Nearly a third of kids can't use books when starting school - and try to swipe them like phones

A survey by early years charity Kindred Squared found that nearly a third of children starting reception in the UK were not able to use books correctly, often trying to swipe or tap them like a smartphone. Additionally, 28% of children were unable to eat and drink independently, and 25% had difficulty with basic life skills. Staff reported spending significant time assisting children with these skills, with a notable drop in school readiness, especially in the North East, West Midlands, and North West.

Agriculture - Full Performance (Live on KEXP)

Simple blood test can predict which breast cancer treatment will work best, study finds.

A new DNA blood test developed by researchers at the Institute of Cancer Research in London can predict how well breast cancer patients will respond to treatment. The liquid biopsy analyzes circulating tumor DNA in blood samples, providing an early indication of treatment effectiveness and potentially allowing for personalized treatment plans.

How Is Hail Formed? The Strange Physics Inside Giant Storms

This video explores the science behind extreme hailstorms and snowflakes, featuring storm-chasing meteorologists on the US Great Plains and scientists investigating the delicate physics of snow formation.

South Carolina measles outbreak doubles within a week: ‘Staring over the edge’

South Carolina is facing a severe measles outbreak, with cases doubling in the past week to 558 since the outbreak began last fall. Health officials warn that the situation is likely to worsen, with many of the infected individuals being children and teenagers who are unvaccinated. The outbreak has spread to three other states, raising concerns about further spread. The South Carolina Department of Public Health has deployed mobile health units to offer free vaccinations, but uptake has been low. Experts emphasize the importance of vaccination, noting that the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles.

‘Buying countries is Stone Age mentality:’ Inuit speak up on Greenland

Indigenous Greenlanders express concern over the potential U.S. annexation of Greenland, highlighting the historical context of colonialism and the current threat posed by Donald Trump's administration. Canadian Inuit leaders and Greenlanders emphasize the importance of sovereignty and unity among Inuit communities, calling for international support to protect Greenland's autonomy.

We Found More Than 40 Cases of Immigration Agents Using Banned Chokeholds and Other Moves That Can Cut Off Breathing

ProPublica reports on over 40 cases of immigration agents using banned chokeholds and other dangerous tactics that can cut off breathing, leading to injuries and seizures. Despite these tactics being banned, agents continue to use them, often without consequences. The agents are usually masked, making it difficult to identify and hold them accountable. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has not disclosed if any agents have been punished for these actions.

The 101 best Los Angeles movies

The Los Angeles Times has compiled a list of the 101 best Los Angeles movies, featuring a mix of classic noirs, Hollywood dramas, and neighborhood stories. The list includes iconic films such as 'Chinatown,' 'Blade Runner,' and 'La La Land,' reflecting the city's cinematic history and diverse settings.

Winter Layering from Kestin, one of my favourite brands.

This blog post from Kestin highlights winter layering essentials, focusing on Scottish knitwear, woven accessories, and Italian wool blends for warmth and versatility.

Paraboot Taps and Wander to Collaborate on the Michael and Clusaz Silhouettes

Paraboot and Wander have collaborated on the Michael and Clusaz silhouettes, rooted in French workwear and Japanese refinement, now available in a unique grey color.

‘Snapshots’ of history: How the first stamps changed communication in the U.S.

This interview explores the significance of the first U.S. postage stamps, issued in 1847 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. The stamps, featuring Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, revolutionized communication by allowing senders to prepay postage, increasing mail volume and reducing costs. These stamps are now collectible items, with value depending on condition and usage. The interview highlights how stamps serve as historical snapshots, reflecting what a country deems important at the time of their issuance.

Oliver Church’s Shirts Are Literally One of One

This article delves into the unique design process of Oliver Church, a Paris-based designer who creates one-of-a-kind shirts using vintage fabrics, hand-finishing each piece to ensure no two garments are the same.

'This mysterious little beast is returning to our forests': Rare images of Europe's 'ghost cat'

Once thought to be extinct in parts of Europe, wildcats are making a comeback, with photographers and scientists capturing rare images of these elusive creatures. These wildcats, often mistaken for domestic cats, have distinctive patterns and behaviors that set them apart. Their secretive nature and adaptability have allowed them to survive historical persecution and habitat changes. Recent research and camera trap footage have documented their presence in areas where they were previously thought to be extinct, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts.

Muhammad Ali once said he wanted to be a postage stamp. Now he’s getting his wish.

Muhammad Ali, the legendary boxer, will be honored with a postage stamp by the U.S. Postal Service on January 15th, 2026, just two days shy of his 84th birthday. The stamp features a 1974 photograph of Ali in his iconic boxing stance and will be part of a forever stamp series, ensuring its validity regardless of future postage rate changes. Ali's widow, Lonnie Ali, expressed her excitement for the tribute, stating that it will keep her late husband's memory alive. The stamp also highlights Ali's humanitarian work and his enduring legacy as a champion both in and out of the ring.

Royal Mail commemorates Stranger Things finale with special set of stamps

Royal Mail commemorates the conclusion of Netflix's hit sci-fi series, Stranger Things, with a special set of 14 stamps. Designed by British artist Kyle Lambert, the collection features fan-favourite characters and scenes from the show's different seasons, capturing its journey and iconic imagery.

Jellyfish Sleep and Nap Like Us and That Says Something Weird About Our Neurons

This article from ZME Science explores how jellyfish sleep, suggesting that sleep may be a mechanism to repair DNA rather than a function of the brain. Researchers found that jellyfish, which lack a central brain, still sleep and their DNA damage is repaired during this time. This challenges the previous assumption that sleep is for brain maintenance and suggests that sleep evolved as a maintenance mode to ensure genomic integrity.

EU chief diplomat Kallas: World’s woes mean it’s time to start drinking

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas humorously suggested that the current state of global events might be a good time to start drinking, during a meeting of the European Parliament's group leaders.

‘Are they going to bring their violence here?’: Fear – but little preparation – as threat of invasion looms over Greenland

Greenlanders are alarmed by the threat of a US invasion, with many considering evacuation and seeking advice from authorities. The situation has caused anxiety, with people tracking US planes and discussing potential responses. The Greenlandic and Danish foreign ministers are set to meet with the US secretary of state to discuss the issue, but many residents feel they lack information on what to do in case of an invasion. The threat has also led to discussions about Greenland's future and potential independence from Denmark.

Jafar Panahi’s Closet Picks

GoFundMe Ignores Own Rules by Hosting a Legal-Defense Fund for the ICE Agent Who Killed Renee Good

GoFundMe has left a legal defense fund for an ICE agent who killed Renee Good online, despite its own rules against fundraisers for violent crimes. The fundraiser, seeking at least $550,000, directly conflicts with GoFundMe's terms of service, which prohibit raising funds for the legal defense of people accused of violent crimes. The company has not explained why the fundraiser remains active and is reviewing all related fundraisers.

‘There’s a dark side to floristry’: are pesticides making workers seriously ill – or worse?

Unlike in food, there is no upper limit on the amount of pesticide residue levels in flowers. After French officials linked the death of a florist’s child to exposure in pregnancy, many in the industry are raising the alarm. Pesticides can easily be absorbed through skin contact or inhalation by people exposed for hours every day. Research shows that florists can have higher rates of premature births and babies with birth defects. A small but growing call to raise awareness among authorities and florists, a predominantly female workforce, who are exposed daily to residues but often don’t wear protective equipment.

How your body repairs damaged DNA

This video provides a dazzling visualization of how the body's specialized proteins repair damaged DNA using an intact copy as a template. The animation, created by Drew Berry, illustrates the process of homologous recombination, highlighting the intricate biology that occurs within us, shaped by millions of years of evolution.

Deborah Levy: ‘Reality was so dull. Bowie gave us glitter and stardust’

This article reflects on the profound impact of David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust persona on the author's youth, emphasizing how Bowie's music and fashion challenged societal norms and inspired self-expression. The author recounts how Bowie's artistry, particularly during the 1970s, offered a beacon of hope and creativity, contrasting the dullness of reality with the allure of glitter and artifice.

The golden age of vaccine development

This article from Works in Progress Magazine explores the evolution of vaccine development, from Edward Jenner's serendipitous discovery of the smallpox vaccine in 1796 to the modern era of precision vaccines. It highlights technological advancements such as the electron microscope and genome sequencing, which have enabled scientists to visualize pathogens at an atomic level and rapidly redesign vaccines. The article underscores the golden age of vaccine development we are currently experiencing, emphasizing the importance of continued investment in vaccine research for future breakthroughs.

Most Europeans think state pensions will become unaffordable, polling shows

A recent YouGov poll reveals that most Europeans believe their state pension systems will become unaffordable in the near future, but they also oppose potential reforms such as raising the retirement age or reducing pension payments. The survey found widespread opposition to these measures across six European countries, with majorities in each country opposing increases to the state pension age and reductions to pension payments. However, there was some support for requiring working-age people to contribute to private or workplace pensions and for policies to help older workers remain employed longer.

The 20 best podcasts of 2025

This article lists the top 20 podcasts of 2025, featuring a diverse range of topics from food and culture to true crime and comedy. Highlights include 'Home Cooking with Samin Nosrat and Hrishikesh Hirway', 'Lucky Boy', 'Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky', and 'Wisecrack'.

Top 10 discoveries about ancient people from DNA in 2025

This blog post reviews the top discoveries in ancient DNA research from 2025, highlighting key findings about Denisovans, ancient human migrations, and the genetic effects of diet. Notable research includes the first face of a Denisovan, the oldest high-coverage genome, and genetic analysis of Pompeii plaster casts that challenged longstanding narratives. Other studies examined the effects of micronutrients on natural selection, 3D genome organization in archaic humans, and the genetic history of Indigenous peoples in the Americas. The post also touches on the ethical landscape of genetic research, emphasizing the importance of descendant community consultation.

What tiny brain monitors are teaching us about extreme animal sleep habits

This article explores how miniaturized sleep labs are allowing scientists to track extreme animal sleep habits in risky environments. Penguins have evolved to take thousands of 4-second microsleeps a day, while frigatebirds can sleep with one half of their brain while flying. Elephant seals sleep during deep dives to avoid predators. These findings highlight the flexibility of sleep in response to ecological demands.

POTHAMUS - Abur in the Ark

This video showcases the release of the album 'Abur' by Pothamus, held in the Green Ark, a sanctuary for endangered plants, symbolizing the deep connection between human experience and nature. The event features live performances of various tracks from the album, directed and edited by Michael Lombarts, with contributions from Tim Buhk, Chiaran Verheyden, and Bernd Van Praet.