The fundamental contradictions of physics are present in even the most quotidian of objects. As the philosopher of science explains, some of quantum mechanics’ greatest mysteries are embodied in a […]

A conversation with the philosopher of science at Columbia University.

What can a philosophy of science really accomplish? As the head of Columbia’s Philosophy of Physics program explains, the field is at its healthiest when philosophy and science are indistinguishable […]

Historian of technology Rachel Maines explains the most fascinating insight to emerge from her current research.

Activities that were once functional—from gardening to brewing—have become recreational in advanced societies. The author of “Hedonizing Technologies” explains why.

The “Hedonizing Technologies” author wouldn’t bet against it. Ironing, she says, is already a sport.

How common is vibrator use among women, men, and societies worldwide? Has this segment of the market been hurt (or stimulated) by the recession?

How will sex evolve in the age of robotics?

And did the doctors who claimed to “treat” it by inducing orgasm know better? Rachel Maines reveals the truth behind the historical rumors.

The “Technology of Orgasm” author recounts the outrageous history of female genital “manipulators,” from water-powered turbines to the contraption called the Chattanooga.

When Rachel Maines first published a history of the vibrator (“The Technology of Orgasm”), she “expected it to derail [her] career, and it did.” But even she wasn’t prepared for […]

Stay fit and be a star in whatever studies you pursue.

These days the astronaut worries about how best to prepare his young children for a changing world.

Leroy Chiao had to overcome being picked on for his small stature and being one of the few minorities in his mostly white Midwest town.

Leroy Chiao would break bread with Sergei Korolyov, the father of the Soviet Space program and the first man to build a rocket that could make it into space.

Before becoming an astronaut, Leroy Chiao made some classic mistakes working as a young engineer, but he’s glad he learned his lesson early.

Telling people to pursue there interests without an eye to the future is a big mistake.

Leroy Chiao looks up to Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong but he also admires his parents who immigrated from China and finally settled in the Midwest.

Leroy Chiao says the most important quality for an astronaut is the ability to get along with others.

Propulsion is still the key to improving transportation in space and on earth

Leroy Chiao was the commander “when all of the alarms started going off” and “we actually started rotating away from the space station.”

Before humans can spend long periods of time in space, scientists need to find a way to solve the many health problems that astronauts face, including bone and muscle loss.

Chiao is now director at Excalibur Almaz, a firm that plans to shoot paying customers into outer space within the next few years.

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Russian space program has been working closely with NASA. But current Sino-American relations in space are basically non-existent.

Leroy Chiao’s four visits to space were very different, from his virgin flight to returning finally as a Russian-speaking mission commander.

Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin’s 1969 moon landing had a profound impact on Chiao, sparking his dream to one day do the same.

A conversation with Chinese-American astronaut and director of Excalibur Almaz, a recreational space travel firm.

AIG’s former head counsel is crossing his fingers that our economy isn’t headed for a double dip.

Ernie Patrikis, former AIG head council, argues that credit default swaps have been unfairly attacked.