Weekly Filet #89: The Rise of Antiscience. And more.
This week's top recommendation
There is a truism by American astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson: «The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it.» Those who tend not to believe (at least not in science) are on the rise. It has become fashionable again, especially from the political right, to discredit academics and degrade scientific findings to one point of view among many. This strong essay argues how «antiscience» poses a big threat to American democracy. Of course, we needn't look to the US to see «antiscience» in action.
→ America's Science Problem (Scientific American)
Further recommendations
A close look at the US airbase in Djibouti, the main hub for their drone killing operations. Drones, by the way, that are not only remotely controlled, but sometimes act all by themselves. Software problems.
→ Remote U.S. base at core of secret operations (The Washington Post)
A mind-boggling optical illusion. Whichever of the two skyscrapers in the image you focus on, seems to be the one in front.
→ Egypt: the building I thought was in front is actually behind the other one. (Imgur)
Having a bad day? Here's your emergency compliment.
→ Emergency Compliment
A brilliant longread about the arbitrary system that locks prisoners away from all social interaction, some for years, even decades.
→ Solitary in Iran Nearly Broke Me. Then I Went Inside America's Prisons. (Mother Jones)