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The LG 39GX950B is the World First 39" 5K2K OLED Monitor to be Announced
Share this contentAhead of CES in a couple of week’s time, LG Electronics have unveiled their line-up of new monitors that will be on show at the event. They also....[click link for more]
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.
'Just a random thought': Local business owner starts modern-day cash scavenger hunt
The prize for the lucky winners is not just the thrill of the chase but also a pocket full of cash.
Google's top 5 people searches of 2025: Politics, popes and tragedy
Google’s end-of-year wrap includes the people you searched for most this year.
New 'aggressive' flu strain emerging as health threat: Where it's spreading the most
A highly contagious and aggressive flu strain is sweeping the nation this season.
New 'aggressive' flu strain emerging as health threat: Where it's spreading the most
A highly contagious and aggressive flu strain is sweeping the nation this season.
Asus could produce DDR5 RAM to ease memory shortage and keep laptop prices reasonable
With DDR5 RAM prices out of control, Asus may have a strategy that will benefit laptop buyers and gamers. A new report suggests that it will begin manufacturing DRAM as soon as 2026. Even with this development, Asus would struggle to open factories without the help of Samsung, Micron, or SK Hynix.
Lamar Jackson doubtful for Saturday's critical Packers-Ravens game; Jordan Love, Malik Willis both questionable
There's more bad news for a Baltimore Ravens team that's fighting for its playoff life.
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.
Andrew Johnson's 1868 Christmas pardon shows how forgiveness and politics collide
Historical amnesty to confederates is often cited in discussions about pardons for political violence and democracy
Christmas concert canceled over outrage at Donald Trump's Kennedy Center changes
The Kennedy Center's annual Christmas Eve concert was abruptly canceled due to outrage over Donald Trump changing the name of the venue: 'Saddened to see this name change.'
Entertainment group closes out year with open mic night at Little Jamaica
444Force Entertainment hosted its final event of the year with an open mic night that brought together music, poetry and creative expression at Little Jamaica, a restaurant and lounge that
Stevenson School hopes for more learning opportunities with new math and science building
The center will make a nice connection between Stevenson and the community but also give students a program that many schools do not have – a preparation for future research.
All I want for Christmas is for the Democrats to play identity politics the right way.
Ask any Democrats about their Christmas wish for the 2026 midterms, and they will tell you they want a blue tsunami that will clear the Republicans out of the House and Senate, and maybe even Presi…
Business owners push back on proposed traffic changes to Second Avenue
After years of closure following the Christmas Day bombing, Second Avenue is finally reopening to the public. But just as the historic downtown corridor begins
Seven iconic Houston businesses that have stood the test of time
Explore iconic Houston businesses, from Arne's to Phoenicia, that have thrived for decades with loyal customers and deep community roots.
NFL best bets for Week 17: Model's top picks for Jets-Patriots, Browns-Steelers, Colts-Jaguars at DraftKings
SportsLine's proven computer model has identified it's top NFL picks for Week 17 divisional rivalry matchups at DraftKings
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.
ExplorersWeb's Top Five Science Stories of 2025 » Explorersweb
At ExplorersWeb, we focus on adventure in wild places, but we also cover archaeology, space, and natural history. Here are the year's most popular stories.
I'm a CEO who called my 600-plus employees — and found out what we were getting wrong
Smart Technologies CEO Nicholas Svensson calls each of the company's employees every year. It's led him to make changes at the company.
Got a new Google Pixel? Here are the first settings you should change
The Pixel series is one of the best Android devices available. Even though Android’s guided setup process does a fine...
Northwestern vs. Central Michigan prediction, odds, spread: 2025 GameAbove Sports Bowl picks from proven model
SportsLine's computer model reveals its CMU Chippewas vs. Northwestern Wildcats best bets
This week in HS Sports: Always reason to celebrate at Christmas even through a few tears
Still a lot to celebrate at Christmas even if you have lost a loved one in 2025.
Ravenwood junior named a finalist in international science competition
A Ravenwood High junior has reached the finals of an international science competition. Learn all about his project.
Costco, Wawa, Sheetz, and more: These 55 business locations opened in central Pa. in 2025
The list includes more than 50 businesses that opened locations in the region in 2025, including medical practices, convenience stores, a sports card shop, a doggie daycare, grocery stores, bookstores, thrift stores, discount stores, housing, a vendor marketplace, a sneaker store, large membership-only warehouses and a pet store.
Has the 2025 Rally in MSG Entertainment Already Gone Too Far?
If you are wondering whether Madison Square Garden Entertainment is still a bargain after its recent run, or if the easy money has already been made, this breakdown is for you. The stock has climbed 5.7% over the last week, 15.4% over the past month, and 52.6% year to date, with a 64.1% gain over the past year reshaping how the market is viewing its potential. Investors have been reacting to a stream of venue and live-event related headlines, including ongoing buzz around premium experiences...
The video games you may have missed in 2025
Date a vending machine, watch intergalactic television and make the most out of your short existence as a fly. Here are the best games you weren’t playing this year
Did 2025 mark the end of British parliamentary democracy as we know it?
The conventions and rituals that define the way we do politics rapidly eroded this year – setting the UK on a course into the unknown, says Guardian columnist Andy Beckett
The SpaceX Mafia is here
SpaceX mafia startups are raising billions in venture capital, with ex-employees launching companies across aerospace, AI, and health.
How one politically divided family keeps the peace during the holidays
Talking about politics over the holidays can be difficult for many families, even for politicians themselves. One politically divided family in Colorado makes sure get along, especially during the holidays.
Major food chains are reinventing themselves. We ranked their efforts to see who's winning the Great Restaurant Reset.
Many restaurant chains have been undergoing rebranding efforts this year. Business Insider ranked each effort in order of effectiveness.
Cold health alert and weather warnings issued for parts of UK on Christmas Day
Organisers of some Christmas Day and Boxing Day swims have cancelled events due to the weather.
TV show based on Christmas movie 'The Holdovers' planned. Here's the latest
Filmed at Fairhaven High School and the James Arnold Mansion, Christmas film "The Holdovers" shares updates on a TV show. Could it film here again?
Virtual reality opens doors for older people to build closer connections in real life
Many retirement developments serve as a tranquil refuge for older people who can no longer traveling to faraway places or engaging in bold adventures.
Christmas Day sports on TV: Where to find big holiday games
This year’s major sports TV events on Christmas Day include five NBA games and three NFL games, with games spanning more than 12 hours.
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
John Harbaugh rejects claim that Lamar Jackson has slept in Ravens meetings, says relationship with QB is A+
Scientists found a way to restore brain blood flow in dementia
A new study suggests that dementia may be driven in part by faulty blood flow in the brain. Researchers found that losing a key lipid causes blood vessels to become overactive, disrupting circulation and starving brain tissue. When the missing molecule was restored, normal blood flow returned. This discovery opens the door to new treatments aimed at fixing vascular problems in dementia.
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.
What are asteroids really made of? New analysis brings space mining closer to reality
Scientists are digging into the hidden makeup of carbon-rich asteroids to see whether they could one day fuel space exploration—or even be mined for valuable resources. By analyzing rare meteorites that naturally fall to Earth, researchers have uncovered clues about the chemistry, history, and potential usefulness of these ancient space rocks. While large-scale asteroid mining is still far off, the study highlights specific asteroid types that may be promising targets, especially for water extraction.
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.
AFC North Recap Week 16: Steelers jump to overwhelming favorites
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ playoff odds surged in Week 16 while the Baltimore Ravens’ plummeted.
California vs. Hawaii prediction, odds, spread, start time: 2025 Hawaii Bowl picks from proven model
SportsLine's model reveals its Hawaii vs. Cal best bets for the Hawaii Bowl 2025 on Christmas Eve
Best Sports Betting Promos for Christmas Day NFL, NBA, and Other Sports Events This Holiday Season
Best Sports Betting Promos for Christmas Day NFL, NBA, and Other Sports Events This Holiday Season.
Best 9: Top New Year's Eve events in Santa Cruz County arts & entertainment
Check out Wallace Baine’s Best 9 recommendations for things to do around Santa Cruz County on New Year's Eve (literally and spiritually) via Lookout’s BOLO events calendar.
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.
Bill Chisholm’s first business venture was in journalism, and other anecdotes about the new Celtics owner
Feast on a few leftover tales that didn't quite make the cut in the Globe's recent profile of the team's lead governor.
The Occupation of Venezuela Is No Easy Task for Washington
Venezuela ranks 50th in terms of military strength with 123,000 active military personnel, 220,000 militiamen and 8,000 reservists.
Your TV's USB port has a forgotten feature that can revitalize an old system for free
Updating your TV's firmware can boost performance and fix bugs - even without internet.
'Weird Science' star makes rare appearance since leaving Hollywood after Steven Seagal divorce
'Weird Science' star Kelly LeBrock made a rare public appearance at 'Real Housewives' alum Lisa Vanderpump's Vanderpump Dog Gala, years after she quit Hollywood following her divorce from Steven Seagal.
“Weird Science” star Kelly LeBrock makes rare appearance since leaving Hollywood after Steven Seagal divorce
LeBrock, who gave up Hollywood for a quiet ranch in Santa Ynez, Calif., turned up for a charity event thrown by "Real Housewives" star Lisa Vanderpump.
Breakthrough Listen Searched Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS For Technosignatures During Its Closest Approach To Earth
The team found nine "events" that they investigated further. Meanwhile, another team looked at the "non-gravitational" acceleration of the comet, finally pinning down a better estimate of its size.
$8 gasoline, a convention center remake, robotaxis: San Diego business stories to watch in 2026
U-T business reporters say these are the key San Diego business stories they are tracking in 2026.
'I’m super scared for my job': Businesses face massive costs after historic WA floods
Suffering damages and lost revenue, flooded businesses, many uninsured, face a costly road to recovery.
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.
Disabled veteran claims N.J. sheriff’s office turned on him after mental health crisis
A disabled Air Force veteran claims the department continued retaliatory actions even after a state commission ordered his reinstatement.
College football bowl game odds, 2025-26 CFP picks, bets, predictions from proven model
SportsLine's model has revealed best bets for bowl games and College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchups
California vs. Hawaii prediction, odds, spread, time: 2025 Hawaii Bowl picks from proven model
SportsLine's model reveals its Hawaii Rainbow Warriors vs. Cal Golden Bears best bets for the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl on Wednesday
The nation’s cartoonists look back on the year that was.
Every week political cartoonists throughout the country and across the political spectrum apply their ink-stained skills to capture the foibles, memes, hypocrisies and other head-slapping events in the world of politics. The fruits of these labors are hundreds of cartoons that entertain and enrage readers of all political stripes. Here's a look back on the past year through the eyes of the cartoonists. Edited by Matt Wuerker.
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
Attacks are Evolving: 3 Ways to Protect Your Business in 2026
In 2025, small and mid-sized businesses made up 70.5% of data breaches, driven by weaker defenses and high-volume cyberattacks.
The best moments of the sports year (in GIFs), plus a landmark NIL lawsuit
The Pulse Newsletter 📣 | This is The Athletic’s daily sports newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Pulse directly in your inbox. Good morning! We are in full holiday mode today. Inside: 🎁 GIF gifts, Part 1 ⚖️ Huge NIL lawsuit 🫘 Beans ⛳ Hickory clubs are delightful We’ve done a form of Gifmas the last two years in Pulse territory, so I decided to ask all of our newsletter writers to join the fun this year. The prompt was simple: What is the best gif gift your sport has given you in 2025? We’re starting today because some people open the majority of gifts on...
AI's Big Red Button Doesn't Work, And The Reason Is Even More Troubling
"It's going to be really bad for humans."
The Year in Entertainment 2025: Trends that took over
If you're not careful, you can find out that it's not clocking to you that you haven't been standing on business by knowing all of the cultural trends that happened this year. That's why we're going over the memes, viral moments and trend-setting sensations that dominated the cultural landscape of 2025:
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.
This Unusual Plant Might Be One Of Evolution’s "Weirdest Experiments"
It even shares similarities with the parasite that causes malaria.
Central Wisconsin officials earn Packers, WIAA November honors
Stratford and Stevens Point officials lead a group honored by Green Bay Packers and WIAA as November’s high school football crew of the month.
'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.
BP to Sell Majority Stake in Castrol Business for $6 Billion
The UK oil giant will divest a 65% stake, retaining the remaining interest via a joint venture, it said Wednesday. BP is shedding assets to reduce debt and turn around years of lagging performance that put the company in the crosshairs of activist shareholder Elliott Investment Management. It kicked off the sale process for Castrol back in February, when then-Chief Executive Officer Murray Auchincloss unveiled a strategic reset, promising to refocus on oil and gas, slash costs and reduce debt.
Lakers' defensive identity vanishes into Phoenix air in loss
The Lakers surrendered 45 points in a quarter in a journeyman's revenge game. A team that once knew itself is now strangers in its own locker room.
Applications open for Adventist Health's new LAUNCH workforce development program for students
Adventist Health wants to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Sports on TV today: What to watch on ESPN, Fox Sports and other channels for Christmas Eve
Here is everything you need to know about watching sporting events on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, including TV and streaming options for games.
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.
Food aimed for families in need for nonprofit super feast dumped after health inspection: Officials
Food that was prepared for the annual Christmas Eve Super Feast at the George R. Brown Convention Center was thrown out during an inspection by the Houston Health Department.
Hawaii vs. Cal prediction, odds, time: 2025 Hawaii Bowl picks from proven model
SportsLine's model reveals its Hawaii Rainbow Warriors vs. Cal Golden Bears best bets for the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl on Wednesday
Ventura council rejects ‘entertainment zone’ designation, will reevaluate next year
Ventura City Council was split on the idea of establishing an “entertainment zone” designation for downtown Main Street, which would allow open containers of wine, beer and spirits along Main
WHO updated recommendations on HIV clinical management: recommendations for a public health approach
This document provides an overview of the updated World Health Organization recommendations for HIV clinical management, which focus on optimizing antiretroviral therapy, preventing vertical transmission, and enhancing tuberculosis prevention among individuals with HIV. These updates are intended to support global initiatives aimed at ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Key changes include the introduction of new antiretroviral drugs and regimens, revised postnatal prophylaxis and breastfeeding guidelines for managing infants at risk of vertical transmission, and the endorsement of shorter tuberculosis preventive treatments to improve efficacy and adherence. The recommendations are designed to simplify and advance HIV care, promote equity, and contribute to improved health outcomes and quality of life for individuals living with HIV. The updated guidance will be incorporated into the forthcoming revision of the antiretroviral therapy chapter within the Consolidated Guidelines on HIV Prevention, Testing, Treatment, Service Delivery, and Monitoring: Recommendations for a Public Health Approach.
Packers’ QB situation still up in the air, but with positive signs
Plus other health updates as Ravens game approaches
Fresno approves new management deal for Convention and Entertainment Center
A newly approved three-year management agreement signals for the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center pairs national venue operators charged with driving events, tourism and revenue while addressing operational costs, labor relations and downtown activation. Leaders
Entertainment venues merge into one space
BY KADIE TAYLOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA — Axe Marks the Spot and the Opelika Rage Room are teaming up to provide one location for community fun. With the renovations completed, the business owners are working to reorganize and best accommodate customer fun in the shared space. “I talked with Alex from Rage Room, and we […]
Science funding was hit in 2025. What does that mean for the future? : Consider This from NPR
2025 was a hard year for science. The Trump administration upended federal funding for all kinds of scientific pursuits, slashing budgets across agencies like NASA, NIH and NOAA. NPR's Rob Stein and Katia Riddle spoke to scientists and officials who worry that those cuts could cause the United States to lose its competitive edge as a global hub for research and innovation, and steer future generations away from careers in science. For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Email us at considerthis@npr.org.This episode was produced by Michael Levitt, with audio engineering by Zo vanGinhoven. It was edited by Sarah Handel, Scott Hensley and Amina Khan. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.
Scientists Found the Deepest Known Arctic Vent—and It's Teeming With Life
The deepest recorded cold Arctic vent is a living surprise, researchers say.
Earth's seasons vary wildly, even at the same latitude, new research finds
Earth's seasons look very different at locations not far from each other, 20 years' worth of satellite data reveals.
Duke Health program brings advanced care right to the sidelines for local high school athletes
A Duke Health Sports Medicine program places doctors and therapists right at the center of local sporting events to deliver immediate holistic injury care in an effort to reduce the need for emergency room visits.
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.
A Daring Scene on Broadway This Season Has Audiences Talking, in More Ways Than One
NEW YORK (AP) — On any given evening as the lights come up on Act 2 of “Liberation,” Bess Wohl's intergenerational Broadway play about a women’s consciousness-raising group, you can hear supportive cheers of “Whoo!” and “Yeah!” — and sometimes, a round of applause. All before a single word has been ...
Opry Entertainment Group Unveils Star-Studded New Year's Eve Celebrations at Nashville Venues
Opry Entertainment Group is ringing in 2026 with an unforgettable lineup of New Year’s Eve events across Nashville’s most iconic venues.
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.
Farewell, Sports Haven: A Video Tribute
The oil drum-shaped, off-track-betting hall that opened on Long Wharf in 1979 closed on Nov. 30. Local filmmaker Travis Carbonella chronicled its final days.
Ikea has made some of its Matter-compatible smart home devices even cheaper.
As the cost of some electronics continues to skyrocket, Ikea has dropped the price of several of its new smart home accessories. The Myggspray motion and Klippbok water sensors are now down to $7.99 from $9.99, and while the three-pack of the colorful two-button Bilresa remotes launched in the US for $19.99, they’re now $14.99. [Image: Two of Ikea’s new Matter-compatible smart home sensors and its two-button remote are now cheaper in the US. https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/ikea_matter.jpg?quality=90&strip=all]
CDT Environmental Technology Reports 2025 Unaudited Interim Financial Results and Provides Business Updates
Revenue of $7.3 million and loss per share of $0.11 impacted by reduced project activity due to a slowdown in the PRC economySHENZHEN, China, Dec. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CDT Environmental Technology Investment Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: CDTG) (“CDT”, the “Company”, or “we”), a leading provider of waste treatment systems and services throughout China, today reports its unaudited interim financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2025, and provides updates on key business development
Historical mysteries solved by science in 2025
Researchers studied fossils, well-preserved remains and even a single fingerprint to solve some of history’s long-standing mysteries this year.
In Pictures: Sporting photos of the week
A selection of some of the most striking sports photographs taken around the world over the past seven days.
Brand Innovators Outlook 2026: Entertainment
The entertainment industry faces a year of change and adjustment in 2026. New technologies and merger activity will keep movies, TV and live events in play. With the limitations of the COVID pandemic firmly in the rear-view mirror, the sector anticipates consumers will indulge in movies and live events, and brands will find new ways […]
Venue Adjustments for Intermountain Health Freestyle International Presented by Stifel
PARK CITY, Utah (Dec. 23, 2025) — U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced updates to the Intermountain Health Freestyle International presented by Stifel, originally scheduled to take place at Deer Valley Resort. Due to unseasonably warm weather, both the aerials and moguls World Cup events will be moved.
Expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies to raise health insurance costs for thousands
WCIV ABC News 4, Charleston, South Carolina provides coverage of local and national news, sports, weather and community events in the region, including North Charleston, Mt Pleasant, Summerville, Hanahan, Goose Creek, Rantowles, Cottageville, St George, Moncks Corner, Jacksonboro, Ravenel, Cottageville, Walterboro, Sullivans Island, Dewees Island and Folly Beach.
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.