explains how she left a comfortable job to become a freelance journalist who would fly into hotspots on a moment’s notice.