The Dark Forest theory is one proposed solution to the famed Fermi Paradox, which has bewitched astronomers for more than half a century. To put it concisely, the paradox asks if the cosmos is nearly ...

There is a new sorting algorithm a deterministic O(m log2/3 n)-time algorithm for single-source shortest paths (SSSP) on directed graphs with real non-negative edge weights in the comparison-addition ...

In his decades-long career in tech journalism, Dennis has written about nearly every type of hardware and software. He was a founding editor of Ziff Davis’ Computer Select in the 1990s, senior ...

The burnt toast theory is a metaphor for life that helps people interpret minor inconveniences as having positive ripple effects or a “silver lining.” It’s related to the butterfly effect. While not a ...

Is this real life? Is this just fantasy? A growing number of scientists are suggesting that the idea that we are all living in a simulation may not be completely far-fetched. Simulation theory is the ...

Self-affirmations can help increase your self-worth and motivation. With regular practice, you can shift your focus toward your strengths and adapt to new circumstances more easily. Self-affirmation ...

When it comes to tipping points, one of the greatest worries is the status of what is known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, or AMOC—a key player in making the northern part of ...

Renaud Foucart does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond ...

Even though they have already witnessed four years of a Donald Trump presidency, analysts have little certainty about how Trump plans to approach most countries in his second term. That’s exactly how ...

The original version of this story appeared in Quanta Magazine. If you’ve been making the same commute for a long time, you’ve probably settled on what seems like the best route. But “best” is a ...

Most people think about pain as a simple cause-and-effect process. For example, if you touch a hot stove, you probably assume that the nerves in the skin feel how hot the stove is and signals are sent ...

Contingency management (CM) is a behavioral therapy technique that encourages beneficial behaviors by giving rewards or positive reinforcement. CM incentivizes certain behaviors and discourages ...