We’re at the end of August already, and even my young optician was being concerned about the speed with which the year was disappearing. Anyway here’s episode eight of this year’s monthly links to items you didn’t know you’d missed. As always we start with the heavy stuff …
Science, Technology, Natural World
Astronomers think they’ve discovered a black hole “star”, which would be a new kind of cosmic object.
The venerable Voyager 2 spacecraft, which is now outside the solar system, has done a very risky manoeuvre to save power and keep it working for anther couple of years. [££££]
Down on Earth there are safety concerns as scientists have made the first AI designed viruses.
Another concern, at least for ecologists, is where all the wasps have gone this summer.
While we’re on invertebrates, here are half a dozen somewhat surprising facts about them.
Larry the Cat has recently welcomed yet another new Prime Minister to Downing Street, but how do pets adapt to change?
Why do sleeping cats so often cover their eyes with a paw?
It was 388 years ago that Galileo worked out that physics means that human giants can’t exist. [££££]
Kew Gardens is about to start renovation of the iconic Palm House, but that means many plants have to be moved, and some even sacrificed.
Health, Medicine
Why do heatwaves hit women harder than men?
Research sems to be suggesting that in the final five minutes before death something odd happens with consciousness. [LONG READ]
Sexuality & Relationships
An essay on the importance of the foreskin. [LONG READ]
[NSFW] On the need for females to be fucked for bodily serenity.
Environment & Ecology
On the environmental effects of humans on trees.
History, Archaeology, Anthropology
Research is showing that long before any evidence of sails European stone age hunter-gatherers made sea voyages to Malta.
Another Ancient Roman shipwreck has been discovered off the coast of Sicily – and its fully laden with amphorae.
While on the ancient world, here’s a look at the mysteries surrounding the Antikythera Mechanism. And the author, Isa Grant, has taken a logical look at many unsolved mysteries, so dig around in her Substack.
Many researchers believe that ancient Pictish symbols are actually names, but this is unlikely.
Medievals had a fixation on female pubic anatomy.
Mummified bodies found in Chile have revealed a lost lineage of smallpox. [££££]
London
Here’s a quick look at half a dozen London places associated with Samuel Pepys.
The latest instalment of Matt Brown’s coloured rendition of John Rocque’s 1746 map of London is out on the edge of the East End.
Lifestyle, Personal Development, Beliefs
Nobody will admit to having far right beliefs these days, but here’s a checklist to allow you to determine if they really are.
On being more than an attractive photograph, because there’s life behind the frame.
On designing and wearing female attire without the need for underwear.
And finally … a look at the bizarre world of banning pop songs for profanity and what gets missed. [LONG READ]