Do Babies Experience Schadenfreude?
Author Tiffany Watt Smith and her nine-month-old baby meet with a developmental psychologist to find out what makes infants laugh—and when humans begin to experience joy out of other’s misfortunes.
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The Best Science Books Of 2018
Ira and a panel of guests round up their favorite science books from 2018
In Three Billion Heartbeats
Cardiologist Sandeep Jauhar vividly remembers when his grandfather died from a heart attack—a memory that fed his fascination with the “life-giving” organ.
Why Your Dog Is More Efficient Than A Laundry Machine
In this excerpt from ‘How to Walk on Water and Climb Up Walls,’ David Hu explains why the wet-dog shake is so efficient.
The Problem With The Plasma
In this excerpt from “Nine Pints,” Rose George explains how issues with the 1970s American plasma led to a contaminated supply.
The Logic Of Blame
When it comes to blame and logic, it may be more useful to understand the system rather than the individual.
The Pursuit Of ‘Pure’ Food
Nineteenth century milk sellers used formaldehyde to preserve their product. Just how far have food regulations come?
Pakistan Faces A Water War On The Horizon
In his new book, Jeff Nesbit unpacks the rising political tensions between India and Pakistan as a critical water source begins to shrivel up. Will it trigger a nuclear war?
How Did A Computer Beat A Chess Grandmaster?
Some say Garry Kasparov was more than capable of defeating Deep Blue—but he underestimated the ability of the algorithm.
The Biology Behind Our Emotions
In his new book “The Disordered Mind,” neuroscientist Eric Kandel explores how we control our emotions.