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UCLA study links scar healing to dangerous placenta condition
New research led by UCLA Health suggests that how this scar tissue heals could be the key to better understand how placenta accreta spectrum develops, who is at risk and why the placenta attaches abnormally.
Top 10 must-see metro Detroit concerts, entertainment events in 2026
Morgan Wallen has a two-night stand at Michigan Stadium, Detroit finally lands a K-pop show and a Hunger Games" prequel is on the way.
Researchers ask how gender-diverse people feel about donating their bodies to science
A new study at Western seeks to better understand what sex and gender diverse people think about donating their bodies to science. Researchers say this information can better inform future healthcare professionals on respecting their patients' identities.
Analysis: 2026 is a hinge in history that will define Trump’s second term and legacy
2026 will be a defining year for the political standing and ultimate substance and legacy of President Donald Trump’s second term, at home and overseas.
A guide to choosing the right Apple Watch
The gap between Apple's standard and budget smart watches has never felt smaller.
Chevy Chase says 'misunderstanding' led to 'Community' exit, insists 'I'm not racist'
Chevy Chase has reacted to new remarks about his controversial 'Community' exit and use of the N-word on set, chalking it up to a 'misunderstanding' and insisting, 'I'm not racist.'
No iPhone 18 Launch This Year, Reports Suggest
Apple is not expected to release a standard iPhone 18 model this year, according to a growing number of reports that suggest the company is planning a significant change to its long-standing annual iPhone launch cycle. Despite the immense success of the iPhone 17 in 2025, the iPhone 18 is not expected to arrive until the spring of 2027, leaving the iPhone 17 in the lineup as the latest standard model for over 18 months.
This 100-year-old teaching method is beating modern preschools
A first-of-its-kind national trial shows that public Montessori preschool students enter kindergarten with stronger reading, memory, and executive function skills than their peers. These gains don’t fade — they grow over time, bucking a long-standing trend in early education research. Even better, Montessori programs cost about $13,000 less per child than traditional preschool. The results suggest a powerful, affordable model hiding in plain sight.
Revisited: the real science of weight loss
In this episode from October, the leading nutritional scientist Kevin Hall tells Ian Sample what he wants us all to understand about diet, exercise and weight loss, and what led to his departure from the National Institutes of Health
Top 10 people in science for 2025, according to Nature
From a CRISPR baby to a young AI disruptor, 2025 has seen some serious leaps in science and technology. It's also seen some people stand up to the growing pressures facing the science community. Now, the world's leading science journal, Nature, has named 10 prominent figures behind the year's standout moments, which stretch from the darkness of the deep sea to the far corners of the universe.
Christian Barmore faces domestic assault charge, Patriots release statement
Barmore is the second standout New England player to face criminal charges in the past two days
Meet the man who invites 1,000 people to his house every month
Once a month for 15 years, David Weiner has hosted a jazz party, inviting everyone he knows and many people he’s never met over to his D.C. rowhouse. Today, we revisit one of our favorite episodes of the year and go inside the wildly welcoming ritual to understand how he’s built this community — and kept it going.
The year in Bay Area sports: Stories that show why 2025 was bigger and better
Steph Curry injured his hamstring and Fred Warner fractured his ankle, but it wasn’t all bad. The Valkyries’ rise and the 49ers’ late-season surge captured our attention.
The best in military entertainment from 2025 (and what sucked)
While 2025 was a mixed bag for military-veteran entertainment, what stands out is that no one tells the veteran story better than veterans.
The duo kite-skiing 4000 kilometres across Antarctica for science
An explorer and a glaciologist are kite-skiing across Antarctica with a ground-penetrating radar to gather data that will help understand the past and future of the ice sheet
Advancing the America First Global Health Strategy Through a Landmark Bilateral Global Health MOU with Côte d’Ivoire - United States Department of State
Under the America First Global Health Strategy, the United States is refocusing global health assistance to protect the American people from infectious disease threats, while ending open-ended dependency on U.S. taxpayers. That approach is being put into action through Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) that require U.S. assistance recipients to invest their own resources and take […]
Burnley analysis: Spirited response after nightmare start
Scott Parker's final instructions would still have been ringing in his players' ears when Joelinton put Newcastle United in front. It was the quickest goal Burnley have conceded in a Premier League game. If that was not bad enough, Yoane Wissa made it 2-0 just a few minutes later with Burnley aggrieved after Laurent was bundled over in the build-up by Bruno Guimaraes, only for the goal to stand following a check by the video assistant referee.
IRS increases business mileage rate by 2.5 cents for 2026
The standard mileage rate for the business use of a car, truck, van or other vehicle will increase by 2.5 cents in 2026. The IRS announced Monday that beginning Jan. 1, the standard mileage rate for a qualifying vehicle will be 72.5 cents per mile, up 2.5 cents from 2025. The rate will be 20.5 […]
IRS increases 2026 business mileage rate by 2.5 cents
WASHINGTON (AP) — The standard mileage rate for the business use of a car, truck, van or other vehicle will increase by 2.5 cents in 2026. The IRS announced Monday that beginning Jan. 1, the standa…
IRS increases 2026 business mileage rate by 2.5 cents
The IRS announces an increase in the standard mileage rate for business use of vehicles
IRS Increases 2026 Business Mileage Rate by 2.5 Cents
WASHINGTON (AP) — The standard mileage rate for the business use of a car, truck, van or other vehicle will increase by 2.5 cents in 2026. The IRS announced Monday that beginning Jan. 1, the standard mileage rate for a qualifying vehicle will be 72.5 cents per mile, up 2.5 cents from 2025. The rate ...
Weekly scores and standings for Binghamton-area high school sports
Here's a quick rundown of tournament results, game scores and standings for 12/22 - 12/28.
Samsung's $250 Galaxy Tab A11+ is a big upgrade by budget Android tablet standards
The Galaxy Tab A11+ just went official and it actually seems like a pretty decent Android tablet for its $250...
Samsung Welcomes Galaxy A17 5G and Galaxy Tab A11+ to the Galaxy Ecosystem
Galaxy A17 5G and Galaxy Tab A11+ deliver innovative experiences for every kind of user — from improved displays and new features to stand out cameras
Scientists stunned by a massive hydrothermal field off Greece
Scientists have uncovered an extensive underwater vent system near Milos, Greece, hidden along active fault lines beneath the seafloor. These geological fractures act as pathways for hot, gas-rich fluids to escape, forming clusters of vents with striking visual diversity. The discovery surprised researchers, who observed boiling fluids and vibrant microbial mats during deep-sea dives. Milos now stands out as one of the Mediterranean’s most important sites for studying Earth’s dynamic interior.
Brennan Johnson transfer news: Crystal Palace agree £35m fee with Tottenham for winger
Brennan Johnson is yet to make a final decision on whether to join Crystal Palace, Sky Sports News understands; Johnson joined Tottenham for £47.5m from Nottingham Forest; 24-year-old has scored 27 goals in 107 games, including the Europa League final winner
Prisco's NFL Week 18 Power Rankings: Kyle Shanahan coaching season of his life
Pete Prisco breaks down where every team stands entering the final week of the regular season.
Game Preview: Hurricanes vs. Rangers
Carolina closes out their homestand against New York.
Citrus Burn Cited in Scientific Discussion of Metabolic Health and Dietary Support
Citrus Burn is discussed in the context of consumer and scientific discourses with wider discussions on the topic of metabolic health, dietary supplements, and wellness decision-making Citrus Burn Citrus Burn New York City, NY, Dec. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dietary supplements positioning, understanding, and appraisal by the general population have become a subject of consumer reporting and scientific debate as interest in metabolic health and weight-related wellness and in the role dietary
Bengals' updated NFL draft order standing after Week 17 win
The Bengals impacted their spot in the NFL draft order with the win over the Cardinals.
One number controls your early retirement health costs — understand it and say goodbye to Medicare fears
Here's how it can make or break your health care costs in early retirement.
Palm Beach County professionals on the move for the week of Dec. 29
Top Palm Beach County business professionals moving up within their industry or standing out in their community.
HKSH Medical Group and Southern University of Science and Technology Collaborate for Medical and Medical Physics Training, Enhancing Medical Education and Research Innovation
HKSH Medical Group ("HKSH") and Southern University of Science and Technology ("SUSTech") officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") on 15 December 2025, a significant initiative to deepen collaboration between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland in the fields of medicine and medical physics.
4 more African nations secure $2.3bn US health funding under America First strategy
The United States has signed four new Global Health Cooperation Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Ethiopia, Botswana, Sierra Leone and Madagascar, marking a major expansion of Washington’s health engagement in Africa under President Donald Trump’s America First Global Health Strategy
From Pinky’s to plating: Sheila Crowe’s catering business grows beyond the stand
After 10 summers serving sweet treats from her signature pink trailer on Owensboro’s west side, Sheila Crowe has closed the chapter on Pinky’s SnowCones and Snacks — but her food journey is far from over.
Panthers shine through ups and downs in 2025 fall sports
Record-breaking performances, thrilling matchups and standout athletes defined Chapman’s season across football, soccer, volleyball, water polo and cross country.
Why Karoline Leavitt’s pregnancy is so rare in American – and world politics | World News - The Times of India
US News: Karoline Leavitt announced on Friday that she was expecting a baby girl in May. She did so quietly, with an Instagram post showing her standing beside.
A guide to choosing the right Apple Watch
The gap between Apple's standard and budget smart watches has never felt smaller.
Zohran Mamdani’s victory bridges long-standing divisions within the city's Muslim community
As Zohran Mamdani prepares to be inaugurated as the city’s next mayor, Muslim New Yorkers say his victory represents more than a historic first.
Year in review: The standout health stories of 2025, from measles outbreaks to AI-made viruses
Catch up on the latest trends in health news in this roundup of long-reads compiled by Live Science's health channel editor.
Charleston's top business stories of 2025
A $9 billion AI investment from Google, a snapback at Boeing South Carolina and the final year-round Carnival cruise from downtown Charleston were among the biggest headlines of the past year.
Pittsburgh should stop making businesses pay income taxes
Thank you for today’s editorial supporting a land-value tax and explaining the logic behind it. I ask you, who seem to understand that taxing something...
Scientists Rule Out Existence Of Particle After 10 Years Of Research
This discovery is important because it ruled out a major possibility for new physics beyond the Standard Model.
2025 Business School Rankings: The Complete Collection
Wondering where your favorite business schools stand? P&Q's annual collection of all the business school rankings that matter
Raptors look to regain consistency vs. Warriors
The Toronto Raptors need to use their five-game homestand that opens Sunday afternoon against the Golden State Warriors to regain the consistency they have been missing.
Rainbow Six Siege Is Being Hacked, As Players Are Gifted 2 Billion Credits, While Ban Logs Are Spammed With Digs At Ubisoft
Content creators urge players to stay offline until the problem has been resolved, given the extent of the breach.
CFP Futures Betting Report: Action on Standalone Playoff Games Reaching NFL Heights
CFP quarterfinals games are giving the NFL a run for its money when it comes to the betting action. Patrick Everson has insight on how the cash is coming in.
Ten-man Derby were 'outstanding'
Derby manager John Eustace is full of his praise for his side as they earn a draw at Birmingham City despite playing more than half the game with 10 men.
Christmas Standings: How the Penguins sit after a December fall
The Penguins got to Thanksgiving holiday and the end of November with the fourth best points percentage and similar spot in the division. December didn’t go as smoothly, they leave in seventh place in points, and barely sixth in points%, thanks to a 1-5-4 slump that saw losing every which way you can go. We’ll […]
5 Of The Most Reliable German SUVs, According To Consumer Reports
What are the most reliable German SUVs? According to Consumer Reports, models like the BMW X3, X5, X5 Plug-In Hybrid, X7, and Audi Q7 stand out.
Prisma moves to restrict child visitors in light of rising flu rates in SC
Greenville-based Prisma Health, which serves much of the Midlands and Upstate SC, is cutting child visitors as flu infections rise in South Carolina.
petgugu to Showcase Its AI-Driven Pet Health Ecosystem at CES 2026, Featuring the World’s First Self-Flushing Smart Cat Toilet
LAS VEGAS, Dec. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- petgugu, a leading pet technology company focused on AI- and robotics-enabled intelligent care systems, will introduce its full AI Pet Health Ecosystem at CES 2026 (January 6–9, 2026), at Booth 53162 in the Venetian Expo Halls A–D. The ecosystem is designed to help families better understand and manage their pets’ well-being through continuous monitoring, data insights, and automated hygiene technologies. AI Pet Health Ecosystem: A Data-Driven Framewo
The Rearview Mirror: Arts, culture and entertainment in and around Ogden shined in 2025
Editor’s note: As 2025 winds down, the Ogden Standard-Examiner is taking a look back at the year that was for the region. Today we present the fourth of four stories recounting the Top 5 stories in Major Events, Entertainment & Culture, Government and Local First Responders recounting some of the greatest highs and most devastating […]
My 65-year-old mom is healthy, but she started purging her stuff. Being part of the process is helping me learn about my family.
My mom began Swedish death cleaning to prepare for the future — but what she really gave me was peace, connection, and understanding.
Updated NFC playoff picture headed into Week 17
Where do things stand going into the penultimate weekend?
New science points to 4 distinct types of autism
When Marc and Cristina Easton’s son was diagnosed with autism at 20 months, the Baltimore couple left the doctor’s appointment in confusion. Their toddler - who was very social - didn’t resemble the picture of the condition they thought they knew. And the specialists could offer little clarity about why or what lay ahead. It wasn’t until four years after their child’s diagnosis that the Eastons finally began to get answers that offered them a glimmer of understanding. This summer, a team from Pr
New science points to 4 distinct types of autism
When Marc and Cristina Easton’s son was diagnosed with autism at 20 months, the Baltimore couple left the doctor’s appointment in confusion. Their toddler - who was very social - didn’t resemble the picture of the condition they thought they knew. And the specialists could offer little clarity about why or what lay ahead. It wasn’t until four years after their child’s diagnosis that the Eastons finally began to get answers that offered them a glimmer of understanding. This summer, a team from Pr
Have Eagles really solved things on offense?
It’s understandable if you had given up on the Eagles’ offense a month ago. But in the last three games, things have looked a bit different.
The 5 stories that defined San Francisco’s crazy politics in 2025
An Instagram-savvy mayor. A showdown with the feds. A 200-hour supervisor. In terms of political drama, 2025 was the gift that kept on giving.
New Runtime Standby ABI Proposed For Linux Akin To Microsoft Windows' "Modern Standby"
An exciting post-Christmas patch series out on the Linux kernel mailing list this morning is proposing a new runtime standby ABI that is similar in nature to the 'Modern Standby' functionality found with Microsoft Windows.
Opinion: Slow walking compliance with PFAS regulations delays protection of public health
Study reveals that PFAS exposure in New Hampshire may lead to increased infant deaths. The EPA's proposed weakening of drinking water standards raises concerns.
Honeybee business stung by multiple crises for South Carolina beekeepers
A York County beekeeper saw his business take off in less than a decade. But the honeybee population is struggling in South Carolina and across the nation.
Why scientists are catching whale breaths....with drones : Short Wave
Scientists in the Arctic are catching the exhaled breaths of whales to better understand their health. How? Drones. Whales breathe through their blowholes, which are the equivalent of nostrils on their heads. By studying the microbes in exhaled whale breaths, scientists are piecing together how deadly diseases spread in whale populations. Host Emily Kwong and producer Berly McCoy talk to All Things Considered host Juana Summers about what scientists can do with this information, from reducing stress on whales and monitoring ocean health to warning people who could be in close proximity to whales carrying zoonotic diseases. Interested in more science on charismatic megafauna? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.
Why scientists are catching whale breaths....with drones : Short Wave
Scientists in the Arctic are catching the exhaled breaths of whales to better understand their health. How? Drones. Whales breathe through their blowholes, which are the equivalent of nostrils on their heads. By studying the microbes in exhaled whale breaths, scientists are piecing together how deadly diseases spread in whale populations. Host Emily Kwong and producer Berly McCoy talk to All Things Considered host Juana Summers about what scientists can do with this information, from reducing stress on whales and monitoring ocean health to warning people who could be in close proximity to whales carrying zoonotic diseases. Interested in more science on charismatic megafauna? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.
Why Being a Black, Female Science Teacher Matters So Much to Students Who Look Like Me
Educator's view: Diversity in teaching and STEM is not just about who stands at the front of the classroom, but about who kids believe they can become
Uncovering the mystery of how algae makes snow green, red or orange
Snow isn't always white; algae can make it look green, red, or orange, and scientists are trying to understand how and why these colorful patches appear.
Galaxy Z TriFold suffers horrific defeat in durability test; there's just more to break
Unlike its less impressive successor, the Galaxy Z TriFold just can’t stand up to the same sort of bend abuse...
Two vulnerable senators stand to benefit from intense focus on constituents
Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Jon Ossoff (D-Georgia) are two of the chamber’s staunchest believers in the value of constituency services.
I moved to the US from India. Here's how I landed a job at Microsoft after first misunderstanding the Big Tech hiring process.
Rishab Jolly moved to the US to get his MBA after starting his engineering career in India. He was hired at Microsoft in 2017 as a product manager.
'Smart watches for cows' come to Grafton County Farm, helping with health research
The trackers, which stay in a cow’s stomach and collect data, can help farmers understand when their cows are feeling ill, or when they’re in heat.
Bucks County nursing home in fatal explosion has history of violations
The new owners of a Bristol nursing home where 2 died in an explosion is attempting to correct "longstanding" issues with meeting state standards.
Teryl Austin admits just how valuable Derrick Harmon has become
The rookie had another outstanding performance against Detroit.
Orlando Pirates academy product secures fresh PSL move
ExclusiveBucs academy graduate joins new PSL clubPhoto: Orlando Pirates @ XFoot Africa understands that Orlando Pirates academy product Katlego Cwinyane has signed for Betway Premeirship outfit Orbit ...
Timothée Chalamet insisted on being spanked for real by Kevin O'Leary in 'Marty Supreme'
Timothée Chalamet took the full force of Kevin O'Leary's paddle whacks during a spanking scene in "Marty Supreme" and refused to use a stand-in.
When Does the VA Cover Care at Non-VA Facilities?
Understanding community care, emergency coverage and urgent care rules under the VA MISSION Act.
RFK Jr. declares public health emergency for WA flooding
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared a public health emergency Wednesday over this month’s flooding in Washington state.
Stigma Is the Enemy of Science and Human Progress
History shows we often dismiss what we don’t yet understand. Here’s why stigmatizing today’s uncomfortable questions may be holding humanity back.
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Joby ramps up for 2026, its target year for commercial service launch; looking at businesses that closed in 2025
In her weekly look at local business, Jessica M. Pasko reports on where Joby Aviation stands ahead of what's poised to be a big year for the Santa Cruz-based company, reviews closures around the county and highlights names and dates to know.
The Year in Entertainment 2025: Trends that took over
If you're not careful, you can find out that it's not clocking to you that you haven't been standing on business by knowing all of the cultural trends that happened this year. That's why we're going over the memes, viral moments and trend-setting sensations that dominated the cultural landscape of 2025:
The Velo Best Innovations of 2025: From E-bikes to Valve Cores
From the radical Also TM-B e-bike to a new standard for tire valves, these are the six technologies that pushed the boundaries of cycling in 2025.
Gloucester business to close after more than 100 years
Workers are told they will lose their jobs at a longstanding timber merchant.
Bart Story Dies: Veteran Entertainment Research Executive Was 63
Bart Story, a veteran entertainment research executive best known for his work at MarketCast and SAG-AFTRA, has died. He was 63. Story died on December 23, 2025, in Los Angeles from complications related to metastatic urothelial carcinoma. The executive spent more than three decades helping studios and streamers better understand audiences. Since 2003, he served …
US signs health agreements with African nations, warns against nonperformance
The U.S. signed four new global health memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Madagascar, Sierra Leone, Botswana, and Ethiopia, which total nearly $2.3 billion in funding, the State Department said on Tuesday.
Advancing the America First Global Health Strategy Through Landmark Bilateral Global Health MOUs - United States Department of State
On December 22 and 23, the United States signed four additional new, landmark global health Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Madagascar, Sierra Leone, Botswana, and Ethiopia, reinforcing U.S. leadership that delivers measurable results for the American people and puts America First by directly countering global infectious disease threats and reducing foreign dependence on U.S. taxpayers. […]
This tiny peptide could help stop brain damage after injury
A four–amino acid peptide called CAQK has shown powerful brain-protective effects in animal models of traumatic brain injury. Delivered through a standard IV, it zeroes in on injured brain tissue, calming inflammation and reducing cell death while improving recovery. The peptide worked in both mice and pigs, whose brains are closer to humans in structure. Researchers are now preparing to move toward early human clinical trials.
The Science (and Pseudoscience) of Everyday Life
Everyday life is full of small behaviors we treat as moral choices, scientific truths, or acts of civic virtue—often without much reflection. From abandoned shopping carts to climate guilt over pet ownership, from misplaced faith in statistical “significance” to misunderstandings of animal behavior, these examples reveal how intuition, habit, and oversimplified science shape what we believe.
Rutgers Women’s Basketball 2025-26 Key Big Ten Games
What Conference Games Stand Out For Rutgers?
Federal judge dismisses DOJ lawsuit against New York's 'Green Light Law'
The law allows the DMV to issue standard driver’s licenses to individuals without Social Security numbers and "regardless of their citizenship or lawful status in the United States."
Editorial: Greece, Israel and the Politics of Alignment
The shift is unmistakable. A country that once kept Israel at arm’s length now stands closer to it than almost any European nation.
This is what the ‘most attractive woman alive’ looks like, according to science | - The Times of India
Trending News: Discover the statistical profile of the 'most attractive woman alive' based on analysis of Maxim's Hot 100 lists from 2016 to 2025, identifying key traits and trends in modern beauty standards.
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.
Durant out, D-Backs cash in, Mercury rise
Arizona sports fans saw surprises, stumbles and standout moments in 2025.
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.
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.
It Ain’t Just Sports: Special guest Kelli Lemon, football coaching scandals, VUU standout RB
We’re back with another episode of It Ain’t Just Sports — where the games are just the start of the conversation.
Where Kentucky Basketball stands heading into Christmas
Victory against St. John’s was a great early Christmas present
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.