Dr Seldon, I presume
Data from social networks are making social science more scientific
“FOUNDATION”, a novel by Isaac Asimov from the golden age of science fiction, imagines a science called psychohistory which enables its practitioners to predict precisely the behaviour of large groups of people. The inventor of psychohistory, Hari Seldon, uses his discovery to save humanity from an historical dark age.
This article appeared in the Science & technology section of the print edition under the headline “Dr Seldon, I presume”
From the February 23rd 2013 edition
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Contact sports can cause brain injuries. Should kids still play?
Modifying rules and grouping players by size rather than age can limit the risks
For the first time, a CRISPR drug treats a child’s unique mutation
Scientists hope more children will benefit
The race to build the fighter planes of the future
They can hold more fuel, carry more weaponry and boast more computing power
Britain is now the biggest funder of solar-geoengineering research
It is supporting experiments to thicken sea ice and make clouds more reflective
Are juice shots worth the price?
Fresh fruit is probably a cheaper alternative
Companies have plans to build robotic horses
One diminutive design is aimed at children