What Makes Us Human?
Source: Psychology Today
Psychologist Thomas Suddendorf argues the importance of identifying the similarities and differences between humans and other animals.
Science & Nature
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.
Family Farmers Fighting Climate Change
Source: Farm Aid
Climate change isn’t only about cars; find out what farmers are doing to help the planet.
Solar Wind’s Effect on Earth
Source: PBS
The sun obviously affects us everyday, bringing light and warmth from 93 million miles away. But it’s not as constant and helpful as it might appear. Learn about the cycles of storms on the sun and how they affect all aspects of life on earth.