The Size of Things: How Big is the Milky Way?
Ah the joy of a good scale bar. Here we find out how big the earth would be if the Milky Way was the size of the US.
The Great Libraries of China
An architectural tour of the great libraries of China turns up a spectacular place to read a book on the beach.
Reading the Movie
Looking for a good summer read? Those with a love for good mysteries and classic films have a treat in store!
What is Slang and How Does it Die?
Why are companies so effective at ruining slang?
Design Matters (or does it?): Why are Certain Things Certain Colors?
Why are barns red? Bubble gum pink? Why do doctors wear white coats? The reasons vary.
The Intelligence Revolution: What’s Happening and What’s to Come in Generative AI
An update on how generative AI has progressed and how it has been applied to research publishing processes since ChatGPT was released, looking at business, application, technology, and ethical aspects of generative AI.
Welcoming a New Chef in the Kitchen, Hong Zhou
Today we welcome a new Chef in the Kitchen, Hong Zhou.
Hypnotic Pencil Manufacturing
It’s Friday. Time to zone out with a film of pencils being manufactured in Japan.
The Power Imbalances of Language Policing
Is there a “right” way to speak, or is language policing more revealing about the anxiety of the scolder than the expression of the speaker?
The Size of Things: Time in Context
What does the timeline of human existence look like when physically laid out to scale? How does that compare to the timeline of the universe?
What Color is the Sun?
Quick, without looking, what color is the sun? Would you believe it’s green? Also, please don’t look directly at the sun.
Guest Post — Being Research Data
“Researchers have only so many hours in a day; if they can spend one less hour on a research article because we have implemented improved workflows and better technology, that’s one more hour they can spend on research to try to save my life, and the lives of all ALS patients.” In today’s post, Bruce Rosenblum shares his experience as a clinical trial participant and how that contributed to scholarly publications.
Guest Post — Accessibility Powered by AI: How Artificial Intelligence Can Help Universalize Access to Digital Content
Digital transformation can revolutionize the world, turning it into an inclusive place for people with and without disabilities, with accessibility powered by artificial intelligence.
Guest Post – The Data Hazards of Mental Health Prediction
The Data Hazards project looks at the problems in applying traditional ethical values to research that uses machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Is the Letter “R” a Vowel? What is a Vowel Anyway, and What Does How You Pronounce “R” Say About You?
Did your teacher lie to you when they told you that the only vowels were A, E, I, O, U, and sometimes Y?