Pieces

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.



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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.

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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




Machines of Loving Grace
This essay by Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, explores the complex relationship between advanced artificial intelligence and human society. Drawing inspiration from the concept of "machines of loving grace," Amodei discusses the potential for AI to serve humanity positively, while also addressing the profound ethical challenges, safety considerations, and societal transformations that accompany its development and integration. The piece likely advocates for a thoughtful and responsible approach to building AI systems that align with human values and well-being.

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.


