Information You Can Use in Business and Life

Google Labs, The Body Browser

From Google Labs comes The Body Browser

"Body Browser is a detailed 3D model of the human body. You can peel back anatomical layers, zoom in, and navigate to parts that interest you. Click to identify anatomy, or search for muscles, organs, bones and more.You can also show share the exact scene you are viewing by copying and pasting the corresponding URL.You will need a web browser that supports WebGL, such as the new (free and publicly available) Google Chrome Beta."

 

 

Wild Justice: The Moral Lives of Animals

Wild Justice: The Moral Lives of Animals, by Mark Bekoff and Jessica Pierce, is a study on the moral behaviors of non-human animals. The authors provide evidence that "animals possess empathy, compassion and a sense of justice, a moral code not unlike our own" for the reader to consider. As an owner of many dogs, it seems intuitive that moral decisions would be made dogs as they are compassionate and kind, which in my belief, leads to moral choices by dogs. The authors provide research that other non-human animals make these decisions. The book is interesting to read with examples of moral behaviors by non-human animals. In one study the Diana monkeys had to put tokens in a slot to receive food. When one elderly female could not put her token in the slot, another Diana monkey inserted the token for her.

It is nice to read of examples by humans and non-human animals, that show moral choices being made to help others in a positive manner. The authors provide evidence that extends the quantity of "good deeds" performed in the world. I am glad to have and know of the non-human animals moral reasoning. 

"The Department of Mad Scientists" DARPA

The Department of Mad Scientists by Michael Belfiore is a glimpse into the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). DARPA's innovations lead to the internet and to GPS. The technologies that come out of DARPA are impactful to the world and keep the USA's military one of the most advanced in the world. I like how DARPA allows for innovation "you've got to fail some fraction of the time or you are not pushing the limits far enough." Interesting reading.

The Visual Miscellaneum

The Visual Miscellaneum by David McCandless is a great book if you like data visualized plus "a colorful guide to the world's most consequential trivia" which I admit I can't get away from.

The categories include thought, science, health, film, web, power,life, music, media and more followed by a visual chart. The "Dangers in Death" visual is interesting, as Mr. McCandless mentions "you're going to go one way. Which way?" "Low Resolution" shows the amount of sensory information reaching the brain per second compared to what technology is delivering. A good book to ponder over. He does give his sources for the graphs if you want to delve further.