But the critics point out that the inventions that have done most to change the world often come from solitary experimenters, corporate renegades and other oddballs.

ECONOMIST: The law on patents

Cells used for solitary confinement are often windowless, but this one had a ribbonlike window that was seven inches wide and five feet tall.

NEWYORKER: Hellhole

His lawyers have often expressed concern about his health in the past, usually demanding that he be moved out of solitary confinement.

BBC: Abdullah Ocalan is serving a life sentence for treason