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The newest essays, interviews, and features from Big Think.
Does assassinating top terrorists really make us safer? Robert Wright looks at research suggesting that "decapitation doesn’t lower the life expectancy of the decapitated groups."
Despite the fact that cilantro is happily consumed by millions of people around the world, it inspires "a primal revulsion among an outspoken minority of eaters" who say it tastes like soap.
"Hyenas … have been terribly misunderstood," writes Constance Casey. "The creatures may not be beautiful, but they don't deserve contempt."
Scientists now believe that the trace metal contaminants around ancient sun-like stars are "remnants of rocky, potentially water-bearing bodies that crashed into their mother stars."
A new study suggests that birds, bats, and lizards may play an important part in preserving the Earth's climate by eating insects that forage on plant life.
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Arthur Lerner-Lam has been through quakes, but never big ones. He wonders whether the “visceral feel” of a major shakeup should be a required part of every seismologist’s training.
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No, earthquakes aren’t caused by global warming. But popular confusion about them provides a rare opportunity for science to conduct meaningful conversations with the public.
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Both countries were struck by massive earthquakes, yet the scale of tragedy in Haiti was far worse. What happened in each case, and what lessons can be learned from the […]
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For both citizens and government, diligent preparations can make the difference between “ho-hum” and disaster.
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The chances of “The Big One” hitting California in the next few decades is near 100%. The only questions are—how big, and when?
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From Haiti to Chile, China to California, earthquakes have dominated recent news. Is this a pattern or a fluke? And where might the next one hit?
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How the “chaotic” process of plate tectonics works, and why scientists are getting better at predicting major shakeups.
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No more pens wiggling across a piece of paper when an earthquake hits. These days, scientists are using “4-D seismology” to create a dynamic record of our volatile planet.
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A conversation with the Columbia University seismologist.
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Massimo Vignelli recalls his days as a “groupie” hanging out with the greatest architects of the 20th century.
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Postmodernism was a passing fad, says the legendary designer. Modernism is “a discipline, not a style”—and is alive and well.
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When you live in the shadow of the Vatican, “ambiguity becomes very natural” in life and art.
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The celebrated designer discusses the history of typography, the popularity of the film “Helvetica,” and why there are only a dozen good fonts in the world.
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The creator of iconic subway maps, city signage, and corporate logos loves seeing his work everywhere. So does his “twin brother,” his ego.
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The legendary designer explains how to avoid fads, cheap tricks, and “vulgarities” of all kinds.