At the moment I am currently organizing the top science discoveries and achievements of 2012 for my site The Advanced Apes. While researching discoveries in health and technology, I couldn't help but marvel in the advancements in stem cell application (Academic Article). While doing this research I was able to put these developments in the context … Continue reading Building A Heart
Author: Cadell Last
Hello. I'm probably drinking coffee and reading.
A Two-Planet Species
A Two-Planet Species Two private companies have plans to colonize Mars this century: Mars-One and SpaceX. The colonization of Mars would be an important achievement for our species, and it is a necessary next step for our long-term safety. How realistic are these company’s plans? Will both be successful? What would this accomplishment mean for … Continue reading A Two-Planet Species
Chimpanzee Trafficking
Chimpanzee Trafficking Chimpanzee trafficking is a growing problem throughout the world. Wild chimpanzees are taken from their troops illegally and sold overseas to zoos, hotels, and medical facilities in Europe, Asia, and North America. Trafficking adds to the litany of problems chimpanzees already face, making it difficult to ensure their safety and survival in the … Continue reading Chimpanzee Trafficking
Singularity Failure
Singularity Failure I recently read an article by computer scientist Vernor Vinge titled “What If the Singularity Does NOT Happen.” I have become so accustomed to thinking about our future in the context of a technological singularity that a future without one seems strange. What would it mean for our species in the long-term? Full … Continue reading Singularity Failure
Writing for Scientific American
Hi everyone,I plan on using this blog as a personal outlet, as opposed to the writing I do for The Advanced Apes in The Ratchet, which is specifically focused on big history and evolutionary studies.Over the past few months I have been trying to improve my abilities as a science writer through my website. However, … Continue reading Writing for Scientific American
A Positive Spin on Global Warming
A Positive Spin on Global Warming Global Warming is a serious environmental problem. However, if we had left fossil fuels in the ground we would encounter an Ice Age 1,500 years from now that would make North America and Eurasia uninhabitable. Although, Global Warming poses many 21st century challenges, and we need to stop burning … Continue reading A Positive Spin on Global Warming
Super Volcanoes
Super Volcanoes Super Volcanoes are rare events that are 1,000x more powerful than a regular volcano. They may be the most formidable natural phenomenon our species could encounter. Is one likely to go off soon? Should we prepare globally for such an event? Cadell Last and Travis Steffens discuss. Podcast: Super Volcanoes on The Advanced Apes
Thinking About “The Long Now”
Thinking About "The Long Now" Does our society have a short attention span? The Long Now Foundation thinks so, but they are trying to change it. They have plans to construct The Clock of the Long Now, a clock designed to operate on a scale of 10,000 years. The Long Now Foundation hopes that this … Continue reading Thinking About “The Long Now”
Building The Genetic Bridge
Building The Genetic Bridge Scientists have discovered a gene that is unique to humans and plays a significant role in language and speech. This may be one of the first functional genes identified that makes us different from the great apes. However, we should expect to find other genes that play a critical role in … Continue reading Building The Genetic Bridge
What Is Happiness?
What Is Happiness? What is happiness? Academically, the concept of happiness has confused me for several years now. So over the past few months I have been familiarizing myself with the “happiness literature” to attempt to find out what scientists know about what makes us happy, and why. Full Article: What Is Happiness? on The … Continue reading What Is Happiness?