TikTok, the social media platform boasting over one billion monthly users globally, has become a stage for diverse content creators, showcasing trends and stories that reflect cultural nuances and social change worldwide. Launched in 2016, the platform has also faced controversy, leading to bans in countries like India in 2020 and restrictions for users under 16 in Australia this month.
Every year, NPR interviews TikTok creators from around the world, exploring the trends, subcultures and stories that drive culture and social change in the Glob.
Among the viral trends highlighted this year was a unique twist on soccer, demonstrated by Arthur Marques, a Brazilian player who showcases his skills on the platform. In Tanzania, Fanuel John Masamaki gained popularity for his comedy inspired by Charlie Chaplin, the silent movie star, bringing a classic form of entertainment to a modern audience.
In Gaza, Hamada Shaqoura, a Palestinian food influencer, shared his culinary skills by cooking Egyptian-style shrimp fries, offering a glimpse into the region's cuisine and providing a sense of hope amidst challenging circumstances. Valerie Keter, dressed in traditional Maasai attire, used the platform to discuss the history of the ancient tribe from southern Kenya, educating viewers about her cultural heritage. These creators represent a small fraction of the diverse voices finding an audience on TikTok, using the platform to share their talents, traditions, and perspectives with the world.
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"Avatar: Fire and Ash" continues its global box office dominance, adding $88 million over the Christmas holiday, reflecting the enduring international appeal of the franchise. A24's "Marty Supreme" also made a strong debut, signaling the diverse tastes of global audiences during the holiday season, while established franchises like "Zootopia" demonstrate continued market strength.
James Cameron's *Avatar: Fire and Ash* has earned over $760 million worldwide in just two weeks, demonstrating the continued global appeal of the franchise and its immersive cinematic experiences. The film's strong international performance, particularly in China, France, and Germany, underscores the importance of diverse markets for Hollywood blockbusters in an increasingly globalized entertainment landscape. This success highlights the enduring power of visual storytelling to transcend cultural boundaries and attract audiences worldwide.
In Josh Safdie's new film "Marty Supreme," Timothée Chalamet embodies a 1950s New York hustler with impaired vision, a detail enhanced by the director's decision to have him wear strong prescription glasses, impacting his performance. The film, set against the backdrop of post-war America and its burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit, explores themes of ambition and identity through the lens of a young man seeking fortune in the unlikely world of competitive table tennis. With a cast including Fran Drescher and Tyler, the Creator, "Marty Supreme" offers a contemporary take on the classic American dream narrative.
A new documentary, "I'm Chevy Chase, and You're Not," promises an unvarnished look at the comedian's life, with the director detailing her confrontational approach and Chase's own family finding it difficult to watch. The film also explores why the cast of "Community" declined to participate, suggesting a complex and potentially controversial portrayal of the actor.
Vernon Morris established the first atmospheric sciences PhD program at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Howard University, significantly increasing the number of Black and Latinx PhD graduates in the field. This initiative addresses a critical lack of diversity in atmospheric sciences, with graduates contributing to vital research on airborne particle processes and improving global weather and climate models.
A correction has been issued for a Nature article concerning the derivation of human pluripotent stem cells resembling an eight-cell embryo. The correction clarifies the ethical oversight and approval processes for animal studies, including human-mouse chimera experiments, ensuring adherence to both local guidelines and international regulations like the ISSCR's stem cell research guidelines. This update addresses potential concerns regarding the ethical implications of integrating human stem cells into animal models.
The Nature Podcast's 2025 highlights include a potato pangenome project that simplifies breeding and sequencing new varieties by overcoming the plant's complex genetics. Additionally, the podcast covered a quantum physics conference held on Heligoland, the island where Heisenberg formulated quantum mechanics, and research highlights such as a tiny liquid-manipulating robot and the discovery of ancient Mesoamerican puppets.
A new study reveals that while weight loss improves metabolism in mid-aged mice, it can trigger brain inflammation, potentially impacting cognitive health. This research highlights the complex relationship between weight loss and brain health, suggesting that the benefits of slimming down in midlife may not be as straightforward as previously thought and warrant further investigation.
Move over, Sheldon and Leonard! Real-world physicists are turning science fiction into reality, proposing that fusion reactors could be axion factories, potentially unlocking the secrets of dark matter and sending ripples through the scientific community. This breakthrough, reminiscent of a plotline from "The Big Bang Theory," is poised to captivate audiences with its blend of cutting-edge science and pop culture appeal.
Lab-grown "mini-brains" are revealing distinct electrical signatures associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, offering potential for earlier and more accurate diagnoses. This breakthrough could revolutionize personalized medicine by allowing doctors to test drug effectiveness on a patient's brain tissue before administering treatment, potentially minimizing ineffective prescriptions. The research highlights the growing power of AI-driven analysis of complex biological systems for advancing mental health care.
Researchers have discovered that mid-sized fish in the ocean's twilight zone act as a crucial link in the food web, explaining why large predators frequent these depths. By tracking bigscale pomfret with satellite tags, scientists are gaining insights into how these fish connect deep-sea and surface ecosystems, with implications for understanding ocean food chain dynamics.
Brigitte Bardot, the French actress who became a global icon of liberated sexuality in the mid-20th century, has died at 91, according to her animal rights foundation. Beyond her film career, Bardot influenced fashion and culture worldwide, challenging societal norms and leaving a lasting impact on the international perception of French identity. Her death marks the end of an era for European cinema and a figure whose image resonated far beyond the screen.
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