Science & Nature

What Makes Us Human?

Source: Psychology Today

Psychologist Thomas Suddendorf argues the importance of identifying the similarities and differences between humans and other animals.

Altering a robot’s gender and social roles may be a screen change away

Source: Science Daily

Researchers at Penn State have found that most participants in a study identified robots as male when they were presented with no gender cues, but simple alterations on the robots’ screens could strengthen anthropomorphic personalities that humans tend to give computers.

Science says parents of successful kids have these 13 things in common

Source: Business Insider

This article outlines 13 things psychologists say indicate the future success of children.

Why teenagers take risks

Source: BBC

In this podcast Sarah-Jayne Blakemore, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, puts forward some scientific reasons about why teenagers take risks.

How Smart Are Planet’s Apes? 7 Intelligence Milestones

Source: National Geographic

In response to movies about supersmart apes, National Geographic compiled this slideshow about how smart apes really are.

Platforms: Submersibles

Source: Ocean Explorer

Exploring the deep sea poses many challenges for scientists. Read this article to learn about the submersible technology scientists use to study deep-water ecosystems. Click on the links to find out more about each type of submersible.

The ‘Canali’ and the First Martians

Source: NASA

In 1894, Percival Lowell looked through his telescope and believed he saw canals on Mars. He thought they were proof of intelligent life on that planet. But were they really canals? Read about what Lowell actually saw and the effect of his theory on people’s imaginations.

‘Nature Is a Powerful Teacher’: The Educational Value of Going Outside

Source: The Atlantic

In Boston’s schools, an initiative is creating outdoor spaces for learning and having great success. Students and teachers are finding that these outdoor classrooms are improving education.