Surprising Science — May 19, 2009

Tomorrow At Big Think: Biochemist Sir Paul Nurse

Nobel-prize winning biochemist Sir Paul Nurse comes to Big Think tomorrow to discuss cancer research and health care policy. Post your questions for the “David Beckham of science” here.

Over a career spanning four decades, Nurse has completed ground-breaking research into cell cycle regulation that has allowed significant insights into the underlying physiology of cancer. He was honored for his work with a Nobel Prize in 2001 and was bestowed knighthood for services to cancer research and cell biology.

Illustration of a young woman with closed eyes, smiling, next to a large, detailed eye and surrounded by vibrant, abstract elements and smiley faces.

Neuropsych

Eyes wide shut: Psychedelic trips intensify with eyes closed

Visual stimuli, like watching videos, can diminish the potentially therapeutic effects of psychedelics, recent research suggests.

Starts With A Bang

The big idea of Grand Unified Theories of physics

If the electromagnetic and weak forces unify to make the electroweak force, maybe, at higher energies, something even grander happens?

Microscopic image of a small electronic component with clear details of its structure and connections against a gray background.

The Future

Making microbots smart

What would it take to create a truly intelligent microbot, one that can operate independently?

Four-panel collage of historical philosophers in various artistic styles, including a sculpture, a sketch, and two realistic portraits.

Thinking

4 philosophers on how to live a happy life

From Taoism to hedonism, philosophers have devised all sorts of ways to live your best life.

A striking view of a blue planet, similar to earth, seen from space with part of its surface illuminated by sunlight against a starry background.

13.8

A new theory for how oceans form on other worlds

Explore how the study of exoplanets is transforming our understanding of ocean formation.

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