# tech
We've reached a phase in computer development when everything old is new again. And this approach can work. Up to a point.
# tech
We evolved to be social animals that live in close-knit communities. But sharing minds via brain implants with our fellow humans may be far too much for us right now.
# politics
Celebrity-driven organized skepticism is becoming a loud, partisan, and political disaster.
# space
The idea that halting science and exploration until we fix all the world's ills is extremely popular. It's also extremely ignorant and self-sabotaging.
# tech
One of the biggest limitations on the computing power of our spacecraft is shielding them from radiation.
# science
Far too many denizens of social media are upset that Curiosity cost $2.5 billion because they don't understand how and why that money was spent.
# politics
Christian zealots in Missouri vote to create a right they've always had just to sneak in a way to stop teaching their kids about evolution, sex, and cosmology.
# science
Jargon is useful, but not when you're tying to explain the fundamentals of your work.
# politics
Carbon taxes may prompt companies and people to switch to cleaner. But incentives, rather than punishments, may be a better approach.
# politics
Two afflictions shared by a majority of the public are dragging down our advancements as a civilization and a species.
# tech
Technophobes are confusing normal neuroplasticity and poor impulse control for black technological magic.
# politics
Pundits are hailing Pat Robertson's hateful tirade against atheists after an attack on a Sikh temple as a step forward in inter-faith relations. That's both telling and disturbing.
# tech
There's a fine line between being an expert trying to simplify a complex topic and an arrogant snob lecturing down to your audience. TED's all-stars are starting to cross that line.
# tech
Advanced prosthetics are making an appearance at the Olympics and showing how inhuman form can restore human function.
