Three Mothers, One Struggle: Saving Their Kids With Schizophrenia - The Atavist Magazine

This article from The Atavist Magazine explores the personal struggles of three mothers in Colorado Springs as they navigate the challenges of raising children diagnosed with schizophrenia. The mothers, Tracy, Elisabeth, and Felicia, share their experiences of dealing with their sons' mental health issues, the stigma associated with mental illness, and the difficulties in accessing adequate care. The narrative highlights the resilience of these mothers, their determination to support their children, and the broader societal issues that impact families dealing with severe mental health conditions.

Astronauts Are Going Back to the Moon For The First Time in Half a Century

NASA's Artemis II mission, set to launch as early as February 2026, marks the first crewed lunar visit in over half a century. The mission will test the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft, aiming for a 10-day journey around the moon without landing. The diverse crew, including the first woman, person of color, and non-American, symbolizes NASA's commitment to equity and inclusion. The mission also highlights international collaboration through the Artemis Accords, with 61 countries pledging peaceful space exploration. Despite challenges, including delays in developing the lunar landing craft, Artemis II represents a significant step towards future lunar missions and a potential new space race with China.

Our Therapist Gave My Wife and Me MDMA—and It Saved Our Marriage

This article tells the story of a couple, Julianna and Seth, who were on the brink of divorce. Their therapist, Renee, suggested they try a session under the influence of MDMA, which led to a transformative experience. The drug helped them confront their past traumas and opened up new avenues for communication and understanding, ultimately saving their marriage.

Pizza Hut Classic has become a cultural obsession. I went to find out why.

This article explores the cultural phenomenon of Pizza Hut Classic restaurants, which have become pilgrimage sites for those seeking a nostalgic dining experience. These locations, reminiscent of 1990s Pizza Huts, offer a throwback experience with checkered tablecloths, real menus, and waitress service, contrasting sharply with the modern, streamlined Pizza Hut experience. The Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania location has become particularly famous, attracting visitors from across the country and even internationally. The article delves into the reasons behind this nostalgia-driven trend, suggesting that it reflects a broader societal yearning for simplicity and community in an increasingly digital and chaotic world.

On Tilt, by Jasper Craven

This article explores the rise of sports gambling in America, focusing on the legalization of online sports betting and its potential consequences. It delves into the personal story of the author's gambling habits, the societal impacts of gambling addiction, and the inadequate treatment resources available. The article also examines the integration of gambling into professional sports and the ethical concerns surrounding this relationship.

Plume — THE BITTER SOUTHERNER

This article tells the story of Guy Bradley, America's first game warden, who was killed in 1905 while protecting birds in the Florida Everglades. His death led to national outrage and a decline in the demand for exotic bird feathers, ultimately contributing to the protection of migratory birds and the restoration of the Everglades ecosystem.

I'm a Longtime Cruise Hater Who Finally Took One. It Was Fine. - Business Insider

A longtime cruise hater finally took a cruise and found it to be just fine. While there were some downsides, like unexpected fees and limited WiFi, the experience wasn't as bad as expected. The author realized that cruises can be a decent way to travel and relax, but it's not for everyone. The article also touches on the broader societal implications of taking a cruise, such as the impact on the environment and the lives of those working on the ships.

Neuroscience | Your brain does not process information and it is not a computer

This essay explores the misconception that the human brain functions like a computer, highlighting the differences between how brains and computers process information. It argues that the brain does not store or retrieve information in the way computers do, and suggests that the prevalent 'information processing' metaphor in neuroscience is misleading and unhelpful. The essay calls for a new approach to understanding human intelligence that moves beyond this metaphor.

It Was the Most Violent Prison in America. Then the Guards Went on Strike | GQ

In 1973, Walpole State Prison in Massachusetts experienced a significant uprising when the guards went on strike, leaving the prison unsupervised. The prisoners, led by Bobby Dellelo and Ralph Hamm, took control and maintained order for a brief period. However, the calm was short-lived, and state authorities eventually intervened, leading to violence and further unrest. The incident highlighted the dire conditions within the prison and the broader issues of the American penal system during that era.

He Leaked the Secrets of a Southeast Asian Scam Compound. Then He Had to Get Out Alive | WIRED

This article tells the story of a whistleblower, Red Bull, who worked inside a crypto romance scam compound in the Golden Triangle of Southeast Asia. He risked his life to expose the inner workings of the scam, detailing the forced labor, human trafficking, and brutal conditions faced by the workers. Despite facing immense danger, Red Bull managed to leak documents and evidence to a journalist, revealing the scale and operations of the scam industry. His story highlights the global impact of these scams and the need for stronger action against them.

The student behind a phishing empire

This article delves into the story of Ollie Holman, a computer science student who orchestrated a massive phishing operation that led to the theft of £100 million from victims across Europe. Holman's operation, run from a bedroom in Canterbury, involved sophisticated phishing tactics and impacted 69 financial institutions. His arrest and subsequent seven-year prison sentence raise questions about his motives and the factors that led him to commit such a crime.

In the depths of the Cold War, scientists from the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. joined forces to answer a still-urgent question: Can mammals reproduce in space?

In the depths of the Cold War, scientists from the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. collaborated to study whether mammals could reproduce in space, using pregnant rats on the Soviet spacecraft Kosmos 1514. The research, led by Jeffrey Alberts, found that mammalian pregnancies could withstand microgravity, but labor might become more difficult and fetal sensorimotor development could be altered. The findings highlight the need for more research on the effects of space on human pregnancies and the potential for evolution in a new environment.

Who Sets the Doomsday Clock?

This article delves into the workings of the Doomsday Clock, a symbolic representation of humanity's proximity to self-annihilation, set annually by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists. The clock, established in 1947, reflects the collective analysis of a diverse board of scientists and policy experts on global threats such as nuclear weapons, climate change, and disruptive technologies. The article explores the rigorous process behind setting the clock's time, the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of the board members, and the challenges they face in communicating the urgency of these threats to the world. It also touches on the philosophical and ethical dilemmas inherent in such a role, the impact of recent global events on the board's deliberations, and the broader implications of their work for global security and survival.

On Tilt, by Jasper Craven

Jasper Craven's article 'On Tilt' delves into America's burgeoning gambling epidemic, focusing on the rise of online sports betting and its societal implications. Craven explores personal experiences with betting, the addictive nature of gambling, and the potential for increased addiction and suicide rates. He also examines the lack of funding for gambling addiction treatment and awareness, contrasting it with the billions generated from gambling revenue. The article highlights the integration of gambling into sports, the challenges of treating gambling addiction, and the future of gambling technology.

The Mythology Of Conscious AI

This article discusses the mythology of conscious AI, arguing that consciousness is more likely a property of life than of computation. It explores why creating conscious AI is a bad idea, examining the psychological biases that lead us to overestimate the potential for machine consciousness and the ethical implications of such a development. The author challenges the assumption that consciousness can arise from computation alone, suggesting that life and biological processes may be necessary for consciousness. The article emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between simulation and instantiation and warns against the dangers of both actual and perceived conscious AI.

The Curious Cult of Aldi

How plate tectonics revolutionized our understanding of Earth - High Country News

This article from High Country News explores how plate tectonics revolutionized our understanding of Earth, with a focus on the pivotal role of scientist Tanya Atwater. It details how Atwater, a woman in a male-dominated field, became a key figure in the scientific revolution that transformed geology. The article highlights Atwater's contributions to translating oceanic discoveries into terrestrial geological understanding, particularly her work on the San Andreas Fault and the movement of tectonic plates. It underscores the significance of her findings in reshaping the scientific community's view of Earth's dynamic processes.