Surprising Science — August 29, 2014

30 Years Ago Today: Discovery’s Maiden Voyage

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August 30, 1984: the Space Shuttle Discovery launches from Kennedy Space Center on its maiden voyage. STS-41-D was NASA’s 12th Space Shuttle mission. One mission’s crew members was Judith Resnik, who became the second American woman in space. Tragically, Resnik was killed two years later in the Challenger disaster.

Photo credits: NASA

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

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.

A black and white image of a bunch of spheres, symbolizing the multiverse concept discussed by scientists.

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.

A wooden sign indicating "assisted migration rep 2" in a pine forest under a clear blue sky.

Life

Moving trees north to save the forests

As the world warms, trees in forests such as those in Minnesota will no longer be adapted to their local climates. That’s where assisted migration comes in.

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