March 2022 Previews: Scientific American Mind

March 2022 - Scientific American

CONSCIOUSNESS

Astonishing Conscious Mind

Neuroscientists may have discovered the brain regions that give rise to our identity

Human consciousness remains one of the biggest puzzles in science. Indeed, we have made moderate progress on how to measure it but less on how it arises in the first place. And what gives rise to our sense of self? In February we published a special collector’s edition exploring these mysteries and more. This issue’s cover story, by researcher Robert Martone, is a fascinating look at new discoveries on a region of the brain that helps us create a mental picture of our present and future identities (see “How Our Brain Preserves Our Sense of Self”).

Elsewhere in this issue, contributing editor Daisy Yuhas talks with linguist Sarah Frances Phillips about new research illuminating the neurological basis for multilingualism (see “How Brains Seamlessly Switch between Languages”). How the brain both creates our individual reality and enables us to thrive in that reality is nothing short of astonishing.

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New Architecture Tours: ‘Villa LP’ In Hanoi, Vietnam

Concrete, curtain creepers and light wells define this beautiful villa that is designed to house three generations.

We were set to design a house for a three-generation family with different lifestyles between the family members. While the grandparents are used to the traditional Vietnamese lifestyle, the married couple and their children are familiar with the modern way of living in foreign countries. The elders in this family have been living in this area for a long time and have a strong connection with the neighbors and interact with their acquaintances daily while their children and grandchildren only travel to Vietnam a few times per year so big spaces to accommodate a large family gathering as well as multiple social events is a must. 

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Train Travel: The Glacier Express In Switzerland

Hannah Hummel checks in on our behalf for the Glacier Express: The journey starts in the winter sports resort of St. Moritz, a vacation destination for the jet set. The eight-hour journey will take her to Zermatt on the Matterhorn – one of the Swiss Alps’ highest peaks.

Along the way, the train traverses a pass some 2,000 meters up, crossed almost 300 bridges and trundles through 91 tunnels. Travelers can marvel at panoramas of spectacular mountain scenery through the train’s extra-large windows. On the journey, enjoy the exclusive on-board service including a three-course meal of Swiss cuisine. Tickets in Excellence Class cost 650 euros, giving you a seven-course meal with wine pairing, champagne, and even a concierge.

Views: Z-Triton Electric Amphibious Camper-Trike

Z-Triton is 100% electric Amphibious Camper-Trike with a mission to shift the way people travel and engage with nature. It combines a boat, a tricycle, and a camper all in one and offers the freedom to travel both over land and water.

Mountains: Aoraki Mount Cook In New Zealand (4K)

Mount Cook National Park, or Aoraki, is a mountain in the New Zealand Southern Alps, the highest point in New Zealand, located in the western part of the South Island near the coast. This saddle-shaped, steep-sided, crystalline mountain is covered with snow and glaciers.

African Lodges: Zannier Hotels Sonop In Namibia

The opulence of old-world safari is alive and well at Zannier Hotels Sonop, a luxury tented camp set in the wilds of Namibia’s southeastern corner.

Conjuring up an image of rugged explorers, the word ‘safari’ is one of the most evocative in the history of travel. Zannier Hotels Sonop effortlessly captures this old-world charm with opulent tents, separate cocktail and cigar lounge, open-air cinema and gastronomic restaurant.

The 10 spacious tents are constructed on top of boulders, reflecting the life of yesteryear’s wealthy explorers. Furnished with antiques, colorful carpets and precious wood, these lavish accommodations capture the look and feel of a bygone era. Panoramic views look out onto otherworldly desert landscapes, while in-tent telescopes invite dreamy stargazing moments.

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