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The Most Beautiful Science of the Year
The Most Beautiful Science of the Year: Insights from Nautilus in 2025
From football to softball, the biggest Texas Tech sports stories of 2025
What a wild year 2025 was for Texas Tech athletics. Relive the best and biggest stories of what was a loaded year for the Red Raiders.
The 10 Most Compelling Sports Stories of 2025
From the Oklahoma City Thunder’s dominance to multisport gambling scandals to a truly epic World Series, this year has been quite a ride.
Check your physics knowledge with our bumper end-of-year quiz
Try our new interactive end-of-year quiz compiled by Colin White
Georgia health officials map out $1.4 billion plan for new federal rural health funds
State officials have introduced a $1.4 billion plan to improve rural health outcomes over the next five years under the federal Rural Health Transformation Program created as part of this summer’s budget reconciliation bill. In a 96-page application, officials from the state’s Department of Community Health requested funds to improve access to primary and specialty […]
AlphaFold Changed Science. After 5 Years, It’s Still Evolving
WIRED spoke with DeepMind’s Pushmeet Kohli about the recent past—and promising future—of the Nobel Prize-winning research project that changed biology and chemistry forever.
AlphaFold Changed Science. After 5 Years, It’s Still Evolving
WIRED spoke with DeepMind’s Pushmeet Kohli about the recent past—and promising future—of the Nobel Prize-winning research project that changed biology and chemistry forever.
Gloucester business to close after more than 100 years
Workers are told they will lose their jobs at a longstanding timber merchant.
6 charts to show your family when they ask why you don't have a new job
From the highest unemployment in years to job switchers seeing more modest raises than years past, charts show how the job market fared in 2025.
The big sports quiz of the year 2025
Have you followed the football, rugby, basketball, NFL, cycling, F1, tennis, horse racing, sumo, athletics and golf?
BP to Sell Majority Stake in Castrol Business for $6 Billion
The UK oil giant will divest a 65% stake, retaining the remaining interest via a joint venture, it said Wednesday. BP is shedding assets to reduce debt and turn around years of lagging performance that put the company in the crosshairs of activist shareholder Elliott Investment Management. It kicked off the sale process for Castrol back in February, when then-Chief Executive Officer Murray Auchincloss unveiled a strategic reset, promising to refocus on oil and gas, slash costs and reduce debt.
As Colorado’s soon-to-be majority, independent voters will determine state’s political future
Colorado, and Coloradans, value independence. Now that we’ve flipped the page on a new election year calendar, we will soon discover just how much we value our Independents as well. Unaffiliated or, as they prefer to be known, “independent” voters already outnumber Democrats and Republicans combined in Colorado. Soon they will cross the 50% threshold […]
From AI to Venezuela: Why 2026 is a hinge year for global power
One year ago this week, Joe Biden was president. I was in Doha, Qatar, negotiating with Israel and Hamas to finalize a ceasefire and hostage release deal. The incoming Trump team worked closely with us, a rare display of nonpartisanship to free hostages and end a war. It feels like a decade ago. A lot can happen in a year, as 2025 has shown.
Asian Legal Business Again Recognizes Ning Zhang Among the Top Dealmakers in Asia
Partner Ning Zhang has been named to Asian Legal Business’s 2025 Dealmakers of Asia list. This marks the third consecutive year he has been recognized among the region’s most influential and accomplished legal professionals who have made significant contributions to the dynamic landscape of Asian business law and are shaping the future of dealmaking across the continent.
Top sports photos of 2025 celebrate the memorable moments
Deseret News photojournalists shared their best shots of the year
Felzkowski: Wisconsin can’t wait on Washington for health care reform
In an end-of-year interview, Felzkowski said states should “grab the bull by the horns,” when it comes to reforming the state’s medical system.
Has Fox’s 2025 Surge and Sports Focus Already Been Priced In?
Wondering if Fox is still a buy after its big run, or if the easy money has already been made? You are not alone, and that is exactly what we are going to unpack here. The stock has been on a tear, climbing 4.8% over the last week, 12.2% over the past month, and 50.5% year to date, with multi year returns of 150.6% over 3 years and 171.1% over 5 years reshaping investor expectations. Behind those gains, investors have been reacting to Fox's strategic push into live sports and news...
UploadVR's Best of VR 2025 Awards – Game Of The Year, Hardware & Most Anticipated Of 2026
And finally, here are UploadVR's Best of VR 2025 Awards, featuring our picks for Game of the Year, New Hardware, and Most Anticipated. Find all of our winners here.
Ventura council rejects ‘entertainment zone’ designation, will reevaluate next year
Ventura City Council was split on the idea of establishing an “entertainment zone” designation for downtown Main Street, which would allow open containers of wine, beer and spirits along Main
Year in Review: A great year for entertainment in NH
It’s been a year of milestones, achievements and unforgettable moments in New Hampshire’s arts and entertainment scene.
Public Health Informatics Specialist
📊 DATA MEETS PUBLIC HEALTH! 📊Northern Nevada Public Health is seeking a PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATICS SPECIALIST to turn data into life-saving insights! 💡 $78,936/yr + excellent benefits & NV PERS retirement! 📍 Reno, NV | Perfect for you if you have: Bachelor’s in computer science/data sciences and 2+ years health informatics experience; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience ✅ Skills in SQL, R, Python, Power BI desired | Ready to start the new year using your tech skills to improve public health outcomes? This role combines cutting-edge data analysis with meaningful community impact! 🚀 You’ll analyze health data, support disease surveillance, and help shape public health decisions that protect our community! 🌟👉 Apply now: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washoecounty ⏰ Application Deadline: January 30! #HealthInformatics #HealthStatistics #DataScience #PublicHealth #WashoeCounty #TechJobs #RenoJobs
We are living in a golden age of species discovery
The search for life on Earth is speeding up, not slowing down. Scientists are now identifying more than 16,000 new species each year, revealing far more biodiversity than expected across animals, plants, fungi, and beyond. Many species remain undiscovered, especially insects and microbes, and future advances could unlock millions more. Each new find also opens doors to conservation and medical breakthroughs.
E&E News: The tough lesson US scientists learned from Trump
A yearlong assault on federal science programs taught researchers they can't always count on Washington to be a reliable partner.
‘Silver tsunami’ of retiring business owners leaves Main Streets at a crossroads
(This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. Visit the newsroom online: bridgemi.com.) ALPENA — Mary Rajasekhar had owned Olivet Book and Gift for 35 years when she decided last Christmas it was time to retire. But, with her children spread out across the country and into their own […]
Sony WF-1000XM6 rears its head as launch information surfaces in new leak
The long-awaited Sony WF-1000XM6 has reappeared before the end of the year in a new leak. This time, a retailer has hinted at availability and launch colour options ahead of schedule.
Fresno approves new management deal for Convention and Entertainment Center
A newly approved three-year management agreement signals for the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center pairs national venue operators charged with driving events, tourism and revenue while addressing operational costs, labor relations and downtown activation. Leaders
Brooks Koepka leaves LIV Golf, potential PGA Tour return uncertain
The five-time major winner will leave LIV Golf after three-plus years; majors are still in play
Pictures of the year: Entertainment
A selection of some of our top entertainment photos from 2025.
The Heinz History Center is renaming its sports museum to honor Franco Harris
It’s been 53 years to the day since Franco Harris hauled in the Immaculate Reception and carried the ball into the end zone at Three Rivers Stadium. In...
Citius Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Reports Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results and Provides Business Update
/PRNewswire/ -- Citius Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Citius Pharma" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: CTXR), a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development and...
Science funding was hit in 2025. What does that mean for the future? : Consider This from NPR
2025 was a hard year for science. The Trump administration upended federal funding for all kinds of scientific pursuits, slashing budgets across agencies like NASA, NIH and NOAA. NPR's Rob Stein and Katia Riddle spoke to scientists and officials who worry that those cuts could cause the United States to lose its competitive edge as a global hub for research and innovation, and steer future generations away from careers in science. For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Email us at considerthis@npr.org.This episode was produced by Michael Levitt, with audio engineering by Zo vanGinhoven. It was edited by Sarah Handel, Scott Hensley and Amina Khan. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.
I won $28 million in the Powerball when I was 21. One choice saved me from becoming a broke lottery winner.
Tim Schultz won the Powerball in 1999 as a 21-year-old gas station attendant. Here's what he thinks lottery winners should do — and his one regret.
Boston health officials issue warning amid 114% spike in flu cases
The city’s flu surge is happening about a month earlier this year, health officials said.
Earth's seasons vary wildly, even at the same latitude, new research finds
Earth's seasons look very different at locations not far from each other, 20 years' worth of satellite data reveals.
UPDATE: Dougherty County Approves Entertainment Complex Near Albany Mall
After nearly 20 years of planning, commissioners have greenlighted the project expected to draw visitors from across Southwest Georgia.
A look back at Washington politics in 2025
A look back at Washington politics in 2025, a year marked by the return of President Donald Trump to the White House. (AP Video: River Zhang)
College business storylines I’m tracking heading into 2026
College Football Playoff expansion is just one of a few storylines worth tracking heading into the New Year during a chaotic period for the enterprise.
Hubble spots massive sandwich shaped blob in deep-space
Nicknamed Dracula’s Chivito, the disk is 1,000 light-years away from Earth.
In Brooklyn's Park Slope neighborhood, children's entertainment comes with strings
For more than 30 years, Puppetworks has delighted Brooklyn's Park Slope neighborhood with performances of The Tortoise and the Hare, Pinocchio, Aladdin and, during the holidays, retellings of stories like The Steadfast Tin Soldier.
In Brooklyn's Park Slope neighborhood, children's entertainment comes with strings
For more than 30 years, Puppetworks has delighted Brooklyn's Park Slope neighborhood with performances of The Tortoise and the Hare, Pinocchio, Aladdin and, during the holidays, retellings of stories like The Steadfast Tin Soldier.
Here's what's open for business in Wichita Falls over New Year's
Here's what hours to expect from retailers, grocers and restaurants on New Year's Day in Wichita Falls.
<i>D CEO</i> Editors’ Picks: Our Favorite Business Stories of 2025
From investigative reports to surprising profiles of under-the-radar innovators, these are the stories that stood out in the past year.
The Trump Administration's big year in health tech
In this edition of STAT Health Tech: A look back at the big changes in health tech, and AstraZeneca joins wearables study with Lilly, Novo.
James Cameron Slams Amy Poehler For 'Ignorant Dig' From ... 12 Years Ago
Twelve years ago, Poehler said something the director will never forget.
Maine's got game: Sports stories that made headlines in 2025
From pro teams to the college scene, it’s been a bustling year for the sports business in Maine.
Opry Entertainment Group Unveils Star-Studded New Year's Eve Celebrations at Nashville Venues
Opry Entertainment Group is ringing in 2026 with an unforgettable lineup of New Year’s Eve events across Nashville’s most iconic venues.
The 120 Most Powerful Executives in Entertainment, Ranked
From David Zaslav to Ted Sarandos and David Ellison, Variety celebrates its 120th year by ranking the 120 most powerful entertainment executives.
27-year-old boosted his income from $50,000 to $432,000 at Amazon in 5 years—it allowed him to quit and start his own business
Nabeel Khan was methodical in building his career at Amazon, rising the ranks quickly from operations manager to project manager to product manager.
Will the new year bring a new shutdown?
A January deadline for Congress could bring the pain all over again
Oklahoma City, fans across the state will never forget the year of sports in 2025
KOCO 5 Sports Director Bryan Keating replays some of the many major and championship sports moments from 2025 in Oklahoma City
Year in review: Trump's economy : The NPR Politics Podcast
As we approach 2026, the NPR Politics Podcast is taking a look back at the year that was in different political areas. Today, we look at President Trump's handling of the economy, including his tariff policy.This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, White House correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben, and chief economics correspondent Scott Horsley.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell & Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
Elon Musk, AI and the antichrist: the biggest tech stories of 2025
A look back at the biggest tech stories of the year, from the rise and fall of Musk’s Doge to lucrative investments into AI
Year in review 2025: A year of accomplishments, milestones for Vanderbilt Health
The following is a roundup of the news that made headlines at Vanderbilt Health in 2025.
Year in Review 2025: Several national rankings recognize Vanderbilt Health
During the past year, Vanderbilt Health placed highly in several national rankings and was honored with numerous awards.
Republican former senator Ben Sasse says he has terminal cancer
The 53-year-old — who was one of a handful of Republicans to speak out against Trump during his first term — said in a lengthy social media post he has Stage 4 pancreatic cancer and suggested he doesn’t have long to live.
After 70 years of business, Circle Furniture is closing its doors
On Tuesday morning, employees received an email confirming they’re being laid off.
Inside Gaming: Strip operator extending discounts into 2026
Plus, Atlantic City casinos won more than $236.8 million from gamblers in November, a year-over-year increase of 5.7 percent, according to state regulatory data.
Popstar! Best of 2025: The Fan-Voted Entertainment Rewind That Defined the Year
/PRNewswire/ -- From blockbuster premieres to viral moments, Popstar! Best of 2025 is a fan-voted celebration of the movies, shows, music, and cultural moments...
Boston issues flu warning amid dramatic spike in cases
Boston health officials issued a flu warning on Tuesday amid a dramatic spike in cases in the city. The City of Boston and the Boston Public Health Commission said in a release that flu cases are surging earlier this year than they did last year, with a recent 114% increase in cases. They said flu related emergency department visits are…
Klarna Sees Triple-Digit Spending Growth Across Entertainment, Experiences, and Automotive This Holiday Season
NEW YORK, December 23, 2025--Klarna, the global digital bank and flexible payments provider, today reports an increase in U.S. holiday spending beyond traditional retail, with consumers driving triple-digit year-over-year growth across entertainment (+130%), experiences (+115%) and automotive products (100%), such as vehicle maintenance and repairs, from December 1 through Monday, December 22, signaling a clear shift toward experiential and high-value practical purchases this season.
Junglepussy is ready to conquer the world
It’s hard not to be inspired by Junglepussy — just ask “One Battle After Another” director Paul Thomas Anderson. In our “Annual Self-Assessment,” the rapper reflects on the year and looks ahead to 2026: “You see how I rock the boat?”
One Last Look at 2025, With Help From Ticket Stubs
Our resident culture conversationalist Ryan Patrick Cooper reflects on a year of highs, one ticket stub at a time.
Orioles stories of the year: Baltimore’s 2025 power outage
A steep drop in home runs and extra-base hits sunk the O’s offense in 2025. Is there hope for a turn around in 2026?
Federal cuts and a race to replace McConnell. Here’s a look at top state politics stories in 2025
Kentucky Public Radio has covered a tumultuous year of federal cuts and shifts, the lawsuits challenging them, state governance and another hefty legislative session. Rediscover our top politics stories of 2025.
Economic growth surges in late summer, the highest in two years
“This was the strongest six months of growth since late in 2023, but it certainly didn’t feel that way for most people,” one analyst said.
Historical mysteries solved by science in 2025
Researchers studied fossils, well-preserved remains and even a single fingerprint to solve some of history’s long-standing mysteries this year.
The Gear That Defined Tech Editor Josh Ross's 2025: AI, Cameras, WorldTour Bikes, and More
It wasn’t just about the fastest bikes or the lightest parts. This year my favorites included items, both bike related and not, that fostered connection, solved real problems, and brought me joy.
Why Apple's Foldable iPhone May Be Smaller Than Expected
Apple's first foldable iPhone, rumored for release next year, may turn out to be smaller than most people imagine, if a recent report is anything to go by. According to The Information, the outer display on the book-style device will measure just 5.3 inches – that's smaller than the 5.4-inch screen on the iPhone mini, a line Apple discontinued in 2022 due to poor sales. The report has led some people to wonder why Apple would settle on such a compact form factor.
A year of vetoes, lawsuits and loss in Arizona politics
From Charlie Kirk's killing to shutdown fights, 2025 set the stage for a wild Arizona midterm.
I Tried Samsung's Galaxy Z TriFold and Z Fold 7. Here's How the Foldable Phones Differ
Does Samsung's Galaxy Z TriFold stand a chance against the lightest book-style foldable phone of the year? Let's compare the two.
Why Sports Is The Fastest Way To Break CTV’s Programmatic Ceiling
Programmatic media buying is expected to account for the majority of growth in the CTV market in 2026. This year alone, over 90% of CTV ad dollars were transacted through programmatic pipes. That data isn’t surprising. Programmatic has solved a real problem by helping brands reach TV viewers with targeted precision at much lower costs. […]
Year in Review: A Look Back at Local Sports in 2025
Well, it's that time again. This will be my 35th Year in Review column, and 2025 gave me plenty to review.
2025 was the year Xbox died
The Xbox brand effectively died this year. But can it be resurrected as a PC platform?
ZooTampa at Lowry Park elevates Christmas in the Wild over the holidays
Every year, Christmas in the Wild has grown more elaborate at the Tampa zoo.
Brand Innovators Outlook 2026: Entertainment
The entertainment industry faces a year of change and adjustment in 2026. New technologies and merger activity will keep movies, TV and live events in play. With the limitations of the COVID pandemic firmly in the rear-view mirror, the sector anticipates consumers will indulge in movies and live events, and brands will find new ways […]
Nine mental-health tips for a happier 2026
Regardless of any resolutions you may have for 2026, one thing is for sure: Everyone wants to have a happy new year.While losing weight or saving money may be great goals, the most straightforward path to happiness is caring for your mental and emotional health. A robust body of research shows that simple cognitive and behavioral strategies can reliably boost happiness and reduce stress – and they’re generally free and accessible to all.These strategies don’t have to be super time-consuming, but they do require intention: They only work if you do them.Here, psychologist Valentina Ogaryan, PhD, clinical director of the Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology, shares her top tips for cultivating more calm, centeredness and happiness in the new year (or anytime):Make time for playPlay isn’t just for kids, and it’s far from frivolous. The National Institute for Play says engaging in silliness, fun and just-for-pleasure activities reduces stress and increases optimism and resilience. A recent review also found that play improves mental health.“Adults can benefit from play as much as children,” Dr. Ogaryan says, “not just as a reward, but something that helps regulate.”So go ahead and dance with your dog, build something with Legos, tell a joke, sing karaoke or do anything else that feels like fun. Don’t worry about being productive, just enjoy yourself. And, if you can, opt for more analog play, Dr. Ogaryan suggests, as a respite from our ever-more-digital world. Move your bodyWhether you dance, ski, do yoga, play pickleball, ride a bike, roller-skate, hike or lift weights, physical movement benefits overall happiness and well-being. A 2018 review study of more than 1.2 million adults in the U.S. found that doing any kind of exercise was “significantly and meaningfully associated” with better self-reported mental health.The sweet spot was 45 minutes of movement three to five times a week, but even short bursts of physical activity can boost brain health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.“Movement helps support mood and regulate the nervous system,” Dr. Ogaryan says.Plus: exercise can improve sleep quality, and sleep is essential for mental health.Prioritize sleep“Sleep plays a major role in managing stress,” Dr. Ogaryan says. Research shows that lack of sufficient sleep increases the risk of various diseases, including depression.While stress can interfere with sleep, practicing good sleep hygiene can make logging ZZ’s easier. That means maintaining a consistent bedtime; keeping the bedroom cool, dark and quiet; and avoiding social media, news and stimulating shows before bed.Consume lessWe live in a consumer culture, inundated by endless streams of content and advertising everywhere we go, which makes it easy to get overstimulated.“Something really helpful for stress reduction is to simply consume less,” Dr. Ogaryan says – less news, less social media, less information, less noise, less screen time. “It’s about reducing the input,” she says.Consider setting a maximum number of news articles per day, for example, or a time limit on scrolling. Maybe even go device free for an afternoon or a whole day.Practice present-moment awarenessWith so much coming at us all the time, focusing on the here and now can make life feel more manageable, Dr. Ogaryan says: “When everything feels super overwhelming, when everything feels larger than life, let’s make our world a little bit smaller for that moment in time.”She suggests taking things one day, or even one hour, at a time. Ask yourself: What’s my next right action? Release the need to know how everything turns out and liberate yourself from having to handle everything right now. Let the future take care of itself and just focus on the current moment. Then the next one. Have a daily anchorFrom work to the daily commute to family and life responsibilities, our days can feel jam-packed. Dr. Ogaryan recommends creating a centering daily anchor that can fit into even the busiest day.Maybe it’s a 10-minute walk during your lunch break or mindfully enjoying your coffee in the morning. Let your anchor adapt to your needs each day, she says, but be intentional about using that time to ground yourself and calm your nervous system. You might even say to yourself, “I choose this walk to help me become centered,” or “My day already feels stressful, so I’m going to take the next 10 minutes to enjoy this cup of coffee, feel the warm mug in my hand and just be present.” Having an anchor won’t erase the busy-ness from your day, but it will allow you to approach it more calmly.Be kind to yourselfMost of us have a harsh inner critic in our heads who works overtime. But that critical voice only increases our stress, triggering the same fight-or-flight response as caustic words from another person.To feel happier, we need to replace that inner critic with a kinder, more compassionate voice, Dr. Ogaryan says. Studies show that self-compassion is a source of eudaimonic happiness – the kind of happiness associated with purpose and meaning in life.While our knee-jerk reaction may be to self-criticize – “How could you let it get to this point? You didn’t manage your time well and now the project is going to be late. You’re so inept.” – we fare better mentally by treating ourselves with kindness, like we would a friend. That might sound like, “You’ve got a lot on your plate, but you are capable and you’ll get it done. I believe in you.”We may think that speaking kindly to ourselves means letting ourselves off the hook, so we end up becoming lazy do-nothings. But research shows the opposite: People who are self-compassionate are more likely to try harder in the face of failure and ultimately reach their goals.You can thank your inner critic for its good intentions, but resolve to talk to yourself in a kind, compassionate voice.Connect with othersHumans are social animals built for connection. Stress can be isolating and cause us to withdraw, but connecting with others is a salve for the psyche, Dr. Ogaryan says.“We know that not all relationships are always easy, but if we can think about intentional, nourishing connection – even in really small doses – it could really help center us,” she says.Take a moment to laugh with your colleagues, hug your pet, have a conversation with a friend or smile at the barista making your coffee. A study found that even tiny interactions with casual acquaintances and strangers decreases loneliness and improves happiness and well-being.Seek supportIf you try these practices and happiness remains elusive, or if you can’t access the wherewithal to follow these tips, seek support from your physician or a therapist. Mental health conditions are among the most common health issues in the U.S. and around the world – more prevalent than diabetes or heart disease. One in five people in the U.S. experiences a mental illness each year, with depression and anxiety the most common, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.“We can all think about these tips,” Dr. Ogaryan says. “But it’s important to recognize if you’ve done everything you can and you’re still really struggling, it’s really important to seek help.”
Avid weightlifter leverages exercise science interest into impactful research
Years ago, Wil King took the intellectual approach to improving his physique.
The disunity of science is a feature, not a bug
Mathematical models wield miraculous power, but mistaking them for reality has trapped science in a destructive quest for a “Theory of Everything.” Physicist and philosopher Ragner Fjelland argues that this leads to bloated, Frankenstein theories kept alive by clumsy, ad-hoc amendments, which reduce rather than boost science’s power. Fjelland calls for a radical shift in our attitude: we must reorientate towards creating entirely new theories, celebrating rather than lamenting disunity and diversity in science. Science, from the scientific revolution in the seventeenth century to the present day, has more or less developed in a “reductionist” way. The fundamental assumption is that all sciences may be ordered in a hierarchy that can be represented as an upside-down pyramid. At the top we find the human sciences, and at the bottom physics. Strong (or “ontological”) reductionism maintains that all theories at one level can be completely reduced to the lower level, all the way down to theories of atoms and elementary particles, or whatever is “at the bottom.” In the end, all diversity in the world can be unified in one fundamental theory. Hence it is called a final theory, or a Theory of Everything.One of the central figures in developing the idea of a Theory of Everything is the Dutch theoretical physicist Gerard 't Hooft, who received a Nobel Prize in physics in 1999 for his work. He emphasizes the non-empirical status of the theory:There exists no closely resembling alternative theory. This means that any slight change brought about in the rules would make the theory unlikely or inelegant. The theory will be a "package deal": take it, or leave it. This should hold both for the local laws and for the boundary conditions.This endeavor is not new. On the contrary, it goes all the way back to the birth of Western philosophy 2,500 years ago. The Babylonians made regular astronomical observations during a period of 600 years, from 747 BCE until 150 ACE. They developed mathematical techniques to predict astronomical phenomena, but they made no attempts at explaining them. However, the Greeks developed models, both material and theoretical, to explain the observed phenomena.The best example is Plato’s late dialogue Timaeus. Here he introduces a divine craftsman, the Demiurge, who has constructed the universe according to an original plan. Plato seems to have thought that the original plan is what is actually real, while the material world is merely an imperfect realization of it. He therefore does not, in the Timaeus, reconstruct the material universe, but the original plan, which can then be used to explain the material universe.Plato’s aim in producing a theoretical model is to reconstruct the original plan. That is what he carries out in Timaeus—and some modern physicists have embarked on the same project. For example, Einstein’s basic attitude is reflected in the title of Abraham Pais’ biography: “Subtle is the Lord...,” echoing Einstein’s comment, “Subtle is the Lord, but malicious He is not.” In an interview Einstein compared our situation to a child who enters a huge library. The child knows that someone has written the books, but he does not know the languages in which they are written. He suspects that there is a mysterious order, but he does not know what it is.___“We have all been working in what Husserl called the Galilean style; that is, we have all been making abstract mathematical models of the universe to which at least the physicists give a higher degree of reality than they accord the ordinary world of sensation.”Steven Weinberg, Nobel Prize in Physics (1979)___This Platonist view is contrary to a widespread impression of science, symbolized by the picture of the “father” of modern science, Galileo Galilei, with his telescope. According to this impression, Galileo liberated himself from the dominating metaphysics of his day—basically Aristotelian philosophy—and constructed a telescope that he directed towards the sky, showing that Jupiter has four moons. He also performed experiments with bronze balls rolling down inclined planes and found the law of freely falling bodies.However, in other cases Galileo emphasized the unreliability of our senses. It is easy to see why. He defended Copernicus’ heliocentric hypothesis. According to this hypothesis, we are not at rest at the center of the universe, but moving at a tremendous speed through space. Why don’t we observe this motion? Galileo praises Copernicus because “with reason as his guide he resolutely continued to affirm what sensible experience seemed to contradict.” In other places he directly refers to Plato. SUGGESTED VIEWING The quest for a final theory With Michio Kaku Galileo’s Platonism goes back to his early writings. In The Assayer, published as early as 1623, Galileo compared the universe to a grand book that is written in the language of mathematics, and “its characters are triangles, circles, and other geometric figures without which it is humanly impossible to understand a single word of it.” Therefore, things that cannot be described by mathematics—for example, colors, smells and odors—are not real. They are merely subjective.This division into subjective and objective, advocated by Galileo and his younger contemporary René Descartes, is normally associated with a mechanistic world view, which is regarded as the opposite of Platonism. When we reduce something to, for example, molecules and atoms, we move “downwards.” In contrast, the Platonist moves “upwards,” to abstract entities. However, it only shows that when we address fundamental questions, we should be careful in applying everyday spatial metaphors like “up” and “down.”___Nature is complex, and we cannot in general construct mathematical models that adequately describe the world.___The endeavor of finding a Theory of Everything has been heavily criticized. In 2006, the theoretical physicist Lee Smolin published “The Crisis in Fundamental Physics.” He argued that one of the most fundamental principles of science is that we should only regard theories as scientific if we have the possibility to show that they are false by experiments. Although he did not refer to Karl Popper, other critics have referred to Popper and argued that a theory is not scientific if it cannot be falsified (see for example Ellis & Silk 2014).These were not the first physicists to be anti-reductionists. In 1972, the journal Science published an article by the physicist Philip Anderson with the title “More Is Different.” This is the kind of article a scientist would normally write only after he has won a Nobel Prize. However, Anderson won the Nobel Prize for physics five years later, in 1977. The article is amazing, not primarily because it argues in favor of anti-reductionism in general, but because it argues for anti-reductionism within physics itself. Anderson’s conclusion was:At each stage entirely new laws, concepts, and generalizations are necessary, requiring inspiration and creativity to just as great a degree as in the previous one. Psychology is not applied biology, nor is biology applied chemistry.We may say that Plato started the “unity of science movement,” based on Euclidean geometry as the model of all knowledge. A distinguishing mark of geometry is that all possible constructions can be reduced to a few fundamental principles. We have to acknowledge that this approach has limitations. In general, we can easily model technological systems. In addition, we may construct simplified and idealized models that capture important aspects of systems, from various perspectives and for various purposes. But nature is complex, and we cannot in general construct mathematical models that adequately describe the world. In a complex system, each level has its distinct, emergent, properties that are characteristic of this level. Therefore, a complex system should be investigated at different levels and from different perspectives. Instead of exclusively pursuing a scientific ideal based on the unity of science, we should acknowledge the diversity—or even the disunity—of science.
My health care costs are going up. So I made a video series figuring out why and who's to blame.
No one is more motivated to understand this topic than a 26-year-old journalist with a marketplace plan.
These 5 Atlanta arts venues will open new or renovated spaces in 2026, 2027
Atlanta has a sizable list of new venues poised to open in the next two years, while favorites like Fernbank Museum and Woodruff Arts Center are getting upgrades.
From the Texas Legislature: 5 big moves that shaped your life this year
Decisions in Austin reset taxes, schools, gaming and the balance of power across the state.
5 ways to get your business finances ready for the new year
Comerica reports 5 ways to prepare your business finances for the new year: review finances, update payroll, assess credit, strengthen security, and set goals.
Gridlock dotted with bipartisan breakthroughs in divided Legislature
The first divided Michigan Legislature in years stands out as historically unproductive. Despite some bipartisan action, gridlock looms over the year.
The best reality TV of 2025
Scandals, competitions and breakups are par for the course on reality shows, but this year also brought some tender moments that made for must-see TV.
Looking Back on 2025’s Most Memorable Political Style Moments
From our first glimpse at Rama Duwaji’s first-lady look to the stink over men in pink, fashion found its way into the political discourse in more ways than one this year.
A veteran of news media business, Peter Stanton announces retirement
Peter Stanton has spent nearly his entire career in Worcester, working among independent news publications. He retires at the end of the year.
Central Indiana's Top 10 stories of 2025, from sports to Trump
The year in sports brought unlikely rises and dramatic falls. The year in politics shook Indiana's foundations. Here are the Top 10 stories of 2025.
Velo 2025 Road Bike of the Year Winner: The Cannondale Synapse
We could have picked a Tour de France-winning superbike. Instead, we chose the bike that redefines usability for the rest of us.
ChatGPT recapped your personal AI habits in 2025. Here's how to see yours.
Reflect on your generative AI use this year.
Report: Live Entertainment Spending Surges
Tennesseans spent $47 per capita on live entertainment last year.
Japan's former emperor turns 92 as heart condition stabilizes after health concerns
TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s beloved former Emperor Akihito marked his 92nd birthday Tuesday as his heart condition stabilized, palace officials said, following health concerns earlier this year.
Japan's former emperor turns 92 as heart condition stabilizes after health concerns
Japan’s beloved former Emperor Akihito is marking his 92nd birthday as his heart condition stabilizes, palace officials say, following health concerns earlier this year
The Best of BoF 2025: Fashion and Sports Forge a Powerful Alliance
As the fashion world navigated a tough year filled with macroeconomic headwinds and deep consumer pessimism in key marketplaces, the sports industry proved to be a bit of a guiding light.
Vogue Business’s Top 10 Words of the Year
The terms that influenced and defined culture in 2025 across fashion, beauty, sustainability and tech.
The Most-Read Vogue Business Stories of 2025
Labubus, AI slop, exciting M&A deals and more designer debuts than ever before. Here’s what Vogue Business readers clicked on this year.
The women’s sports moments of 2025 – as chosen by The Athletic’s writers
It feels impossible to sum up another beautifully chaotic year in women’s sports in a series of moments, but that challenge didn’t stop us.
Scientists Extract Metabolic Molecules From Million-Year-Old Fossils for the First Time
Fossils can reveal far more than the shapes of ancient creatures. Molecules preserved inside old animal bones provide clues about past diseases, what those animals ate, and the climates they lived in. For the first time, researchers have examined metabolism-related molecules preserved in fossiliz
ChatGPT Now Has a 2025 Year-End Summary Feature Like Spotify Wrapped
OpenAI added a year-end summary feature to ChatGPT, allowing users to get a personalized overview of their 2025 ChatGPT usage. The summary is similar to year-end wrap-ups from companies like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and other services. ChatGPT offers up an overview of themes discussed and chat stats, such as busiest chatting day, number of overall chats, messages sent, and more.