Surprising Science — May 23, 2009

Lymphocyte transdifferentiation

This was a chance discovey.We stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes with latex lectin to find that they changed to other blood cell types.We refined the method and used a nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside to get similar results,thus bringing all the different blood cells under one roof.

jagesh kamath

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

The image features the phrase "an excerpt from" on a red background next to the book cover of "Playful" by Cas Holman with Lydia Denworth, highlighting insights from play research.

Books

More than a game: How play helps wire our social brains

In this excerpt from “Playful,” Cas Holman surveys the research that brought the neuroscience of play into the mainstream.

A close-up of a spotted nudibranch with translucent, pointed cerata on a brown underwater branch against a black background, inviting reflection on the intricate nature of consciousness in marine life.

Books

What sea slugs can teach us about the nature of consciousness

In this excerpt from “One Hand Clapping,” Nikolay Kukushkin makes the case that neurons reveal how memory, meaning, and even consciousness emerge from the same biological roots in humans, sea slugs, and beyond.

A detailed black and white illustration of a toad on a green background, with the word "Car" written below it.

The Well

Even AI is self-censoring. Here’s why that matters.

If the people controlling AI are biased, the output will also be. Free speech scholar Jacob Mchangama makes the case for completely open-source AI.

▸

3 min

—

with

Jacob Mchangama

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).

Coastal Mediterranean village with white buildings, a sandy beach, colorful boats, and clear turquoise sea under a bright blue sky.

The Present

Seaflooding: How we could engineer the next Mediterranean

Bold megaprojects could turn dry depressions into thriving new hubs of life.

Up Next

Surprising Science

Still Fuzzy On Social Networking? Consult The Obama Team

Speaking before hundreds of small business owners Thursday, directors at Google and Facebook highlighted Barack Obama’s online media campaign during the 2008 election to explain how organizations can participate in, […]