Experiences or stuff, what’s the best buy for a happiness boost?
Ah, the joys of (social) science. You’ve been saying something for years, as publicly as possible, and then new research comes along that suggests you might have been wrong all along. A few years back, I gave up a stable job and bet the proverbial farm on writing a book about what I believe is Read More...
The neuroscience of inequality: does poverty show up in children's brains?
With its bright colors, anthropomorphic animal motif and nautical-themed puzzle play mat, Dr Kimberly Noble’s laboratory at Columbia University in New York looks like your typical day-care centre – save for the team of cognitive neuroscientists observing kids from behind a large two-way Read More...
Are you ready to consider that capitalism is the real problem?
Eight men in the world currently control as much wealth as the poorer half of the world’s population. Does that seem like a fair system to you? Take a look at this opinion piece that might make you reconsider whether capitalism is the system that’s best suited to build our future Read More...
Coca-Cola to start producing bottles made of 50 percent recycled plastic
Coca-Cola, the world’s biggest drinks brand, has announced it will increase the amount of recycled plastic in its bottles to 50 percent, up 10 percent from its previous goal. The company described the proposal as ambitious, but environmentalists said they did not go far enough, pointing towards Read More...
Study: Having a sense of purpose may improve your sleep quality
Sleep quality has been linked with everything from diet and exercise to electronic screen use, and now a new study suggests that something a little less tangible may play a role: A sense of purpose. The finding could be especially important for older adults, the researchers say, since insomnia and Read More...
The developing world is turning its poop problem into a resource
In developing countries, human waste is often left out in the open or funneled into the ocean, where it contaminates the water supply—leading to thousands of deaths each year due to gastrointestinal diseases. That’s beginning to change after an alliance of companies like Unilever and nonprofits Read More...
Instead of supplements, eat these 30 foods
While supplements can be hugely helpful if you’re sick or trying to treat a specific medical condition, if you’re healthy, you don’t necessarily need them. Many of the nutrients found in supplements are readily available in food. Skip the supplements and try these 30 foods to eat Read More...
These ancient societies know the secrets of infinite growth on our finite planet
Once upon a time, there were three scientists––a biologist, an engineer, and a chemist. Each of them loved the ocean and liked nothing better than to walk its shores and study its inhabitants. They were curious and observant, and by watching how nature really works, with an open-mind, Read More...
Swiss ‘Crypto Valley’ is leading the way for digital currency startups
In Zug, a tiny Swiss town 20 miles south of Zürich with million-dollar Alpine views, a small machine is doing big things. One of the 10 bitcoin ATMs installed across Switzerland by Zug-based Bitcoin Suisse, the machine accepts Swiss francs and euros in exchange for a slip of paper with a code Read More...
The slow lane: Dutch app allows elderly to 'hack' traffic lights
The distance from Noud Rommen’s front door to the local shops is just 100 yards, but to get there, the 71-year-old with mobility problems must negotiate a six-lane dual carriageway with a notoriously short pedestrian crossing time. “If I stick to the rules I can only get to the island Read More...