SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " Durin " 6,103 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
Year in review: Trump's immigration policy : The NPR Politics Podcast
As we approach 2026, the NPR Politics Podcast is taking a look back at the year that was in different political areas. Today, we look at how President Trump has reshaped immigration policy during his return to office, and what impacts those changes have had.This episode: political correspondent Ashley Lopez, immigration policy correspondent Ximena Bustillo, and White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
U.S. could block asylum on public health grounds under Trump regulation
The U.S. could deny migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border access to asylum under a newly finalized regulation drafted during the COVID-19 pandemic in President Donald Trump's first term.
Mercer Health announces the retirement of Dr. Thangaraj Amaran, Vice President of Medical Affairs
Dr. Amaran began his tenure at Mercer Health in July 1981 as a Board Certified Urologist, dedicating nearly four decades to patient care until January 2018. His clinical expertise was matched by his leadership, serving as Vice Chief of Staff (1983), Chief of Staff (1985, 1986, 1991), and Past Chief of Staff (1992). During this […]
Lufthansa and the role of big business in the Holocaust
German airline Lufthansa is one of many big-name brands that collaborated with the Nazis during the Holocaust. As the airline celebrates its 100th anniversary, why does its Nazi past continue to fly under the radar?
Barcelona add three Serie A players to defender shortlist
Barcelona are hoping to sign a new central defender during the winter transfer window, which opens for business later this week. Andreas Christensen’s long-term absence due to an ACL tear, coupled w...
Holiday Moviegoers Flock to AMC Theatres and ODEON Cinemas as More Than 5.5 Million See a Movie at AMC Entertainment Globally, Thursday Through Sunday, During the Final Weekend of 2025
Internationally, ODEON Cinemas records its busiest weekend of the year, Thursday through Sunday For the second straight weekend, at least five…...
Steelers’ Bizarre Struggles Against Browns Continue With Embarrassing Loss
The Pittsburgh Steelers have consistently been one of the NFL’s top teams for years, posting a non-losing record in 22 straight seasons and counting. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns have been historically inept, posting just three winning seasons during the same span. The Steelers should dominate the Browns. And yet, that hasn’t been the case at […]
Hillcrest Businesses cope with declining sales during public works project
Businesses in the Hillcrest area say that their sales during the busy holidays are suffering due to the ongoing construction.
Businesses suffer as Highway 2 remains shut during peak season
Business damaged as 500 teens swarm Atlantic Station
Five juveniles were detained after hundreds of teens launched fireworks and fired gunshots during a massive disturbance at Atlantic Station Saturday night.
I left my Hollywood stunt career for 15 months to travel to 35 countries. I came back ready to plan my future beyond LA.
Sharonda Scott, now 37, set a rule not to spend more than $500 per plane ticket during her 15 months of travel.
2025 IN REVIEW: Many businesses open, some close in Wilkes-Barre
During the first 11 months of 2025, total downtown foot traffic in Wilkes-Barre was up by 2.1% compared to the same period in 2024, and up by 6.5% compared to the same period in 2022, according to Diamond City Partnership Executive Director Larry Newman.
Sanders says 'science-fiction fear' of AI running the world 'not quite so outrageous'
Bernie Sanders warned during an interview on Sunday that AI could run the world and suggested that the "science-fiction fear" isn't outrageous anymore.
Sanders rails against AI, says 'science-fiction fear' of it running the world not an outrageous idea
Sen. Bernie Sanders criticized AI development during an interview on Sunday and said the "science-fiction fear" of AI running the world wasn't such an outrageous concept anymore.
The biggest entertainment and fashion moments of 2025, as seen in AP photos
Bad Bunny performs during the iHeartRadio Music Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, March 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File) By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Updated 6:00 AM CST, December 4, 2025 For many, 2025 felt like a blur and that was true in the world of entertainment, which saw happy reunions, somber farewells and introductions to fresh voices and faces. Sabrina...
Video Ways to improve your mental health in 2026
Mental health expert Kurt Schmidt discusses ways to combat loneliness during the holidays and beyond.
Why vitamin C matters especially during cold and flu season
While its reputation is at times dismissed as folklore or the efforts of orange juice marketing campaigns, vitamin C’s benefits are rooted in biology.
The deep ocean has a missing link and scientists finally found it
Scientists have uncovered why big predators like sharks spend so much time in the ocean’s twilight zone. The answer lies with mid-sized fish such as the bigscale pomfret, which live deep during the day and rise at night to feed, linking deep and surface food webs. Using satellite tags, researchers tracked these hard-to-study fish for the first time. Their movements shift with water clarity, potentially altering entire ocean food chains.
Protecting the ‘Holiday heart:’ What to know about heart health during the holiday season, new smart watch technologies
Dr. Nassir Marrouche is director of the Heart and Vascular Institute at Tulane University with a subspecialty in electrophysiology. He treats atrial fibrillation, heart arrhythmia, irregular heartbeats, sudden cardiac death
Democracy is under attack, right here in Colorado
Remember during COVID, when the people screaming the loudest for government-mandated jabs were the very same people chanting “my body, my choice” when it came to abortion — I mean, “women’s health care”? They’re also the folks who insist a 12-year-old is far too young to get a tattoo, but perfectly mature enough to make […]
‘They saved my life’: Ochsner Health patients share stories of hope and healing
Louisianans turn to Ochsner Health when it matters most. Each situation is different, yet Ochsner patients share common threads – hope found during difficult moments, a team approach and care
The Ashes: MCG curator Matthew Fox in 'state of shock' over two-day Test
Melbourne Cricket Ground head curator Matthew Page says he was in a “state of shock” during England’s two-day defeat of Australia in the Boxing Day Test.
Fire damages Dallas businesses forcing closure during peak holiday season
Businesses face closure during the holidays due to fire. Explore how owners and employees are reacting.
Google founder Sergey Brin tells Stanford engineering students: I made the mistake of thinking I am the next Steve Jobs and can make ... - The Times of India
Tech News News: Google co-founder Sergey Brin recently shared an important tip that he said he learned from one of the company's biggest hardware failures. During a t.
Winter break fun at the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science
Families enjoyed a bit of fun during winter break at the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science.
Squirrels can find 85% of the nuts they hide
Our furry neighbors use a whole toolkit to locate their caches during the winter.
The risks of 'ghost vacationing' over the holidays
Ghost vacationing and quiet quitting on Slack during the holidays can harm trust, team morale, and long-term workplace relationships.
2025 Unfiltered: Remembering those we lost in Colorado
Rod Bockenfeld Former Rep. Rod Bockenfeld, R-Watkins, died on Feb. 13, 2025, at his home in Watkins. He was 69. Bockenfeld served in the Colorado House from 2019 to 2025, including on the Joint Budget Committee. He battled cancer during his final year and declined to run for a fourth term. Bockenfeld “led with integrity, […]
Magic lack energy, effort in loss to visiting Hornets
ORLANDO, Fla. — Before the Magic took to the Kia Center court against the Hornets on Friday night, coach Jamahl Mosley said Charlotte‘s 10-20 record wasn’t indicative of what the team was capable of accomplishing. Mosley made it clear Orlando needed to focus on taking care of the little things in order to secure the desired outcome during their second meeting of the season against the ...
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.
Jaguars-Colts Preview
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Jacksonville Jaguars coach Liam Coen noticed the potential in his team during training camp.
Seniors taking multiple medications may face unexpected health effects
New study reveals older adults on six or more medications struggle more during rehabilitation recovery, especially those over 80 seeking independence.
Rockets return home off morale-boosting win to face Cavaliers
In dire need of a performance more in line with their early-season successes and an effort that could mask the stench of three overtime losses during their just-wrapped six-game road trip, the Houston Rockets produced a result on Thursday that made their recent struggles appear aberrant.
Barstool Sports founder raises nearly $500K for family of Del. trooper killed in DMV shooting
Cpl. Matthew “Ty” Snook is credited with protecting civilians during the deadly attack; he leaves behind his wife and 1-year-old daughter
My mom has built an incredible life for herself in her 60s. I still learn valuable life lessons during our weekly visits.
I have a great relationship with my mom, who's in her 60s. Over the years, she's given me great advice about happiness, friendship, and gratitude.
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.
5 major African cities with the lowest health care index at the end of 2025
One of the most immediate consequences of a low healthcare index in several African cities during the year was poor population health
Falcons vs. Rams Injury Report
See who's in and who's out for the Week 17 matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Atlanta Falcons on December 29, 2025.
This week in science: Swearing, bird bills and the pandemic, and whale breath samples
Emily Kwong and Berly McCoy of NPR's Short Wave talk about why swearing might improve physical performance, how birds' bills changed during the pandemic and why scientists are sampling whale breath.
Lions vs. Vikings Christmas first half live discussion
Come join our Detroit Lions live discussion during their Christmas game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Mental health experts highlight depression treatment challenges during holidays
For some, the holidays, a time most see as a time of joy, can be a difficult season, and mental health experts are pointing to resources available to provide help.
Man dies in Christmas Eve shooting outside business near St. Augustine Road, JSO says
A man was fatally shot during an argument outside a business near St. Augustine Road on Christmas Eve, according to JSO.
The science behind why you lose track of time during the holidays
Ever wonder why the days after Christmas feel dreamlike and out of sync? There's a deeper explanation behind the holiday haze. The post The science behind why you lose track of time during the holidays appeared first on Straight Arrow News.
Photos show atmospheric storm damage from torrential rain and wind across California during a Christmas Eve storm.
A California storm on Christmas Eve caused flooding and mudslides, and prompted evacuations, power outages, and travel warnings as heavy rains hit the region.
Opinion | Socialized medicine can’t survive the winter
The British government is begging sick people to stay away from hospitals during the holidays.
Mental health experts highlight depression treatment challenges during holidays
For some, the holidays, a time most see as a time of joy, can be a difficult season, and mental health experts are pointing to resources available to provide help.
Florentino Pérez: “We continue to work towards new triumphs”
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez sent his best wishes in the club’s usual Christmas round-up. Pérez was joined by Xabi Alonso, Dani Carvajal, Fede Valverde, Sergio Scariolo, Sergio Llull, Edy Tavares, Pau Quesada, Misa and Teresa. “From Real Madrid, we want to accompany you during these special holidays, and we send you our best wishes for […]
Local Politician Jim Mueller Leaves Lasting Legacy in Russell | Geauga County Maple Leaf
When Jim Mueller first heard President John F. Kennedy say, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” it not only sparked a lifelong commitment to public service, but also shaped Geauga County — and national — politics for more than four decades, he said during
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.
Panthers vs. Seahawks Injury Report
See who's in and who's out for the Week 17 matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers on December 28, 2025.
Jake Paul's constant falling looked like an ugly tactic. But was it?
Conversation about Jake Paul's ugly falls during his heavyweight fight against Anthony Joshua Dec. 19 in Miami continue.
Raiders vs. Giants Injury Report
See who's in and who's out for the Week 17 matchup between the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders on December 28, 2025.
PG&E plans to offer businesses compensation for losses during massive outage
PG&E previously offered businesses a $2,500 rebate on electricity as a result of the outage, which affected about 130,000 customers at its peak on Saturday.
Timothée Chalamet insisted on being spanked for real by Kevin O'Leary in 'Marty Supreme'
Timothée Chalamet took the full force of Kevin O'Leary's paddle whacks during a spanking scene in "Marty Supreme" and refused to use a stand-in.
Trump’s political journey during his first year back in office
The year included tariffs, mass deportations and his massive tax and spending bill
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.
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.
Advocates want bill to protect children during custody battles in state budget
Kyra's Law would be named for 2-year-old Kyra Franchetti.
Madeleine’s Shin Splint Scare Leads to Leg-Saving Play at MU Health Care
Madeleine cherished the camaraderie of college soccer, but recurring injuries — including a chronic stress fracture in her right tibia — ultimately ended her career and required surgery during Thanksgiving break in 2022. A surgical complication involving a nerve block caused severe damage, leading her surgeon to refer her to MU Health Care’s Limb Preservation Program.
Health inspectors shut down 6 Central Florida restaurants last week
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation shut down six Central Florida restaurants for health code violations during the week from Dec. 14-20.
Waymo explains why its robotaxis clogged San Francisco streets during a power outage
Waymo says the San Francisco power outage overwhelmed its robotaxis at scale, creating a backlog that led to response delays.
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.
How to Watch Chiefs vs. Broncos: Time, TV Channel and Live Stream
Learn which TV channel or how to live stream the NFL Week 17 Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos game, Thursday, Dec. 25.
College business storylines I’m tracking heading into 2026
College Football Playoff expansion is just one of a few storylines worth tracking heading into the New Year during a chaotic period for the enterprise.
In Brooklyn's Park Slope neighborhood, children's entertainment comes with strings
For more than 30 years, Puppetworks has delighted Brooklyn's Park Slope neighborhood with performances of The Tortoise and the Hare, Pinocchio, Aladdin and, during the holidays, retellings of stories like The Steadfast Tin Soldier.
In Brooklyn's Park Slope neighborhood, children's entertainment comes with strings
For more than 30 years, Puppetworks has delighted Brooklyn's Park Slope neighborhood with performances of The Tortoise and the Hare, Pinocchio, Aladdin and, during the holidays, retellings of stories like The Steadfast Tin Soldier.
Year in Review 2025: Several national rankings recognize Vanderbilt Health
During the past year, Vanderbilt Health placed highly in several national rankings and was honored with numerous awards.
Republican former senator Ben Sasse says he has terminal cancer
The 53-year-old — who was one of a handful of Republicans to speak out against Trump during his first term — said in a lengthy social media post he has Stage 4 pancreatic cancer and suggested he doesn’t have long to live.
Popstar! Best of 2025: The Fan-Voted Entertainment Rewind That Defined the Year
/PRNewswire/ -- From blockbuster premieres to viral moments, Popstar! Best of 2025 is a fan-voted celebration of the movies, shows, music, and cultural moments...
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.
2 culinary legends explain how to improve your baking — and your mental health
During a recent event at WBUR's CitySpace, renowned chefs Joanne Chang and Dorie Greenspan convinced me that even I could whip up beautiful holiday treats. And more surprising still, they said it might be good for me to do so.
49ers at Colts, Week 16 MNF fan discussion
Come chat with us during Week 16’s “Monday Night Football” game.
Democratic Rep. Crockett says Vance used ‘racist tropes’ in comments about her
Two Black Democrats, Rep. Jasmine Crockett and Minnesota state Sen. Omar Fateh, criticized comments the vice president made about them during his weekend speech at a Turning Point gathering.
America’s oldest National Park Service ranger ever, who shared her own stories of life during WWII, dies
Betty Reid Soskin, who was the National Park Service’s oldest active ranger when she retired at age 100, has died. She was 104.
Elon Musk takes dig at Waymo after San Francisco blackout
Elon Musk mocks Waymo after rival's self-driving cars stopped at intersections during San Francisco power outage, while claiming Tesla's robotaxi remained unaffected.
The Epic Games Store is giving out free PC games daily for the holidays
The Epic Games Store is currently giving away a PC game every day during its holiday sale.
CfA Science in the Press at AAS 247 | Center for Astrophysics
Cambridge, Mass. (December 22, 2025)— New scientific results from across the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) will be revealed at multiple press conferences and presentations during the 247th meeting of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) from January 5-8, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.Presentations will highlight new research, including a deeper look into little red dots, a more complete census of active galactic nuclei, and uncovering properties of early universe dwarf galaxies, a look at Betelgeuse’s binary companion.
Disney on Ice, GREAT Salt City Blues, ‘The Nutcracker:’ 10 things to do this week in CNY
There are several chances to get out of the house during Christmas week in Central New York.
Four lessons of science communication
A guided artistic experience helped me identify the core lessons I learned during my journey bridging research and communication.
Sports Injuries Worse During An Athlete's Period, Study Says
By Dennis Thompson HealthDay ReporterMONDAY, Dec. 22, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Sports injuries sustained by female athletes tend to be worse during their period, a new study reports. Injuries are more severe and take longer to heal during menstruation, researchers recently reported in the journal
Mohawk Valley high school sports schedule, scores for December 22-28
Results and highlights for Mohawk Valley high school sports competition during the week of December 22-28, 2025.
New York parents say kids 'freeze' on mandated electric school buses during brutal winter weather
Parents in western New York report heating problems with mandated electric school buses, claiming children come home cold after rides in freezing weather.
Colorado businesses push through power outages during holiday season
Many Colorado businesses tried to keep the doors open during the recent power shutoffs despite the drop in foot traffic. Now, they're hoping customers will return in greater numbers ahead of the coming Christmas holiday.
Parkinson’s breakthrough changes what we know about dopamine
A new study shows dopamine isn’t the brain’s movement “gas pedal” after all. Instead of setting speed or strength, it quietly enables movement in the background, much like oil in an engine. When scientists manipulated dopamine during movement, nothing changed—but restoring baseline dopamine levels made a big difference. The finding could reshape how Parkinson’s disease is treated.
Columbus businesses pivot to keep customers home during ICE presence
Some local businesses are pivoting to encourage potentially vulnerable customers to stay home as ICE agents arrested dozens of individuals in Columbus.
Waymo shut down service during San Francisco's blackout because its driverless taxis got confused
A widespread power outage in San Francisco affected thousands of residents. It also left Waymo robotaxis stalled on city streets.
College Football Playoff grades: Alabama earns 'A-' for rally on CFP report card
A look at how each of the eight College Football Playoff teams in action fared during the first round
Our Chicago: Managing your mental well-being during the holidays and into winter
A Gallup poll found that nearly half of all Americans report that they are frequently stressed. That's up from 40% in the mid-1990s.
Streeting says NHS ‘coping’ during resident doctors’ strike but faces difficult recovery over Christmas
Five-day industrial action is due to end tomorrow, and health secretary says talks will resume in new year
Bowen Yang tearfully bids farewell to ‘Saturday Night Live’ with the help of Cher and Ariana Grande
Bowen Yang got teary-eyed during the final sketch on Saturday’s episode of “Saturday Night Live,” which was his last.
Adam Schefter Issues Brutal Report Regarding Steelers’ T.J. Watt
The Pittsburgh Steelers can’t seem to avoid bad news when it comes to linebacker T.J. Watt. Watt, who underwent successful surgery to stabilize and repair a partially collapsed lung that was suffered during a dry needling treatment session at the facility two weeks ago, was ruled out earlier this week for Sunday’s matchup with the Detroit Lions […]
Health officials brace for spread of influenza during holidays
U.S. health officials are anticipating an uptick in influenza cases by the end of December and into next year due to travel and holiday gatherings.
Winter Park businesses see crowds during 'Super Saturday' shopping
The National Retail Federation estimates nearly 159 million people will participate.
Live Updates: Brawl rematch on tap for national semifinals
Check here during and after the game for the latest information, highlights and reaction from Saturday's national semifinals contest between No. 3 Montana and No. 2 Montana State in Bozeman.
Tom Izzo Teases Ref With 'Naughty List' Ugly Christmas Sweater vs. Oakland
Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo trolled a referee with a custom sweater worn during its Saturday game against Oakland.
Analysis: Democrats are making 2028 moves. Here’s what to know
For Democrats who are suffering during Trump 2.0, the next presidential election, when the current president is barred from the ballot, can’t come soon enough.
My picks for a day of downtown Milwaukee Christmas, holiday fun
Whether you're a Milwaukee homer, like me, or a first-time visitor, I've created a festive itinerary for a day during the most wonderful time of the year.
Rodent droppings found on doughnut rolling rack at Dunkin’ during health inspection
Health officials discovered the contamination on a rolling rack in the prep kitchen, the first rodent-related violation at the location since 2022.