Wonder on the Web

Issue 26: Links to amazing stuff

Why the Way There Feels Longer than the Way Back

Social research often points out phenomena we’re unfamiliar with. But it’s awfully fun when researchers dive into a common experience we’ve never been able to explain. The “return trip effect” seems to come down to our unrealistic expectations.

Home, Sweet Home

How would you like to live inside a soccer ball? A giant sundial? Or a house you can carry on your back? How about a house shaped like a crocodile, airplane, or, um, toilet? Check out these and more in The Atlantic’s gallery of unusual homes from around the world.

Transformer Jellyfish

Jellyfish never cease to amaze us, from the “immortal jellyfish” we previously covered to the various kinds that regenerate themselves by regrowing limbs. Biologist Michael Abrams witnessed a new behavior: rather than growing back severed arms as expected, jellyfish rearranged their limbs to create the balance they need to carry on. Read more about the causes they’ve discovered behind this previously-unseen behavior.

The Awe Factor

What’s the purpose of awe in our collective existence? Recent research covered in The New York Times attempts to answer that question with this finding: experiencing awe makes individuals more altruistic, generous, and others-centered. “We found that awe helps bind us to others, motivating us to act in collaborative ways that enable strong groups and cohesive communities.” Wonderful.

Our Latest

News

After Assad: Jihad or Liberty?

A coalition of rebel fighters promises to respect Syria’s religious minorities.

Egypt’s Redemption—and Ours

The flight of the holy family is more than a historical curiosity. It points us toward the breadth and beauty of God’s redemption.

In the Divided Balkans, Evangelicals Are Tiny in Number, but Mighty

A leading Serbian researcher discusses how evangelicals have made a tangible difference.

Chick-fil-A Launches an App to Help Families Be Less Online

It offers the wholesome, values-centered content Christians expect from the closed-on-Sundays chain, but does the platform undercut its message?

Being Human

Anxiety Is on the Runway in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’

Steve Cuss and his daughter, Kaylee, talk about the film’s relationships, patterns, and systems.

News

Ghana May Elect Its First Muslim President. Its Christian Majority Is Torn.

Church leaders weigh competency and faith background as the West African nation heads to the polls.

Shamanism in Indonesia

Can Christians practice ‘white knowledge’ to heal the sick and exorcize demons?

Shamanism in Japan

Christians in the country view pastors’ benedictions as powerful spiritual mantras.

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