To Be Energy-Efficient, Brains Predict Their Perceptions

Physicists are building neural networks out of vibrations, voltages and lasers, arguing that the future of computing lies in exploiting the universe’s complex physical behaviors.

Einstein’s description of curved space-time doesn’t easily mesh with a universe made up of quantum wavefunctions. Theoretical physicist Sean Carroll discusses the quest for quantum gravity with host Steven Strogatz.

The key to understanding the origin and fate of the universe may be a more complete understanding of the vacuum.

Supermassive black holes have come to the fore as engines of galactic evolution, but new observations of the Milky Way and its central hole don’t yet hang together.

Of all the endless questions children and mathematicians have asked about infinity, one of the most fascinating has to do with its size.

Why updating the way we look at the world is so critical now, and so hard, and how we can get better at doing it.

It’s no small task to live a life of sustained attention. So slow down, and give your brain a break to do its work

«Paying attention to the moment during a walk shifts focus away from the internally generated, anxiety-provoking scenarios, creating much-needed space.»

Speaking a second or even a third language can bring obvious advantages, but occasionally the words, grammar and even accents can get mixed up.

«our languages aren't just static throughout our lives but shifting, actively competing and interfering with each other.»

A study by Yale researchers finds that reading books in particular returns cognitive gains that increase longevity.

«extended lifespan applied to all reading participants, regardless of “gender, wealth, education or health” factors, the study explains. That’s a 20% reduction in mortality created by a sedentary activity.»

When the brain encodes memories as positive or negative, one molecule determines which way they will go.