The mission of the World Science Festival is to cultivate and sustain a general public informed by the content of science, inspired by its wonder, convinced of its value, and prepared to engage with its implications for the future.  See recent blog posts by the World Science Festival below.

Blog Posts

• Thinking About Thinking

  If you have a dog at home, you know that they take notice when you point out something. But did you know that this is a fairly unique trait in animals? Read »

• Ant Communication: Order Out of Chaos

  An ant colony is a frenzy of activity. Somehow, in the midst of what appears to be a sea of chaos, the ants manage to work together to create an orderly home. Does this coordination require communication? If so, what would an ant’s “words” be like? How many words are in the ant vocabulary? Here, evolutionary biologist Edward O. Wilson is translator and guide on a tour through the ant vernacular.

  Read »

• Mission to Europa

  Scientist Steven Squyres is given a "blank check" and asked how he would direct the exploration of the Jovian satellite, Europa. Observations of the moon lead scientists to believe that there is a liquid water ocean underneath miles of ice. Coupled with the discovery of organisms thriving around geothermal vents deep within our own seas, many scientists are eager to look beneath the surface of Europa for signs of extraterrestrial life. Read »

• Accessing the Viewer’s Imagination

  When considering a work of art, perhaps one by Monet or Van Gogh, what is it that stuns you? Why does it move you? Cartoonist Jules Feiffer shares his musings on exactly how the artist gains access to the viewer’s imagination.

  Read »

• How Did Life Get Started?

  Chemical reactions—such as the ones that formed the early building blocks of life, hydrocarbons—don’t usually happen on their own. It takes thermal and chemical potentials, as well as a good kick to get the process started. Astrobiologist Michael Russell explains how the conditions on early Earth were perfect for such reactions, and how a similar setting could exist on other worlds, such as Mars.

  Read »