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Women of Pluto and Other Amazing Plutobits

Tabitha M. Powledge
“The New Horizons mission is a stunning validation of not only astronomy and physics, but of science itself. ... No astrologer could have given us this information. Alchemy could not have powered the rockets so powerfully and precisely ... This will be remembered as an achievement of our species, of our civilization, and of the power of science.”

Ninth Rock From the Sun

Stephen Colbert and Neil deGrasse Tyson riff, with scientific rigor and lots of humor, about the New Horizons findings, Pluto weirdness, and the demotion (or elevation?) of Pluto from planet to king of the Kuiper Belt.

Bumblebees Being Crushed by Climate Change

Cally Carswell Science
While many species are migrating toward the poles as the climate warms, many North American and European bee species are failing to colonize new habitats, according to a new study. “Climate change is crushing [bumblebee] species in a vice,” says ecologist Jeremy Kerr, the study's lead author. “There's no way you can nail a bee with neonicotinoids, invasive pathogens, and climate change and come out with a happy bee.”

Friday Nite Videos -- July 3, 2015

Portside
Feeling the Bern in Madison, Wisconsin. Documentary: Amy. Slandero Gigante. Bree Newsome Exclusive Interview. The Chemistry of Fireworks.

The Chemistry of Fireworks

From the sizzle of the fuse to the boom and burst of colors, all of the exciting sights and sounds of Fourth of July fireworks. How familiar rockets that light up the night sky represent chemistry in action.

Stop Killing the Elderly With Kindness

Travis Saunders Public Library of Science
If you take a healthy 20 year-old, force them to sit all day, and refuse to let them do any physical labor out of fear they might hurt themself, it would cause them to “age” extremely rapidly. We need to promote more, not less physical activity for our elders. The next time you consider telling your grandmother to sit down, think about whether that’s really in her best interest.

The Hoax of Climate Denial Why “Politically Motivated” Science Is Good Science

Naomi Oreskes TomDispatch
In recent decades, of course, the Republicans have lurched rightward on many topics and now regularly attack scientific findings that threaten their political platforms. In the 1980s, they generally questioned evidence of acid rain; in the 1990s, they went after ozone science; and in this century, they have launched fierce attacks not just on climate science, but in the most personal fashion imaginable on climate scientists.

Naomi Oreskes, a Lightning Rod in a Changing Climate

Justin Gillis The New York Times
Dr. Oreskes’s core discovery, made with a co-author, Erik M. Conway, was twofold. They reported that dubious tactics had been used over decades to cast doubt on scientific findings relating to subjects like acid rain, the ozone shield, tobacco smoke and climate change. And most surprisingly, in each case, the tactics were employed by the same group of people.

The Miracle Drug You Need to Take

Jordan D. Metzl Science Friday
It reduces cancer risk, promotes weight loss, slows type 2 diabetes. Prevents heart disease, addresses high blood pressure and cholesterol. Reduces strokes and heart attacks. Improves immunity. Blocks dementia and relieves depression. This is something you really have to know about.

Tidbits - June 11, 2015 - Kalief Browder, Criminality of Prisons; Fight for $15; Edward Snowden: Hero; Ronnie Gilbert; Walmart; Suicide in Young Women; Left Strategy Needed; and more...

Portside
Reader Comments: Kalief Browder and Criminality of Prisons; Fight for $15; Edward Snowden - Hero; Ronnie Gilbert; Walmart Anti-Labor Activity; Suicide in Young Women; The Audacity to Win - Left Strategy Needed; Recommended Books - By non-white authors; Announcements: 62nd Memorial of the Execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg; Brooklyn Peace Fair
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