The Inner Monologue

In 2015, I made a bold claim: 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 idea was simple: Instead of flying through the atmosphere, rocket-powered or hypersonic spaceplanes would:…

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…

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…

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…

In 2014, I made a provocative prediction: 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 the science behind this prediction and assess its plausibility. The Core Idea: Self-Spreading Gene Therapy The concept hinges on…

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…

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…

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,…

Let’s face it—some people just can’t adult. Maybe they’re drowning in addiction, maybe life has kicked them so hard they’ve forgotten what “stable” even looks like, or maybe they just really miss the structure of summer camp (but with fewer canoes and more therapy). Enter Voluntary Incarceration—the halfway house for people who want to get…

When we think of astronomy, we often picture stunning images of galaxies, nebulae, and planets captured by optical telescopes. But there’s another side to space exploration—radio astronomy—that listens to the universe rather than just looking at it. What many people don’t realize is that some of the biggest discoveries in radio astronomy have led to…