TLDR
Stingers and spikes across nature have the same shape. Here's why.
Not everything in biology evolved for a purpose.
Latest
Artificial Intelligence
Networks are math squares disguised as drawings
This is why neural networks are linear algebra under the hood
TLDR
A tiny scrap of the genetic molecule RNA can *almost* copy itself.
Here's what it means for the origin of life
Complexity
Complexity is less than the sum of its parts, not more
Patterns are a shorthand for reality
TLDR
Elon Musk wasn't stupid to buy Twitter
New research shows that the X algorithm pushes people to the political right
Q&A
The origin of life wasn't fat-free
James Sáenz studies how fatty molecules might have helped life get started
Tell me how you really feel
And by that I mean: please fill out my survey.
Science Communication
Pop science doesn't reach a "general audience"
Pop sci readers are wealthy, educated, and left-leaning
Astrobiology
Maybe don't call exoplanets "Earth-like" until the 2040s
A plea and a note on science communication
Space
Hot rocks are what's cool in rocky exoplanet research
Habitable zone? Pfft. For exciting planetary science discoveries, keep your eye on lava worlds and hot rocks.
Astrobiology
A bad month for space whales
Two new papers on Europa and Titan complicate the case for habitable oceans on the icy moons. They're still our best bet for finding aliens.
Paper Roundup
Paper Roundup December 2025: computing billiards, an impossible atmosphere, and Roman constructions
Papers on big questions at the frontiers of science, curated by hand each month