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Charles Bennett fingerprints the universe
May 16, 2012FREE CONTENTWhen AAAS member Charles Bennett read about Nobel laureates' Arno Allan Penzias and Robert Wilson, two scientists who discovered cosmic microwave background radiation, he knew immediately that was the type of work he wanted to do. -
Why do animals experience suffering?
May 17, 2012FREE CONTENTSome theorize the major reason for having a large brain is to learn things about the way the environment works that evolution wouldn't have time to program, like learning to avoid junk food. But creatures with smaller brains use things like reflexes to avoid danger. -
The end is in sight for polio
May 16, 2012MEMBER EXCLUSIVEWhile at one time mothers lived in fear of their children contracting polio, in 2012 there have only been 48 cases reported so far. The polio vaccine, developed in the mid 1950s, has had an interesting history, and a future that will change as the disease is eradicated. -
Orangutans are engineers
May 16, 2012FREE CONTENTOrangutans create sturdy and elaborate nests in treetops each night to sleep. New research shows that intense forethought and intelligence go into these nests, including an understanding of how wood breaks and how to make the nests comfortable. -
Embracing mistakes
May 14, 2012MEMBER EXCLUSIVEAlbert Einstein once said “a person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.” He also said “the only thing that interferes with my learning is my education” raising questions about how our education system may punish mistakes that could lead to innovation.