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.


why math says there’s no such thing as a true meritocracy
# science

why math says there’s no such thing as a true meritocracy

According to pundits and politicians, we live in a world where talent and reward go hand in hand. But basic statistics says that’s simply not possible.

did fusion really achieve net gain, and if so, what happens next?
# science

did fusion really achieve net gain, and if so, what happens next?

After decades of promises, fusion research finally yielded the breakthrough we’ve all been waiting to see. Sort of. And there’s a lot of work still to do.

black hole suns: the theoretical monsters at the dawn of the universe
# space

black hole suns: the theoretical monsters at the dawn of the universe

Imagine stars millions of times larger than the Sun powered by black holes. It sounds too bizarre to be true, but scientists think they may be responsible for today’s universe.

can we really sleep our way to the stars?
# space

can we really sleep our way to the stars?

Imagine being able to sleep for months, if not years, waking up orbiting another world. But is this just wishful thinking, or can humans really learn to hibernate?

the ancient nonsense of graham hancock, now on netflix
# oddities

the ancient nonsense of graham hancock, now on netflix

Ancient Apocalypse is not a bold new exploration of human history. It’s a cheap, lazy rehash of myths and cliches debunked a century ago.

zombie worlds are out there, and they’re terrifying places
# space

zombie worlds are out there, and they’re terrifying places

It turns out there is life after stellar death. Say hello to zombie worlds, undead planets orbiting the most extreme objects in the universe.

the brave, new, exploitative world of generative a.i.
# tech

the brave, new, exploitative world of generative a.i.

Generative AI is meant to help writers, artists, and coders. But it may be stealing from them first, creating a legal and ethical nightmare.

can we prevent a pandemic by creating one in a lab?
# science

can we prevent a pandemic by creating one in a lab?

Controversial new research offers us a chance to create tools to fight pandemics before they start. But can it really live up to its hype? And is it safe?

the doomsday plans of the rich and fabulous
# oddities

the doomsday plans of the rich and fabulous

Wealthy investors and tycoons are joining the ranks of doomsday preppers, planning elaborate post-apocalypse compounds and bunkers, or dystopian power grabs.

how crypto may be about to change for the (slightly) better
# tech

how crypto may be about to change for the (slightly) better

Bitcoin’s rival wants to eliminate its vast contributions of energy waste and global warming. Will the original crypto coin follow suit?

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