Thoughts from Spinoza in these difficult times. “The highest activity a human being can attain is learning for understanding, because to understand is to be free…Do not weep. Do not wax indignant. Understand.”

My Dad and his faithful dog Sheldon watching Comet A3 over the Curragh. The last time it graced our skies, 80,000 years ago, the Neanderthals walked among us. The next time it comes, we’ll all be specs of stardust ourselves.

#H5N1 CDC Dept. of Agriculture ➡️ Inside the Bungled Bird Flu Response, Where Profits Collide With Public Health By Katherine Evan vanityfair.com/news/story/ins…

There is no easy way to talk about this. This week the UN announced we are on track to reach up to 3.1° Celsius of warming. We are slated to blow past the goals of the Paris Accords. Here's what this means. (1/9) 🧵

“If an opinion contrary to your own makes you angry, that is a sign that you are subconsciously aware of having no good reason for thinking as you do.” — Bertrand Russell

The heavy rains that have fallen in recent weeks in the Namibia Desert in Africa have caused one of the most spectacular natural phenomena, the flowering of millions of lilies that for tens of kilometers have covered the sandy soil that has dried completely for three years.

One thing that really stands out from the Inquiry testimonies is just how many professional bodies repeatedly raised the alarm about the inadequate infection control guidance in hospitals… …and how their concerns were disregarded at every stage, with profound consequences.

There's a stark reality within academia that many recognize but few dare to discuss openly - though we do amongst ourselves. Despite the growing issues, we maintain a facade of scholarly integrity to the public. In essence, we're lying. We aren’t alone. /1

‘Needles are shivered from the golden bough.’ Peter Scupham prepared for Twelfth Night.

"We’re one of the most nature depleted countries on the planet. This decline can only be reversed if it happens in a way that benefits rural communities.” Piece in Thursday's Farming Independent on my call for largescale rewilding in Ireland. 🌍 m.independent.ie/farming/why-re…

The year was 2010. We had a new admission that day at the long term care facility. Admissions were always exciting but also stressful for staff. Are they coming willingly ? Is the family making this decision? Have they exhausted all other avenues ? Will they adapt quickly ?

I am a 5th generation Southern Californian who grew up in an orange grove and in Hollywood. I fled my home state in 2020. Los Angeles is burning right now because of what We the People have allowed rich people to do. Here is what has happened: 1🧵

"The UK environment secretary, Steve Reed, is pursuing legal action against a group of anglers who are trying to restore the ecosystem of a river." More on this staggeringly stupid decision in today's The Guardian by Sandra Laville theguardian.com/environment/20…

The spread of health misinformation and disinformation poses a serious threat to public health. How can we respond to the danger and combat the tide of misinformation and disinformation to protect public health? Find out more in our latest Editorial: hubs.li/Q032YWZ40

Most know the horrors of the Nazis. But few know Unit 731—Japan’s secret lab where prisoners were frozen, dissected alive, and infected with deadly plagues. At the center: Shirō Ishii, a doctor who turned humans into lab rats. This is the story of his crimes and how he escaped

The Assisted Dying Bill is so dreadful I feel it’s an insult to drag so many experts into Parliament. What a waste of their time! And - I can’t believe I’m saying this - The Canary has done one of the best investigations on it. Please share/ read: thecanary.co/long-read/2024…

Last month there was an announcement that I thought was a major advancement in world health, but it got little attention. I thought I would tell you all a little bit about it and why it is so important. 1/25

Waves crashing against the cliffs of Inis Meáin, Ireland

Muckamore Abbey is the largest systemic abuse case uncovered in the UK, Prof Andrew McDonnell, a clinical psychologist,says he can't understand why there’s such little public awareness of the scandal outside NI ⁦Action for Muckamore⁩ ⁦⁦⁦⁩ bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…