The Inner Monologue

Imagine a farmer so desperate for short-term cash that they sell the very seeds needed to grow next year’s harvest. This self-defeating practice, known as “selling the seed corn,” has a surprising parallel in the world of science—particularly in radio astronomy. The Battle for the Invisible Sky Radio astronomers rely on the electromagnetic spectrum—specifically, radio…

In 2014, I made a bold forecast about the future of wildlife conservation: Now, as we approach the midpoint to 2035, let’s examine how close (or far) we are to making this a reality. The State of De-Extinction Technology in 2024 1. The Rise of Genetic Resurrection Bringing extinct species back to life—de-extinction—is no longer…

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,…

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…

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…