Many Parallel Universes

by Hadleigh Frost

It is a popular and oft-repeated idea that there may exist universes other than the universe we see around us. These are often called parallel universes and scientists do not know whether they exist. Even so, parallel universes have proved an important plot device in such venerated entertainment as ‘Groundhog Day’ and certain episodes of ‘Futurama’. So could parallel universes actually exist? And should scientists be spending their time thinking about it?

Shaking Up The Faith: What do the data say about stress, Christchurch, and God?

By Hadleigh Frost

Key Points:

            Studies of religion

            Control amidst the randomness of life

            Are we okay? Is the `All right?’ campaign is on to something?

            Lessons from an earthquake community

When a magnitude 4.0 earthquake struck Christchurch on Boxing day in 2010, many Cantabrians were singing carols. It was Sunday morning and people had gathered in churches for Christmas services, but at 11:10 am the ground trembled and the singing stopped. Interruptions like this became commonplace in Christchurch after a major earthquake in September 2010, and the city ground to a halt following a devastating aftershock five months later. During this stressful time, Christchurch became significantly more religious. What draws us to religion during times of hardship? And does religion help? These are not just questions for esoteric sociology professors. Religion is a major part of how we experience loss and investigating these questions can suggest ways to better assist communities following disasters like the Christchurch earthquake.