Mastodawn

I was the US soft power czar. Our reputation may never recover from this
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/apr/05/american-soft-power-iran-war?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

I was the US soft power czar. Our reputation may never recover from this

Trump’s venal persona and his war on Iran will do untold damage to America’s ability to make a positive difference in the world

The Guardian

David Whittle 21h ago

Bumblebees can perceive rhythm, despite their brains being the size of a sesame seed
https://theconversation.com/bumblebees-can-perceive-rhythm-despite-their-brains-being-the-size-of-a-sesame-seed-279659

Bumblebees can perceive rhythm, despite their brains being the size of a sesame seed

Turns out humans are not alone in mastering rhythm.

The Conversation

David Whittle 22h ago

Astronaut Victor Glover is the latest in a long line of Black American explorers − including York, the enslaved man who played a key role in the Lewis and Clark expedition
https://theconversation.com/astronaut-victor-glover-is-the-latest-in-a-long-line-of-black-american-explorers-including-york-the-enslaved-man-who-played-a-key-role-in-the-lewis-and-clark-expedition-279168

Astronaut Victor Glover is the latest in a long line of Black American explorers − including York, the enslaved man who played a key role in the Lewis and Clark expedition

Victor Glover will become the first Black astronaut to orbit the Moon – but he is part of a long line of Black explorers, many forgotten through history. New research is giving York his due.

The Conversation

David Whittle 22h ago

Toxic dust from California’s shrinking Salton Sea is harming children’s lung growth – our study tracked the impact in 700 kids
https://theconversation.com/toxic-dust-from-californias-shrinking-salton-sea-is-harming-childrens-lung-growth-our-study-tracked-the-impact-in-700-kids-279211

Toxic dust from California’s shrinking Salton Sea is harming children’s lung growth – our study tracked the impact in 700 kids

A new study reveals how the lake bed’s toxic dust impairs lung development in children living nearby.

The Conversation

David Whittle 22h ago

As satellites fill Earth’s orbit, the space race risks becoming an environmental crisis
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/apr/01/as-satellites-fill-earths-orbit-the-space-race-risks-becoming-an-environmental-crisis?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

As satellites fill Earth’s orbit, the space race risks becoming an environmental crisis

In this week’s newsletter: From pollution in the upper atmosphere to mounting debris, experts warn the rapid expansion in space could threaten our planet

The Guardian

David Whittle 22h ago

What Artemis II’s astronauts will look for on the Moon’s far side
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-01103-9

What Artemis II’s astronauts will look for on the Moon’s far side

Mission scientists spoke to Nature about the geological features they’re most excited for the crew to observe.

David Whittle 22h ago

Big Moon mission, little space rocks | The Planetary Society
https://www.planetary.org/the-downlink/big-moon-mission-little-space-rocks

Big Moon mission, little space rocks

The Artemis II launch, and meteorites on Earth and the Moon.

The Planetary Society

David Whittle 22h ago

Big Moon mission, little space rocks | The Planetary Society
https://www.planetary.org/the-downlink/big-moon-mission-little-space-rocks

Big Moon mission, little space rocks

The Artemis II launch, and meteorites on Earth and the Moon.

The Planetary Society

David Whittle 22h ago

Philippe Smet 1d ago

By now, you have seen the Earth image by the #Artemis crew at least a hundred times. In this annotated version, several #optics effects are highlighted. It also shows how fragile planet #Earth is, with a super thin #atmosphere protecting us from the harsh vacuum of space.
Let's protect it.

David Whittle 22h ago

What's keeping the Artemis astronauts safe? | The Planetary Society
https://www.planetary.org/articles/whats-keeping-the-artemis-astronauts-safe

What's keeping the Artemis astronauts safe?

Though no spaceflight is without danger, Artemis II carries special risks.

The Planetary Society