CAN WE REALLY MEASURE INTELLIGENCE?

If we can clarify how different parts of the brain interact, we can clarify the nature of human intelligence: So say researchers at the University of Warwick.

Simply put, using sophisticated brain imaging techniques, scientists have focused on the brain connections that indicate intelligence.

The question(s) here - Could this study establish a more reliable definition of intelligence and a more accurate method of measuring it?

See the complete story in Science Daily

MEET 5 COOL ROBOTS

We have to admit it - robots and other forms of Artificial Intelligence are an integral part of our life. Right now.  Today.

And with every passing year, they are getting smarter and we are becoming more dazzled and dependent on them.

From search-and-rescue missions to deep sea exploration to personal companionship, robots do amazing jobs that we humans find extraordinary and indispensable.

Meet five extraordinarily intelligent robots that demonstrate the point:

Five amazing robots

THE IMPORTANCEAND MECHANICS OF TAKING A NAP

You have been up for hours.  Maybe you have been working, or reading, or doing chores.  And maybe you have just had lunch.  You are not feeling all that energetic at the moment.  You could use a nap.  You want to break out of the funk, revive yourself.  

Most cultures around the world take time off in the day in order to nap. Think "siesta".  Americans seem to be among the conspicuous few who don't.

Can our intelligence benefit from sleep breaks?  Simply put, naps can restore us, keeping our mind sharp.  And not getting enough sleep can be downright unhealthy.  The research literature is filled with studies claiming that poor sleep quality may be connected to high blood pressure, diabetes, and other serious illnesses.

So how does one nap properly?  There are really only two pieces to the puzzle.

First, according to an article in the NY Times, the nap should last no longer than 20 minutes. Otherwise, nappers risk upsetting the brain activities important to developing and maintaining good memory function. 

Second, taking care of the basics is important - that is, locate a dark, quiet, comfortable place, free from potential distractions and disruptions.  

And that's pretty much it.  As they say, it's not rocket science.

Please excuse me for the next 20 minutes or so.

Click here for a look at the article in the NY Times

THE IMPORTANCE OF STORIES TO HUMAN INTELLIGENCE

Our lives revolve around stories - at home, at work, in school, at leisure.

We read them; we tell them; we listen to them.

Stories are entertaining, informative, and, sometimes, persuasive.

They chronicle our lives and put the world in context.

So, are stories the foundation of human intelligence?

For a brief, insightful exploration of that question, including the connection of stories to studies of artificial intelligence, read what Tania Lombrozo, psychology professor at UC Berkeley, has to say in an NPR piece.

CLICK HERE

STUDY: ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IMPROVED WITH EXERCISE DURING LESSONS


A Dutch study suggests that children can learn better if they exercise during their lessons.

Researchers found that children who followed an activity-enhanced curriculum designed for the study scored better on tests in Math and Spelling than children who followed a routine curriculum.

The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, indicated that the second- and third-grade students with the exercise-attached lessons scored at a level four months more advanced than the other students.

For more information on the study, see the abstract


INTERVIEW INTELLIGENCE (Humor): WHAT NOT TO SAY AT JOB INTERVIEWS


Interview Intelligence: What Not To Say

What does this company do?

I need a hug.

Just how much are the employees here expected to follow the rules?

I have this anger building inside me.  But I control it most of the time.

Wow, you’ve got the life, don’t you?  I’d love to interview candidates.  If you hire me I’ll work hard…probably harder than you...might even take over your job – watch out.  Just kidding.  Really.

Does this company discriminate against bail-jumpers?

I must be missing something - I don’t know how you can stand coming back to this place day after day.

I’m kinda flexible about hours - They let me out on my own in the daylight, Monday through Friday.

Just got back from the world's least explored jungle. By the way, does the health insurance cover infectious diseases?

Oh oh…that breakfast taco isn’t settling in very well…