Why is our universe appear to be fine-tuned for the existence of complex life? Theoretical models are increasingly indicating that it could be because of Cosmic Natural Selection.
Should We Send Messages to Space?
Should we purposefully transmit messages to space? That is the question posed by a team of earth and space scientists due to an increasing number of independent groups sending purposefully directed high-intensity messages into the cosmos.
Read MoreThe Largest Living Systems
Are there evolutionary patterns related to the evolution of size? If so, how do we make sense of these patterns? And what are the largest living systems that have ever existed?
"Earth-like"
Recently discovered exoplanet Kepler-62e is the most "Earth-like" planet ever discovered. However, this discovery also forces us to reconsider what we mean by "Earth-like" and how we should think about exoplanets in the future.
We Are Not Aquatic Apes
The aquatic ape hypothesis is still supported by groups of anti-intellectuals. Professional anthropologists consider it pseudoscience because there is no evidence to support it. We are not, and never have been, aquatic apes.
Read MoreExtreme Evolution
The coelacanth is often referred to as a "living fossil". This is because many evolutionary scientists believe that it has not changed much in the past 300 million years. Is this possible? Does evolutionary change occur at variable time scales?
Read MoreRedefining The Singularity
The technological singularity is a concept that refers to a future period in time when superintelligence emerges through technological means. However, is this concept a useful representation of what we mean by singularity? Or should we redefine it?
Read MoreLife Before Earth?
A few days ago biologists Alexei Sharov and Richard Gordon published a paper that sent shock waves throughout the academic community. In their paper titled Life Before Earth they propose that life originated before the formation of our planet. How did they come to this conclusion? Is it possible?
Read MoreFrom Non-Life to Life: The Unity of Evolutionary Processes
The origin of life. If there is a more controversial (or complex) scientific problem I have yet to encounter it. Will we ever have a deep understanding of the transition from non-life to life?
Read MoreComplexity by Subtraction
A new evolutionary concept has been proposed that explain how complex structures evolves in nature: complexity by subtraction. Is this a useful concept to debunk pseudoscientific claims? Does this concept force us to change our understanding of evolutionary theory?
3D Printing Is Here
So far, 2013 has been the year of the 3D printer. How will the 3D printer change our world in the coming decades? Will the transition be as transformative as the internet revolution?
Read MoreIntelligent Life in the Milky Way
Astronomers now estimate that there are 100 billion Earth-like planets in the Milky Way. What implications does this estimate have on our search for intelligent life in our galaxy?
Read MoreNo Population Bomb
Scholars have predicted a “population bomb” for centuries. But contemporary researchers know that our population’s growth is slowing and is likely to continue to slow. When exactly? A recent study suggests our population will stabilize around 2050. What forces are driving this population transformation?
Read MoreOur Past (and Future) With Supervolcanoes
I recently interview paleoecologist Dr. Robert Dull to discuss his recent discovery that there was a volcanic eruption in 536 C.E. at Lake Illopango in El Salvador. How did this eruption impact the ancient world? And how can we use our knowledge of past supervolcanic eruptions to better understand their future threat to our species?
Read MoreRobot Sex Revolution
The robotics revolution is coming. This revolution will include intimate relationships between humans and robots. When should we expect this to happen? Sooner than you think.
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