Exploring the Latest Discoveries and Developments
The realm of science and world affairs is constantly evolving, with intriguing studies and events shaping our understanding of the world. Here, we delve into recent notable findings and occurrences that highlight the complexities of our natural world, societal changes, and political dynamics.
Kangaroos adjust their posture to conserve energy when hopping at high speeds, a recent study reveals PhysOrg. Could this be a contender for an IgNobel prize?
A study indicates that pumas in Patagonia have begun preying on penguins, but their behavior is becoming increasingly peculiar Live Science (resilc).
Drones are now able to detect a lethal virus in the breath of Arctic whales BBC (resilc).
Wow! Aerial view of Mt. Kilimanjaro 😍
📹 eric.thimba (IG) pic.twitter.com/P3JgLKx6i2
— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) December 19, 2025
A new study finds that most highly achieving adults were not elite specialists in their youth Wall Street Journal (resilc).
#COVID-19/Pandemics
New research indicates that a COVID infection can significantly impact a man’s future children…
A recent study suggests that a father’s COVID-19 infection could affect the mental health of his children later on.
Researchers at the Florey Institute… pic.twitter.com/kEYYUAJxxV
— Shining Science (@ShiningScience) December 19, 2025
Concerns rise as a new H3N2 influenza strain threatens this flu season JAMA.
The U.S. is currently experiencing:
a 30-year high in measles cases and a 10-year high in whooping cough.
Once rare due to effective vaccination, these diseases are now more prevalent. pic.twitter.com/eAhDKMejdB
— Dr. Catharine Young (@DrCatharineY) December 19, 2025
Climate/Environment
The complexities surrounding the term ‘degrowth’ Rebelion via machine translation (Micael T). There is an undeniable sanctimoniousness about its negative connotations. Sacrifice is inevitable; the challenge lies in mitigating harm rather than allowing chaos to reign.
A detailed analysis of how climate breakdown endangers global food security Guardian.
Warmer ocean currents are increasingly destabilizing ice sheets, accelerating their retreat PhysOrg.
Hydrogen emissions are exacerbating the warming effects of methane Carbon Brief.
Drought and heavy rainfall are significant climate threats to Mediterranean bird species CREAF.
Poland is slowing down green initiatives to maintain coal reliance, analysts assert Montel News.
China?
China is now generating twice as much electricity as the USA: How will this affect the technological race? CNA Insider, YouTube.
China’s Increasing Long-term Debt Burden Affects Market Stability Bloomberg.
China’s US Treasury holdings are at their lowest since 2008, raising concerns over the debt ceiling South China Morning Post.
China’s satellite has reportedly targeted Starlink using a low-powered laser from 36,000 kilometers in space India Defence Review (resilc).
Africa
In Senegal, climate change exacerbates existing conflicts between farmers and herders Independent.
European Disunion
Farmers protesting the Mercosur trade deal have blocked roads in Brussels Aljazeera.
The German government plans to borrow over $600 billion next year Anadolu Agency.
🚨 BREAKING: VILNIUS ERUPTS 🇱🇹🔥
THOUSANDS IN THE STREETS — “THIS IS NO LONGER DEMOCRACY”The city of Vilnius is witnessing political unrest.
Thousands of Lithuanians are rallying, accusing their leaders of selling out…
— Slavic Networks (@SlavicNetworks) December 19, 2025
Old Blighty
A review states that food production is no longer profitable for English farmers Financial Times.
Israel vs. The Resistance
I was in the clinic on the first morning of the cold wave; it was the kind of cold that digs deeper than the skin. A journalist had contacted me earlier about the weather’s effects on patients. I considered his message and…
— Dr. Ezzideen (@ezzingaza) December 13, 2025
🚨UN agencies and over 200 international and local NGOs in Palestine have expressed concerns that Israel’s new registration rules for international aid organizations could jeopardize life-saving humanitarian efforts in Gaza amidst severe winter conditions
— Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) December 18, 2025
Palestinian prisoners are sharing their experiences of abuse in Israeli jails Middle East Eye.
New Not-So-Cold War
A disaster summit for Merz and von der Leyen Nachdenkseiten via machine translation. Micael T: “This was not a disaster but a success for them; they secured an additional €90 billion, resulting in further impoverishment of the EU populace.”
An attempted robbery has led to the humiliation of European bureaucracy Vzgylad via machine translation. Micael T: “You can only be humiliated if you possess dignity and pride, which the EU leaders lack.”
The EU experiences significant embarrassment under Merz and UVLD Oliver Boyd-Barrett.
Is NATO facing its own 1937 moment? Andrew Mongaghan.
Delays in Russia’s oil exports as tankers are forced to take a longer route OilPrice.
Merz is considering allowing the BND to conduct sabotage operations outside Germany Top War (Micael T).
Putin declares no more wars if the West respects Russia BBC (resilc).
Putin firmly outlines Russia’s demands to bring an end to the Ukraine conflict Larry Johnson.
Big Brother is Watching You Watch
BUMPY RIDE: The TSA will implement a $45 charge for travelers at security checkpoints who arrive without an acceptable form of ID — including a REAL ID or passport.
This policy will take effect on February 1, 2026, and is nonrefundable. pic.twitter.com/PcBHiDZOwO
— Fox News (@FoxNews) December 1, 2025
Imperial Collapse Watch
Is a future war imminent? Julian Macfarlane.
Critique of drone strikes under both Trump and Obama administrations New York Times.
Trump 2.0
Saagar NEAR TEARS Over Trump’s White House DESECRATION Breaking Points, YouTube. It’s worth a watch.
The Kennedy Center has unveiled new signage bearing Trump’s name CNN.
Nine leading pharmaceutical companies have struck deals with Trump to reduce drug prices CNBC (Kevin W).
Exclusive: Lawyer for military joint chiefs advises that officers should resign if given unlawful orders CNN (resilc).
Immigration
Magaziner effectively challenges Kristi Noem on the deportation of veterans and families Egberto Willies. A compelling video!
Noise machines set up by LA Home Depot create distress for day laborers, advocates claim Guardian (resilc).
The Trump Administration is attempting to restrict certain immigrants from driving trucks New York Times.
Mamdani
Mamdani’s appointee steps down following resurfaced antisemitic comments from a decade ago New York Times. This piece has been published outside the paywall.
Our No Longer Free Press
The resurgence of European fascism and its implications Michael Basta (resilc).
TikTok’s new leadership Oligarch Watch.
Congress introduces resolutions opposing the influence of EU and UK online censorship laws on U.S. free speech Reclaim the Net.
The U.S. plans to compensate wildfire fighters suffering from cancer with $450,000 New York Times (resilc).
CalPERS’ $60 billion investment in climate solutions lacks environmental standards and transparency CalMatters (Joseph R).
L’affaire Epstein
Massie criticizes the DOJ for its insufficient Epstein file release The Hill.
Economy
Experts warn of deeper uncertainties looming over the global economy New York Times.
Mr. Market is High
Look around: bubbles are forming everywhere Bloomberg.
As noted frequently, quantitative easing was intended as a means to increase real estate and security values, achieving its goal:
It became a 17-year illusion fueled by QE and zero rates. Rather than taking corrective action and holding unscrupulous bankers accountable, we opted for this path. Now, many believe they are experts while fully invested in the market.
It’s all part of an elaborate ruse https://t.co/mvMHHzqrih
— QE Infinity (@StealthQE4) December 17, 2025
Emerging G7 recession raises the search for actual yields Reuters.
AI
AI hackers are nearing the capability to outsmart humans Wall Street Journal (resilc).
Water levels in the Great Lakes are declining as U.S. data centers establish operations there Guardian.
The Bezzle
A crashing Bitcoin might be good news for everyday individuals, according to an economist Futurism.
Guillotine Watch
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez are awarding $5 million to a leader in neurodiversity education Associated Press (resilc). This is an inadequate gesture; a serious commitment would involve greater funding for research or significant projects.
Class Warfare
Jane Austen’s insights into the economic foundations of society Economist (Dr. Kevin).
Antidote du jour (via):
And a bonus:
The intricacies of trading… 😅 pic.twitter.com/ItZsa831kW
— Buitengebieden (@buitengebieden) December 19, 2025
And a secondary bonus:
Juvenile peregrine falcons surprised by a butterfly.pic.twitter.com/SA1TUMwfD1
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) December 19, 2025
Additionally, here’s a noteworthy image from resilc in Nice:
For further insights, see yesterday’s Links and Antidote du Jour here.
