Communicating With Bonobos Panbanisha (Nov 17, 1985-Nov 6, 2012) died recently from a cold at The Great Ape Trust. Her entire life was a linguistic experiment that taught us a great deal about the linguistic capabilities of apes, and also what separates our species from the great apes. Future research into the origins of language, … Continue reading Communicating With Bonobos
Author: Cadell Last
Hello. I'm probably drinking coffee and reading.
Rethinking Education
Rethinking Education The current educational structure is deeply flawed. In an ideal world every student would have a one-on-one tutor. However, for several reasons this is not a feasible teaching structure. But with the development of new computer technologies, it may be possible one day for everyone to have a one-on-one personalized computer tutor. This … Continue reading Rethinking Education
New Media Army
New Media Army The Young Turks and new media have changed political discourse in America over the past few years. Their emergence and success has challenged the status quo. Traditional media’s relentless divisiveness and misinformation campaigns should represent a tactic that cannot be effective in the age of new media. The madness that was the … Continue reading New Media Army
Shoulders of Giants
Shoulders of Giants Everyone is influenced by the accomplishments, thoughts and beliefs of the generations that preceded them. As Sir Isaac Newton stated “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants”. The following is a list of the top 10 modern scientists who have influenced my perceptions, ideas and … Continue reading Shoulders of Giants
Dear Universe, Sincerely Earth
Dear Universe, Sincerely Earth In 1977, NASA launched the Voyager Interstellar Mission (VIM). During the first stages of this mission the Voyager 1 and 2 were programmed to explore the gas giant planets in the outer solar system. Today they are still traveling away from Earth and are close to reaching interstellar space. They will … Continue reading Dear Universe, Sincerely Earth
An Evolutionary Success!
An Evolutionary Success! Evolutionary biologists have recently revealed a phylogenetic tree which depicts the evolutionary relatedness of all birds. Specifically it also reveals information about the tempo of bird evolution as well as the geographic locations of important diversification events. These findings have important relevance, not only to understand the natural history of life, but … Continue reading An Evolutionary Success!
The Science of Genius
The Science of Genius Genius is a label that has been used to describe people of high achievement and people who have been thought to be far smarter than average. However, understanding exactly how and why people label others genius is more complicated. Cadell Last and Ryan Burke discuss. Podcast: The Science of Genius on … Continue reading The Science of Genius
Exoplanets
Exoplanets A recent discovery in astronomy of an earth-sized planet 4.3 light years away may mark a threshold in the history of space exploration. If current trends in astronomy continue we may find an earth-sized planet in the habitable zone within the next few years. Cadell Last and Ryan Burke discuss. Podcast: Exoplanets on The … Continue reading Exoplanets
The Biggest Myth
The Biggest Myth Climate change skeptics frequently defend the idea that climate has always changed in the past and that recent increases in global temperature is part of a natural cycle. However, this line of reasoning does not hold up to scrutiny and in the face of big history is misleading at best. All research … Continue reading The Biggest Myth
Climate of Doubt
Climate of Doubt There is currently a tremendous misinformation campaign being waged against climate science and politicians that want to create policies to prevent climate change. Unfortunately this issue can’t be solved if we wait for a partisan divide to be resolved. We need action from the most powerful country on the planet now. Cadell … Continue reading Climate of Doubt