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Ancient Books Under Siege: A Millennium-Old Library Fights Back Against Beetles

2025-07-20

Ancient Books Under Siege: A Millennium-Old Library Fights Back Against Beetles

The 1000-year-old Pannonhalma Archabbey library in Hungary, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is battling a devastating beetle infestation threatening its 400,000-volume collection. Around 100,000 books, many centuries old, are being painstakingly removed and placed in oxygen-free environments to kill the drugstore beetles that have burrowed into their pages. This herculean effort underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage and highlights the growing threat posed by climate change, as warmer temperatures accelerate insect lifecycles.

(www.npr.org)

Misc pest infestation

Air India Boeing 787 Crash: Preliminary Report Points to Fuel Switches

2025-07-12

Air India Boeing 787 Crash: Preliminary Report Points to Fuel Switches

A preliminary report into the crash of Air India Flight 171 reveals that fuel switches controlling engine fuel supply were inexplicably turned to the 'cutoff' position three seconds after takeoff. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 260 people. The report states that flight recorder data shows the two fuel control switches were switched from 'run' to 'cutoff' shortly after takeoff. Although the switches were subsequently restored, the plane had already begun losing thrust and altitude, ultimately leading to the crash. Investigators have ruled out mechanical failure and bird strike, and are now focusing on the pilots' actions.

(www.npr.org)

Tech Boeing 787

Spice of Life, Lead in Death: Unmasking a Global Lead Poisoning Crisis

2025-07-12

Spice of Life, Lead in Death: Unmasking a Global Lead Poisoning Crisis

A decades-long public health crisis of lead poisoning affecting millions of children worldwide has finally begun to see significant progress. A New York City detective specializing in toxic element exposure and a California PhD student, through painstaking investigation across continents, uncovered the source of a high rate of lead poisoning in Bangladeshi children: lead chromate added to turmeric to enhance its color. Their findings prompted swift action by the Bangladeshi government, drastically reducing lead levels. This success story, however, highlights the broader global problem, demanding continued international cooperation to tackle the pervasive presence of lead in various consumer products.

(www.npr.org)

Tech lead poisoning Bangladesh

Vienna's Green Social Housing: A Model for Tackling the Housing Crisis and Climate Change?

2025-06-15

Vienna's Green Social Housing: A Model for Tackling the Housing Crisis and Climate Change?

Vienna offers a compelling model for addressing both the housing crisis and climate change simultaneously. The city leverages its extensive social housing program— encompassing roughly 420,000 units— to implement ambitious climate action. This includes large-scale energy retrofits, renewable energy adoption, and incentivizing climate-friendly designs through competitive bidding processes for developers. The result is affordable, sustainable housing that significantly reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions, providing a valuable lesson for other cities struggling with similar challenges.

(www.npr.org)

Tech green housing social housing

Las Vegas Fights Heat with Trees

2025-06-10

Las Vegas Fights Heat with Trees

Following a record-breaking summer with over 500 heat-related deaths, Las Vegas is aggressively tackling climate change. The city, county, and local advocates are planting thousands of trees, particularly in the hottest neighborhoods, to mitigate the urban heat island effect. Studies show trees can significantly lower surrounding temperatures, by at least 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The effort focuses not only on the number of trees planted but also on strategic species selection and placement to maximize cooling impact while conserving water in the desert environment. Schools are also participating, educating the next generation about environmental responsibility.

(www.npr.org)

Tech urban heat island tree planting

Ukraine's Drone Strike Cripples Russian Air Force

2025-06-01

Ukraine's Drone Strike Cripples Russian Air Force

A Ukrainian drone attack deep inside Russia destroyed over 40 Russian aircraft, a Ukrainian security official revealed. The operation, overseen by President Zelenskyy and spanning over a year and a half, involved transporting drones deep into Russian territory to target airfields, including Belaya air base in Irkutsk. This occurred amidst a massive Russian missile and drone barrage on Ukraine, resulting in Ukrainian military casualties. Despite this, Ukraine affirmed its commitment to continuing peace talks with Russia in Istanbul.

(www.npr.org)

Tech Drone Strike

Vibe Coding with AI: Is This the End for Programmers?

2025-06-01

Vibe Coding with AI: Is This the End for Programmers?

Using AI chatbots for 'vibe coding' is rapidly changing software development. BOND, a startup, launched a new online productivity tool in under a day using AI to generate code. While this speed is impressive, it raises concerns about the future of programmers. Some believe AI will replace coders entirely, while others foresee a shift towards AI-assisted development, focusing on complex tasks and creative problem-solving. Although AI lowers the barrier to entry, human expertise remains vital for code refinement and complex projects.

(www.npr.org)

Development

Turkish Doctoral Student Released After Arrest for Criticizing Israel

2025-05-11

Turkish Doctoral Student Released After Arrest for Criticizing Israel

Rümeysa Öztürk, a Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University, was released from ICE custody after being detained for over six weeks. Her arrest stemmed from an op-ed she wrote criticizing her university's response to the Israel-Hamas war. A judge ruled her arrest was retaliatory and a violation of her free speech, ordering her immediate release. While released, she still faces potential deportation, sparking debate on the government's power to arrest and deport non-citizens deemed threats to US foreign policy.

(www.npr.org)

Misc political persecution

David Souter: The Conservative Justice Who Became a Liberal

2025-05-09

David Souter: The Conservative Justice Who Became a Liberal

Former Supreme Court Justice David Souter, appointed by President George H.W. Bush, passed away at 85. Initially seen as a conservative, he surprisingly aligned himself with the court's liberal wing. A Harvard graduate and former New Hampshire Supreme Court justice, his conservative credentials were vouched for by then-White House Chief of Staff John Sununu. However, in Washington, Souter unexpectedly joined the court's more moderate justices, eventually becoming a staunch member of the liberal caucus. Known for his simple lifestyle and love for rural New Hampshire, he maintained his preference for a quiet life, even while serving on the Supreme Court, famously eschewing cell phones and email, and writing his opinions in longhand with a fountain pen.

(www.npr.org)

Misc Justice Souter

Most Americans Rely on Federal Science Weekly, Poll Finds

2025-05-06

Most Americans Rely on Federal Science Weekly, Poll Finds

A new nationwide poll reveals that most Americans rely on federal science information weekly, including weather forecasts, job market reports, and food safety warnings, without realizing it. Despite this dependence, only 10% of respondents are concerned about potential impacts from cuts to federal science funding. While political polarization around trust in science exists, the poll highlights a bipartisan agreement on the importance of federal investment in STEM education for future economic prosperity.

(www.npr.org)

Tech Federal Science National Poll

US Consumer Confidence Plummets Amidst Trade War

2025-04-27

US Consumer Confidence Plummets Amidst Trade War

Major US consumer goods companies like P&G, Kimberly-Clark, and PepsiCo are slashing their annual forecasts due to declining consumer confidence and rising costs from the trade war. Tariffs are driving up company costs, forcing price increases and causing consumers to cut back on spending, particularly on dining out and non-essential items. Consumer confidence indices have fallen sharply, with people expressing concerns about the future economic outlook. While March retail sales saw a surge, this was due to consumers preemptively buying goods to avoid tariff-related price hikes; the long-term impact of the trade war on the US consumer market remains a significant concern.

(www.npr.org)

Tech consumer confidence

JWST K2-18b Biosignature Claim Faces Scrutiny: Another False Alarm?

2025-04-26

JWST K2-18b Biosignature Claim Faces Scrutiny: Another False Alarm?

The James Webb Space Telescope's (JWST) detection of potential biosignature gases in the atmosphere of exoplanet K2-18b has sparked excitement about extraterrestrial life. However, a reanalysis by a University of Oxford scientist suggests the data is too noisy to draw firm conclusions. While the original research team defends their methodology, some experts argue the evidence is insufficient to support claims of extraterrestrial life, fearing that such premature announcements might erode public trust in science. Further analysis by other scientists is expected, and the final conclusion remains pending.

(www.npr.org)

Tech

America's Air Pollution: Progress and Peril

2025-04-25

America's Air Pollution: Progress and Peril

Despite decades of progress, nearly half of Americans still breathe unhealthy air, a new report reveals. Air pollution is linked to increased mortality, reduced life expectancy, and higher asthma rates. California cities and the Los Angeles area suffer the worst pollution, disproportionately impacting minorities. The Trump administration's consideration of rolling back air quality regulations has sparked concern among health experts, who warn of widespread public health consequences. While the Clean Air Act has been a major success, climate change-fueled wildfires and government budget cuts threaten further improvements in air quality.

(www.npr.org)

Tech

Trading Places: A 30-Year-Old Con Explained

2025-04-24

Trading Places: A 30-Year-Old Con Explained

Thirty years after its release, the financial shenanigans in *Trading Places* are finally explained. The film's protagonists manipulated the frozen concentrated orange juice futures market using a fake crop report to trick their rivals into buying high. After the real report revealed a bountiful crop, they bought low, profiting immensely while their opponents went bankrupt. This scheme led to discussions about insider trading laws and the eventual creation of the 'Eddie Murphy Rule,' banning the use of government inside information for commodity trading.

(www.npr.org)

Misc futures trading

Trump White House Launches Controversial 'Lab Leak' Website

2025-04-19

Trump White House Launches Controversial 'Lab Leak' Website

The Trump White House has replaced the previous covid.gov and covidtests.gov websites with a new page titled "Lab Leak: The True Origins of COVID-19." This site promotes the theory that the COVID-19 pandemic originated from a lab leak in Wuhan, China, criticizing the Biden administration's response and its handling of Dr. Anthony Fauci. This move has sparked controversy within the scientific community, with some scientists claiming factual inaccuracies and misleading information, lacking scientific basis, and portraying it as political propaganda. Supporters, however, believe the site reveals the truth and applaud the administration's transparency.

(www.npr.org)

Tech COVID-19 origins lab leak political controversy

Whistleblower Alleges DOGE Team Exfiltrated Sensitive Labor Data

2025-04-15

Whistleblower Alleges DOGE Team Exfiltrated Sensitive Labor Data

A whistleblower has revealed details of how the DOGE team may have accessed and exfiltrated sensitive labor data from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The whistleblower alleges that after gaining access to NLRB systems, the DOGE team obtained substantial data, including union information, ongoing legal cases, and corporate secrets. They allegedly attempted to cover their tracks by disabling monitoring tools and manually deleting access records. Evidence presented includes a large data exfiltration event, suspicious login attempts from a Russian IP address, and a project named "NxGenBdoorExtract," potentially designed to extract data from the NLRB's internal system. This incident raises serious concerns about data security and privacy, with experts warning of potential harm to unions, employees, and businesses.

(www.npr.org)

Tech government data breach

All-Female Crew Makes History with Blue Origin's Star-Studded Spaceflight

2025-04-14

All-Female Crew Makes History with Blue Origin's Star-Studded Spaceflight

Blue Origin's NS-31 mission made headlines with its all-female crew, including celebrities Katy Perry and Gayle King, marking the first all-women spaceflight since 1963. The ten-minute, twenty-one-second suborbital journey aboard the New Shepard rocket saw the passengers experience zero gravity and breathtaking views of Earth. The flight highlights not only advancements in space tourism but also celebrates a significant milestone for women in STEM and the broader pursuit of space exploration. The mission's success underscores Blue Origin's continued commitment to pushing boundaries and fostering inclusivity in the realm of space travel.

(www.npr.org)

Tech space tourism women in STEM

Maine Wins Restraining Order Against Trump Admin Over Withheld USDA Funds

2025-04-13

Maine Wins Restraining Order Against Trump Admin Over Withheld USDA Funds

A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to unfreeze federal funds withheld from Maine after President Trump clashed with Gov. Janet Mills over transgender athletes in girls' sports. The USDA, among other agencies, threatened to cut funding following Trump's executive order banning transgender athletes. Mills refused to apologize, leading to a legal battle. Maine argued the USDA didn't follow proper procedures before cutting funds, which were used for school programs, including feeding schoolchildren. The court sided with Maine, highlighting the ongoing conflict between federal and state authority on this issue.

(www.npr.org)

Politics Maine Transgender Rights

US Attorney Detained at Border, Phone Search Raises Political Reprisal Concerns

2025-04-10

US Attorney Detained at Border, Phone Search Raises Political Reprisal Concerns

Michigan-based attorney Amir Makled was detained by federal immigration agents upon returning from a family vacation. Agents demanded access to his phone, a request he refused. After a 90-minute ordeal, he was released without explanation. Makled believes his detainment is linked to his representation of a student charged in connection with a pro-Palestinian protest, potentially stemming from the Trump administration's crackdown on pro-Palestine visa holders. He sees the phone search as intimidation, aiming to discourage lawyers from taking on similar cases. However, the incident has garnered significant support and sparked widespread debate over government overreach.

(www.npr.org)

Misc political reprisal lawyer rights

AI Therapy Bot Shows Promise in Addressing Mental Health Crisis

2025-04-09

AI Therapy Bot Shows Promise in Addressing Mental Health Crisis

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that an AI therapy bot, developed by Dartmouth researchers, demonstrated comparable or even superior efficacy to human clinicians in a randomized clinical trial. Designed to tackle the severe shortage of mental health providers in the U.S., the bot underwent over five years of rigorous training in clinical best practices. The results showed not only improved mental health outcomes for patients but also the surprising development of strong therapeutic bonds and trust. While the American Psychological Association has voiced concerns about unregulated AI therapy, they praise this study's rigorous approach. Researchers emphasize that the technology is far from market-ready, requiring further trials, but it offers a potential solution to the widespread mental health care access crisis.

(www.npr.org)

AI robotic therapy

IMLS Staff Placed on Administrative Leave: Funding for Libraries and Museums in Jeopardy?

2025-04-01

IMLS Staff Placed on Administrative Leave: Funding for Libraries and Museums in Jeopardy?

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the primary source of federal funding for libraries and museums in the US, has placed its entire staff on paid administrative leave for 90 days. This follows President Trump's executive order shrinking several federal agencies, including IMLS. The move has raised concerns about the future of grant funding and the potential disruption of vital programs, particularly impacting smaller and rural libraries. The union representing IMLS workers highlights the uncertainty surrounding existing grants and the likelihood of their termination without staff to administer them.

(www.npr.org)

Tech

Internet Archive: Guardian Against Digital Purges

2025-03-24

Internet Archive: Guardian Against Digital Purges

Housed in a former San Francisco church, the Internet Archive (IA), a non-profit organization, is a digital library safeguarding internet history. It daily archives massive amounts of web data, including government websites and news articles. During recent purges of US government websites, IA played a crucial role, archiving over 73,000 deleted pages, including vital historical records like the interactive timeline of the January 6th Capitol attack investigation. Facing threats from copyright lawsuits and cyberattacks, IA continues its fight to preserve the internet's cultural heritage, appealing for public support against digital censorship and for the maintenance of open information access.

(www.npr.org)

Tech Digital Preservation Web Censorship

Bird Flu Pandemic? Seasonal Flu Immunity May Offer Some Protection

2025-03-24

Bird Flu Pandemic? Seasonal Flu Immunity May Offer Some Protection

While bird flu has ravaged the animal kingdom, human cases remain relatively low. However, scientists fear a potential pandemic if the virus mutates. New research suggests that immunity from seasonal flu might offer some protection against H5N1 bird flu. Studies using animal models and blood tests indicate that prior exposure to seasonal flu could lessen the severity of bird flu. This is due to shared traits between the viruses. However, this protection is not absolute and varies depending on individual immunity and other factors. While offering a glimmer of hope, scientists stress the need for continued research and vaccination efforts to prepare for a potential pandemic.

(www.npr.org)

Tech bird flu immunity seasonal flu

Hollywood Director Arrested for Allegedly Defrauding Netflix of $11 Million

2025-03-22

Hollywood Director Arrested for Allegedly Defrauding Netflix of $11 Million

Hollywood filmmaker Carl Erik Rinsch was arrested and charged with defrauding Netflix out of $11 million. He was producing a sci-fi series, "Conquest," but allegedly misused the funds for cryptocurrency speculation, luxury hotels, and high-end cars. The director's erratic on-set behavior and subsequent divorce from his wife contributed to the unraveling of the project. Despite claiming Netflix owed him money after the show's cancellation, an arbitrator ruled against him, ordering him to repay $11.8 million.

(www.npr.org)

Misc

Trump's Executive Order Aims to Dismantle the Department of Education

2025-03-21

Trump's Executive Order Aims to Dismantle the Department of Education

President Trump signed an executive order seeking to close the U.S. Department of Education, transferring authority to states and local communities. This controversial move has drawn criticism for potentially harming vulnerable students and lowering education quality, while supporters argue it will increase efficiency. The order's legality is questionable, requiring Congressional approval for the department's closure. Significant layoffs have already begun at the Department of Education, amidst widespread opposition.

(www.npr.org)

Misc

Trump Administration Shuts Down Voice of America and Other International Broadcasters

2025-03-16

Trump Administration Shuts Down Voice of America and Other International Broadcasters

President Trump's late-night order resulted in the drastic cuts to Voice of America (VOA) and other US-funded international broadcasters, placing over 1,000 employees on indefinite leave. This followed an order from Trump appointee Kari Lake, who terminated funding agreements, exceeding her apparent authority. VOA Director Michael Abramowitz condemned the action. Besides VOA, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks were also affected. Critics condemned the move as a severe blow to US international influence and a reprisal against critical reporting. The legality and full scope of these actions remain unclear.

(www.npr.org)

Tech Voice of America International Broadcasting

Crumbling US Government Statistics: Budget Cuts Threaten Economic and Population Data

2025-03-15

Crumbling US Government Statistics: Budget Cuts Threaten Economic and Population Data

Unstable funding for federal statistical agencies like the Census Bureau and Bureau of Economic Analysis is jeopardizing the government statistics used to track the US economy and population. Budget shortfalls and short-term funding have already led to the termination of some datasets and proposals to reduce survey participants for key reports like the monthly jobs report. Long-term funding issues also plague the Census Bureau, impacting preparations for the crucial 2030 head count. Experts warn the system is like "crumbling infrastructure," and while data remains reliable for now, budget cuts and workforce reductions threaten data integrity, potentially impacting the 2030 census and the monthly jobs report.

(www.npr.org)

Tech government statistics data integrity

Nearby Galaxy's Hidden Monster: Hypervelocity Stars Reveal Supermassive Black Hole

2025-03-09

Nearby Galaxy's Hidden Monster: Hypervelocity Stars Reveal Supermassive Black Hole

A new study suggests a previously unknown supermassive black hole lurks in the nearby Large Magellanic Cloud. Researchers tracked hypervelocity stars, finding their trajectories didn't originate from our galaxy's central black hole, but rather from a black hole within the Large Magellanic Cloud, estimated to be 600,000 times the mass of our Sun. This strongly supports the existence of a supermassive black hole at the Large Magellanic Cloud's center, offering new insights into galactic evolution. The search is now on to directly detect this hidden object using various telescopes.

(www.npr.org)

Tech hypervelocity stars Large Magellanic Cloud

SpaceX Starship Test Flight Ends in Another Explosion

2025-03-07

SpaceX Starship Test Flight Ends in Another Explosion

SpaceX's massive Starship rocket launched another test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas on Thursday, but lost contact minutes into the flight as the spacecraft tumbled and broke apart. Debris from the explosion was seen over Florida. While the first-stage booster was successfully recovered, engines on the spacecraft shut down during what was supposed to be a controlled re-entry over the Indian Ocean. Contact was lost as the spacecraft spun out of control. Starship reached nearly 90 miles altitude before problems began, failing to deploy four mock satellites. SpaceX stated the spacecraft experienced a 'rapid unscheduled disassembly' during ascent engine firing. Despite the setback, SpaceX continues to develop Starship with the goal of landing astronauts on the moon and eventually reaching Mars.

(www.npr.org)

Tech Rocket Test

Woolly Mouse: A Step Towards De-Extinction?

2025-03-04

Woolly Mouse: A Step Towards De-Extinction?

Colossal Biosciences has achieved a significant breakthrough in its ambitious plan to resurrect the woolly mammoth. The company announced the creation of genetically engineered mice possessing key mammoth traits, including a thick, golden woolly coat and mammoth-like fat metabolism. This 'woolly mouse' validates their de-extinction approach, but faces criticism from some scientists who question the ethical implications and the potential environmental risks of introducing a resurrected species. While critics argue funds could be better used for current conservation efforts, Colossal aims to use this technology to restore damaged ecosystems and protect endangered species. The company hopes to produce mammoth-like Asian elephant embryos by next year and calves by 2028, also working on reviving the dodo and Tasmanian tiger.

(www.npr.org)

Tech woolly mammoth

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