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Talk of US export ban on diesel deepens US crude futures' discount to global benchmark
Washington's talk of a possible ban on diesel exports is widening the gap between US crude oil futures and the global Brent benchmark, a signal that markets expect US refiners to process less crude oil if their diesel output gets stuck at home.
Nasim Nuñez Sets Franchise Mark In Nationals Final Road Game
Despite all his struggles offensively, infielder Nasim Nuñez set a new franchise record for the Washington Nationals this week
Three Matchups That May Define Commanders Week Three vs. Seattle
The Washington Commanders will look to pull off the upset when they host the Seattle Seahawks for the 2026 home opener
Why I invite the far left and right to my college debates
My peers deserved to engage with their views. What else is college for?
Grandmaster Flash wants you to understand the science behind hip-hop
Hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash hosts book signing for "Birth of a Culture" at Tara Theatre Sept. 25.
The way we talk to bots matters even if they aren’t conscious
If more and more of our daily interactions are ungracious exchanges with machines, we should expect it to change us
Kyle MacLachlan analyzes his ‘Fictional Selves’ in new memoir
SEATTLE — In decades of performing, beginning as a University of Washington student and encompassing iconic roles in film (“Dune,” “Blue Velvet”) and television (“Twin Peaks,” “Sex and the City,”
David Beckham brand business reports record year
DRJB Holdings — better known as the company that handles David Beckham’s brand business activities — has filed its latest accounts and they show a record financial performance.
As Health Insurance Costs Soar, Healthcare Workers Also Feel The Pinch
By Hayat Norimine and KFF Health News HealthDay ReportersFRIDAY, Sept. 25, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Joshua and Ashley Durham run a family medicine practice, and for the first time in their lives, they have no health insurance. When the Durhams began their practice in Boise, Idaho, at the end of 2023 ...
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold ‘really striving’ to play vs. Commanders
RENTON, Wash. — Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold told reporters before Thursday’s practice that he “is really striving” to play Sunday against the Washington Commanders. And proof that he may indeed
‘You’re going to see more of it’: Republican candidates increasingly distance themselves from Trump
On issues like the Iran war and the economy, a number of GOP candidates in competitive races are trying to show some separation from the president.
Is Commanders' Terry McLaurin worried about his slow start?
What does Terry McLaurin think about his slow start to the 2026 season? Is he worried?
Senate GOP eyes last-ditch push on affordability as fears deepen over midterm map
Inside the Senate GOP’s campaign headquarters on Wednesday, dozens of Republicans gathered for a strategy session during what was expected to be their final days in Washington before the November midterms.
Some dementia patients grow lucid near the end. Scientists hope it’s a clue.
Accounts raise tantalizing questions about what happens inside a brain afflicted by dementia and whether cognitive abilities could possibly be restored.
NYFF 2026 preview: 14 films you'll want to see (and how)
Nathan Fielder, Julianne Moore, Pedro Pascal, and more have high-profile projects at NYFF this year.
'Primetime' review: Robert Pattinson makes Chris Hansen a scary clown
'To Catch A Predator' gets the 'American Pyscho' treatment.
'Sense and Sensibility' review: Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles resurrect Jane Austen
But the MVP of this adaptation is Fiona Shaw.
New study suggests the aging brain is adapting, not declining
As we get older, the brain prioritizes wisdom over remembering details for good reason, according to researchers.
Many Health Care Grad Students Can’t Get the Loans They Need
New federal loan limits restrict borrowing for graduate degrees in many fields, and prospects for private loans are also grim.
Nintendo of America awarded $4.5m in lawsuit from Redditor for pirating Switch hardware and software
James C. Williams, also known as 'Archbox,' ordered to disable access to online shops offering pirated Switch games and social media accounts linked to piracy
Taylor Swift has a message for the haters on her new song ‘Cleveland!’
Swift, who dropped a deluxe version of her latest album on Friday, included an ode to her husband, Travis Kelce.
The AI race looks different from Colorado
President Donald Trump gave artificial intelligence a promotion at the United Nations this week. He said the government would begin calling it “superintelligence” and made clear he does not want fears about the technology to stifle its growth. The argument is familiar by now. America is in a race. Move faster. Build more. Stay ahead. […]
Gibraltar Business Capital Provides Credit Facility to Support RS2 Healthcare Partners’ Investment in KMM Group
Gibraltar Business Capital (GBC) closed an asset-based revolving credit facility for KMM Group, a vertically integrated precision contract manufacturer. The
Diane Keaton promised to ‘lay low’ at Ashley Padilla’s improv shows, then wore ‘the biggest tutu’
Diane Keaton promised to ‘lay low’ at former assistant Ashley Padilla’s improv shows, then wore ‘a tutu and a big old hat.’
Bijan Robinson destroys Packers in 35-14 win for Falcons
Star running back Bijan Robinson rushed for an explosive 194 yards and two touchdowns as the Atlanta Falcons thrashed the Green Bay Packers 35-14 on Thursday.But it was Bijan Robinson again who put the game to bed, bursting through the Packers' defense for a touchdown before a successful two-point conversion made it 35-14.
Science Museum of Minnesota permanently protects 130 acres along the St. Croix River
Partnership with the Minnesota Land Trust and Washington County completes permanent protection of the St. Croix Watershed Research Station—more than 300 acres in total
Norvell Blinded by QB Loyalty Ahead of Central Arkansas Game
Florida State coach continues to praise his starting quarterback, Ashton Daniels, even after throwing three interceptions in a 50-36 loss to Alabama last Saturday. Norvell praises his confidence and decision-making skills. Daniels has thrown three touchdown passes against ranked teams this season.
Hurricanes 6, Predators 5 – Felix Unger Sorum with Game Winner
The Carolina Hurricanes fell behind 5-1 but then scored five straight goals to defeat the Nashville Predators, 6-5 on Thursday night in Greensboro. The win gives the Canes a 2-1 record this preseason with one game to play. Felix Unger Sorum scored the game winner off a nice snap shot with just 3 seconds left […]
Protesters of Xi’s policies push for change in earshot of White House visit with Trump
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump warmly welcomed Chinese leader Xi Jinping with a personal airport greeting, a tour of his new helipad and a candlelit d
Chig Okonkwo still not practicing
Hamstring injury forces Washington Commanders TE Chig Okonkwo to miss practice
Campaign finance complaint against Let’s Go Washington dismissed
The conservative political committee is backing three initiatives that voters will consider in November’s general election.
New Jersey Gov. Sherrill calls on her lieutenant governor to resign
An investigation found Dale Caldwell sexually harassed a woman and violated state ethics rules. He has denied allegations of misconduct. Sherrill said Caldwell had until Friday to step down.
‘The assumption is yes,’ Thune says of another leadership run
WASHINGTON — As the Senate tries to navigate its final business before the midterms, Republicans are facing another question — who will steer the ship once they’re done? So far,
The Houthis: Iran’s bargaining chip with Washington
The US views talks with the Houthis as a way to contain the scope of the conflict with Iran, while Tehran sees them as a means to translate military gains in the Red Sea into political gains
Senate Republicans are desperate for last-minute win before midterms
WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans are clamoring for a last-minute legislative win to tout on the campaign trail before they leave Capitol Hill for midterm elections.
Xi, in lavish Trump summit, urges ‘human control’ over AI
WASHINGTON — China’s president issued a call from the White House on Thursday for artificial intelligence to remain “under human control” as the world’s two superpowers race for technological supremacy.
PlayStation Reportedly Polling Game Developers After Decision to Kill Discs Sparks Backlash
PlayStation is reportedly sending a lengthy survey to game developers with a question about how they sell physical games after their decision to stop producing physical game discs prompted intense backlash.
Kalshi draws backlash over race-swapping AI ads
Kalshi said it has curtailed its use of AI ads and is reviewing its relationship with an agency that made the controversial video.
Oregon political leaders demand emergency federal assistance for East Evans Creek Fire
Initial request was denied in late July; fire was sparked by a rollover crash in which a teen driver has been arrested Multiple Oregon federal lawmakers are requesting that the […]
Tennessee assistant William Inge battling serious health issue in hospital
Tennessee linebackers coach William Inge is hospitalized with a serious health issue and will not coach in the team's game against Texas.
Who is attending the White House dinner for Chinese leader Xi Jinping?
AI executives and some of the country’s most prominent CEOs are on the list for tonight's state dinner honoring Xi Jinping, which showcases the complex ties between the world's biggest economies.
In Texas, Talarico pitches a Fox News debate as Paxton stays silent
The state’s Democratic and Republican Senate candidates have not squared off yet.
JD Vance is not ripping away anyone’s health insurance coverage
All 760,000 of the ACA plans that were canceled this week met five criteria.
Beef imports equal smart business
Banning imports would slash cattle values and trigger supply shocks across the sector.
Chelsea Dealt With Another Possible Injury Blow During International Break
Penders is expected to miss Belgium's Nations League clash with France on Friday due to injury.
Democratic House candidate arrested during Netanyahu protest in NYC
Darializa Avila Chevalier was among several progressive elected officials and nominees who protested Netanyahu's speech at the U.N.
15 early October Prime Day tech deals, hand-picked by experts
These early deals erase some of the price hikes we've seen amid the RAM crisis. They're so good, we'd add them to our own carts.
Wabash Valley educators highlight evolving role of forensic science in modern criminal justice
As communities observe National Forensic Science Week, educators across the Wabash Valley are highlighting how forensic science continues to transform criminal investigations from local police departments to federal agencies.
'Disrupting Politics' details Green Bay native's experiences in D.C. tech with eye on AI
(WLUK) -- For the last 23 years, a Green Bay native has had a front row seat in Washington D.C. at the intersection of technology and politics.Katie Harbath has
Live cattle futures mixed ahead of direct business
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live cattle were mixed, feeders were lower waiting on widespread direct business. October live cattle closed $1.85 lower at $219.07 and December live cattle closed $1.25 lower at $221.10. October feeder cattle closed $1.57 lower at $331.75 and November feeder cattle closed $1.42 lower at $328.07. Direct cash cattle trade […]
‘Business as usual': Pelinka discusses running Lakers amid sale of team
Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka discusses the new sale of the team and how they are going about their business in the front office.
Trump FDA pick repeatedly sidesteps Sanders' universal healthcare demands in heated clash
Bernie Sanders pressed Trump FDA nominee Dr. Heidi Overton on whether healthcare is a human right, growing frustrated as she declined a yes-or-no answer.
Analysis | Republicans are breaking from Trump on Iran. So what will they do about it?
Congress has rendered itself powerless to start and stop wars, despite the Constitution.
Senate rejects measure to block Trump from ordering more strikes on Iran
The administration ignored passage of a similar resolution in June, arguing that it lacks the force of law.
How every senator voted on the Iran war powers resolution
The Senate failed to block President Donald Trump from ordering further strikes on Iran in a 49-50 vote.
Police: Driver was high when he crashed into Massena home business
A St. Lawrence County man was allegedly high on drugs when he drove a pickup truck into a house in Massena Thursday morning.
IATSE Lauds Introduction of Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act, Urges Swift Passage
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) today applauded the introduction of the bipartisan Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act (MPTERA), which would create a […]
The Latest Licensing Deals From Global Brands
New partnerships span collectibles, apparel and entertainment as brands expand product lines across gaming, fashion and lifestyle categories.
‘I want to stop and take in this extraordinary moment.’ Dana Bash on media ban during visit by Chinese President Xi
Melania Trump hosts China’s first lady
WASHINGTON (AP) — Melania Trump and Peng Liyuan on Thursday toured one of the largest Asian art museums in the United States, celebrating cultural ties between the U.S. and China during a high-profile diplomatic visit to Washington. Leaving their husbands behind at the White House, the first ladies visited the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian […]
Tyler’s Take: What can be done with Mike Sainristil
Commanders CB Mike Sainristil has had a rough start to the 2026 season, playing a huge role in both Washington losses
SOME CITY SPORTS FIELDS ARE CLOSED TODAY SEE LINK FOR DETAILS 9-24-26
****FIELDS THAT ARE CLOSED TODAY (9-24-26) ARE: AMBER MEADOWS BASEBALL FIELD, BOTH LOATS BASEBALL FIELDS, AND RIVERWALK SOFTBALL FIELD**** What “CITY SPORTS FIELDS ARE CLOSED” means &ndash
Kyle MacLachlan analyzes his ‘Fictional Selves’ in new memoir
The Yakima-born actor and University of Washington alum spoke with The Seattle Times ahead of an event with Seattle Arts & Lectures.
Meet the Muse mascot, Jolly. Who doesn't love a little guy?
Jolly joins a long line of mascots tasked with making companies feel more approachable.
Drew Bledsoe talks football lessons and wine business in Yakima
YAKIMA, Wash. — Drew Bledsoe was in Yakima speaking about how his football career shaped the work he took on after leaving the NFL.
Trump officials end review of how arch could harm historic sites
A required consultation process with local preservationists is being terminated, a Trump appointee said Thursday.
Probable Italy vs. Belgium line-ups and latest injury news
Italy tested Moise Kean and Francesco Pio Esposito together for the Nations League clash, while Belgium are without injured Leandro Trossard, but could start Napoli’s Kevin De Bruyne.It kicks off at...
Fendi, Marni and Jil Sander designers break free from house codes
Milan's fashion scene is seeing creative directors shake things up at iconic houses | WBBM Newsradio 780 AM & 105.9 FM
Fendi, Marni and Jil Sander designers break free from house codes
Milan's fashion scene is seeing creative directors shake things up at iconic houses | WWL
iOS 27.2 beta arrives. How to try the new iPhone Health app.
The new Health app isn't launching on iOS 27.2, but you can still try it early.
Las Vegas fast-fashion retailer closing all locations
The local retailer is closing its final two stores after opening in the valley in 2009.
US government foots bill for television advertisement featuring Trump's midterm messaging
At first glance, it looks like a typical Republican campaign advertisement. As images of President Donald Trump flash across the screen, the 30-second spot says “America will never be a communist cou...
The Politics Hour: Montgomery County's trash and an RFK campus master plan heads to the D.C. Council
Montgomery County Council President Natali Fani-González on the future of the county's aging trash incinerator and Ward 5 D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker on the Council's first legislative hearing of the fall.
‘Happy Valley’ Star Sarah Lancashire Leading Dark Netflix Series About A Modern-Day Witch Hunt
Netflix is teaming with Happy Valley star Sarah Lancashire, Abi Morgan and Sister on a dark thriller about a modern-day witch hunt, while the streamer has secured Bob Mortimer and Ricahrd Ayoade for i...
Trump ad airing with government funding despite law against ‘propaganda’
A TV ad boosting President Trump and saying that it was paid for by the U.S. government is airing in two major markets despite a federal law against using tax funds for "propaganda."
Washington Huskies See New Additions to Injury Report
The Huskies saw two players listed as questionable for Saturday's Big Ten opener against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
A smashing success, TaterFest returns Saturday
Mount Jackson’s TaterFest returns Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lions Park, bringing a full day of potato-themed activities, food and family fun.
The story behind Princess Diana's infamous revenge dress. And why she almost didn't wear it.
One of the most recognizable dresses in modern history is going up for auction and could fetch an eye-watering price. Why Diana's revenge dress is so coveted goes far beyond a fashion story.
Xbox Is Adding New 'Game Tile Tags' To Help Track Achievements And Other Things
Is it cool? Or does it clutter the dashboard?
Trump and Xi Jinping will hold talks in Washington on trade, AI and more
Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping have no shortage of difficult issues to cover when they sit down for talks on Thursday at the White House.
Nintendo Wins $4.5M In Switch Pirate Lawsuit
The court entered a default judgement in favor of Nintendo
ICYMI: Chairman Smith on The Will Cain Show: Big Insurance Cashed in on Taxpayer Subsidies for Health Care That Wasn’t Actually Provided
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) joined Fox News’ The Will Cain Show to discuss...
Earth life support systems are flashing red, warns 2026 Planetary Health Check
Human activities continue eroding the planet’s stability, resilience and life-support functions, the third edition of the Planetary Health Check released in September warns. The “scary” part of the 2026 report, says lead co-author Levke Caesar, is that the trends are largely going in the wrong direction. “We still have seven out of the nine planetary […]
Scientific American Starts Sober but Quickly Relapses
A proposal by University of Washington planetary scientist David Catling addresses what origin-of-life researchers call the phosphate problem.
Farquhar hints 2027 could be his final chapter in sport
Ryan Farquhar hints that 2027 could be the final chapter for him in the sport - as the road racing legend reflects on crashes and family sacrifices on the BBC Bikes Podcast.
Square Integrates Apple Business to Help Local Businesses Stand Out on Apple Maps
DISTRIBUTED-WORKFORCE/OAKLAND, Calif., September 24, 2026--Square today announced a new integration with Apple that enables Square sellers to connect their locations to Apple Business from their Square Dashboard, so they can seamlessly manage and synchronize key business location information that appears on Apple Maps. Rather than managing multiple channels separately, sellers can now maintain their Apple presence alongside the rest of their business in Square. The integration makes it easier fo
Nashville nightclub owner, 2 others charged with arson after business damaged by fire in May
Arrest documents show that all three people were present the night that La Danse nightclub burned down.
No. 13 Penn State vs. Wisconsin: Game Preview
The Nittany Lions open up Big Ten play against the Badgers after a 3-0 start. Penn State (3-0, 0-0) vs. Wisconsin (2-1, 0-0) Kickoff: 5 p.m., Beaver Stadium, State College, PA The Betting Line: Penn State -9.5 (Fanduel) TV: Peacock, 5 p.m., Dave Flemming (play-by-play), Matt Cassel (analyst), Ashley ShahAhmadi (sideline) Weather: A nice day with highs in the upper […]
The Latest: Trump and Xi Jinping will hold talks in Washington on trade, AI and more
Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping have no shortage of difficult issues to cover when they sit down for talks at the White House.
'On the verge of something' - fans on season so far
Transfer window was obviously a car crash but really positive signs from Hayden Hackney and Tyler Dibling in particular means we are feeling positive. Most Evertonians are waiting for that to turn somehow, but if we can keep Jarrad Branthwaite fit especially, I think we have good times ahead. Standout moment so far was that debut goal for Ainsley Maitland-Niles!
Samsung TV Plus Halloween lineup: Free A24 horror movies and House of Hallows channel guide
Samsung Smart TV owners get free access to A24 hits alongside classic horrors.
Trump hosts China’s Xi for summit in Washington, DC
The leaders are meeting for the second time this year after their summit in Beijing. Follow for live updates.
Is metascience being co-opted?
In July, the White House released a report that argued academia is deeply dysfunctional and in need of radical reform.Science: A New Golden Age sets out a litany of problems many academics will recognise: interminable waits for grants; short-term funding rather than support for longer, more ambitious projects; ballooning administrative requirements; pressure to publish, and many more. “The scientific machine is getting bogged down,” it says. At least on the face of it, Science: A New Golden Age is a triumph for the metascience movement, a loose-knit, global group of academics, philanthropists and think tankers that want far more testing and experimentation in how we fund public research and innovation. The report tells US research funders to set up internal metascience units to do just this. But it has also set alarm bells ringing that metascience is being conveniently deployed to help justify the defunding of US universities, which US vice president JD Vance has openly labelled “the enemy.” “Just because you have an issue with your plumbing in your house doesn't mean you light the entire house on fire and burn it to the ground,” said Colette Delawalla, chief executive of Stand Up for Science, a group campaigning against what it says are attacks on scientists by the Trump administration. No one is arguing that academia doesn’t need reform, but there’s debate over how far and how fast the system should be shaken up. Does public R&D need slow and steady evidence-based adjustment, or radical new experiments?One of the key arguments in Science: A New Golden Age is that there’s not enough funding for what it calls “mid-level” science: engineering-heavy projects that require tens of millions of dollars, involve ten to a hundred people, and last around five years. Such a project might develop a brain-computer interface for people with Alzheimer's disease, for example. As such, the US National Science Foundation (NSF) has already announced $1.5 billion to set up so-called X-Labs, effectively new research organisations to pursue breakthroughs in areas such as quantum sensing and new scientific instruments. Funding divertedBut there’s a catch: this money has squeezed NSF budgets for more traditional, fundamental research grants, Science reported in June, likely meaning less cash for university-based scientists. Science: A New Golden Age also makes various swipes at universities, accusing them of extracting overheads from scientists to fund administrative bloat. “We have become dependent on a narrow set of legacy institutions,” it says. The report doesn’t mention it, but the US government is simultaneously seeking greater powers over federal funding, which would allow political appointees at funding agencies to screen or cancel research grants mid-project. The White House is also seeking to slash the NSF’s budget by more than half in 2027, although similar cuts proposed for 2026 were blocked by Congress. Convenient hookThis has worried some that the metascience agenda could be misused as a kind of smokescreen to further weaken universities. James Wilsdon, executive director of the Research on Research Institute at University College London, said that the report contains lots of “interesting ideas” and agrees that in places, academia is a “pretty broken system.” But the risk is that metascience is being deployed as a “convenient hook” to support cuts and a “political land grab” to transfer grant power from scientists to political appointees in US funding agencies.So far, the metascience agenda hasn’t been seized on by radical right parties in Europe. But Wilsdon worries it will cross the Atlantic, politicising research reform efforts and making them more difficult to carry out. The report is already making some in Europe sceptical of the entire idea. “The system is not without flaws, but the metascience discussion is not likely to improve the system but rather to generate munition to undermine it,” said Claes de Vreese, a professor of AI and society at the University of Amsterdam. Peter Thiel protégéOfficially, Science: A New Golden Age has just one named author: Michael Kratsios, the director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy and a former chief of staff to Silicon Valley mogul Peter Thiel. He also served as chief financial officer of Thiel’s Clarium Capital Management. Since the 1990s, Thiel has criticised US universities for moving away from teaching what he views as the classic works of western civilisation, and drifting towards “anti-Western zealotry.” And since 2011, he has offered two-year fellowships of $250,000 to young people to skip or drop out of university, and instead start companies or pursue scientific research. “College can be good for learning about what’s been done before, but it can also discourage you from doing something new,” according to the Thiel Fellowships website. In other areas, the Trump administration has promoted academics with a longstanding interest in metascience. For example, the head of the National Institutes of Health, Jay Bhattacharya, in 2020 co-authored a study arguing the funder backs overly conservative proposals, although he achieved wider prominence as a critic of pandemic lockdowns. Careless talk costs fundingEven before the Trump administration embraced the metascience agenda, some metascientists privately wondered whether they should be careful not to overstate dysfunctions in academia, in case this gets used as ammunition against universities. But others think being cautious with criticism is pointless. After all, last year, the Trump administration sought to cut funding from US universities on an entirely different premise: supposed antisemitism on campus. “I don't think these governments need a technical metascientific excuse to attack the universities, they will want to do so anyway,” said Will Stone, a researcher at Science Works, a new think tank advocating for a “metascience revolution” in the UK. “I think researchers should report what they find, even when the findings may be used to advance policies they disagree with,” echoed Russell Funk, a researcher at the University of Minnesota, who in 2023 co-authored a highly influential paper that argued scientific papers were becoming less disruptive over time. No justificationThat said, Funk thinks that metascientific research certainly doesn’t justify a weakening of universities. Instead, scientists need “time, resources and stability to pursue unfamiliar ideas,” he said. “Taking away those conditions works against the very goal the reforms are supposed to achieve.”The Institute for Progress, a Washington DC-based innovation policy think tank that has championed X-Labs and metascience units, also says that reforms should complement, not supplant, universities. “Unpredictable, unreliable, and reduced federal funding to researchers is destabilising to the very foundations of research and development and is bad,” said Jenn Gustetic, the institute’s director of metascience and R&D policy.Evolution or revolution?This points to a much bigger divide in the metascience community: how far and how fast should public R&D be shaken up? Does it need evolution or revolution? For example, Science: A New Golden Age says the science system relies too heavily on traditional “workhorse” project grants, the type that pay out around $250,000 a year to fund “hypothesis-driven science by small teams on tractable questions.” However, in criticising project grants, the report “decisively picks one side of a debate that is far from settled,” David Hilmer Rex, a metascientist based in Denmark, has written. In June, Pierre Azoulay, a metascientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, defended project grants, saying that the alternative of X-Labs “merits scepticism.”A-B testingOne challenge in metascience is that it’s easier to generate evidence for some types of change than others. Most straightforwardly, research funders can run A-B tests on different ways of awarding money. For example, Germany’s Volkswagen Foundation recently trialled distributed peer review, where applicants rate each other’s proposals, and measured its results against traditional review panels. Distributed peer review made quicker decisions, although awarded money to largely different ideas. However, much of the focus of the metascience movement has been on founding fast-moving and free-acting new research organisations and funders, in contrast to the alleged stodginess of mainstream academia or public innovation grants. A culture of speed and freedom are the animating principles behind Germany’s Sprind or the UK’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency (Aria).Related articlesViewpoint: it's time to experiment with how Europe funds science European researchers sound the alarm that Trump rule changes will hit cooperationHowever, while it’s possible to closely study previously successful bodies, such as the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (Darpa), for historical clues to their secret sauce, it’s impossible to guarantee in advance that the likes of Sprind or Aria will actually work as hoped. But advocates of new organisations say this inherent uncertainly shouldn’t stop us trying. “If we wait for definitive proof that something will work before we try it, I don't know where your proof is coming from,” said Stone. Trade-offsUp until now, experiments in metascience haven’t generally come with hard trade-offs over money. In the US, new ideas such as focused research organisations have often been funded by billionaire philanthropists. In Europe, new innovation agencies such as Sprind and Aria, or the Netherland’s new National Agency for Disruptive Innovation, haven’t needed explicit cuts elsewhere in the research system. But with the $1.5 billion establishment of X-Labs by the NSF, the trade-offs are becoming clearer. Some metascientists privately wonder whether a smaller pilot would have been more appropriate, given that the idea is untested. The Institute for Progress counters that the $1.5 billion X-Labs budget is spread out over a decade, so will account for less than 2% of the NSF’s annual budget. “It’s important to remember that [Darpa] was once an institutional experiment as well. Now it’s one of the most cited innovative funding models in the world,” said Gustetic.As for Europe?The US isn’t the only country placing metascience at the heart of its research strategy. Science: A New Golden Age looks admiringly at the UK, which in 2024 set up a Metascience Unit to scrutinise how it funds research. In Brussels, it’s more of a mixed picture. In 2018, the EU set up the European Innovation Council to funnel grants and equity to start-ups, although it’s sometimes criticised for awarding money too slowly. Recently, the council has started experimenting with challenges, where teams of inventors compete to overcome a technological challenge. The European Commission also wants to experiment with partially randomising grant winners, to cut down on bureaucracy. However, the Commission’s own advisers have said the EU’s own research schemes are too conventional. They want the Commission to establish a new dedicated unit to scrutinise and experiment with funding. But there’s no sign of a such unit emerging in Brussels’ plans for the next Horizon Europe programme, which from 2028 is set to distribute more than €160 billion over seven years. Sam Bogerd, director of breakthrough innovation at the Brussels-based Arq Foundation, an AI-focused think tank that also looks at metascience, says that Europe might have the opposite problem to the US: universities and basic research funding are still reasonably well supported, but there’s not enough experimentation. “We're not taking a close enough look at where this money can achieve the most, and I am worried that the good ideas around metascience will be tainted politically by their association with the Trump administration,” he said. He’s still lobbying for the Commission to set up an experimental unit. But in the meantime, the Arq Foundation plans to do its own research, and is currently hiring two metascience researchers to run the rule over how Brussels spends research funding.
East Tennessee sports announcer dies in head-on crash
Longtime East Tennessee sports broadcaster and youth coach Aaron Harvey has died following a two-vehicle head-on crash on Ruritan Road in Roane County.
Stellar Entertainment Launches Cosmo Vision to Speed Up IFE Compliance Screening
Stellar Entertainment has launched Cosmo Vision, an AI-assisted technology that can speed up IFE compliance screening by up to 75%.
Bills news: How Joe Brady is helping maximize Josh Allen
By calling more passing plays on early downs, Joe Brady is unleashing Josh Allen’s full potential for a potent offense.
Science Research parent boosters to hold 6th annual dog-friendly Wag-a-thon fundraiser on October 4
Hold on to your leashes and grab your best furry friends because AMPLIFY, the parent support group for the Pelham Science Research Program, is barking with excitement to announce the 6th Annual Wag-a-Thon! This year’s event is poised to be bigger, better, and wag-tastically fun, with a new neighborhood venue and an enhanced format that...
Struggling Lesbian Bar Drops Saturday Mask Rule — and Its Business Problem Gets Worse
A struggling Massachusetts lesbian bar made one night a week mask-optional in hopes of attracting more customers. Instead, the change unleashed hundreds of angry comments, boycott calls and even a com...