The Planck satellite measures the polarization of light, inferring our galaxy’s magnetic field. The result is spectacular art. “It is true that we are made of dust. And the world […]

Coming together after a tragedy is equally tribal as causing the tragedy in the first place.

Most of you know that we run a Patreon campaign for Starts With A Bang, enabling us to bring you the best content in the Universe, ad-free, here on Medium. […]

Wanting to believe in the impossible can be far worse than keeping an open mind. “No man is so foolish but he may sometimes give another good counsel, and no man […]

We naturally respond disproportionately to events that frighten us, but to do so is playing into the hands of the terrorists.

Is religion the problem? Sometimes. Is religion the solution? Sometimes. The real problem begins when you emphatically respond "yes" to either of these questions.

Most of us are reasonable, thoughtful people. Why can't we stop texting, emailing, and posting status updates while driving?

A new study shows that mindfulness meditation can reduce our physical and emotional pain. But what is mindfulness and how do we practice it?

Because our state of existence is "limited time only," it's vital to seek out meaningful activities to make the most of what little time we have. That's why it's important to place your brain's focus on determining what's meaningful to you.

There’s a big, big difference between a “scientific” theory and all other types. It should make you more confident, not less. One of the most important things any expert hoping to […]

The big story that probably most shapes our times is too simple. We can't afford to go on ignoring its plot holes and more complex dark side. 

A new French agreement hopes to curb the global waste food by encouraging supermarkets to act generously.

What exactly was its crime?

It's a brave new world.

Three passages that will pay dividends when parsed carefully by a patient reader.

Why are we ready to hold big corporations legally liable for lying, but not all the other advocates whose manipulation of the truth does society real harm!?

Can pornography be art? No, argues Alva Noë, because porn is an instrument with a certain function in mind (sexual arousal) and works of art are not instruments.

Often the best art emerges from situations of strife because art, in and of itself, is about trying to make sense of the hazy meanings surrounding events.

Mars used to be a warm, wet world, filled with oceans, rivers, and maybe even life. Here’s what happened. “Studying whether there’s life on Mars or studying how the universe […]

If all goes well it could become the biggest chain in America to switch to a no-tipping policy.