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Interesting Things

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Beware   Spreading Vital Information Will Undermine Our War Effort   DPLA   bfa302fc62e2e90d5729737d5509d27a.jpg
Office for Emergency Management. Office of War Information. Domestic Operations Branch. Bureau of Special Services. 3/9/1943-9/15/1945 · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Interesting Things

Mathematician Clash Sparks Fears AI Will Undermine Science

A confrontation among mathematicians is fueling widespread anxiety that artificial intelligence could erode the fundamental trust in and accuracy of scientific discovery.

October 29, 2026 at 2:12 AM CDT
Putin hails Elon Musk’s ‘genius’ amid plans for Russian version of Starlink
Image: The Guardian Science · Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/28/vladimir-putin-elon-musk-genius-russia-starlink
Interesting Things

Putin Calls Elon Musk a 'Real Genius' Over Satellite Talks

When Vladimir Putin hailed Elon Musk as a 'real genius' after satellite talks with SpaceX boss, it underscored the intense geopolitical race for control over the digital sky. The conversation revealed a delicate dance between technological rivalry and necessary diplomatic caution as both nations vie to establish dominance in orbital communications.

October 29, 2026 at 12:24 AM CDT
Perimenopause is everywhere. How do you know if you’re in it? - video
Image: The Guardian Science · Source: https://www.theguardian.com/science/video/2026/oct/27/perimenopause-is-everywhere-how-do-you-know-if-youre-in-it-video
Interesting Things

Perimenopause is Everywhere: Navigating the Noise and Misinformation

Perimenopause is everywhere, with celebrities and doctors sharing experiences online. But despite the benefits of growing awareness, a rising number of women are now encountering misinformation about treatments such as HRT. Madeleine Finlay hears from Dr Paula Briggs about why experts have raised the alarm.

October 28, 2026 at 7:28 AM CDT
Social media platforms can be reformed so that they balance free speech with privacy, safety, and factual accuracy.
ChatGPT · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Interesting Things

Decoding the 'Ferritin Face': Fact vs. Fiction in Social Media Health Trends

Social media influencers are circulating warnings about 'ferritin face,' suggesting visible signs like dull skin and fatigue indicate iron deficiency. Experts caution that while low iron stores can cause physical symptoms, relying solely on these viral cues without a clinical assessment can lead to unnecessary anxiety.

October 28, 2026 at 7:11 AM CDT
Chart showing Northern Ireland fiscal deficit from 1999 to 2018
Peter Donaghy · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Interesting Things

Restoring Wildness: The Fight for Nature in Northern Ireland

A new Nature Recovery Strategy has been launched in Northern Ireland to tackle severe biodiversity loss. This long-term plan confronts six major threats—from climate change and pollution to intensive farming—aiming to restore vital habitats. Why this matters: nature is essential for human life, economy, and community resilience. How it's happening: A science-based framework is being implemented, but success hinges on securing funding and navigating complex social debates about land use.

October 28, 2026 at 4:30 AM CDT
How rising seas transformed dry land into Venice lagoon
Image: The Guardian Science · Source: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/oct/28/rising-seas-transformed-dry-land-venice-lagoon
Interesting Things

Ancient Hills Submerged: How Sea Levels Reshaped Venice

How rising seas transformed dry land into Venice lagoon by revealing ancient landscapes submerged beneath the Adriatic coast over ten thousand years.

October 28, 2026 at 3:32 AM CDT
Sunlight at night: US startup’s demonstration of lighting Earth from space draws criticism
Image: The Guardian Science · Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/oct/26/california-sunlight-space-mirrors-satellites
Interesting Things

Mirrors in Space: Startup Tests Lighting Earth at Night, Sparks Debate

A US startup demonstrated a technology using thousands of mirrors in space to light parts of Earth at night, sparking intense debate over ecological impact and the fundamental rhythm of day and night. The story also touches on the high-stakes intersection of military access to space data and the ongoing quest for samples from Mars' moons.

October 28, 2026 at 1:21 AM CDT
Elizabeth Holmes is back in the spotlight: why can’t we look away? – podcast
Image: The Guardian Science · Source: https://www.theguardian.com/science/audio/2026/oct/22/elizabeth-holmes-you-can-see-everything-podcast
Interesting Things

Unlocking the Universe's Secrets: A Look Back at the Big Bang

A deep dive into the universe's origins and the ambitious missions currently underway to explore Mars' moons reveals how humanity continues to grapple with the most profound questions of existence. From the theoretical framework of the Big Bang to the tangible pursuit of lunar samples, this is science at its most awe-inspiring.

October 27, 2026 at 3:28 PM CDT
Who ordered Starlink, Starshield slowdown in Ukraine? What we know
Image: Snopes · Source: https://www.snopes.com/news/2026/10/21/starlink-starshield-slowdown-ukraine/
Interesting Things

Musk Restricts Starlink for Ukraine Amid Service Restoration

Elon Musk has stated that SpaceX restricted Ukraine's Starlink connection after Ukrainian officials indicated connectivity issues were resolved. This action involved imposing speed limitations on the service to prevent its use in offensive military strikes, highlighting the complex intersection of commercial satellite technology and active conflict.

October 27, 2026 at 1:22 PM CDT
‘It’s magic’: scientists rediscover how to make ancient Roman colour-changing glass
Image: The Guardian Science · Source: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/oct/25/scientists-rediscover-ancient-roman-colour-changing-glass
Interesting Things

Ancient Glass Magic Replicated: Scientists Uncover Secrets of Light

A US startup's demonstration of lighting Earth from space draws criticism from environmentalists concerned about disrupting natural cycles, while military access to SpaceX data raises questions about private control over orbital traffic.

October 27, 2026 at 12:50 PM CDT
US military gives Elon Musk’s SpaceX access to sensitive tracking data
Image: The Guardian Science · Source: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/oct/25/spacex-access-sensitive-tracking-data
Interesting Things

SpaceX Gets Military Access to Sensitive Orbital Tracking Data

When the US military hands over sensitive tracking data to Elon Musk’s SpaceX, it fundamentally shifts the balance of power in orbital operations. This move grants SpaceX a critical advantage in monitoring space traffic, fueling intense debate about privatization and national security control over the future of space.

October 27, 2026 at 12:34 PM CDT
Sunlight at night: US startup’s demonstration of lighting Earth from space draws criticism
Image: The Guardian Science · Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/oct/26/california-sunlight-space-mirrors-satellites
Interesting Things

Startup's Night Light Demo Sparks Fierce Environmental Backlash

A US startup's demonstration of lighting Earth from space has sparked a fiery debate between technological ambition and ecological caution, as environmentalists warn that altering the natural rhythm of day and night could have devastating, irreversible consequences for life on Earth.

October 27, 2026 at 12:07 PM CDT
Reviewboard Interesting Things artwork for Emotion Shapes Ape Learning: Orangutan Study Unveils New Behavior
Reviewboard
Interesting Things

Emotion Shapes Ape Learning: Orangutan Study Unveils New Behavior

A surprising study reveals that orangutans aren't just choosing food based on taste; they are actively seeking out rewards linked to positive social sounds. This research suggests that the emotional context—the feeling of joy or camaraderie—can profoundly influence how intelligent animals learn and make choices, offering a fascinating parallel for human cognition.

October 23, 2026 at 3:21 AM CDT
How citizen science is tracking changes in shorelines around the world
Image: The Guardian Science · Source: https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/oct/23/how-citizen-science-is-tracking-changes-in-shorelines-around-the-world
Interesting Things

Citizen Science Maps Global Shoreline Changes with Phone Photos

A global army of citizen scientists, armed with camera phones and smart software, is turning everyday beach walks into a powerful scientific monitoring system. The CoastSnap project is mapping coastal changes worldwide, offering researchers an unprecedented, day-by-day view of how waves and tides are reshaping our shores.

October 23, 2026 at 2:47 AM CDT
Why we’re still so obsessed with Elizabeth Holmes - video
Image: The Guardian Science · Source: https://www.theguardian.com/science/video/2026/oct/22/why-were-still-so-obsessed-with-elizabeth-holmes-video
Interesting Things

Why We're Still Obsessed with Elizabeth Holmes: The Psychology Behind the Fascination

Why the story of Elizabeth Holmes continues to captivate audiences, even years after the scandal, forces us to look deeper into the psychology of fascination and morbid curiosity surrounding high-stakes ambition and failure in the modern world.

October 23, 2026 at 2:04 AM CDT
Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (W.H.O.), tobacco use kills around 443,000 Americans (about 18 percent of all deaths) yearly and secondhand
Airman 1st Class Levin Boland · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Interesting Things

Crows Think Twice as Fast as Humans: Unpacking the 'Bird Brain's' Speed

Discover how crows process visual information at twice the speed of humans and primates, revealing an evolutionary blueprint for rapid, sophisticated intelligence that challenges our definitions of 'bird brain'.

October 23, 2026 at 1:52 AM CDT
Australia offers astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg for space mission to International Space Station
Image: The Guardian Science · Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/23/australian-astronaut-katherine-bennell-pegg-2028-space-mission
Interesting Things

Australian Astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg Eyes 2028 ISS Mission

Australia is offering astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg for a 2028 mission to the International Space Station. This ambitious project involves extensive government engagement with private sector funding and philanthropic support, aiming to inspire future generations in STEM and secure Australia's place in the global space race.

October 23, 2026 at 12:21 AM CDT
The humble one-celled alga that helped scientists win the Nobel prize
Image: The Guardian Science · Source: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/oct/21/chlamydomonas-one-celled-alga-nobel-prize
Interesting Things

The Tiny Alga That Unlocked the Secrets of the Human Brain

A microscopic alga has provided scientists with a revolutionary tool to map the neural circuits controlling memory and emotion, opening new doors for treating neurological diseases.

October 22, 2026 at 7:11 AM CDT
Big pharma accused of ‘free-riding on nature’ as global fund attracts just $7,000
Image: The Guardian Science · Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/oct/22/cop17-cali-conservation-fund-pharmaceutical-freeriding-nature-aoe
Interesting Things

Big Pharma Accused of Free-Riding on Nature as Biodiversity Fund Stalls at $7,000

Big pharma is accused of exploiting nature's genetic resources for profit while failing to contribute meaningfully to a global biodiversity fund, which has attracted a negligible sum despite its massive potential. This story explores the ethical gap between scientific advancement and ecological responsibility.

October 22, 2026 at 6:38 AM CDT
Blackpool Tower seen against a blue sky
Image: BBC Entertainment and Arts · Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c6jrw03njgxzo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
Interesting Things

Blackpool, Sheffield, Milton Keynes, Wrexham Vie for UK City of Culture 2029

Four cities—Blackpool, Milton Keynes, Sheffield, and Wrexham—are shortlisted for the prestigious UK City of Culture in 2029. Each location is receiving funding to develop ambitious cultural bids, promising a fascinating contest between showbiz history, innovative planning, industrial heritage, and modern ambition.

October 22, 2026 at 4:49 AM CDT
Reviewboard Interesting Things artwork for Alga Unlocks Brain Secrets for Depression and Parkinson's Research
Reviewboard
Interesting Things

Alga Unlocks Brain Secrets for Depression and Parkinson's Research

A microscopic alga has provided scientists with a revolutionary tool to map brain circuits by using light signals. This discovery isn't just academic; it offers new pathways to understand and potentially treat complex conditions like depression and Parkinson’s disease, while insights from studying ancient life forms hint at secrets of human longevity.

October 22, 2026 at 2:11 AM CDT
The poster for the 1931 film,   High Stakes  .
RKO Pictures · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Interesting Things

Tap Dancing Through a Minefield: The High Stakes of Musk's Tech Union

Elon Musk is reportedly considering merging Tesla and SpaceX. This potential mega-merger would combine ground-level robotics and automotive tech with space exploration infrastructure, aiming to accelerate his vision for a self-sustaining city on Mars.

October 22, 2026 at 12:08 AM CDT
"Confront Long Covid" with illustration of three medical workers wearing face masks
Unknown author Unknown author · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Interesting Things

Sea Monsters, Long COVID Gut Bugs, and Elephant Carcasses: A Science Deep Dive

A new science podcast connects the deep mystery of sea monsters, the intimate world of the long COVID microbiome, and the ecological role of elephant carcasses in sustaining the savannah, inviting readers to explore the astonishing interconnectedness of life on Earth.

October 21, 2026 at 10:30 AM CDT
Theatre advertisement for the film, Queen of Outer Space, 26 August, 1958.
Allied Artists Pictures · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Interesting Things

Musk and Bezos: The Cosmic Race for Outer Space Control

In the high-stakes race between Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, the focus is shifting from mere competition to a strategic merger of Tesla's terrestrial tech prowess with SpaceX's space dominance. This move aims to create an integrated system capable of achieving humanity’s ultimate goal: establishing a permanent presence beyond Earth.

October 21, 2026 at 10:05 AM CDT