Elizabeth Fernandez

Writing on science and society, the nature of the universe, and what it means to be human.

Elizabeth Fernandez, Science Writer

Elizabeth Fernandez is an award-winning science writer who writes on the interface between science and society and the hard sciences. You can see her writing in Nautilus, Big Think, Physics Magazine, Sky & Telescope, the MIT Technology Review, Symmetry Magazine, Space.com, Forbes.com, Freethink, and BioLogos. She also has a PhD in astrophysics, hosted and produced six seasons (100 episodes) of  SparkDialog Podcasts, a podcast on science and society, and has a passion for interfaith relations, working with people from many countries and backgrounds promoting dialog between faiths.  

She can be contacted at Elizabeth (AT) SparkDialog (dot) com.

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Elizabeth Fernandez

The Latest Articles by Elizabeth Fernandez

The Bizarre Shape of our Universe

What is the shape of our Universe? What does such a question even mean? In my first YouTube script I wrote for the channel Up and Atom, I explore these questions.

Satellite images capture Hurricane Milton intensifying into Category 5 storm

I covered breaking news of Hurricane Milton for space.com, where I reviewed satellite imagery, its pinhole eye, and why was such a dangerous storm.

A Time Standard for the Moon—Thanks to General Relativity

As part of an effort to establish a lunar time standard, researchers have used relativity to calculate time differences between Earth and the Moon. I discuss in Physics Magazine.

Authentic Faith in Medicine: A Call and Response

For BioLogos, I discuss physician Julia Wattacheril, and how she found a way to be authentic in her work with patients, her life, and her faith.

Learn about Space with these awesome NASA education videos

In a series of articles for space.com, I describe some awesome experiments you can do with your kids to stave away boredom and learn about space at the same time - from making moon craters to learning the anatomy of a comet through art!

How Big can stars be?

Can stars get arbitrarily large, or is there some sort of fundamental limit? Can they be a thousand times the size of our sun? A million? I explore this question in this article in Sky and Telescope Magazine.

What is quantum gravity?

We still don't understand all of physics. Namely, our two pillars of physics, the Standard Model in quantum physics and general relativity, don't play well. Quantum gravity may be the answer, but what is it? Another reference piece for space.com.

What are blazars?

In this reference piece for space.com, I talk about these cosmic powerhouses, which are some of the most luminous and energetic objects in the universe. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/GSFC

Life Lessons from Hell-House Venus

Venus might have been a temperate oasis with oceans and seasonable temperatures. What changed? In Nautilus, I discuss some ideas on why Venus is the hell-house it currently is and how we can use this knowledge in our quest to find life elsewhere.

Lego bricks are making science more accessible

Scientists use the iconic colorful bricks to build everything from bioprinters to microscopes—increasing the accessibility of science in the process. I discuss how four teams around the world are using Legos in the lab.

Gravitational-Wave Memory May Illustrate Spacetime Symmetries

Ripples in space-time, gravitational waves, may leave a permanent imprint of their passage. I discuss what we can learn about their signature in Physics Magazine.

How to Charge Up a Sliding Water Drop

In Physics Magazine, I discuss how moving water drops can become electrically charged, and the implications, from self-cleaning surfaces to semiconductor manufacturing.

Some White Dwarfs Might be Older than Previously Thought

White dwarfs were always assumed to be dead stars, slowly cooling by radiating away their remaining heat. But new research shows that an unusual process may heat up these stars once more. I discuss in Physics Magazine.

Will the constellations ever change?

The sky will not always be the same. On space.com, I discuss what changes the constellations, and how long it will take our sky to look dramatically different.

Dark Energy- A Brief History

25 years ago, the scientific community discovered that a mysterious force, dubbed dark energy, was pushing the Universe apart. In this article, which first appeared in the February 2024 issue of Sky & Telescope, I discuss the history of this dramatic finding.

Life beyond Earth may form in the coldest depths of space, Ryugu asteroid samples reveal

On space.com, I talk about findings from asteroid Ryugu: PAHs may be able to form in cold regions of space, affecting what scientists think about the origins of planets and possibility of alien life.

Watch the 'Christmas Tree Cluster' twinkle in X-rays

On space.com, I discuss what we can learn about young, drama-loving stars from the Christmas Tree cluster (and also why it's oh so pretty).

Historic magnetic storms help scientists learn what to expect when one hits

It's been a long time since Earth has been hit by a truly massive magnetic storm. On space.com, I discuss how we can turn to historic storms to understand how these events can affect us, from the power grid to satellite communications.

Four Night Sky Christmas Meditations

If you are willing to step outside on a December evening, there's plenty in the sky to draw your wonder. On BioLogos, I discuss ways to meditate on four celestial events this month.

Data science helps cross-check space discoveries 'across time and telescopes'

We are living in the age of information, and this sentiment also pertains to astronomy. How can astronomers know that they are looking at the same object, even from different surveys or wavelengths? I discuss on Space.com.

Watch this Jupiter moon lander handle harsh terrain it may face on Europa

On space.com, I discuss how engineers and scientists are testing a lander to touch down on the surface of Europa, which uses a combination of sky crane and insect-like legs.

Iceland earthquakes hint at a new era of increased volcanic activity

Iceland has seen a plethora of earthquakes in the past few weeks. Does this mean an eruption is imminent, or even that Iceland may be ushering in a new era of volcanic activity? I discuss on Big Think.

Wonder what it's like to fall into Uranus? These scientists do, too

We've landed on, crashed into, or descended into the atmosphere of all the planets in our solar system minus two, Uranus and Neptune. These scientists test what it would be like to land on these icy giants. On space.com.

NASA's SPHEREx mission aims to map 450 million galaxies and 100 million stars

An amazing new NASA mission is under construction - SPHEREx - which will map hundreds of millions of stars and galaxies in unprecedented detail. I discuss on Space.com.

Celebrating Dark Matter Day in Latin America

Did you know that when some cultures celebrate Halloween, people around the world celebrate something even more mysterious - dark matter! This article in Symmetry Magazine is all about Dark Matter Day from Mexico to Brazil to Argentina.

A Letter to My Kids about the Universe, Faith and Science

Discussing science and religion is difficult - especially with children. But it can be enriching and beneficial to engage in these conversations from a young age. I discuss some my thoughts on BioLogos.

How rocks and minerals play with light to produce breathtaking colors

Rocks and minerals don’t simply reflect light. In fact, understanding why rocks are the colors they are gives us a fantastic demonstration in physics. I discuss on Big Think.

Quantum biology: Your nose and house plant are experts at particle physics

On the Big Think, I discuss one of sciences' newest fields - quantum biology - and how entanglement, tunneling, and other feats of quantum physics occur everyday within living things.

Could you stand on the surface of Jupiter? Exploring the enigmatic outer planets

On the Big Think, I answer a question posed to me by kids - can you stand on the surface of Jupiter? I talk about this and other weird properties the outer planets hide within.

Plants perform quantum mechanics feats that scientists can only do at ultra-cold temperatures

How does photosynthesis really work? It turns out that plants operate a lot like Bose-Einstein condensates - something scientists can only create at near-zero temperatures. I explain how on Big Think.

How plate tectonics shook life into existence

Things like earthquakes and volcanoes may seem destructive, but we owe them our existence. More on Big Think.

5.3 million years ago, the world’s largest flood refilled the Mediterranean

About six million years ago, the Mediterranean was sealed off from the Atlantic, and over centuries it ran dry. One megaflood reversed that. More on Big Think.

How life survived “Snowball Earth”

The Earth was once a frozen snowball. How did life survive? I explore on Big Think.

Life might exist between eternal day and eternal night on tidally locked planets

Like the moon to the Earth, there are planets that always have one side facing their parent star. These tidally locked planets could have a scorching hot day and frigid night. Could life exist on these planets? I explore the possibility on Big Think.

The 8 best hidden impact craters on Earth

Many impact craters on Earth have been erased thanks to wind, water, and plate tectonics. But scientists have clever ways to find them. I come up with the top 8 list on Big Think.

Rubble pile asteroids are really hard to break

Most asteroids are not a single rock, but a loose grouping of rocks. And they are tough. Some of them have survived the wilds of space for billions of years. More on Big Think.

MIT scientists design AI that could predict rare disasters, like bridge collapses and rogue waves

Catastrophes are difficult to predict because they are so rare. But AI using active learning can make predictions from very small data sets. I talk about this problem on Big Think.

Some earthquakes last for seconds, others for minutes — and a few for decades

What do you call it when the Earth shakes for three decades? More on Big Think.

Space travel will radically change human psychology and spirituality

We are traveling in a realm that once exclusively belonged to the gods. Space travel will force humanity to rethink everything. I explore this idea on Big Think.

We may not be alone in the Universe. Should we reach out?

A conversation with an advanced alien species is likely to be simple and to take 1,000 years. It might also be dangerous. I discuss why on Big Think.

Top 10 most popular stories on Big Think in 2022

I round up the top 10 stories of 2022 on Big Think.

How science changes the way we think, according to 10 leading scientists

I talk to ten prominent scientists who share how research has changed them on Big Think.

Earth’s magnetic field supports biblical stories of destruction of ancient cities

When battles raged in ancient cities, their rocks blazed so brightly that they could be reoriented according to Earth's magnetic field. More on Big Think.

Brain experiment suggests that consciousness relies on quantum entanglement

Maybe the brain isn't "classical" after all. I discuss on Big Think.

Does consciousness change the rules of quantum mechanics?

Quantum mechanics starts getting really weird when you add in a conscious observer. Maybe our understanding of quantum entanglement is incomplete, or maybe there is something fundamentally unique about consciousness. More on Big Think.

Quantum sensors use “spooky” science to measure the world with unprecedented precision

Quantum entanglement may remain spooky, but it has a very practical side. I discuss quantum sensing in Big Think.

Practical physics: How quantum uncertainty will make our communications secure

We are not yet at the point where quantum communications can be deployed to secure the internet, but we might not be far off. I discuss why in Big Think.

What Einstein and Bohr’s debate over quantum entanglement taught us about reality

Einstein and Bohr thought very different things about the nature of reality. In Big Think, I discuss if God really does play dice with the Universe.

Could we use quantum communication to talk to aliens?

Quantum communication offers a surer path to sending an interstellar message, as well as receiving one. But can we do it? I discuss in Big Think.

Scientists may finally know why the length of a day changes

The length of a day oscillates slightly every six years. This was a surprising discovery made last decade. We might now know why. I discuss why in Big Think.

Tiktaalik: Bridging the Gap Between Water and Land

Hundreds of millions of years ago, a brave fish took that first step onto land. I discuss how the finding of the Tiktaalik fossil changed culture and how we thought about evolution in BioLogos.

How the biggest earthquake in world history nearly destroyed a local civilization

Scientists recently discovered evidence of the largest earthquake in history. How it affected the local population can help us survive similar disasters in the future. I discuss in Big Think.

Mars “earthquakes”: Red Planet might have more seismic activity than we ever expected

Just because Mars only has a single plate doesn't mean that it doesn't have earthquakes. It turns out there are a lot more marsquakes than we previously thought. I discuss why in Big Think.

The strange under-ice lakes of Antarctica

In Big Think, I discuss giant lakes and rivers that lie under the ice of Antarctica, and how studying them reveals information about our planet's past and future.

Why is Titan’s landscape so Earth-like despite its different composition?

On the surface, Titan has a lot of similarities between Earth. And this puzzles scientists, because the composition is so different. I discuss some ideas that may indicate why these two bodies are so similar in Big Think.

No music on Mars: Sound is different on the red planet

The high pitches from the flute and the harp would reach your ears before the notes from the tuba and the cello. In Big Think, I discuss how music and other noises would sound on Mars.

Cryovolcanoes: How ice volcanoes reshaped the surface of Pluto

Some of the largest and strangest cryovolcanoes, or ice volcanoes, were recently found on Pluto. I talk about them in my latest in Big Think.

How general relativity could help predict volcano eruptions

General relativity has been measured on large scales, but recently, scientists were able to measure how time changes in the gravitational field of the Earth over only a height difference of one millimeter. This may be a step to understanding how gravity and quantum physics might unite. I discuss more on Big Think.

Volcano-triggered mass extinction paved the way for the dinosaurs

Massive volcanic eruptions have been responsible for many of the Earth's mass extinctions. But how exactly this works has been contested. In Big Think, I discuss how exactly the extinction that ushered in the age of the dinosaurs caused the climate to change enough to kill off three-fourths of Earth's life.

What leaking helium-3 gas can tell us about Earth’s origin

An isotope of helium is leaking from the Earth. Where exactly it is originating from may tell us about the formation of the Earth. I discuss on Big Think.

Gravitational waves could be “pushing” the Moon

On Freethink, I talk about how gravitational waves distort all of space around us when they pass, and how we may be able to detect waves from the beginning of time using our moon.

Why Mercury could be encrusted with diamonds

Due to a crust of carbon, the absence of oxygen, and constant bombardment from meteorites, the planet Mercury may be littered with diamonds. I discuss how on Big Think.

Why did dinosaurs go extinct while other animals survived?

In some of the worst mass extinction events in history, some species die while others survive. In Big Think, I discuss reasons why, that range from the season to genetic variation within the species.

“Supermountains” may have influenced the course of life on Earth

Gigantic ranges called "supermountains" formed twice in Earth's history, and they may have had a profound influence on evolutionary history. I discuss how on Big Think.

Self-driving cars could transform the world in unexpected ways

In Freethink, I discuss surprising ways that self-driving cars may transform the world, from equity, increased surveillance, real estate prices, to city planning.

How Mars lost its magnetic field — and then its oceans

Chemical changes inside Mars' core caused it to lose its magnetic field. This, in turn, caused it to lose its oceans. But how? I discuss in the Big Think

Earth’s mantle: how earthquakes reveal the history and inner structure of our planet

In the Big Think, I discuss how we can probe the interior of the Earth's mantle and find previously undiscovered structures using Earthquakes.

Tonga volcano eruption was a once-in-a-millennium event

On January 15th, the largest volcanic eruption in the past 30 years disrupted communications from Tonga and devastated island communities. In Big Think, I discuss the physics behind the eruption.

How astronomers piece together surfaces of invisible alien worlds

In the Big Think, I discuss how astronomers figure out what the surface of rocky alien worlds are like, even when we can't see them directly.

Benefits Of “Deepfaking” The Mind In Creating Brain-Computer Interfaces

On Forbes.com, I discuss how by simulating thought, people with disabilities can benefit from "deepfakes" of the mind.

Prehistoric Mothers May Have Taken Better Care Of Their Children Than We Thought

On Forbes.com, I explore the connection of prehistoric mothers and their children.

How To Not Be Fooled When Looking For Life On Mars

Finding evidence of life on another planet may be the biggest scientific discovery ever. So it's important to get it right.

Don’t Underestimate Local Knowledge Of Agriculture In Dealing With Climate Change

On Forbes.com, I discuss indigenous knowledge of how crops respond to weather, and how that knowledge can be key in forming climate change policies.

As COP26 Continues, Should We Revise The Social Cost Of Carbon?

On Forbes.com: Taking into account the effects of climate change on low-income populations isn't just ethical - it also makes economic sense.

Politics And Religion Unite On The Eve Of The COP26 Summit

Climate change is not just a scientific and political issue - it is also a religious, spiritual, and moral one. On Forbes.com, I discuss the dialoging between the world's religions that is necessary to aid our environment and the poor and marginalized, who suffer the most from climate change.

By 2500, Climate Change May Completely Transform The World

If we do little to mitigate greenhouse emissions, wheat would no longer grow in the American Mid-West, India would be uninhabitable, and the Amazon would be barren, scientists say.  I discuss on Forbes.com

Does Staying In Space Too Long Lead To Brain Damage?

On Forbes.com: Figuring out how - and why - space affects the body is key for future long-term space flight. Now, scientists have to understand why space is so hard on the brain.

Signal From The XENON1T Experiment May Be A Hallmark Of Dark Energy

A group of scientists suggests that an unexplained signal from the XENON1T experiment could originate from dark energy particles formed within the sun.  I discuss on Forbes.com.

AI May Have A Thing Or Two To Learn From Our Imperfect Brains

By making neural nets imperfect, just like our brains, researchers show that AI can learn faster and more robustly.  I discuss on Forbes.com

Doomed From The Start, Mars May Have Never Had Enough Water For Life

On Forbes.com, I discuss recent research that indicates that Mars may have never been very wet, and was just too small to hold onto a significant amount of water.

A Massive Meteor May Have Destroyed The Biblical City Of Sodom

The ruins of the city of Tall el-Hammam leave clues that the city was destroyed in an Earth-shattering event. Recent research points to a likely culprit - a meteor.  I tell the story in Forbes.com.

Particles Change Identities In The First Potentially Observed “Triangle Singularity”

On Forbes.com, I talk about how scientists may have seen a four-quark particle in the Compass data at CERN - or they may have seen something more bizarre - where particles switch identities and the laws of math break down. The results may help us understand the strong force more clearly.

Angels Care About What You Mean, While Devils Care About What You Say

Be careful what you ask for next time you pick up a magic lamp - the genie inside might grant your wish - even if it leads to unintended consequences.  Find out why on Forbes.com.

CHRISTIAN LEADERS UNITE TO WARN AGAINST THE DANGERS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

The leaders of the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican churches speak out for sustainability and action on climate change on the eve of the COP26 Climate Change Conference this fall. By Elizabeth Fernandez on Forbes.com.

What Stars Host Planets That Would Be Able To See Earth?

What would it take for aliens to find us? If the Earth passes in front of the Sun from their point of view, they may be able to tell the Earth is there - and that it hosts life.  On Forbes.com.

Congress Needs To Decide If Gene Editing Is Permissible For Sperm And Eggs

Many agree that editing the human embryo is unethical. But could this ethical minefield be sidestepped by editing sperm and eggs instead? More on Forbes.com.

Republicans And Democrats Can Agree When It Comes To Climate Change

Becoming engaged with the narrative of climate change helps people to care - and to do something - independent of political leaning. More on Forbes.com.

Now Time Travel Can Be Paradox-Free, Thanks To Math

What would happen if a time traveler killed her own grandfather? A physics undergraduate student may have come up with a way to avoid such a time-traveling paradox. My article on Forbes.com.

Two Different Macroscopic Objects Have Been Put In Quantum Entanglement

Putting large objects in entanglement has been achieved - and will open up new avenues in applied physics. More on Forbes.com.

Do Birds Have A Subjective Reality? A New Experiment Suggests So

A new study shows that birds may have consciousness - arising from a completely different part of their brain than primates. Find out more on Forbes.com.

What Would It Mean For Life On Earth If There Is Life On Venus?

Earlier this week, scientists announced the discovery of a biomarker in the clouds of Venus. If there is a second Genesis of life, how will it change our understanding of the origin of life, our place in the cosmos, religion, and philosophy? I discuss on Forbes.com.

68% Of Animals Are Gone - Yet Conservation Can Work. Here’s How

Our world faces a biodiversity crisis. But by reworking the food system and with bold plans of conservation, our world can become green again. I discuss on Forbes.com.

Is Consciousness Continuous, Like A Movie, Or Discrete, Like A Flipbook?

On Forbes.com, I discuss that we may not be conscious every moment, and this may help us deal with the vast amount of information in the world around us.

Quantum Physics May Upend Our Macroscopic Reality In The Universe

If a tree falls in the forest and someone is there to hear it, does it make a sound? Perhaps not. Things get weird on Forbes.com.

A First In Physics: Time Crystals Seen Interacting

These strange forms of matter have never been seen together before, and could have implications for everything from atomic clocks to quantum information processing. I talk about the experiment on Forbes.com.

New World Temperature Record Set - Is Climate Change To Blame?

We set a record for high temperature this week. But this is just the latest of a string of records worldwide. What is to blame? More on Forbes.com.

Universe May Have Started In A Big Bounce Rather Than A Big Bang, Scientists Say

Our current models of physics aren't consistent with what we observe. So what are we missing? Loop Quantum Cosmology may be the answer - and could suggest that our Universe rose from the ashes of a previous universe. More on Forbes.com.

Your Political Alliance (Or Lack Thereof) Is Reflected In Your Brain

A recent study shows a difference in the brains of people who are strongly partisan and those who do not have a political affiliation. I discuss on Forbes.com.

Facial Recognition Violates Human Rights, Court Rules

Facial discrimination has been called discriminatory. People fear it will strip our privacy. The latest court ruling from the UK goes as far to say it violates human rights. I discuss on Forbes.com.

How Quantum Entanglement Can Help You Win At Blackjack

Can researchers from MIT and Caltech use quantum entanglement to take down the house? Find out on Forbes.com.

Machine Learning Reveals What Makes People Happy In A Relationship

Are you waiting for Mr. or Mrs. Right? I discuss on Forbes.com what science says makes a relationship really special.

New Experiment Shows How To Get Energy From A Black Hole

For 50 years, it was predicted that you could gain energy by dropping objects into a black hole. On June 22nd, scientists found a way to test this in the lab - and were able to extract energy. More on Forbes.com.

Scientists Move To Find Alien Civilizations Using “Technosignatures”

There are specific marks on a planet that intelligent life may leave. To find technological civilizations among the stars, we just need to know what to look for. I discuss on Forbes.com.

How Will Climate Change Affect Biodiversity? For Clues, Look To The Past

The Permian Extinction, which killed off almost all life on Earth, dramatically changed which parts of the world were filled with life, and which weren't. We may see the same pattern if climate change continues. I discuss on Forbes.com.

Twitter Now Encourages Users To Read Articles Before Retweeting

In the continued battle to fight misinformation, Twitter is asking users to think about what they are posting. Some say the measure goes too far - other say it doesn't do enough. More on Forbes.com.

New Studies Shed Light On The Origins Of Life On Earth

Scientists don't know how that spark of life first started on our planet, but two studies this week show how RNA and DNA - the building blocks of life - could have first formed on Earth. More on Forbes.com.

Dalai Lama And Science: His Holiness’ Scientific Side, Now Streaming

The Dalai Lama has been interested in science all of his life. The documentary The Dalai Lama - Scientist allows you to see just how much science influenced him - and he influenced science. On Forbes.com.

Why “Fatherhood” Is Unique To Humans Among The Primates

It seems that primates who mate with as many females as possible would dominate the gene pool. So what made fatherhood, or being a male who cared for his young, emerge in humankind? More on Forbes.com.

Your Eyes May Betray What Decision You Are About To Make

The direction of your gaze and the dilation of your pupils can give away what decision you are about to make - and this knowledge can be used to manipulate you. I discuss on Forbes.com.

Would You Deliberately Infect Yourself With COVID-19 To Save Others?

Challenge testing may speed up the development of a vaccine - but is deliberately infecting healthy people with COVID-19 ethical? I discuss the sides on Forbes.com.

Our Universe Is Expanding In Strange Ways - And This New Type Of Dark Matter Could Help Explain It

Local measurements of the Hubble Constant and measurements from the Cosmic Microwave Background don't agree. Adding a new type of dark matter might solve the problem, scientists say. I talk about it on Forbes.com.

Think Our Sun Is A Nice, Constant Star? Changes Might Be Coming.

Other stars vary a lot more than our Sun. Is our Sun just going through a period of quiet, and will it become more active in the future? On Forbes.com.

Meet The New Members Of Our Solar System

From alien visitors that decided to stay, to Pluto's siblings, to a potential ninth planet, our family portrait saw a lot of changes this month. I discuss on Forbes.com.

Privacy And Contact Tracing Apps - Google And Apple Debate With World Governments

Apps can help you tell if you've been in contact with someone with COVID-19. But it's a fine line between tracking the virus and surveillance. I discuss the ethics at Forbes.com.

Under One Sky, We’re Never Alone

It's International Dark Sky Week, and these fun ways to participate will connect us to the sky, to our ancestors, and to each other. #LookUpTogether On Forbes.com.

We May Owe Our Existence To These Small, Ghostly Particles

If particles collided with their antiparticles in the early Universe, we wouldn't exist. So why did matter win out? The answer has a lot to do with particles that act like Neapolitan ice cream. On Forbes.com.

You Can’t Look Someone In The Eye On A Video Chat - And That Changes How We Interact

In this era of social distancing, we need to resort to video calls. But on video, we lose the ability to look someone in the eye - and it changes everything from how we connect to our self-esteem. On Forbes.com.

How Can We Responsibly Return To Work And End Social Distancing?

>We all want to get out of the house. But we need to do it the right way in order to prevent a catastrophic amount of deaths. More on Forbes.com.

What Does It Take For Time To Move In Two Directions?

Science can't fix your broken guitar. But there are times that physics can reverse itself. On Forbes.com.

The US Comes One Step Closer To Producing Commercial Fusion Power

A near 200-page report outlines steps that the US should take. But is fusion the answer to the energy crisis? More on Forbes.com.

Our Brains Are Just Making It Up As We Go Along

Our brains are lying to us all the time, and the things we see might not actually be there at all. I talk about this more on Forbes.com.

How To Keep From Being Isolated During The Coronavirus Pandemic - While Still Keeping Your Distance

Yes, we may by physically isolated right now. But in times like this, we can still come together to share something amazing: compassion. On Forbes.com.

The COVID-19 Coronavirus Is Now A Pandemic - Can We Ethically Deal With Lockdowns?

Done wrongly, it can take our rights and freedoms away. But done correctly, it can dramatically reduce the spread and mortality rate of this disease. More on Forbes.com.

Scientists Measured An Exact Moment In Quantum Time - And It Was Fuzzy

Recently, a team of researchers designed a clever experiment to watch how quantum systems become classical systems - and in the process, found that time is not as precise as we thought it was. On Forbes.com.

Humans Need The Wilderness To Be Happy

Not any park will do. Two studies show that the type of green area affects everything from well-being to crime rate. On Forbes.com.

The VLA And SETI Team Up To Find Advanced Life In The Universe

They will scan almost the entire sky, and may answer once and for all - are we alone? I discuss it on Forbes.com.

Is The Empathetic Brain Inherently Different?

Scientists try to understand where empathy comes from, and if it changes how the brain works. More on Forbes.com.

Religious Communities Celebrate Darwin’s Birthday During Evolution Weekend

On Forbes.com, I talk about how this year, religious communities focus on the climate crisis and other pro-science themes.

Echoes Could Show Black Holes Have A Quantum Side, Changing Physics As We Know It

As these neutron stars merged to form a black hole, they show scientists on Earth that the physics might be different than we thought. More on Forbes.com.

Google’s CEO Calls For Regulation Of AI

Without regulation, we may lose trust in AI applications, and without trust, we'll stop using technologies that use them. I discuss on Forbes.com.

To Live Long, Or To Prosper?

Researchers have found a way to extend the lifetime of the C. elegans worm by 500%. But thinking the result means that humans will live to 400 years old is missing the point. On Forbes.com.

Who Is Responsible In A Crash With A Self-Driving Car?

It's not just the car manufacturers. It turns out that people take advantage of conservative self-driving cars to act more reckless. On Forbes.com.

The Doomsday Clock Is Closer Than Ever To Midnight - Is Anyone Listening?

The board named a triple threat of nuclear proliferation, climate change, and cyber-based disinformation. But what good is the clock if no one listens? On Forbes.com.

Could Our Universe Be 2-Dimensional? Black Holes Offer A Clue

When you throw something into a black hole, its information seems to disappear. This may be a hint that black holes, as well as our entire universe, is 2-dimensional. On Forbes.com.

Scientists Make A Leap Forward In Understanding Cognition

How can one design an experiment that shows what neurons fire when we make complex decisions? These scientists may have figured out a way. On Forbes.com.

The Multiverse And Eastern Philosophy

Buddhist and Hindu philosophy have given us ideas about the multiverse, the nature of time, and the beginning (and end) of the universe that seem to be remarkably consistent with modern physics. I discuss on Forbes.com.

Feeling Anxious? Try Getting More Sleep

In treating anxiety, doctors rarely prescribe more sleep. But that may be exactly what might help the most. On Forbes.com.

How Did Language Originate? Charades Might Offer A Clue

Preschoolers were able to create their own language in under 30 minutes. Their simple game may offer clues to how human language arose. I discuss on Forbes.com.

No Surprise Here - Boys And Girls Have Equal Math Ability

A recent study shows that at the brain-level, there is no difference between the genders in math ability. On Forbes.com.

Screen Time Habits Start At A Young Age

Kids watch more and more TV. We know it's bad for them, yet we keep letting our TV babysit. On Forbes.com.

Is A New Geologic Epoch Beginning - The Anthropocene?

It may be un-geologic of us to say humans have started a new epoch in such a short time. Nonetheless, it may be true. On Forbes.com.

Understanding AI Could Hold Up A Mirror To How We Think

In a recent paper in Minds and Machines, David Watson summarizes three ways that supervised learning methods can make predictions in similar ways to the human mind. More on Forbes.com.

AI Is Not Similar To Human Intelligence. Thinking So Could Be Dangerous

We might imagine advanced AI "learn” in ways similar to a toddler. But there are actually key differences - and understanding them help us to understand the machines that make our decisions. On Forbes.com.

Human Participants In Experimentation On The Brain? They Better Be Treated Well.

BRAIN’s working group recently developed a set of ethical guidelines, some of which have not been widely considered before. More on Forbes.com.

Are The Past And Future Real? The Physics And Philosophy Of Time

If my now is different than your now, does "now" even exist? Physicist Carlo Rovelli asks us to think of time in a new way. On Forbes.com.

Vatican’s Conference Confronts AI, Technology and Morality

On Forbes.com, I discuss how guests at the Vatican ask how technology can be used to improve the well-being of all humanity.

Stress Isn’t Just In Your Mind - It’s Also From Your Body

Feeling stressed? If you're just treating your brain, you may be missing the source of the problem. More on Forbes.com.

To Combat Climate Change, We Also Need To Understand Our Black Carbon Footprint

Black carbon, the sooty particulate matter from the burning of fossil fuels, isn't taken into account in our carbon footprint. Let's fix that. More on Forbes.com.

A New Study Asks If Animals Like Bees Or Crabs Have Sentience

An experiment seeks to understand if invertebrates have a point of view, or if they are simply automatons. I discuss on Forbes.com.

A Newly Seen Quantum Symmetry Can Lead To Insights To The Workings Of The Universe

If you work up from first principles, much of what we understand about the Universe and how it works is through symmetries. This newly observed symmetry may lead to insights in quantum computing. On Forbes.com.

EthicalGEO Winners Show How We Can Use Geospatial Technology For The Good Of All

Winners of this contest, sponsored by the American Geographical Society, focused on how location data and geospatial technology can be used for social justice and to empower people to take control of their data and to improve their communities. On Forbes.com.

Minibrains Grown In The Laboratory Produce Brainwaves. Now What?

These small clusters of human brain cells grown in a Petri dish are showing brainwave patterns similar to a pre-term infant, and are causing some to worry. The ethics on Forbes.com.

We’ll Keep Disagreeing, Even If We Calmly Listen To One Another

Argue as much as you want on Facebook. Here's the science why people will still disagree. More on Forbes.com.

Yes, People Can Edit The Genome In Their Garage. Can They Be Regulated?

Anyone who wants to start biohacking in their garage can buy a DIY CRISPR kit for less than $200. Can we even hope for regulation when access is that easy? On Forbes.com.

Soon, People May Be Able To Use 3D Printers To Build Weapons Of Mass Destruction

Controlling the access to data, all that is needed to print your own weapon, may be impossible. More on Forbes.com.

A New App Seeks To Reduce Vandalism And Privacy Issues In Augmented Reality

An intuitive interface lets any user protect their content, prevent virtual vandalism, and could even reduce cyber bullying. More on Forbes.com.

Could Quantum Gravity Allow Us To Time Travel?

Some of the leading theories of quantum gravity prohibit it, while in others, time travel happens all the time. More on Forbes.com.

That Pill Is Watching You - Privacy And Hackability Of Ingestible Electronic Sensors

On Forbes.com, I discuss how those who ingest these tiny sensors may not understand who sees their personal information, or even what information is being recorded.

How Would Society React If The Europa Clipper Discovered Life In Our Cosmic Backyard?

Would people riot, would there be a surge of suicides, would society be rocked and world religions crumble if we discovered life on another world? More on Forbes.com.

Fake News Could Cause Fake Memories, New Study Finds

People may have false "memories" associated with fake news, especially when the news is reporting something unfavorable about the other side. On Forbes.com.

Engineering Ethics Isn't Always Black And White

It's important to teach engineering students ethics, because sometimes, the ethical choice is not so clear. More on Forbes.com.

Would You Trust Anyone With Your Genetic Information? This Company Wants You To

This company does privacy differently, and may have figured out a way to earn your trust in storing your genetic data. More on Forbes.com.

From Apps On Your Phone To Satellites In The Sky, A New Program Looks Into The Ethics Of Mapping

In new program called EthicalGEO, sponsored by the American Geographical Society (AGS) and Omidyar Network, encourages people to start dialoging about the ethics of the geospatial technologies present in our lives. On Forbes.com.

Editing The Genome: A New Proposition Confronts The Ethical Can Of Worms

CRISPR gene editing of embryos can have far-reaching consequences that last far beyond one individual child. We need to come together as society to decide what is ethical for gene editing. More on Forbes.com.

How Could We Decode A Message From Extraterrestrials?

Would it be possible to interpret a message and a language not only from a different species, but from entities from another planet? On Forbes.com.

With The Anniversary Of The Moon Landing, Should Laws Governing Space Be Changed?

On the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, we should reconsider space law: from mining the moon to towing asteroids to the protection of microbial life on other worlds. On Forbes.com.

What We Post On Social Media May Harm Our Children's Development

The "brand" we create for our children is influencing the identities they create later in life. More on Forbes.com.

Can Reality Ever Be Known? A Tribute To Bell's Theorem

PPredictions from relativity and the entangled particles of quantum mechanics don't agree with one another. So which one is correct? Bell's Theorem can help us find out. I discuss on Forbes.com.