Surprising Science — April 27, 2010

Morphine Makers

Researchers have discovered that mammals may have the biochemical machinery to produce their own morphine.

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Researchers have discovered that mammals may have the biochemical machinery to produce their own morphine. Scientists found traces of morphine in the urine of mice after injecting chemical precursors of the drug. Mammals have specialized receptors in the brain that respond to morphine, and scientists had long believed that animals had a way to naturally synthesize the addictive pain reliever.

The most counterintuitive, surprising, and impactful new stories delivered to your inbox every Thursday.

Flipping the script on leader feedback: Why leaders need feedback too

Leaders don’t lack resources aimed at helping them deliver more meaningful employee feedback. Yet, candid and comprehensive feedback for leaders, particularly on leadership and management skills, receives far less attention. […]

Illustration of Earth with digital connections and text "Generative vs. Predictive AI" on a dark background.

Hard Science

Test Video

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Life

Test Internal Ceros

Collage of classical art suggesting a theme related to somatic markers.

Business

How “somatic markers” can transform your decision-making

Ditch the old brain vs. heart assumptions, and instead think about a heart-led brain.

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Starts With A Bang

How logic and reasoning can fail as scientific tools

In logic, ‘reductio ad absurdum’ shows how flawed arguments fall apart. Our absurd Universe, however, often defies our intuitive reasoning.

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Guest Thinkers

Warming the Vines

Wine grapes are extraordinarily temperature-sensitive, and as global warming intensifies the “premium-wine-grape production area [in the United States] … could decline by up to 81 percent.”