The Inner Monologue

Thinking Out Loud

Why Protecting Radio Astronomy is Essential for Humanity’s Future

Imagine unlocking the secrets of the universe—discovering distant galaxies, unraveling the mysteries of black holes, and even finding signs of extraterrestrial life. All of this is possible thanks to radio astronomy, a field that relies on access to the electromagnetic spectrum to explore the cosmos. But here’s the problem: as demand for wireless communication grows,…
5 Flaws in Human Anatomy (And How Evolution Could Have Done Better)

The human body is a marvel of biological engineering, but it’s far from perfect. Evolution works with what it has, leading to some inefficient—even hazardous—design choices. If we were to “redesign” the human body for better function and fewer health problems, here are five key areas that need improvement. 1. The Spine: A Bipedal Compromise…
How Accurate Was My 2015 Prediction About Suborbital Spaceplanes by 2030?

In 2015, I made a bold claim: By 2030, suborbital spaceplanes would connect any two points on Earth within 3 hours. At the time, this sounded like science fiction. But now, with just six years left until the deadline, how close are we to making this a reality? The Original Prediction: Suborbital Point-to-Point Travel The…
A Raven’s Written Language: A Hypothetical Exploration

Ravens are among the most intelligent birds, known for their problem-solving skills, tool use, and complex social behaviors. But what if we could push the boundaries of avian cognition even further by teaching them a written language? While this idea may sound like science fiction, exploring the possibility could yield groundbreaking insights into animal communication…
Why Your Favorite Sports Team is a Corporate Puppet Show (But Keep Buying the Jersey, Sheeple!)

Oh, you love your local sports team, do you? How adorable. You’ve painted your face in their colors, mortgaged your future for season tickets, and convinced yourself that this collection of mercenaries from six different states and three different countries somehow embodies the spirit of your city. Spoiler alert: They don’t. They never did. Let’s…
It’s Not Who You Know—It’s Who Knows You (And Why That Changes Everything)

We’ve all heard the saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” But what if that’s only half the story? The real secret to success isn’t just about having a massive network—it’s about being known by the right people. Think about it: How many LinkedIn connections do you have that would genuinely advocate…
Contagious Cure: Could Engineered Viruses Eradicate Disease Without Mass Vaccination?

In 2014, I made a provocative prediction: By 2070, contagious diseases will be repurposed as vectors to deliver gene therapies, curing populations without requiring individual inoculations. At the time, this idea seemed like science fiction. But with rapid advances in virology, CRISPR gene editing, and viral vector technology, could this vision become reality? Let’s explore…
“Congratulations, You’re Still Bad at Physics: Why Collisions Don’t Add Up Like You Think”

Ah, the classic “If two things hit each other at X kph, it’s like hitting a wall at X times two!” argument. A favorite of overconfident internet experts, sensationalist headlines, and people who definitely didn’t pay attention in physics class. Let’s settle this once and for all before someone tries to argue that two cars…
Peer Review: Because Apparently “Do Your Own Research” Means “Trust Random Twitter Threads”

Let’s talk about peer review—that annoying little gatekeeper standing between you and your right to declare yourself an expert after three hours of Googling. You might think your hot take on mRNA vaccines (based entirely on a Joe Rogan podcast and a meme you saw) is bulletproof, but here’s the thing: if the only person…
How to Rescue Delicate Trilobite Fossils from Soft Shale (A Step-by-Step Guide for Fossil Hunters)

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of uncovering a prehistoric treasure—especially when it’s a beautifully preserved trilobite nestled in soft shale. But that excitement can quickly turn to panic when the rock crumbles at the slightest touch. How do you extract these fragile fossils without turning them to dust? Fear not! With the right techniques,…