Romain Brette Reveals Fundamental Flaws in Commonly Assumed Neuroscience Concepts
Romain Brette, research director at the Institute of Intelligent Systems and Robotics, discusses fundamental flaws in the dominant neuroscience concepts of coding, information, representation, computation and prediction. In a recent "Brain Inspired" podcast, he argues these computer‑science metaphors cannot fully explain cognition and urges a shift toward process‑ and behavior‑centric frameworks. Brette’s new book, "The Brain, In Theory," offers concrete alternatives that emphasize the organism’s lived experience. The conversation underscores a growing movement to reorient theoretical neuroscience away from abstract symbols toward embodied dynamics.
What Are Fitness Trackers? And Do You Really Need One?
Fitness trackers—ranging from wrist‑worn watches to clip‑on bands—monitor steps, heart rate, sleep and more, but accuracy varies by metric. Certified trainer Curt Fischer notes that while heart‑rate data is fairly reliable, advanced readings like body composition are estimates. The devices...
Gray Collection Unveils Metcalfe Montréal
Gray Collection has opened its second Metcalfe property, Metcalfe Montréal, in downtown Montreal. The boutique hotel features 119 rooms, an urban outdoor pool, and a signature restaurant, Benjamin, a modern Parisian steakhouse. It also offers light‑filled meeting spaces for up to...
Arboreal Deer Mice Reveal Neural Roots of Dexterity
Researchers discovered that forest-dwelling deer mice possess twice as many corticospinal tract axons in the cervical spinal cord as their prairie counterparts, a difference linked to enhanced manual dexterity. Using selective staining, light‑sheet microscopy and behavioral training, the team showed...
Leadership Programmes Turn to Mindfulness as AI Reshapes Workplace Demands
Leadership development firms are redesigning programmes to emphasize mindfulness, empathy and whole‑brain decision‑making as artificial intelligence automates routine cognitive tasks. Soul Diets launched a 16‑hour residency called ELEVATE in Mumbai, blending vision, action, impact and change, and has already engaged...
India's Fast Breeder Reactor Goes Critical- Why It Matters
India’s first Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam reached criticality on April 6, 2026, marking the activation of the second stage of its three‑stage nuclear programme. The 500 MW sodium‑cooled unit is designed to generate more fissile material than it...
In China’s 'Silicon Valley,' US Landmarks Stand in a Strange World Frozen in Time
Window of the World, a 48‑hectare theme park in Shenzhen’s Nanshan district, lets visitors stroll past miniature replicas of global landmarks—from a 108‑metre Eiffel Tower to a Mount Rushmore – for about $32 per ticket (night entry $15). The park,...
Foreign Tourism Spurs Room Rates Higher in Japan: Luxury Hotel Group CEO
Japan’s hotel market is seeing a steady rise in room rates as foreign tourists return in larger numbers, according to Royal Hotel CEO Fumikazu Ueda. Even with travel advisories from China and the ongoing Middle East conflict dampening some bookings,...
For The Creamiest Southern-Style Grits, There's One Cooking Rule You Must Follow
Mastering Southern-style grits hinges on a single cooking rule: constant stirring. The article explains that continuous agitation distributes heat evenly, allowing starches to absorb liquid and avoid clumps. It also recommends low‑and‑slow simmering, swapping water for broth or dairy, and...
How Autistic Hong Kong Violinist Twins Found Joy and Confidence in Music
Autistic twin brothers Hugo and Jayden Pang, now 26, have turned violin study into an international performing career. Diagnosed at age two, they entered a scarce government‑funded music program, later earning Grade 8 certificates and scholarships to study in Vienna. Their...
Why The Great Lakes Produce Ocean-Like Waves (And The Best Places To Surf Them)
The Great Lakes, holding about 20% of the world’s freshwater, generate ocean‑like waves of 3‑6 feet in winter thanks to long fetch and strong lake‑bound storms. Lake Superior boasts the region’s biggest recorded wave at 28.8 feet, while Lake Michigan offers the...
An Oral History of… Biff, Chip and Kipper
Biff, Chip and Kipper debuted in 1986 as part of the Oxford Reading Tree and have become a cornerstone of early‑grade literacy worldwide. Co‑created by writer Roderick Hunt and illustrator Alex Brychta, the series now exceeds 800 titles, is translated into...
America's First Spa Town Is An Underrated West Virginia State Park With Cozy Roman-Style Baths
Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, markets itself as America’s first spa town, offering historic Roman‑style baths and a modern spa within Berkeley Springs State Park. The Old Roman Bath House, built in 1815, provides private 750‑gallon tubs at 102 °F for $32...
Changing Philanthropy’s Source Code for a Brighter Future
The 2026 Global Philanthropy Leaders Summit, themed “Architecting the future: Operating systems for a new era of philanthropy,” highlighted a shift toward more flexible, multi‑year grants and ecosystem‑focused funding. Participants emphasized the need to address geopolitical fragmentation, rapid technology change,...
Are You Worried About Your Preschoolers' Anxiety? Here's How to Help
A new Australian study of 545 three‑ and four‑year‑olds found that 43% meet criteria for an anxiety disorder, with 31% experiencing specific phobias. Researchers caution the findings are preliminary but underscore a potentially high prevalence of early anxiety. The article...
Worsening Air in Sri Lanka Blamed on Transboundary Pollution
Sri Lanka is experiencing a sharp rise in air‑pollution levels, with PM2.5 concentrations reaching 150 µg/m³ in several districts and real‑time readings of 82 µg/m³ in Badulla and 52 µg/m³ in Kotte. The National Building Research Organization and the Central Environmental Authority attribute...
RUMORED: Air Jordan 6 “Carmine” May 2027 Release Date & Info
The Air Jordan 6 “Carmine” is slated for a 2027 drop, reviving one of the most iconic colorways first worn by Michael Jordan in the 1991‑92 season. Past releases in 2008, 2014, and 2021 refreshed the silhouette with updated branding...
Want an Affordable, Trail-Ready MTB? 9 Hardtail Mountain Bikes for Every Budget
Hardtail mountain bikes remain the entry point for most riders, offering a lightweight, affordable alternative to full‑suspension machines. Bicycling’s editors evaluated a range of models—from budget‑friendly options like the Eastern Alpaka to premium carbon frames such as the Specialized Rockhopper...
4 Hidden Speakeasies In Fort Lauderdale Only Locals Know About
Fort Lauderdale’s nightlife now includes four discreet speakeasies that locals have long guarded. Rm. Nine01 sits behind a Hyatt hallway with a $60 per‑person deposit, while Hidden Speakeasy is concealed behind a pantry door at EATapas. No Man’s Land hides...
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Breezy T-Shirts, Leggings, and Wireless Bras: I Found 6 Breathable, Polyester-Free Summer Basics From Just $33
The article spotlights six summer‑ready activewear pieces that avoid polyester, ranging from $33 to $134. It highlights breathable fabrics such as organic cotton, modal, and nylon‑elastane blends that cater to yoga, dance, and everyday wear. Brands like Lululemon, Aerie, and...
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This Spanish City Offers 320 Days of Sun, Tapas Bars, and a Magical Vibe—All Without Breaking the Bank
Granada boasts over 320 days of sunshine, a rich Moorish legacy, and an affordable tapas culture that draws budget‑conscious travelers. Iconic sites such as the Alhambra and the historic Albaicín neighborhood provide world‑class cultural experiences without the price tag of...
True Crime Doc ‘The Box’ Available on Blu-Ray Disc From MVD and All3Media
All3Media and MVD Entertainment Group have issued the true‑crime documentary *The Box* on Blu‑ray, expanding the film’s availability beyond streaming platforms. The film follows detective Chris Loudon as he re‑examines the 1976 Pam Maurer murder in Lisle, Illinois, uncovering new...
The World's Longest Human-Made Fishing Pier Is A Gulf Coast Paradise To Fish With Galveston Bay Views
The Texas City Dike, extending more than five miles into Galveston Bay, is the world’s longest human‑made fishing pier. Originally constructed as a breakwater to protect the Texas City Ship Channel from silting, it has evolved into a premier recreational...
Artemis II Astronauts Get a Break After Journey Around the Moon
NASA’s Artemis II mission, aboard the Orion capsule dubbed Integrity, has left lunar orbit and is now on the homeward leg, traveling at roughly 1,475 mph and currently 223,429 mi from Earth. The four‑person crew—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut...
Scientists Map the Brain’s Hidden Wiring Using RNA Barcodes in Major Breakthrough
Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign unveiled Connectome‑seq, a novel technique that tags neurons with unique RNA barcodes to map synaptic connections. The method charted over 1,000 neurons in a mouse pontocerebellar circuit, revealing previously unknown links and achieving...
Below-Avg Rainfall to June Likely for Most of Australia: BOM
Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology issued its April‑June 2026 seasonal outlook on 2 April, indicating a 60‑80 % probability of below‑average rainfall for most of the continent. Exceptions include far‑northern Queensland, which shows a 60‑80 % chance of above‑average rain, while the Murray‑Darling Basin...
What Does It Mean for Funders to Stay Rather Than Surrender Amidst Attacks on Civic Life?
Sadé Dozan’s recent piece urges donors and funders to stay engaged and defend civic life amid growing attacks on community organizing. Drawing on a personal pepper‑spray incident at a queer Brooklyn club, she frames joy as a vital piece of...
Many Paris Restaurants Won't Seat You Without This One Thing
Parisian dining culture treats meals as leisurely experiences, making reservations essential for popular restaurants. Unlike the fast‑turnover model in many U.S. cities, tables in sought‑after Paris eateries are rarely available on short notice. Walk‑ins are generally accepted at cafés, brasseries,...
‘Cats: The Jellicle Ball’ Broadway Review: Andrew Lloyd Webber Finally Discovers Drag
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic "Cats" has been reinvented as "Cats: The Jellicle Ball," a Harlem‑set ballroom spectacle that swaps feline costumes for drag‑heavy ensembles. Directed by Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch, the production leans on high‑energy choreography and extravagant outfits...
Scientists Warn ESO Exit Will Cost Australia
Distinguished Australian scientists have condemned Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s decision to end full membership in the European Southern Observatory (ESO), a partnership that costs roughly AU$500 million (about US$330 million) per year and provides access to world‑class telescopes. The withdrawal, effective when...
‘Sawadeekowloon’: Mural Celebrates Thai Culture in Hong Kong Under Renovation Scheme
Hong Kong’s Urban Renewal Authority has launched a pilot scheme to revitalize Kowloon City with seven murals celebrating Thai and Chiu Chow heritage. The first mural, painted on the Jenford Building’s façade on South Wall Road, features a smiling purple...
The Blueberry Baking Hack You're Better Off Avoiding
Home bakers often coat blueberries in cornstarch to absorb moisture and prevent batter discoloration, but cookbook author Beth Baumgartner argues the step is unnecessary. She recommends using a thicker batter and gently folding the berries in, which naturally suspends them...
Nestled Between Boston And Worcester Is Massachusetts' Lovely State Park For Trails, Fishing, And Paddling
Hopkinton State Park, a 1,500‑acre public space located three miles north of Hopkinton’s downtown, offers year‑round recreation from hiking and snowmobiling to swimming and ice fishing. The park features 10 miles of mixed‑use trails, two sandy beaches, and a historic...
Julia Busuttil Nishimura’s Lasagne Alla Portofino
Julia Busuttil Nishimura’s new recipe, Lasagne alla Portofino, offers a meat‑free, green‑focused take on classic Italian lasagne. The dish layers fresh basil‑spinach pesto, creamy besciamella, and a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses. Detailed ingredient quantities and step‑by‑step instructions guide home...
Canada's East Coast 'Craft Brew Capital' Is An Unsung Shoreside City With Lively Breweries
Fredericton, New Brunswick’s capital, is being touted as Canada’s East Coast craft‑brew capital thanks to the highest per‑capita concentration of breweries in the Maritimes. Iconic venues like Picaroons and Trailway Brewing anchor a vibrant scene that culminates each year in...
Study: Improving Healthcare 'Just as Critical' As Cutting Emissions in Fight Against Air Pollution
A new Lancet study finds that improving access to quality healthcare is as vital as cutting emissions for reducing premature deaths caused by air pollution. Researchers modelled global mortality and showed that strengthening health systems could prevent millions of deaths,...
Artemis II Returns From Its Fly-By of the Moon
NASA’s Artemis II mission completed its historic crewed fly‑by of the Moon and safely returned the four‑astronaut crew to Earth on Thursday. The Orion capsule demonstrated critical deep‑space navigation, communication and life‑support performance during a 10‑day flight that took the crew...
Smarter by Design: 5 Layout Tips to Improve Your Home’s Flow and Your Family’s Lifestyle
Stroud Homes outlines five layout strategies that turn ordinary floor plans into "smarter by design" homes, emphasizing functional zoning, clear sightlines, indoor‑outdoor flow, future‑proof rooms, and built‑in storage. The approach integrates energy‑efficient orientation and natural lighting from the blueprint stage,...
Letter: The US Has Put the Climate Messenger in Front of a Firing Squad
A recent Financial Times letter warns that the United States is increasingly hostile toward climate advocates, likening the treatment of scientists and policymakers to a firing squad. The author cites recent policy rollbacks, funding cuts, and legal challenges that marginalize...
Scientists May Be Overestimating the Amount of Microplastics in the Environment – and the Culprit Is Lab Gloves
University of Michigan researchers discovered that standard laboratory gloves can contaminate microplastic samples, leading to severe overestimates of environmental microplastic levels. The gloves release stearate salt particles that spectroscopic tools often mistake for polyethylene, inflating counts by up to 7,000...
10 Tips for Funders Supporting Partners in Countries with Conflict and Closing Civil Spaces
Funders face a tightening landscape as nonprofits grapple with soaring service demand and a $60 billion plunge in overseas development aid. Sanctions, data‑access laws and bans on LGBTQ+, reproductive and refugee work are choking cross‑border philanthropy, leaving high‑risk partners either invisible...
Letter: Nasa’s Cosmopolitanism Still Has Strict Limits
NASA continues to champion international cooperation in space, positioning itself as a global hub for scientific research and exploration. However, the agency’s cosmopolitan ambitions are increasingly constrained by U.S. export‑control regimes, congressional oversight, and geopolitical rivalries. Recent policy reviews reveal...
The Best Hotels in Austin for Foodies, Fashionistas, and Formula One Chasers
The article spotlights Austin’s rapidly evolving hospitality landscape, curating a list of standout hotels that cater to foodies, fashionistas, families, and Formula One fans. It highlights boutique gems like Hotel ZaZa and the historic Driskill, upscale retreats such as the Four Seasons...
Jupiter’s Strong Magnetic Field May Explain Why It Has So Many Large Moons
New simulations reveal that Jupiter’s powerful magnetic field carved a magnetospheric cavity in its early circumplanetary disk, enabling the capture and long‑term survival of its four large moons, including Ganymede. In contrast, Saturn’s weaker field failed to produce such a...
Google Updates Suicide, Self-Harm Safeguards in Gemini as AI Lawsuits Mount
Google announced that its Gemini chatbot will now direct users to a crisis‑hotline whenever a conversation hints at suicide or self‑harm, featuring a redesigned “Help is available” overlay that stays visible throughout the exchange. The update, developed with clinical experts,...
This Sci-Fi Romeo & Juliet Adaptation With A Spider-Man Star Was An Ambitious Failure
Juan Diego Solanas’s 2012 sci‑fi romance *Upside Down* pairs a Shakespeare‑inspired love story with a dual‑planet setting where gravity behaves oddly. The film stars Jim Sturgess as Adam and Kirsten Dunst as Eden, using “inverse matter” to create upside‑down kisses and other visual tricks. Critics...
Saturation Editing of RNU4-2 Reveals Distinct Dominant and Recessive Disorders
Researchers applied saturation genome editing (SGE) to the non‑coding RNA gene RNU4‑2, generating a comprehensive functional map of 539 possible single‑base and small‑indel variants. The assay accurately separated pathogenic variants that cause the dominant ReNU neurodevelopmental syndrome from benign population...
Adenosine Surges: A Step Forward in Understanding Antidepressant Actions of Ketamine
A recent Nature study reveals that a single sub‑anesthetic dose of (R,S)-ketamine produces rapid, transient surges of extracellular adenosine in the medial prefrontal cortex, independent of NMDA‑receptor blockade. Using genetically encoded adenosine sensors, the researchers showed that these adenosine spikes...
DNA Damage Drives Antigen Diversification in Trypanosoma Brucei
Researchers demonstrated that DNA double‑strand breaks within the actively expressed variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) of Trypanosoma brucei trigger the creation of mosaic VSGs, mirroring the diversity seen in natural infections. Using inducible Cas9 and a barcode‑based VSG‑AMP‑seq platform, they mapped...
Biodiversity Resilience in a Tropical Rainforest
A new study of 62 plots in Ecuador’s Chocó rainforest quantifies how biodiversity rebounds after agriculture. Researchers measured resistance, return rates and recovery times for 16 taxonomic groups, finding that animal communities often recover within decades while trees and soil...