This article explores the unique nature of friendships and the science behind them. It discusses how friendships formed during adolescence are particularly special due to changes in the brain’s reward center and improvements in Theory of Mind. It also highlights the concept of interpersonal synchrony and how it contributes to the deep connections we form with our closest friends.
The article discusses the emergence of Islam in the 7th century and its impact on the world. It highlights the formation of a new empire under the leadership of Prophet Muhammad, the expansion and dissent within the empire, the rise of the Umayyad Dynasty and later the Abbasid Rule, and the eventual fall of the empire. Despite its decline, the Islamic Empire left a lasting legacy through its language, religion, and intellectual ideas.
The article discusses the concept of exponential growth and its application to the global economy. It explores the necessity of economic growth for improving people’s lives and raises the question of whether infinite growth is possible on a finite planet. The role of technology in increasing efficiency and the debate between infinite growth and a post-growth economy are also examined. The article concludes by emphasizing the need to find a balance between economic growth and sustainability.
A study conducted by the universities of Michigan, Utah, and Zurich, involving over 17,000 front-desk workers worldwide, aimed to understand what drives honesty. The study found that people were more likely to report lost wallets when they contained money, rather than when they were empty, suggesting that self-interest may not be as powerful as previously thought and that individuals’ desire to maintain a positive self-image and be seen as honest can motivate them to act honestly.
The article discusses the story of the Ring of Gyges from Plato’s “Republic” and the philosophical debate it sparks between Socrates and Glaucon. The story explores the concept of justice and the temptation of power, with Glaucon arguing that people would act unjustly if given the opportunity, while Socrates believes that true justice brings both intrinsic and extrinsic benefits. The Ring of Gyges serves as a symbol of the moral dilemma faced when given the chance to act without consequence.
Cooperatives, or co-ops, are a significant part of the global economy, employing 280 million people and handling over $2 trillion annually. Co-ops are jointly owned by their members, who can be consumers, producers, or workers, and are controlled democratically. Studies show that co-op start-ups are less likely to close within five years compared to traditional businesses, and co-op workers tend to be happier with their jobs.
The article discusses the Victorian tapeworm diet and its similarities to modern fad diets that promise rapid weight loss. It compares the approaches of two hypothetical twins, one aiming for slow weight loss through a gradual reduction in calorie intake and increased exercise, and the other opting for drastic calorie restriction. The article highlights the negative impacts of extreme diets and emphasizes the importance of adopting a sustainable and healthy lifestyle instead.
The article discusses the evolution of the US power grid over the past five decades. It highlights the delicate balance required to maintain the functioning of power grids and the role of power grid operators in managing this balance. The article also explores the challenges of integrating intermittent energy sources and suggests load flexibility and automated emissions reduction technologies as potential solutions for the future of power grids.
The article discusses wealth inequality in South Africa and explores the question of whether inequality is inevitable. It explains the use of the Gini index to measure inequality and highlights the limitations of this measure. The article also examines the role of government choices and economic systems in contributing to inequality, and discusses ways to reduce inequality, such as progressive taxes, transfers, and access to services. It concludes by emphasizing the global divide in wealth and power and the need to weaken the feedback loops that perpetuate inequality.
The article discusses the challenges of treating the common cold, highlighting the rapid mutation of the virus that can outmaneuver years of research and development. It explains that the common cold is caused by many different viruses, making it difficult to find a cure, but suggests that targeting the rhinovirus, which causes a significant portion of colds, could be a step towards finding a cure. The article also mentions the challenges of developing vaccines and antiviral drugs, but remains hopeful for future breakthroughs, such as the potential use of CRISPR as an antiviral agent.
Create a free account on ClassX to enjoy all the benefits we have to offer.