Why do kittens, bunnies, puppies, and their ilk seem so much cuter than human babies? This is something I've always wondered, and I am surprised that it doesn't seem to have been asked here. I've seen some idle speculations about the reasons in various places around the Web, but nothing resembling evidence. Is there any actual research related to this topic? Or is the question based on flawed assumptions somehow? [more inside]
posted by fermion on Feb 7, 2013 - 46 answers

Further science/philosophical reading about human evolution and the woes of our modern life. Looking for suggestions, please! [more inside]
posted by alex_skazat on Jul 27, 2012 - 13 answers

Is there an alternative to evolution or intelligent design? [more inside]
posted by InsanePenguin on Sep 28, 2008 - 63 answers

I need teaching resources about race: the biology of human "races"; why "race" is not biological but social; how racial categories have shifted over time and place; and related questions on teaching about race? This is as a supplement to reading The Mismeasure of Man in a university "Critical Thinking" class. I need more science and verifiable cross-cultural examples to back up my "there are no biological races" claim. [more inside]
posted by LobsterMitten on Nov 5, 2007 - 38 answers

Inspired by this question, does anyone remember an illustrated, sci-fi book that came out about 15-20 years ago, which consisted mostly of possible forms that human evolution would take, and full-colour illustrations of what these future humans would look like? [more inside]
posted by Big Fat Tycoon on Jun 13, 2005 - 3 answers