the blog is dead, long live the substack
# tech

the blog is dead, long live the substack

Sometimes the only way forward is to try something new.


why neutron stars may be the coolest objects in the universe
# space

why neutron stars may be the coolest objects in the universe

Neutron stars’ thunder is usually stolen by black holes, but these bizarre objects living on the edge of physics create plenty of fascinating phenomena all on their own.


how social media ruined expertise and how to get it back
# tech

how social media ruined expertise and how to get it back

Thanks to social media, everybody can be a pundit today, and that’s ruining how we build a factual understanding of our world and what’s happening in it.


behold the (terrifyingly badly designed) cyborg of the 1960s
# science

behold the (terrifyingly badly designed) cyborg of the 1960s

Humans have been thinking about modifying themselves to survive the rigors of space flight for a long time now. Thankfully, out ideas for how to do it have vastly improved.


how flat ui helped fake news thrive on social media
# tech

how flat ui helped fake news thrive on social media

Modern design and social media leveled the playing field for news outlets. But in doing so, they helped lies and hoaxes thrive alongside reputable sources.

how your guts could define your personality, literally
# health

how your guts could define your personality, literally

When we say someone bold has guts, we mean that figuratively. But apparently, bravery, extroversion, and happiness could very well be in their intestines.

will the sun really turn pluto habitable as it dies?
# space

will the sun really turn pluto habitable as it dies?

When our sun becomes a red giant at the end of its life, will it really be able to warm the outer solar system enough for a new burst of life to emerge?

why we can’t understand the scope of white-collar crime
# politics

why we can’t understand the scope of white-collar crime

Widespread fraud and financial misdeeds have cost us trillions of dollars, but we're having trouble holding the perpetrators responsible. Is it because our minds can't process it?

politicians rush to undermine the future of space exploration
# space

politicians rush to undermine the future of space exploration

A new bill making its way through the U.S. House of Representatives wants to take a sledgehammer to the future of space travel for the benefit of one corporation.

everything you never guessed you wanted to know about borders
# politics

everything you never guessed you wanted to know about borders

While today's nationalists try to elevate borders to almost sacred status, the truth of the matter is that borders change frequently, and our definition of nations is still very fresh.

world of weird things podcast: the wild, weird world of antimatter
# podcast

world of weird things podcast: the wild, weird world of antimatter

Antimatter is technically a paradox that shouldn't exist alongside ordinary matter. So how does it still exist? And what can we do with it?

how the news broke us
# science

how the news broke us

People are consuming more news than ever before and it's making them angrier, more frustrated, and overwhelmed thanks to the people who dominate the news cycles.

babies keep showing us that we’re born with empathy
# science

babies keep showing us that we’re born with empathy

Scientists are studying if babies are born with empathy and altruism and their research may help us create a blueprint for solving today's partisan tribalism and civil cold wars.

why do less clothing and more cosmetics make people see you as less human?
# science

why do less clothing and more cosmetics make people see you as less human?

Researchers keep confirming that revealing more flesh and using more makeup can dehumanize you, but they haven't figured out exactly why.

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