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Renowned astronomers fight to protect Chile's night sky from industrial project
Renowned astronomers are fighting to protect Chile's Atacama Desert night sky, a prime location for astronomical observations, from a proposed industrial renewable energy complex. Scientists warn that the project, located near the Paranal Observatory, will severely increase light pollution, dust, and atmospheric turbulence, thereby hindering scientific research. The company, AES Chile, asserts its project is compatible with environmental regulations, but experts argue it poses an 'imminent threat' to global astronomy, highlighting a wider conflict between natural darkness and industrial development worldwide.
“I’m Not a Robot” (2025 Academy Award Winner) | The New Yorker Screening Room
In Victoria Warmerdam’s short film, a series of failed Captcha tests plunges a woman into a strange new reality. Winner of the 2025 Academy Award for Best Live-Action Short.
A Cell So Minimal That It Challenges Definitions of Life
Life’s fundamental structure is the cell, and so the main things that a cell does — processing biomolecules, growing, replicating its genetic material and producing a new body — are considered hallmarks of life. But earlier this year, scientists discovered a cell so severely stripped of essential functions that it challenges biologists’ definitions of what counts as a living thing. The species is a single-celled organism known only by the mysterious sequence of its genetic code. Its genome is fantastically small: Along the organism’s evolutionary journey, it seems to have gotten rid of most of it. According to the shocked researchers who published the discovery in a preprint uploaded to biorxiv.org in May, the lost genes include those central to cell metabolism, meaning it can neither process nutrients nor grow on its own. Other cells with highly reduced genomes still encode proteins to create amino acids, break down carbohydrates for energy or synthesize vitamins. All this appears to be absent from the cell, which seems to be a parasite entirely dependent on a host or cellular community to meet its nutritional needs. Until now, these genetic pathways were considered fundamental for the survival of any cell. The organism’s “replicative core” — the genetic components needed to reproduce itself — remains, making up more than half of its genome.
In Northern Scotland, the Neolithic Age Never Ended
This article explores the enduring mystery and rich archaeological landscape of the Orkney Islands in northern Scotland, focusing on Neolithic sites like the Stones of Stenness, Ring of Brodgar, and Ness of Brodgar. The author describes personal visits and interactions with archaeologists who are unearthing new discoveries and reinterpreting the practices of the ancient societies that flourished between 3800 and 2200 B.C. The piece delves into the cultural significance, Norse heritage, and the unique blend of science and art in understanding these prehistoric monuments, highlighting the tension between their inherent strangeness and modern attempts at comprehension.
Photos: When the Polar Bears Move In
The photographer Vadim Makhorov, while recently cruising on the Chukchi Sea, noticed a group of polar bears that were taking shelter inside an abandoned research station on Russia’s remote Kolyuchin Island.
Elon Musk’s Worthless, Poisoned Hall of Mirrors
Elon Musk's X introduced an "About This Account" feature that unexpectedly revealed many prominent pro-MAGA accounts were based in foreign countries, contradicting their claimed American identity. This triggered widespread confusion, accusations of mislabeling, and highlighted the platform's pervasive issues with foreign actors, misinformation, and "rage-baiting." The author argues that this feature, while intended for transparency, ultimately exposes X as a "worthless, poisoned hall of mirrors," where truth is rendered irrelevant by monetized provocation and inadequate moderation. The article concludes that X inflates culture wars and distorts the original purpose of social media by prioritizing profit over reality, creating a devastating "informational nightmare."
California Is Tired of Letting People Die
California is attempting to address its severe homelessness crisis by implementing S.B. 43, a law designed to expand involuntary treatment for individuals suffering from severe mental illness and addiction. The article highlights the ethical dilemmas and practical challenges faced by outreach workers, paramedics, and mental health professionals in San Francisco, one of the first counties to adopt the law. It explores the tension between upholding individual autonomy and providing life-saving care to those gravely disabled on the streets, detailing the difficulties in securing long-term institutionalization despite the new legislation.
A bowhead whale's DNA offers clues to fight cancer
The article explores how the DNA of bowhead whales provides insights into cancer prevention. It highlights Peto's paradox, where large, long-lived animals paradoxically have low cancer rates. Researchers, led by Vera Gorbunova, found that bowhead whales produce a high amount of the CIRBP protein, which efficiently repairs DNA damage, thus preventing cancer-causing mutations. This 'maintenance' approach contrasts with elephants' strategy of having multiple copies of the p53 tumor suppressor gene to eliminate abnormal cells. Scientists hope that studying these longevity mechanisms in whales could inform the development of new human cancer therapies.
The End of Naked Locker Rooms
The article explores the decline of casual public nudity in American locker rooms and shared spaces, attributing it to evolving cultural norms around gender identity, consent, and privacy in the digital age. It traces the historical presence and regulation of public nudity in the U.S., from 18th-century swimming to Progressive-era bathhouses, and how it was gradually phased out. The author argues that the disappearance of ordinary, unposed naked bodies in public leaves Americans exposed primarily to curated or sexualized images, potentially fostering body insecurity and an over-sexualization of nudity. The piece suggests a need to reimagine the naked body as an ordinary fact of human life, drawing parallels with countries where communal nudity is common and non-provocative.
Why Don’t People Return Their Shopping Carts? A (Somewhat) Scientific Investigation
This article explores the behavioral science behind why some people do not return their shopping carts, a common phenomenon that often irks observers. The author delves into concepts like social norms, the 'broken windows theory,' and the 'shopping cart theory' (which posits that returning a cart indicates a person's moral character, as there's no legal obligation to do so). It examines the role of environmental cues, perceived social costs and benefits, and psychological factors in this seemingly simple decision. The piece also discusses potential interventions and societal implications, highlighting how such small acts reflect broader social behaviors and community responsibility.
Can giving people direct cash reverse deforestation?
The UN is launching a new forest conservation fund with a $125 billion goal this week at COP30, their annual climate conference. This new Tropical Forests Forever Facility aims to reward countries and communities for keeping forests standing, and raises key questions about how that money will reach the ground. In this blog, GiveDirectly explores what role direct cash transfers could play in delivering these funds and what they’re learning from testing this out.
Why the Time Has Finally Come for Geothermal Energy
This article explores the growing potential and resurgence of geothermal energy, once considered a niche power source for geyser-filled regions like Iceland. It details how advancements in drilling technologies, influenced by the oil and gas industry's fracking techniques, are making geothermal power generation and direct heating/cooling systems economically and technically viable in diverse geographies. The piece highlights historical efforts, like the Los Alamos project, and modern companies such as Fervo Energy, which are attracting significant investment and bipartisan political support, positioning geothermal as a reliable, clean, and increasingly affordable solution to meet humanity's energy demands beyond solar, wind, and batteries.
How Russell Vought Became Trump’s Shadow President
From the wholesale gutting of federal agencies to the ongoing government shutdown, Russell Vought has drawn the road map for Trump’s second term. Vought has consolidated power to an extent that insiders say they feel like “he is the commander in chief.”
Bicycle – Bartosz Ciechanowski
This interactive article by Bartosz Ciechanowski delves into the intricate physics of bicycle operation. It covers fundamental concepts of forces and moments, the mechanics and design of bicycle wheels, and the structural stresses within the frame. Through various demonstrations, the article explains how bicycles accelerate, brake, turn, and maintain stability, including the roles of gyroscopic effects and trail geometry. It aims to make the complex interplay of these forces tangible and understandable.
5 things to know about Péter Magyar, Hungary's new prime minister
Péter Magyar, a 45-year-old lawyer, emerged as Hungary's new prime minister, ending Viktor Orbán's 16-year rule in a surprising election victory. Magyar's rise was propelled by widespread concerns over government corruption and a scandal involving his ex-wife, former Justice Minister Judit Varga. Leveraging his background as an Orbán loyalist-turned-whistleblower, Magyar launched the center-right Tisza Party, securing a two-thirds parliamentary majority. He has pledged to restore ties with the European Union and NATO, tackle corruption, and re-establish checks and balances. While Western leaders largely welcomed his win, Magyar has maintained vague stances on certain hot-button issues like LGBTQ+ rights and the war in Ukraine.
Of Power and Time
Mary Oliver's essay 'Of Power and Time' from her book 'Upstream' delves into the multifaceted nature of the self and its impact on creative work. Oliver posits that an individual contains at least three selves: the persistent child-self, the attentive social self responsible for daily routines, and a third, often tyrannical, self that yearns for eternity and drives artistic creation. She argues that true creative work demands profound solitude, intense concentration, and an unwavering loyalty to this 'inner vision,' which necessitates a departure from ordinary obligations and the constraints of time. Artists, according to Oliver, aim to propel the world 'forward' rather than merely sustain its 'around,' embracing the disorderly and passionate aspects of inspiration. The essay concludes by highlighting the profound regret experienced by those who suppress their innate creative calling, emphasizing the critical need to dedicate both 'power and time' to artistic pursuits.
Moon
Interactive article about the Moon
Truth and Politics
Hannah Arendt traces how power manipulates facts, why truth-telling is inherently anti-political, and why politics still depends on it.
Tech Billionaire Marc Andreessen Bet Big on Trump. It’s Paying Off for Silicon Valley.
This article details how Silicon Valley venture capitalist Marc Andreessen, a prominent figure in the fintech industry, strategically shifted his political allegiance and made significant donations to Donald Trump's campaign. His motivation was to weaken the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which had been actively regulating fintech and crypto companies. The article argues that Andreessen's bet paid off under the Trump administration, leading to a significant rollback of CFPB enforcement actions, stalled investigations into Andreessen-backed companies (like Wise, EarnIn, Point Digital Finance, and Greenlight), renegotiated settlements, and the killing of proposed consumer-friendly crypto regulations. This outcome, while beneficial for the tech industry, is presented as detrimental to consumers who rely on these financial apps and products.
Scientists pull ancient RNA from a woolly mammoth's body
Scientists have extracted the oldest RNA molecules out of a woolly mammoth, gaining a snapshot into the processes at work in the extinct mammal's body just before it died.
Venus is not Earth’s closest neighbor - Physics Today
The article challenges the common belief that Venus is Earth's closest planetary neighbor. Using a new "point-circle method" and extensive simulations over 10,000 years, the authors demonstrate that Mercury is, on average, the closest planet to Earth and indeed to all other planets in the solar system. The piece explains how previous calculations were flawed and provides a more accurate approach to determining average orbital distances.
What Climate Change Will Do to America by Mid-Century
The article explores the anticipated impacts of climate change on the United States by mid-century, drawing parallels to Octavia Butler's dystopian novel "Parable of the Sower." It details how intensifying natural disasters like wildfires and floods, coupled with governmental neglect and policy decisions, exacerbate existing social and economic inequalities. The piece discusses phenomena such as "climate gentrification" in vulnerable areas like Miami, the rise of "dead zones" where services and infrastructure fail, and mass migrations. It highlights the challenges posed by retreating insurance companies and the potential for increased social strife. Despite a grim outlook, the article suggests that the growing crisis could galvanize grassroots climate activism and lead to a "climate democracy" as communities directly experience the catastrophic effects.
The Inflammation Gap
This article explores the "inflammation gap," highlighting the divergence between how medical professionals and the general public understand and address inflammation, particularly in the context of autoimmune diseases. It contrasts the precise, evidence-based treatments of conventional medicine with the often unproven and sometimes dangerous alternative remedies promoted by wellness gurus and social media. The author discusses the appeal of these alternative therapies to patients disillusioned with conventional approaches, detailing anecdotes and expert opinions on the risks and benefits. The piece concludes by emphasizing the challenges in building trust between doctors and patients when differing belief systems about health and treatment collide.
Google's AI Co-Scientist Racks Up Two Wins
Google's AI co-scientist has demonstrated significant capabilities in biological discovery, rivaling years of human lab work. In two separate studies, the AI successfully predicted potential drug candidates for liver fibrosis and elucidated a complex mechanism of bacterial DNA transfer, showcasing its ability to generate novel, testable hypotheses. This multi-agent AI system, which grounds ideas in literature and refines hypotheses, represents a step beyond mere information recall, positioning AI as a powerful scientific partner.
How to tolerate annoying things
This article, written by a psychologist, offers evidence-based psychological skills to manage everyday annoyances or "micro-stresses" that can accumulate and impact well-being. It introduces concepts from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) such as radical acceptance, noticing and naming emotions, checking the workability of responses, practicing centring techniques, acting based on personal values, and applying self-compassion to handle frustrating experiences more skilfully and reduce emotional entanglement.
Realtime BART Arrival Display | Semicolons & Side Projects
The article details the creation of a real-time BART arrival display, replicating the vintage platform signs. It covers the selection of components like an ESP32C6 and an OLED display, the process of fetching and parsing BART's GTFS Realtime API data through a middleware service, and the physical assembly and finishing touches of the 3D-printed housing. The project aims to provide a functional and aesthetically pleasing miniature display for personal use.
Internet Archive’s legal fights are over, but its founder mourns what was lost
This article details the Internet Archive's survival through significant legal battles over copyright, particularly regarding its Open Library project. Despite the removal of over 500,000 books and facing substantial damages, the Archive continues its mission. Founder Brewster Kahle discusses the challenges facing libraries in an increasingly digital and litigious environment, the impact of AI, and future initiatives like the Democracy's Library project, emphasizing the importance of open access to information and a balanced copyright system.
The Court Must Decide If the Constitution Means What It Says
Today, the Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments in one of those rare cases that could reshape all three branches of government. The justices deciding Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, a challenge to the current tariff regime, could determine whether the imperial presidency is entrenched or arrested. They could either cajole Congress out of its dormancy or render it even more inert. And they could buttress the legitimacy of the Court’s conservative majority—which in the past decade has aggressively intervened to limit the administrative state’s domestic operations—or undermine it by applying different standards to presidents of different parties.
How Cops Can Get Your Private Online Data
Can the cops get your online data? In short, yes. There are a variety of US federal and state laws which give law enforcement powers to obtain information that you provided to online services. But, there are steps you as a user and/or as a service provider can take to improve online privacy. Law enforcement demanding access to your private online data goes back to the beginning of the internet. In fact, one of EFF’s first cases, Steve Jackson Games v. Secret Service, exemplified the now all-too-familiar story where unfounded claims about illegal behavior resulted in overbroad seizures of user messages. But it’s not the ’90s anymore, the internet has become an integral part of everyone’s life. Everyone now relies on organizations big and small to steward our data, from huge service providers like Google, Meta, or your ISP, to hobbyists hosting a blog or Mastodon server.
What Is a Manifold? | Quanta Magazine
Mathematicians call certain shapes 'manifolds' – spaces that appear flat when viewed locally but can possess complex global structures. Introduced by Bernhard Riemann in the mid-19th century, manifolds revolutionized the study of mathematical space, leading to modern topology and finding applications in geometry, dynamical systems, data analysis, and physics, including Einstein's theory of relativity. The article explains how manifolds allow mathematicians to apply traditional calculus techniques to curved or higher-dimensional spaces by dividing them into 'charts' that map to Euclidean space, offering a fundamental vocabulary for understanding and solving diverse problems across scientific disciplines.
2026 Spring Festival Gala
Tradition meets technology in a stunning showcase at the 2026 Spring Festival Gala by China Media Group. This year's gala features robots performing synchronized martial arts routines alongside children, highlighting a bold fusion of heritage and high-tech innovation.
ICE observer says her Global Entry was revoked after agent scanned her face
Nicole Cleland, an observer of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity, had her Global Entry and TSA PreCheck privileges revoked after an incident where an agent used facial recognition to identify her. Cleland asserts that the revocation is an act of intimidation and retaliation for her observing federal agents. The article details the events leading to the revocation and discusses the broader use of facial recognition technology, such as Mobile Fortify and Clearview AI, and other surveillance tools by federal agencies for immigration enforcement and other investigations.
Why I Am Leaving the Federal Bench
Federal Judge Mark L. Wolf announces his resignation, citing President Donald Trump's repeated assaults on the rule of law and the impartial administration of justice. He criticizes the Trump administration for using the law for partisan purposes, targeting adversaries, dismantling corruption oversight, and fostering threats against the judiciary. Drawing on his 50-year career in public service, Judge Wolf emphasizes the importance of an independent judiciary and states that he can no longer remain silent in the face of what he perceives as an "existential threat to democracy."
Think you can't dance? Get up and try these tips in our comic. We dare you!
Presented as a comic by Connie Hanzhang Jin for NPR's Life Kit, this article offers six practical tips to encourage anyone to dance. It guides readers through steps like moving to music, trying different motions, finding the beat, avoiding mirrors, dancing with a partner, and considering classes. The author shares her personal journey of rediscovering dance and emphasizes its benefits for happiness, self-expression, and reducing anxiety, fostering a sense of community and expanding one's world.
The Economics of the Colonial Cringe, about The Economist magazine
This article critiques The Economist magazine, arguing that its perceived authority and "cleverness" among American professionals stem from a "colonial cringe"—a cultural snobbery rather than objective quality. The author, James Fallows, highlights how The Economist's editorial stance often contradicts its own news reporting, particularly regarding Japan's economic policies and the efficacy of market forces versus government intervention. He suggests that Americans' reverence for The Economist is rooted in a desire to associate with an imagined superior English intellect, leading to an uncritical acceptance of its content and a perpetuation of a subtle form of cultural subservience.
On-Line Encyclopedia of Integer Sequences
The On-Line Encyclopedia of Integer Sequences (OEIS) is an online database of integer sequences, created by Neil Sloane in 1964 and later transferred to the OEIS Foundation in 2009. It contains over 390,000 sequences and is widely cited by professional and amateur mathematicians. Each entry includes terms, keywords, mathematical motivations, and literature links, with options to generate graphs or musical representations. The database is searchable by various fields and employs an advanced 'SuperSeeker' function to identify related sequences.
How to Leave the U.S.A.
Atossa Araxia Abrahamian reports on the desire of some U.S. citizens to emigrate in the wake of President Trump's reëlection, and joins an introductory tour of the Netherlands led by G.T.F.O. Tours, a relocation company founded by two Netherlands-based Americans.
How to Cut an Infinitely Large Pancake into as Many Pieces as Possible
A team of mathematicians seeks to cut an infinitely large pancake into as many pieces as possible, in a new take on an old puzzle.
They quit their day jobs to bet on current events. A look inside the prediction market mania
Prediction market apps are thriving in Trump's second term, with traders betting on migrant deportations to election outcomes. A community of young, mostly male and very online traders are driving the industry's bonanza.
How AGI became the most consequential conspiracy theory of our time
This article posits that Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) has become the most significant conspiracy theory of our era, deeply influencing the AI industry. It charts AGI's progression from a fringe idea to a dominant narrative, drawing parallels with conspiratorial thinking through its ambiguous definitions, imperviousness to contradictory evidence, and promises of either utopian salvation or apocalyptic doom. Author Melissa Heikkilä details how prominent figures, often supported by investors like Peter Thiel, have advanced the AGI narrative. She argues that this widespread belief is misdirecting substantial resources towards an ill-defined objective, thereby diverting attention and investment from tangible, solvable problems and ultimately benefiting powerful Silicon Valley interests.
Stop Talking About the Moon
An article by Kaitlyn Tiffany expressing frustration with the continuous media hype surrounding lunar events, particularly supermoons. It critiques how news outlets sensationalize common astronomical occurrences for traffic, arguing that this practice cheapens the public's perception of the cosmos. The author traces the rise of "moon news" to the digital-media boom of 2015 and compares it to viral internet phenomena, highlighting its effectiveness in generating clicks due to universal appeal.
President Trump's tariffs v. the Supreme Court's duties
The article by Adam White analyzes the legal question of whether the president's statutory power to "regulate" imports includes the authority to "tax" them, specifically in the context of President Trump's tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). It delves into arguments regarding presidential deference, Congress' "power of the purse," and the application of the "major questions doctrine" to presidential actions. The piece explores the novelty and economic impact of Trump's broad use of tariffs and considers the potential implications of a Supreme Court ruling against the administration for future tariffs and the issue of refunds for past payments.
New Mexico’s Free-Child-Care Gamble
New Mexico’s governor recently announced that the state will be the first in the country to offer universal free child care, a development proponents see as crucial social infrastructure. However, this victory lap may be premature, as the state faces significant hurdles in implementation, including a shortage of educators and funding uncertainties. Despite its current generous income-based program covering 85% of children, only a fraction actually receive benefits due to a lack of available slots and providers' reluctance to accept state vouchers. The new universal policy will require hiring thousands more educators and substantial, ongoing legislative funding, which is not guaranteed. The success of this ambitious gamble, and its ability to avoid the pitfalls seen in Quebec’s past universal child-care program, will shape national views on the viability of such policies.
No One Actually Knows What a Moon Is
This article explores the lack of an official astronomical definition for a "moon," despite the discovery of various moon-like objects such as quasi-moons, mini-moons, and moonlets. It highlights the confusion this ambiguity causes among scientists and the public, especially as new technologies enable the identification of ever smaller and more transient celestial bodies. The piece notes the International Astronomical Union's historical reluctance to provide a clear definition, citing past controversies like Pluto's reclassification. It also briefly discusses Earth's single natural satellite and the intriguing, albeit remote, possibility of another undetected moon.
A ‘Death Train’ Is Haunting South Florida
The Brightline, a sleek and fast private high-speed rail operating between Miami and Orlando, has been lauded as the future of U.S. rail. However, it has gained notoriety as the "Death Train" due to an alarmingly high number of fatalities, far exceeding other commuter lines. While Brightline attributes these incidents to reckless behavior, investigations suggest the high accident rate stems from the train operating at high speeds through numerous flat grade crossings in densely populated urban areas, transforming once-familiar environments into dangerous zones. This article explores the various factors contributing to these deaths, the company's financial challenges despite public funding, and the broader societal debate over public versus private investment in critical infrastructure like rail.
The Problem with Farmed Seafood
The article discusses the environmental problem of feeding farmed seafood with wild-caught forage fish, which depletes ocean ecosystems and threatens global food security. It highlights the F3 Challenge, an initiative promoting the development of sustainable, marine-animal-free fish feeds using innovative sources like algae, bacteria, insects, and plants. This shift aims to reduce pressure on wild fish stocks, enhance ocean resilience, and ensure a more sustainable future for aquaculture.
America Has Entered Late-Stage Protein
The article discusses the widespread obsession with protein in America, detailing how almost all food products are now being marketed with added protein. The author, Rachel Sugar, expresses concern that this 'protein mania' has gone too far, turning protein into the latest nutritional fixation that promises to solve all body goals, from muscle gain to weight loss. She notes how this intense focus on a single macronutrient can lead to feelings of inadequacy when consuming non-protein-fortified foods and argues that despite its virtues, protein has become just another thing to obsessively count, similar to past fixations on fat or carbs.
There’s a global boom in solar—except in the United States
The article describes a booming global solar power industry, driven by falling costs and rapid development in countries like China, India, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa. This contrasts sharply with the United States, where the second Trump administration's policies, including rolling back incentives and introducing tariffs, are significantly hindering renewable energy growth. The piece highlights that while renewables are increasing global electricity supply, they often add to, rather than replace, fossil fuel usage. Challenges such as land acquisition, grid infrastructure, and consumer transition away from fossil-fueled heating and transport persist. Experts warn that the US's anti-renewables stance could damage its long-term competitiveness against China in the energy sector.
The Innovation That’s Killing Restaurant Culture
This article explores how food delivery services have fundamentally reshaped the restaurant industry and dining culture in America. It details the rise of apps like Grubhub and DoorDash, their venture-capital-backed growth strategies involving discounts, and how the pandemic accelerated their adoption. The piece argues that while convenient for consumers, delivery has become 'extractive' for restaurants, leading to reduced in-person dining, higher costs through commissions, changes in menu design, and a shift in how restaurants operate, often at the expense of their traditional culture and financial stability. The author highlights concerns about culinary innovation, the labor conditions of delivery workers, and the long-term impact on local neighborhoods.