Historian Geertje Dekkers' biography, "Myriad, Microscopic and Marvellous," published by Reaktion in 2025, details the groundbreaking discoveries of microbiologist Antoni van Leeuwenhoek. In 1674, van Leeuwenhoek observed single-celled life forms, including bacteria and protozoa, in lake water using a microscope, marking a pivotal moment in microbiology.
Dekkers highlights that van Leeuwenhoek also accurately described red blood cells, capillaries, striated muscle fibres, spermatozoa, and the crystalline lens of the eye. Van Leeuwenhoek's meticulous observations and detailed descriptions established him as a pioneer in the field.
Upon his death in 1723, the UK Royal Society acknowledged the loss of a highly valued correspondent, underscoring the significance of his contributions to scientific knowledge.
In "Naturekind," anthropologists Melissa Leach and James Fairhead explore the interconnectedness of humans and the natural world through the lens of biosemiotics. Published by Princeton University Press in 2025, the book examines how meaning is constructed in interactions between humans and other living entities, such as chickens, horses, bees, bats, and plants.
Leach and Fairhead consider various environments, including forests, seas, soils, and cities, emphasizing the relationships between living and non-living components. By linking biological findings to semiotics, the study of signs and symbols, the authors develop a framework for understanding the complex relationships between humans and the environment.
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a speech suggesting the U.S. can no longer be trusted as a global leader, prompting a rift between the two nations. President Trump responded by criticizing Carney and rescinding Canada's invitation to the newly formed Board of Peace, further escalating tensions. The developments signal a potential shift in the long-standing U.S.-Canada alliance.
Hollywood bid a fond farewell to Robert Redford at the Sundance Gala, with Ethan Hawke, Ava DuVernay, and Chloe Zhao leading heartfelt tributes to the festival's late founder. Redford's vision, which launched countless indie careers and shaped film culture, was celebrated as the festival prepared to leave its longtime Park City home, marking the end of an era.
Gregg Araki's new film, "I Want Your Sex," explores intergenerational attitudes toward sex through a provocative relationship between a contemporary artist and her young assistant, played by Olivia Wilde and Cooper Hoffman. The film, reminiscent of both classic screwball comedies and BDSM-themed workplace narratives, pushes boundaries with its frank depiction of sex and nudity.
Lights, camera, Chhattisgarh! India's newest ₹400-crore (about $49 million) Chitrotpala Film City is poised to become a major player, potentially luring Bollywood and international productions to the country's heartland and boosting the local economy. With government backing and state-of-the-art facilities, this film city could be a game-changer for Indian cinema and a must-watch destination for cinephiles.
A new mockumentary, "The Moment," featuring Charli XCX, blends fiction and reality, depicting the artist navigating her "Brat Summer" fame. While aiming for a straight portrayal, the film's premise of XCX altering her image raises questions about its satirical potential and overall narrative direction.
Gladys Mae West, a pioneering African American mathematician, passed away at 95, leaving behind a legacy of foundational contributions to GPS technology. Overcoming significant barriers, West's work in programming powerful computers during the Cold War era was crucial for advancing computation and communication systems, impacting navigation and positioning technologies we use today.
This science briefing highlights how infant microbiomes are significantly altered by nursery attendance, impacting their gut flora development. Additionally, it presents the first documented instance of tool use in cattle, demonstrating surprising cognitive abilities in the animal kingdom and raising questions about animal intelligence.
This week's book selections span diverse topics, from the history of microbiology and humanity's relationship with nature to the intricacies of human memory. One book explores Antoni van Leeuwenhoek's groundbreaking discoveries of microorganisms, while another delves into biosemiotics, examining how humans interact with living and non-living entities in nature. Finally, a book investigates the complexities of memory, using the Challenger disaster as a case study.
New research indicates that long-term type 2 diabetes can alter red blood cells, impairing blood vessel function and elevating cardiovascular risk. Experts at the Karolinska Institutet identified a specific molecule within these cells that may serve as an early biomarker for rising heart risk, offering potential for proactive monitoring and intervention in diabetic patients. This finding underscores the importance of early diabetes management to mitigate long-term vascular damage.
Chemotherapy, while damaging the gut, unexpectedly boosts anti-cancer immunity by altering gut bacteria and releasing a molecule that travels to the bone marrow. This process reshapes immune cell production, fortifying defenses against metastasis and potentially improving patient survival, highlighting the complex interplay between cancer treatment, the microbiome, and the immune system.
A new study suggests that giant Ice Age kangaroos, previously thought too heavy to hop, likely possessed the ability for short bursts of hopping, challenging prior assumptions about their mobility. Researchers analyzed leg bones and tendons, finding sufficient strength for hopping, which may have been crucial for predator evasion, demonstrating how AI-driven analysis of fossil records can reshape our understanding of extinct species' biomechanics.
Astronomers have discovered a quasar powered by a supermassive black hole growing at an unprecedented rate, exceeding theoretical limits and exhibiting unexpected simultaneous emissions of X-rays and radio jets. This finding challenges current astrophysical models and offers a unique opportunity to study the unstable growth phases of black holes in the early universe.
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