Surprising Science — July 31, 2014

1991 RadioShack Ad

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According to History Pics, everything in this 1991 RadioShack ad now exists in our smart phones. Check out the ad yourself and ask, “Is there an app for that?” Chances are, today — yes.

Image credit: History Pics

The most surprising and impactful new stories delivered to your inbox every week, for free.

A soldier in camouflage uniform holding a Ukrainian flag stands amid rubble, facing a damaged building.

Books

How neuroscience is rewriting the story of war

In “Warhead,” neuroscientist and national security adviser Nicholas Wright explains how the brain navigates warfare and why it is our ultimate weapon (and instrument for peace).

Abstract illustration of a figure reaching for a yellow sphere on the left, with colored overlapping circles and concentric arcs—evoking themes of physics and consciousness—set against a vibrant multicolored gradient background.

Starts With A Bang

Does physics truly have anything to say about consciousness?

Many, from neuroscientists to philosophers to anesthesiologists, have claimed to understand consciousness. Do physicists? Does anyone?

A man in a suit holds up a Hurricane Dorian forecast map in an office, tracing the storm’s projected path and intensity over several southeastern U.S. states and the Bahamas—echoing the urgent clarity of a 1938 science manifesto defending democracy.

Starts With A Bang

This 1938 pro-science manifesto defended democracy against fascism

As democracy recedes and fascism rises in the USA and around the world in 2025, history provides a lesson in how science can fight fascism.

Illustration of a large particle accelerator facility underground, with scientists working and a city landscape above ground.

Starts With A Bang

A new collider can teach us about the origin of matter

The laws of nature are almost perfectly symmetric between matter and antimatter, and yet our Universe is made ~100% of matter only. But why?

A vintage-style illustration of a celestial scene, echoing science fiction by scientists, features a textured black planet and a whimsical moon with an eye, all enclosed in a pale green border against a starry background.

Books

5 classic science fiction novels written by scientists

What happens when scientists “write what they know”? Some amazing science fiction stories.

Up Next

Culture & Religion

From Homeless to Hollywood Mogul

James Cameron was homeless when he wrote Terminator, according to History Pics. Yet he sold the film rights for $1. Why? He took the extremely low salary in exchange for getting to direct the project. Smart bargain. Image via History Pics