Hurricane Harvey shows benefits, risks of turning to social media in disaster
Source: WJLA
Social media has become a useful tool when seeking and disseminating information during a national disaster, but there are a few risks to keep in mind.
Technology
Billionaire Philanthropists Are Shaping a New Gilded Age
Source: Knowledge@Wharton
Is the solution to economic inequality for billionaires to give it back? Author David Callahan talks to the University of Pennyslvania’s Knowledge@Wharton podcast host about his new book, The Givers: Wealth, Power, and Philanthropy in a New Gilded Age, in which he wites about this topic.
Course explores new field at intersection of genomics and society
Source: University of Wisconsin-Madison
As sequencing one’s genes becomes more common, the field of social genomics is growing.
We have always been modern, and it has often scared us
Source: The Guardian
Fears about the negative effects of technology are nothing new. Look back through history at how people responded to technological change.
Tech firms protest proposed changes to U.S. net neutrality rules
Source: Reuters
Tech companies such as Facebook and Google are urging customers to oppose changes to net neutrality rules. Read more about the issue in this article.
Total Failure: The World’s Worst Video Game
Source: NPR
Read how former video game designer Howard Scott Warshaw turned failure into a career in which he helps others going through the same thing. Read or listen to the other articles in the “Total Failure” series for more stories of lessons learned.
A Desk That Can Take a Ton of Earthquake Rubble
Source: NPR
Good design isn’t just nice to look at; it can also save lives. Read about a school desk designed for disaster.
How does the way food looks or its smell influence taste?
Source: Scientific American
What goes on in our brains before we ever put a piece of food in our mouths? Our senses of smell, sight and touch contribute a lot to how we perceive the taste of food.
Cold-water coral reef found in Irish waters is deepest yet
Source: The Irish Times
Scientists gathering data recently came upon the deepest-known cold water coral reef. It is located in Irish waters, specifically in the Atlantic Ocean. With this discovery comes the surprise and excitement of finding new species.
Devices That Know How We Really Feel
Source: The New York Times
Can you imagine a video game that can tell if you are happy or frustrated? Computers, smartphones, even cars may someday be able to identify our emotions and adjust accordingly.