Brainstorms

Understanding how thought and emotion are realized in the human brain is a remarkable enterprise. How a mere three-pound collection of nerve cells gives rise to human art, wisdom, and passion is part of the mystery of our existence. (April 29, 2008)

Surgeons currently use common industrial materials inside the body to replace damaged body parts. However, if we want to replace more complicated body parts such as heart tissue or the spinal cord, we need better materials. (February 28, 2008)

Surgeons currently use common industrial materials inside the body to replace damaged body parts. However, if we want to replace more complicated body parts such as heart tissue or the spinal cord, we need better materials. (February 28, 2008)

Computers and the Internet have changed business, education, entertainment, and recreation dramatically over the past two decades. But there are some problems. For example, why are computer systems vulnerable to worms and viruses? (November 7, 2008)

(February 28, 2007) It is hoped that the cometary material found will help unlock some of the secrets of these small bodies that are often described as “dirty ice balls,” which hurtle through space.

Behind the scenes of computer graphics are complex models and sophisticated simulations. In this lecture, we will look behind the “scenes,” and see how the magic tricks are done. (April 26, 2007)