From Prospect, the pre-Socratic philosopher Parmenides sparked an intellectual revolution that still echoes today — yet for philosophy and science to continue to progress in the 21st century, we may need to embark on an entirely new cognitive journey. From Scientific American, this year's SciAm 50 awards are replete with instances of new machines or chemicals that come close to the true meaning of innovation as something entirely new; and Michael Shermer on Evonomics: Evolution and economics are both examples of a larger mysterious phenomenon. Norman Levitt reviews Steve Fuller’s Science vs. Religion: Intelligent Design and the Problem of Evolution. From NPQ, an interview with J. Craig Venter: "Microbial manufacturing is the next phase of evolution". The undiscovered planet: A look at how microbial science illuminates a world of astounding diversity. The Body Engineers: Hormone researchers seek new life for old brains and bones. Desperately seeking a kidney: What you learn about people — and yourself — when you need them to donate an organ.
