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Teens are having disturbing interactions with chatbots. Here's how to lower the risks
Teen use of AI chat bots is growing, and psychologists worry it's affecting their social development and mental health. Here's what parents should know to help kids use the technology safely.
Kratom and 7-OH products are widely available. They’re also at the heart of a public health debate. : Short Wave
Kratom and 7-OH products are available in many smoke shops. But earlier this year, the FDA recommended certain 7-OH products be scheduled alongside opioids. This isn’t the first time kratom has come under scrutiny. Nearly a decade ago, the DEA wanted to make certain active ingredients in kratom controlled substances. Meaning products would go from being widely available to highly restricted. After a massive wave of protest, the DEA decided not to move forward. Producer Rachel Carlson joins host Emily Kwong to talk about what could happen this time around, and what scientists know – and don’t know – about kratom and 7-OH. Interested in more of the science behind drugs and supplements? 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.
Science history: Richard Feynman gives a fun little lecture — and dreams up an entirely new field of physics
In a short talk at Caltech, physicist Richard Feynman laid out a vision of manipulating and controlling atoms at the tiniest scale. It would precede the field of nanotechnology by decades.
The way these athletes died right in front of fans is genuinely tragic...I can't believe some were televised
The world of sports can be dangerous.
East Montpelier business fire contained
Gilles Sales and Service boat and snowmobile shop damaged likely due to a boiler.
Australia’s Star Entertainment sees fresh executive departures as CFO, COO exit
Embattled Australian casino operator Star Entertainment said on Monday its Chief Financial Officer Frank Krile has resigned and will be leaving the firm, effective immediately.
Artificial Intelligence Impacts the Art and Science of Dentistry
Artificial Intelligence is a relatively recent tool developed by computer experts. What is it? Here are some definitions to begin with.
4 Apps Android Users Rarely Use (But Should)
While the Play Store is home to a variety of apps, here are some underrated gems like Nintendo Music, Apple TV, Blackmagic Camera, and more.
No. 8 Houston focused solely on Middle Tennessee
No. 8 Houston focused solely on Middle Tennessee
‘Rise in deaths’ predicted as amber cold health alerts issued in northern England
UKHSA warns vulnerable and elderly people may be at risk with temperatures to drop severely overnight
MongoBleed (CVE-2025-14847) Now Exploited in the Wild: MongoDB Servers at Critical Risk
A high-severity unauthenticated information-leak vulnerability in MongoDB Server, dubbed MongoBleed after the infamous Heartbleed bug, is now being actively exploited in real-world attacks.
2025: AI and AR Transform Communication and Entertainment
In 2025, communication and entertainment sectors evolve through AI-driven personalization, immersive technologies like AR/VR, and interactive social platforms, fostering seamless hybrid experiences and authentic content. Challenges include privacy concerns and infrastructure needs. Ultimately, these innovations amplify human connections while demanding ethical adaptations.
Victorinox Has Never Made a Swiss Army Knife as Modern and Handy as This One Before
The stylish Synergy Alox boasts two user-friendly features you rarely find on SAKs, especially those of the urban EDC variety.
Stunning array of 400 rings in a 'reflection' nebula solves a 30-year-old star-formation mystery — Space photo of the week
The discovery is the first direct observational confirmation of a theory for how young stars feed on, and then explosively expel, surrounding material.
'Silly' to change England management
Joe Root says the England players are “absolutely committed” to the team’s management and it would be “silly” to make changes following the Ashes series defeat.
GOP coalescing behind Vance as Trump privately dismisses third-term run
Trump has floated Vance as his potential successor multiple times without ever explicitly endorsing his nomination.
MrBeast's former manager says the age of social-media superstars is fading
MrBeast's former manager Reed Duchscher said we're unlikely to see mega stars break out as algorithms favor smaller creators who make niche content.
Surprising Celtics look to add to Blazers' road woes
Not having Jayson Tatum was supposed to make things extremely difficult for the Boston Celtics.
Nevada youth rank last in sports participation. Will rising costs make it worse?
Children from high-income families in Nevada are nearly three times more likely to play on a sports team as children from low-income families. Dive into the data on declining participation and rising costs.
Inoue Reacts To ‘Extremely Disappointing’ Win
Naoya Inoue may have done enough to remain undefeated and solidify his spot as boxing’s pound-for-pound best earlier today (Sat., Dec. 27, 2025) in a title defense against David Picasso at The Ring V: “Night of the Samurai” in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, but “Monster” is not happy with his own performance and ultimately believes it’s […]
I Used To See To Catch A Predator As Entertainment, But This New Documentary Has Completely Changed That
This was a difficult watch...
HarfBuzz 12.3 Released - Nice Performance Improvements To This Text Shaping Engine
HarfBuzz 12.3 was just released for ending out 2025 with some nice performance improvements to this widely-used text shaping engine
First Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica camera reviews, comparisons and hands-on: Tough times for Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and others
2026 will not only be a challenge for Samsung. The Vivo X300 Ultra and Oppo Find X9 Ultra will also have to face an extremely dynamic 1-inch sensor and the first optical 200MP zoom camera in a phone, a combination that convinces in early camera tests and comparison shots. Initial hands-on reports also illustrate the advantages of the Leica Leitzphone Special Edition for ambitious photographers.
New Jersey's business outlook for 2026: What you need to know
With rising unemployment and higher energy costs, Garden State businesses are expressing concern about what the new year has in store for them.
Stanford scientists uncover why mRNA COVID vaccines can trigger heart inflammation
Stanford scientists have uncovered how mRNA COVID-19 vaccines can very rarely trigger heart inflammation in young men — and how that risk might be reduced. They found that the vaccines can spark a two-step immune reaction that floods the body with inflammatory signals, drawing aggressive immune cells into the heart and causing temporary injury.
Forest analysis: Still progressing under Dyche
The feeling around the City Ground should be one of pride, and the belief Nottingham Forest are continuing to move in the right direction. The chaos of the start of the season - when Ange Postecoglou replaced Nuno Espirito Santo and barely lasted six weeks - has been replaced by the almost serene nature of the past two months under Sean Dyche. Defeat meant it is successive losses for the first time under Dyche, a testament to how quickly he got to grips with a floundering team, but Forest cannot afford to allow it to become a habit.
Evidence of a quantum spin liquid ground state in a kagome material
Quantum spin liquids are exotic states of matter in which spins (i.e., the intrinsic angular momentum of electrons) do not settle into an ordered pattern and continue to fluctuate, even at extremely low ...
Top Stories: iPhone Fold Mockup, Where's the New Apple TV?, and More
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from MacRumors! News in the Apple world has unsurprisingly been relatively slow over the past week, but Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone managed to make its way back into the news, while we also shared updates on current and future Apple TV news.
7 habits JPMorgan's billionaire clients attribute to success
Many of the habits are also accessible to non-billionaires, and relatively common among successful individuals.
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 […]
Bang for your buck: the best affordable watches of 2025
Affordable is subjective, of course, but here's a list of watches from 2025 that are both budget-friendly and extremely impressive.
'Short Tests are bad for business' - CA CEO hints at intervening on pitches
Todd Greenberg admitted to having a sleepless night with another two-day Test likely to incur huge losses
Broncos strong season boosts business across Colorado Springs
The Denver Broncos strong season is bringing excitement beyond the field, as bars and shops across Colorado Springs see increased crowds and sales. Local business owners say the team winning has energized fans, boosted merchandise demand, and created a lively atmosphere throughout the city.
Could expiring health insurance subsidies be revived retroactively?
Covid-era Obamacare premium subsidies will end Wednesday
December 26, 2025
Physicist Sean Carroll takes on black holes, Schrödinger’s cat, and other big physics concepts. Plus, we revisit some of our top stories of 2025, covering research into how death metal singers safely produce extreme vocalizations, how algorithms and social media are changing language, and what we can learn from people thriving in the coldest parts of the world.
Anthony Davis 'likely to miss a few games' after leaving Mavericks-Warriors Christmas game with right groin spasms
What researchers have discovered about maternal, infant health under Texas’ abortion laws
A growing body of research indicates that Texas' abortion bans — which are among the country’s most restrictive — have negatively affected the health and...
Has ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Gone ‘Overboard’ This Christmas? Fans Debate
‘Surely they can find someone with good taste to decorate,’ one viewer ranted.
Texas Matters: Pass The Politics, Pappy
W. Lee “Pappy” O’Daniel was a flour salesman turned broadcaster who mastered early mass media to build a political machine. As host of a hugely popular radio show featuring his Hillbilly Boys band, he blended homespun entertainment with relentless self-promotion. He converted his audience into votes, winning the Texas governorship in 1938 and later a U.S. Senate seat. O’Daniel’s radio fame let him bypass party elites and critics, turning airtime into personal power and profit.
Reflecting on a year of attacks on climate science (and three other stories)
One of the defining themes of the past 11 months, and certainly one most pertinent to the climate beat, was “attacks on science and expertise,” which seem likely to continue into 2026.
One Big Beautiful Bill Act complicates state health care affordability efforts
As Congress debates whether to extend the temporary federal subsidies that have helped millions of Americans buy health coverage, a crucial underlying reality is sometimes overlooked: Those subsidies are merely a band-aid covering the often unaffordable cost of health care.
How the AJC delivers news is changing. Our commitment to business news is not.
Our jobs remain essentially the same as generations of Atlanta journalists before us: to fairly and accurately cover our hometown.
Aluminum salts emerge as likely target as health officials scrutinize childhood vaccines
The vaccine ingredient has long been a talking point for anti-vaccine activists. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made unsubstantiated claims that it is linked to allergies and autism.
Science history: Marie Curie discovers a strange radioactive substance that would eventually kill her
Scientists in Paris discovered two new substances with incredible radioactivity. It earned them the Nobel Prize in Physics but would ultimately kill one of them.
Rec + Relax entertainment complex advances toward construction
After more than a year of planning, revision and delays largely unseen by the public, the Rec + Relax entertainment complex in Lufkin is moving closer to construction, with key
The Top 10 political developments in Florida in 2025
Choosing the top political stories in an “off year” when no statewide elections took place is challenging — although jockeying for the 2026 elections is well under way. Property taxes and gun rights, meanwhile, have emerged as issues likely to dominate the 2026 legislative session, which kicks off in a little more than two weeks. […]
Ohio Hills Health Center Receives Grant To Expand Dental Services in Belmont County
Ohio Hills Health Centers recently received a grant through the Delta Dental Foundation to purchase dental equipment to expand the scope of services which will include extractions and endodontic procedures such as root canals. “OHHC is extremely grateful to the Delta Dental Foundation for this funding which allows us to purchase additional dental equipment to […]
Experts met to discuss the ethics of using organoids in research
Organoids are bits of neural tissue that model human brain development. Their use in science makes some uneasy, in part because the brain is so closely tied to our sense of self.
Popular painkiller offers little relief, raises serious health risks, study finds
A widely prescribed opioid painkiller showed limited effectiveness and increased risk of negative effects in a new analysis published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine.
The 8 miracles in football history 🪄
Sometimes, when everything seems decided, miracles happen to offer us matches with completely crazy scenarios. Just like those that occur in Christmas movies, OneFootball has ranked the best football ...
Google Now Allows Users to Change Your @gmail.com Email Address
For years, one of the most persistent frustrations for Google users has been the inability to alter their primary email address without creating an entirely new account.
Stardew Valley - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition has just released
Just before the end of the new year, Stardew Valley – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition has released. You can grab it digitally right now. Stardew Valley – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is largely the same game as the original, but with some extras. It features mouse controls, four-player split-screen, and GameShare support. On the original Nintendo Switch, splitscreen was limited...
These 10 states attracted more movers than they lost in 2025 — and one unexpected state came out on top
The Midwest hasn't yet overthrown the Sun Belt as the next best region to move to. The 10 states that attracted more movers than they lost were largely in the Sun Belt.
This popular painkiller may do more harm than good
Tramadol, a popular opioid often seen as a “safer” painkiller, may not live up to its reputation. A large analysis of clinical trials found that while it does reduce chronic pain, the relief is modest—so small that many patients likely wouldn’t notice much real-world benefit. At the same time, tramadol was linked to a significantly higher risk of serious side effects, especially heart-related problems like chest pain and heart failure, along with common issues such as nausea, dizziness, and sleepiness.
Oceans are supercharging hurricanes past Category 5
Deep ocean hot spots packed with heat are making the strongest hurricanes and typhoons more likely—and more dangerous. These regions, especially near the Philippines and the Caribbean, are expanding as climate change warms ocean waters far below the surface. As a result, storms powerful enough to exceed Category 5 are appearing more often, with over half occurring in just the past decade. Researchers say recognizing a new “Category 6” could improve public awareness and disaster planning.
Black men's mental health explored in Pulitzer-winning Detroit Rep play
Through the power of friendship, we are able to see the power in ourselves. This is the message of playwright Eboni Booth’s lovely “Primary Trust.”
New technology eliminates “forever chemicals” with record-breaking speed and efficiency
A new eco-friendly technology can capture and destroy PFAS, the dangerous “forever chemicals” found worldwide in water. The material works hundreds to thousands of times faster and more efficiently than current filters, even in river water, tap water, and wastewater. After trapping the chemicals, the system safely breaks them down and refreshes itself for reuse. It’s a rare one-two punch against pollution: fast cleanup and sustainable destruction.
Local sports teams triumphed in 2025 - The Chestnut Hill Local
So they aren’t from Northwest Philly -- surely just a technicality -- but we would be remiss in not starting this annual review without noting that the Eagles won Super Bowl LIX in February.
Scientists say evolution works differently than we thought
A major evolutionary theory says most genetic changes don’t really matter, but new evidence suggests that’s not true. Researchers found that helpful mutations happen surprisingly often. The twist is that changing environments prevent these mutations from spreading widely before they become useless or harmful. Evolution, it turns out, is less about reaching perfection and more about endlessly chasing a moving target.
Richmond Buzz: An 'absolutely brutal' blackout weekend
“Richmond Buzz” will be a recurring column on the neighborhood. This edition: Businesses are devastated after the weekend blackout.
Obama Foundation partner expands vendor network for small businesses
Emerald South Economic Development Collaborative said more than 75 Chicago area organizations have joined its network to collectively negotiate service contracts, which will help lower costs.
2 Texas Longhorns staffers fired over sports betting violations
Two of the six people involved were "immediately" fired after the violations came to light.
NFL facing possible nightmare playoff scenario in Week 17 that could kill the drama in final week of season
The NFL definitely doesn't want this to happen
Apple Discontinued These 25 Products This Year
With the end of 2025 near, the time has come to look back at the devices and accessories that Apple discontinued throughout the year. Most of the products that were discontinued this year were simply replaced by a new model with an updated chip. However, the iPhone SE line was entirely discontinued when the iPhone 16e launched, and the iPhone Plus line is being phased out. Below, we have listed 25 products that were discontinued by Apple this year.
Woman Suffers AI Psychosis After Obsessively Generating AI Images of Herself
A woman working for a generative AI image startup says the tech led her into a manic bipolar episode, which triggered psychosis.
Weekly Entertainment Report: Live music and lively arts in Southern NH, Dec. 24-28 » Nashua Ink Link
'Tis the season for live music and entertainment.
Get Ready to Start Hearing About Aileen Cannon Again
The Florida-based judge is likely to once again play a central role in politics in the new year.
Weekly Entertainment Report for live music and lively arts in Southern NH, Dec. 24-28
'Tis the season for lively arts and music.
Taiwan is getting plenty of missiles and drones from the US. A top business leader says the arsenal is out of balance.
Recent US weapons packages to Taiwan have largely been asymmetric capabilities, but Taiwan needs more advanced systems as well, an official said.
Madeleine’s Shin Splint Scare Leads to Leg-Saving Play at MU Health Care
Madeleine cherished the camaraderie of college soccer, but recurring injuries — including a chronic stress fracture in her right tibia — ultimately ended her career and required surgery during Thanksgiving break in 2022. A surgical complication involving a nerve block caused severe damage, leading her surgeon to refer her to MU Health Care’s Limb Preservation Program.
Supreme Court’s National Guard decision could force new debate over how Trump could use Insurrection Act
The Supreme Court’s decision Tuesday blocking President Donald Trump from sending the National Guard into American cities is likely to raise a politically fraught debate about the president’s willingness to invoke a 19th century law to deploy the regular military on American soil instead.
'Llangollen Canal collapse will massively affect business'
Paul Donnelly says it will affect how many people book on to hire his canal boats
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.
Sitting out the $1.7 billion Powerball? Let these stats about just how unlikely winning is comfort you
The chances of winning the Powerball Grand Prize is much smaller than being struck by lightening, killed in a shark attack, or born on a Leap Day.
This new 3D chip could break AI’s biggest bottleneck
Researchers have created a new kind of 3D computer chip that stacks memory and computing elements vertically, dramatically speeding up how data moves inside the chip. Unlike traditional flat designs, this approach avoids the traffic jams that limit today’s AI hardware. The prototype already beats comparable chips by several times, with future versions expected to go much further. Just as important, it was manufactured entirely in a U.S. foundry, showing the technology is ready for real-world production.
Supreme Court hands Trump a major defeat on National Guard deployment
The Supreme Court holds that the president’s authority to deploy the National Guard for law enforcement purposes likely only applies in “exceptional” circumstances.
FanDuel SN channels could be sold as broadcaster scrambles for funds
If a sale falls through, Main Street Sports Group could ultimately be shut down following the current NBA and NHL seasons.
2025 was the year Xbox died
The Xbox brand effectively died this year. But can it be resurrected as a PC platform?
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.”
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.
MIT scientists strip cancer of its sugar shield
Scientists at MIT and Stanford have unveiled a promising new way to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. Their strategy targets a hidden “off switch” that tumors use to stay invisible to immune defenses—special sugar molecules on the cancer cell surface that suppress immune activity. Early tests show it can supercharge immune responses and outperform current antibody therapies.
I worked remotely on a cross-country Amtrak train. The views were unbeatable, but I wish I'd known 3 things.
Working remotely on a 43-hour Amtrak train offered stunning views, but a reliable hotspot and backup power are essential.
We're backing the partnerships that strengthen mental health care for Idaho’s kids
Idaho is widely known as a mental health care desert, especially for kids. We believe that can change, writes guest columnist Roger Quarles.
It's the 'gold standard' in autism care. Why are states reining it in?
Budget shortfalls and nearly $1 trillion in looming federal Medicaid cuts have prompted states to rein in spending on a widely embraced autism therapy, pinching families who depend on the services.
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.
How Warner Bros Discovery takeover battle will affect Premier League TV rights
A multi-billion dollar takeover fight is being played out in Hollywood - and Premier League bosses will be watching on closely.
Oregon Counties and State Strike Major Deal on Mental Health Care
Oregon’s state government and its main association of counties have settled on a plan that would empower the Oregon Health Authority to more closely monitor and shape mental health and addiction services at the local level.
Amarillo small businesses rely on holiday sales for 75% of annual revenue, owners say
When consumers choose to spend their money locally, those dollars stay within the community. In Amarillo, small business owners are encouraging residents to sho
Is Trump deliberately redacting Epstein files to shield himself?
Removal of image from publicly released documents prompts accusations of political interference by justice department
Gender Politics and the Weaponization of Personal Data
Katelyn Ringrose, CJ Larkin, Os Keyes, and Jay T. Conrad explain how federal policies are weaponizing data to target transgender and gender diverse communities.
Pac-12 agrees to deal with Playfly Sports
The Pac-12 is set to make Playfly Sports its exclusive partner for sponsorship development, a deal that is expected to kick in immediately.
A direct sequel to Halo Infinite is here, but it isn't a new game — new story beats unfold in a medium you probably wouldn't expect
Halo Infinite’s story didn’t end with the campaign, but its continuation arrived somewhere most players were not expecting or actively looking for.
The DOGE mindset is still central to the Trump administration's agenda as 2025 ends
The Department of Government Efficiency effort was one of the most consequential and controversial – if not entirely successful – changes the Trump administration made in 2025.
Executive ghostwriter gives LinkedIn makeovers to execs. Here are 4 ways to brag more effectively on your profile.
Jillian Richardson offers professional LinkedIn makeovers, and she has 4 tips on how to brag more on your profile.
Critical RCE flaw impacts over 115,000 WatchGuard firewalls
Over 115,000 WatchGuard Firebox devices exposed online remain unpatched against a critical remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability actively exploited in attacks.
The new Pac-12 Conference partners with Playfly Sports for Sponsorship Development
The Pac-12 Conference and Playfly Sports today jointly announced a partnership that will see the sports industry’s leading revenue-maximization company serve as the new Pac-12’s partner for sponsorship development. The partnership begins immediately, ahead of the new league’s launch for the 2026-27 season. As part of the partnership, Playfly will assist the Pac-12 in building a centralized revenue engine powered by data, valuation expertise and scalable brand integrations. This model will focus on developing innovative partnerships that align with evolving fan behavior and brand objectives.
Analysis:Slow pace of Epstein disclosures sets off new storm to batter Trump
The Justice Department is denying accusations of a cover-up and of flouting a new law following its partial and extensively redacted releases of files on Jeffrey Epstein in an ever-deepening political storm President Donald Trump can’t shake.
Colorado governor accuses Trump of playing "political games" after disaster request denials
Abigail Jackson, a White House spokesperson, said Trump responds to each request for federal disaster assistance “with great care and consideration, ensuring American tax dollars are used appropriately and efficiently"
Trump says he is naming Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry special envoy to Greenland
It wasn’t immediately clear what Landry’s responsibilities with the role would be.