http://discovermagazine.com Science, Technology, and The Future http://discovermagazine.com/2008/aug/04-what-does-alzheimer.s-look-like-in-your-brain What does Alzheimer’s look like? An artist's 3-D rendering of a peptide that is a surefire marker for the disease gives researchers a clearer picture of what to look for—and possibly how to stop it. Tyghe Trimble and Sherry Baker 2008-07-04T12:08:33Z Print Article http://discovermagazine.com/2008/jul/30-how-terrorism-paranoia-killed-1600-americans-in-2002 Widespread fear after 9/11 pushed people from (safe) planes to (dangerous) cars. Jane Bosveld 2008-06-30T04:37:43Z Print Article http://discovermagazine.com/2008/jul/27-laughter-may-outlive-humans In the Year Million, though, I think humor will be esteemed as the most universal aspect of culture. And number will have lost its transcendental reputation and be looked upon as a local artifact, like a computer operating system or an accounting scheme. If I am right, then SETI scientists should not be listening for primes but for something quite different. Jim Holt 2008-06-27T03:34:44Z Print Article http://discovermagazine.com/2008/jul/23-the-blind-climber-who-sees-through-his-tongue Erik Weihenmayer is the first and only blind man ever to scale Mount Everest. Now he's learning to "see" as he climbs—with the help a device that sends "vision" (electrical impulses) to his tongue, not his eyes. Buddy Levy; photography by Beth Wald 2008-06-24T03:12:55Z Print Article http://discovermagazine.com/2008/jun/18-complexity-in-a-grain-of-sand-simplicity-in-a-book "Simplexity" explores the intricacy of everyday life. Susan Kruglinski 2008-06-18T03:31:32Z Print Article http://discovermagazine.com/2008/jun/05-the-cure-for-procrastination-discipline Procrastination works fine—in a world where the future is perfectly predictable. Julie Rehmeyer 2008-06-09T04:28:29Z Print Article http://discovermagazine.com/2008/jun/16-could-an-acid-trip-cure-your-ocd Despite their reputation, hallucinogenic drugs like Ecstacy and LSD are being used to treat mental disorders like OCD and post traumatic stress disorder, though some still question whether the drugs will ever be ready for mainstream use. Linda Marsa 2008-07-03T04:50:28Z Print Article http://discovermagazine.com/2008/may/14-chimps-agree-a-bird-in-the-hand-is-worth-two-in-the-bush A study finds that chimps will usually stick with what they've even when they've got a chance to trade for a preferable piece of food. Jen Pinkowski 2008-05-14T03:20:56Z Print Article http://discovermagazine.com/2008/may/05-why-bogarts-kiss-is-your-kiss Neuroscientist Marco Iacoboni explains what we do know about mirror neurons, the supposed key to human empathy and understanding of others, and what we don’t know. Jocelyn Rice 2008-05-05T03:58:06Z Print Article http://discovermagazine.com/2008/may/28-conquering-your-fears-one-synapse-at-a-time An experiment with mice reveals a chemical pattern in the brain that may provide the key to overcoming fear—and preserving memories forever. Orli Van Mourik 2008-04-28T03:18:53Z Print Article http://discovermagazine.com/2008/may/25-how-much-do-chemicals-affect-our-health An environmental crusader takes on special interests and investigates the possible causes of autism, asthma, and attention deficit disorder. Linda Marsa; photography by Jesse Chehak 2008-04-25T05:36:09Z Print Article http://discovermagazine.com/2008/apr/15-one-man.s-quest-to-heal-the-brain Brain trauma specialist Michael Mason's book describes his experiences treating brain injuries that leave patients permanently disabled. Jane Bosveld 2008-04-15T04:01:48Z Print Article http://discovermagazine.com/2008/apr/10-you-just-readed-this-headline-correctly The half-life of an irregular verb is based on how popular a verb is: The more often it is used, the longer it will take to convert. For example, the verbs have and hold both have irregular forms in the past tense—had and held. Stephen Ornes 2008-04-10T03:32:09Z Print Article http://discovermagazine.com/2008/apr/04-a-dose-of-human-kindness-now-in-chemical-form A test involving sharing money with strangers shows that the hormone oxytocin may increase generosity and enhance our ability to see others' viewpoints. Jennifer Barone 2008-04-04T06:41:36Z Print Article http://discovermagazine.com/2008/apr/27-epileptic-seizures-strike-much-like-earthquakes Tools for predicting aftershocks could also work for seizures. Both systems involve “relaxation phenomena,” in which energy accumulated over a long period of time is discharged. Mark Anderson 2008-03-27T03:33:45Z Print Article