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My family of 7 moved from a 6-bedroom home in Salt Lake City to a 3-bedroom apartment in NYC. Our cost of living went up, but it's worth it.
Maren Droubay moved from Salt Lake City to NYC with her husband and five children. She says her family is thriving despite the cost of living.
Ethics investigations, scandals plague Colorado Capitol
Over the course of the year, a series of investigations, allegations and controversies emerged at the state Capitol, drawing scrutiny to the behavior of elected officials and, in some cases, overshadowing policy debates. Here are some of the notable investigations, stories and accusations to come out of Colorado’s latest legislative session. Sonya Jaquez Lewis In […]
Midfielder confirms he'll be ready to move
An exciting midfielder has confirmed he might be ready to move in 2026, and he's on Liverpool's radar. Right now, if we're looking at the middle of the park, it's probably the area of the pitch where ...
Awash in red ink, Bristol Hospital counts on UConn Health merger to preserve mission
Medicaid cuts, surging expenses and unpaid bills add to losses for Bristol Hospital, one of state's last independents.
Luxury brands bet on mass-market sports despite shift to exclusivity
Sponsorships and collaborations soar even as industry slowdown spurs renewed focus on wealthiest customers
'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
Allegheny County to implement involuntary outpatient mental health care services
Dalton and other human services officials explained the county’s reasoning during an interview Tuesday with Pittsburgh’s Public Source.
Steelers-Browns Preview
CLEVELAND (AP) Aaron Rodgers doesn't plan on changing his sleep schedule Saturday night, even though his Pittsburgh Steelers could wrap up a division title without playing.
Prisma Health to temporarily restrict children from visiting hospitalized patients
Prisma Health announced it will temporarily restrict children’s visits to hospitalized patients.
Restaurants announced for Legends Entertainment Complex
Construction on the complex continues.
Aren't Oregon's farmers, ranchers and stewards 'Oregon business'?
Both Gov. Kotek's Oregon Prosperity Roadmap and the Oregon Business Plan have elicited fanfare and criticism. As the director of an organization whose members’ livelihoods are tied to businesses inside and outside our urban growth boundaries, I am concerned that these roadmaps emphasize industrial and tech development, calling to pave over our farms, forests, and watersheds.
House Oversight Committee widens scope on Somali-led health contractor
Gateway Community Financial denies wrongdoing despite having its Medicaid payments from a Maine state agency shut off
How to Watch Browns vs. Steelers: Time, TV Channel and Live Stream
Learn which TV channel or how to live stream the NFL Week 17 Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers game, Sunday, Dec. 28.
4 people injured in overnight shooting at San Jose business, police say
San Jose police say that four people were injured in a shooting at a business overnight and are currently being treated at the hospital.
Perseverance continues science mission amid uncertainty about Mars Sample Return
NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover is continuing its mission to collect samples despite uncertainty about when or if those samples will be returned to Earth.
Belzoni resident has witnessed damages of lack of health care
Because of lack of health care, Belzoni resident says, "My community has witnessed community members lose their lives because help could not arrive in time."
PC Makers Are Fighting for Memory Capacity as Reports Warn That Postponing Product Launches Might Be the Only Option Left
Despite holding the capital, PC manufacturers are struggling to secure a sufficient memory supply, leaving them with limited options.
Raw Oysters Linked to Salmonella Outbreak Infecting 64 People Across 22 States
20 people have reportedly been hospitalized as a result of the outbreak.
ER patient attacks guard on Christmas inside Wyoming's M Health Fairview Lakes hospital, officials say
Donald Trump Gets Lowest Kennedy Center Honors Ratings Ever: Report
Despite Trump’s boasts, the broadcast’s ratings reportedly dropped 35 percent from last year’s record low.
Donald Trump Gets Lowest Kennedy Center Honors Ratings Ever: Report
Despite Trump’s boasts, the broadcast’s ratings reportedly dropped 35 percent from last year’s record low.
Washington Post rips UK health system as NHS pleads with Brits to avoid hospitals
The Washington Post questioned why American progressives support single-payer healthcare after the U.K. asks patients to avoid hospitals during winter crisis.
Year in review: Mississippi Today's most-read health stories
Today we're featuring our newsroom's top 10 health-related stories of 2025. In the year ahead, we are keeping an eye out for further developments, especially those tied to social safety net programs.
Patients in Green Bay, Appleton got new options in 2025, with more on the way
From pediatric urgent care to a new rehabilitation hospital, here's what's recently opened and what's on the way for Green Bay, Appleton
The Year in Entertainment 2025: The TV that was top
The small screen took us everywhere from the shores of Cousins Beach to the emergency room at the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center this year. Here's a look at t
Deal to extend ObamaCare subsidies faces uphill battle despite GOP optimism
A key GOP senator is expressing optimism that Republicans and Democrats will agree to a deal that would extend expiring health care subsidies, but the effort faces an uphill climb in winning the ba…
Read the pitch deck Scribe used to raise $75 million to fix how companies adopt AI
Workflow software startup Scribe has raised $75 million and achieved unicorn status, as it aims to reimagine AI integration for businesses.
Clean energy is surging despite political attacks. But a slowdown may be looming
Over the past year, the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans have waged a sweeping campaign against America's renewable energy industry. At least for now, though, clean energy is still booming in the United States.
Orioles get new update on Ranger Suarez's free agency
Baltimore could use more pitching.
This common food ingredient may shape a child’s health for life
Scientists discovered that common food emulsifiers consumed by mother mice altered their offspring’s gut microbiome from the very first weeks of life. These changes interfered with normal immune system training, leading to long-term inflammation. As adults, the offspring were more vulnerable to gut disorders and obesity. The findings suggest that food additives may have hidden, lasting effects beyond those who consume them directly.
This common food ingredient may shape a child’s health for life
Scientists discovered that common food emulsifiers consumed by mother mice altered their offspring’s gut microbiome from the very first weeks of life. These changes interfered with normal immune system training, leading to long-term inflammation. As adults, the offspring were more vulnerable to gut disorders and obesity. The findings suggest that food additives may have hidden, lasting effects beyond those who consume them directly.
Latter-day Saint Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland hospitalized due to 'ongoing health complications'
Jeffrey R. Holland, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has been hospitalized for treatment of "ongoing health complications,"
Steelers vs. Browns, Thursday injury report: Christmas Day update
Here is Thursday’s Week 17 injury report for the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Cleveland Browns ahead of their upcoming matchup this Sunday.
Amex Business Platinum vs. Capital One Venture X Business: One card costs $500 more per year — is it worth it?
These are great business cards for airport lounge access, insurance perks and valuable travel rewards.
Tulip Real Estate Crosses £100 Million in Business Across Prime London Real Estate and Hospitality Assets in 2025
LONDON, Dec. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tulip Real Estate, led by Sidd Mahajan, Founder and Managing Director, has crossed £100 million in transactions in 2025, spanning strategic residential real estate and hospitality assets across prime London locations. This marks the second time the firm has surpassed the £100 million milestone in a single year, following its £101 million Amory Tower transaction in 2022, underscoring the consistency of Tulip Real Estate’s execution and long-term investmen
Opinion | Socialized medicine can’t survive the winter
The British government is begging sick people to stay away from hospitals during the holidays.
I went from consulting to being the CEO of Pittsburgh's airport. Here's what passengers don't see.
Christina Cassotis went from consulting to the CEO of a major airport. Here's how she got there and what passengers don't see.
Idaho's Fort Hall is one example of how broadband gaps create health gaps, too
Tribes awarded millions in a second round of broadband funding saw their payments held up under the Trump administration.
The SpaceX Mafia is here
SpaceX mafia startups are raising billions in venture capital, with ex-employees launching companies across aerospace, AI, and health.
ECU football arrives in DMV for Military Bowl
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — The East Carolina University football team arrived in Washington Tuesday ahead of the Go Bowling Military Bowl. The Pirates are the defending champions of the Military Bowl after beating NC State in the game last season. This year, they’ll look for the same success against Pittsburgh. “We’ve earned the right […]
AMC Entertainment Stock Hits All-Time Low Despite Avatar Success, Billionaire Buy-In
AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc (NYSE:AMC) stock hit a new all-time low Tuesday at $1.64, even as the company reported its strongest pre-Christmas weekend since 2021. Here’s what investors need to know. Don't Miss: These five entrepreneurs are worth $223 billion – they all believe in one platform that offers a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends 7 Million Gamers Already Trust Gameflip With Their Digital Assets — Now You Can Own a Stake in the Platform What To Know: The bearish price action s
AFC North Recap Week 16: Steelers jump to overwhelming favorites
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ playoff odds surged in Week 16 while the Baltimore Ravens’ plummeted.
Steelers’ TJ Watt Returns To Practice on Wednesday
Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher TJ Watt has returned to practice.
Alameda Health System to Lay Off Hundreds in January After Massive Federal Cuts
The significant cuts to Medicaid caused by the Trump administration’s tax and spending bill are pushing Alameda Health System to lay off nearly 300 workers.
President Jeffrey R. Holland hospitalized with 'ongoing health issue'
President Jeffrey R. Holland has been hospitalized to be treated for ongoing health complications, according to a statement from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
LDS Church President Jeffrey Holland hospitalized with 'health complications'
President Jeffrey Holland of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been hospitalized for health complications
President Holland hospitalized due to 'ongoing health complications'
President Jeffrey R. Holland was hospitalized just before Christmas to receive treatment for "ongoing health complications," according to the leaders of The Chu
NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan Hosts Annual Holiday Toy Giveaway for More than 1,000 Children and Families - NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan today announced its annual holiday toy giveaway has distributed gifts to over 1,000 children and families this holiday
NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan Hosts Columbia University Students for Discussion on Public Health Leadership - NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan announced today that it hosted 40 Master of Public Health students from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public
Democratic-led states sue HHS over proposal targeting hospitals that offer transgender care to minors
Eighteen Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit Tuesday challenging a new Trump administration policy seeking to bar transgender care for minors at federally-funded hospitals.
NFL Week 17 odds, betting lines, spreads: Picks, predictions, best bets today
SportsLine's model simulates every game 10,000 times and reveals its NFL picks today
NFL picks for Week 17, score predictions, best bets today from self-learning AI
SportsLine's self-learning AI reveals betting advice for each game on the Week 17 NFL schedule
The Year in Entertainment 2025: The TV that was top
The small screen took us everywhere from the shores of Cousins Beach to the emergency room at the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center this year. Here's a look at the shows and limited series that defined 2025:It was the medical procedural drama The Pitt that scored the top prize at the Emmys this year. Led by Noah Wyle, who won the best actor in a drama Emmy for his portrayal of Dr. Robby in the new series, The Pitt's first season followed the challenges faced by health care workers on the front lines over the course of a single, 15-hour shift at the hospital. Other big winners at the ceremony included Seth Rogen's new comedy series The Studio, as well as the Netflix limited series Adolescence.Many prestige shows captured the cultural zeitgeist in 2025. Fans traveled to Thailand to check in for season 3 of The White Lotus, while the mystery at Lumon Industries continued to unfold as Severance season 2 rolled out. The Last of Us viewers mourned a fan-favorite character during its sophomore season, while Star Wars fans returned to a galaxy far, far away to bid farewell to Andor as it debuted its second and final season.Nobody could stop talking about The Summer I Turned Pretty. Whether you were team Conrad or team Jeremiah, fans couldn't keep their eyes off the dramatic third season of the teen romance series, which spanned from the U.S.'s East Coast all the way to Paris. While the series ended with Belly finally picking which brother she wanted to be with, the story isn't quite over. A feature film that will end the romantic saga has been greenlit by Prime Video.Finally, the year ended with the release of the fifth and final season of Stranger Things. It turned Netflix's streaming records upside down, accumulating 59.6 million views in its first five days and becoming the best-ever premiere week viewing numbers for an English-language series on the streaming platform.Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
6 Northeast Ohio health systems construction projects to watch in 2026
Health systems have a massive real estate footprint across Northeast Ohio, which isn't a surprise given their outsized role in the region's economy. It's also no surprise that, despite a year of headwinds, the area's major systems continue to grow, with several projects expected to either begin or be completed in the near future. Here are a few of the notable health care construction projects that should come online in 2026.
The top 5 major African cities with the best health care at the end of 2025
A high healthcare index was more indicative of long-term national competitiveness, social stability, and economic resilience than it was of hospital quality or doctor accessibility
The 6 big Wisconsin political stories to watch for in 2026
From legislation to upcoming elections and court decisions, here are six issues to watch in 2026.
Medicaid expansion cuts in Idaho threaten access to health care for everyone
If Medicaid expansion is cut, there are no options for Idahoans who lose health insurance coverage, writes guest columnist Hillarie Matlock.
After decades in St. Paul, trailblazing lawmakers reflect on what’s changed for women in politics
Sens. Sandy Pappas and Ann Rest watched as women went from being relegated to the sidelines to leading caucuses and top committees at the Capitol.
Health insurance sign-ups in Colorado are running even with last year, despite loss of big federal subsidies
Sign-ups through the Connect for Health Colorado insurance exchange are just slightly ahead of last year's pace, despite expiring subsidies.
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 […]
'Palace fight will have delighted Glasner'
Former Crystal Palace forward Glen Murray says Oliver Glasner will be "delighted" with the spirit shown by his side despite their Carabao Cup quarter-final exit on Tuesday evening. The Eagles fought back after Maxence Lacroix's late own goal to equalise deep into stoppage time and force penalties away at Arsenal, before the Gunners eventually progressed by winning the shootout. "When you take into consideration the way they lost the game at the weekend against Leeds, coming away to the Emirates in the quarter-final of a cup competition and digging in in the manner that they did showed character," Murray told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.
Ohio health department investigates Legionnaires’ outbreak at Christ Hospital
Three deaths reported among six cases since October
Augusta business gives away toys despite delayed opening
An Augusta business gave away toys to kids in the community one night before Christmas Eve, despite not being able to open this holiday season.
'Anything could happen': Duke Health program brings advanced care to local athletes
A program by Duke Health is bringing hospital-level medical expertise, right to the sidelines. WRAL News shares how doctors are providing support to high school athletes on and off the field.
UT Southwestern to open DFW’s first state behavioral health hospital this summer
UT Southwestern Medical Center has been selected to operate the new Texas Behavioral Health Center – the first state acute care behavioral health hospital in the Dallas-Fort Worth area – announcing plans to care for its first patients this summer.
Advocates push for passage of Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act
Advocates with the National Breast Cancer Coalition hope Congress will move the bipartisan measure forward.
Nicki Minaj’s Embrace of Trump-Era Politics Has Fans Asking Questions
The Trinidad and Tobago-born hip-hop artist's motives are under scrutiny.
NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens Earns National Recognition As Center of Excellence In Surgical Safety - NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens today announced its designation as a Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)
Fox News Politics Newsletter: Boasberg says Trump must provide due process to CECOT migrants
Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump administration, Capitol Hill and more Fox News politics content.
A’s adding ‘Severino Room’ at Sutter Health Park. Here’s why pitcher wanted it
More changes are coming to Sutter Health Park for the Athletics’ second season in West Sacramento in 2026.
NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health Receives $750,000 From Bronx Borough President Gibson and Deputy Speaker Ayala - NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health today announced that Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and City Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala have secured
Christmas Day sports: Here's a look at the premier matchups on the holiday
The evolution of the Christmas Day sports calendar in the U.S. has given fans a respite if they need a break from family gatherings or just some entertainment while they sip on eggnog.
Christmas Day sports: Here's a look at the premier matchups on the holiday
The evolution of the Christmas Day sports calendar in the U.S. has given fans a respite if they need a break from family gatherings or just some entertainment while they sip on eggnog.
Wisconsin judge sends Slender Man attacker back to mental health institution after group home escape
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin woman who almost killed her sixth-grade classmate to please the fictional horror villain known as Slender Man was ordered back to a state psychiatric hospital Tuesday after she escaped from her group home last month.
Favorite 'Dogs: Back Browns to Push Steelers to the Brink
Pittsburgh might have the AFC North sewed up ahead of its Week 17 matchup, which is why Will Hill sees the Browns keeping it close.
Why This Business Model Is Opening the Door to Entrepreneurship for People With Almost No Capital
Micro-franchising helps people with limited resources become business owners by offering low-cost and proven franchise models.
Billy Porter gives health update after scary sepsis hospitalization:...
NFL Week 17 odds, lines, spreads: Picks, predictions, best bets today
SportsLine's model simulates every game 10,000 times and reveals its NFL picks today
The Philip Rivers comeback was wasted time for the Colts
Despite the best efforts of Philip Rivers, his comeback did not help the Colts' playoff aspirations.
Battlefield 6 players suspect AI cosmetics have been snuck into the game, despite EA saying that wouldn't happen
Battlefield 6 players have found what they believe to be an generative AI sticker in the game, causing outrage.
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.
Scientists find a weak spot in deadly fungus that shut down hospital intensive care units
A deadly hospital fungus that resists nearly every antifungal drug may have an unexpected weakness. Researchers discovered that Candida auris activates specific genes during infection to hunt for nutrients it needs to survive. This insight came from a new living-host model that allowed scientists to watch the fungus in action. The findings could eventually lead to new treatments or allow current drugs to be repurposed.
Game Preview: Pittsburgh Penguins @ Toronto Maple Leafs 12/23/25
Who: Pittsburgh Penguins (15-11-9, 39 points, 7th place Metropolitan Division) @ Toronto Maple Leafs (15-15-5, 35 points, 8th place Atlantic Division) When: 4:00 p.m. ET How to Watch: National broadcast on TNT, HBO Max and truTV Pens’ Path Ahead: Tonight is the last game before the Pens’ holiday break. They’ll look to brighten what has been a tough […]
The Science That Will Shape 2026
Despite everything, science goes on.
Idahoans gather in Nampa to urge extension of health care premium tax credits
About two dozen Idahoans gathered amid cold winds Thursday night in Nampa for a “pre-funeral” for affordable health care in the U.S.
Idaho Supreme Court dismisses lawsuit over Medicaid mental health contract
The Idaho Supreme Court has dismissed a lawsuit from a bidder for an Idaho Medicaid contract to run mental health services.
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.
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.
UNC Health's new CEO takes the helm amid "acute headwinds" in health care
This comes amid looming Medicaid cuts, a drop in research funding, expansion statewide and the uncertain future of a children's hospital.
Tough decisions for NJ on health insurance as 2026 cuts loom
Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill and the Legislature will have to grapple with federal cuts to Medicaid, and hospitals warn of being deluged with patients.
One thousand Pennsylvanians now dropping health insurance daily
Nansi Armstrong is living in America’s painful health insurance purgatory: earning too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to cover premiums...
Report: Live Entertainment Spending Surges
Tennesseans spent $47 per capita on live entertainment last year.
Congress flees town as health care premiums set to explode for millions of Americans in January
Congress failed to fix soaring health care premiums before leaving for recess, setting up a big political battle in 2026 as costs spike for millions.
NYC unveils new tool to help New Yorkers compare health care prices, estimate out-of-pocket costs
The new website allows people to search for common procedures with or without insurance to see total prices at specific hospitals and facilities, and estimate their out-of-pocket costs.
Nintendo has huge discounts on Switch 2 games in its holiday sale
Nintendo is in a giving state of mind this season, offering some holiday deals on games, including a few recent Switch 2 titles.
'Congress is in a coma': Former members sound alarm on health of the House
Congress ends the year with a thin list of legislative accomplishments and a growing number of retirements. Former lawmakers say the problems now plaguing Capitol Hill have been years in the making.