Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Scott Nolan Smith @scottnolansmith.com · 1d

You've got questions. @nti.org has answers. Breaking down the nuclear themes in "A House of Dynamite," a new film from Kathryn Bigelow, in theaters today and available on Netflix on October 24. www.nti.org/analysis/art...

Breaking Down A House of Dynamite

NTI breaks down the nuclear themes in "A House of Dynamite," a new film from Academy Award-winning director Kathryn Bigelow, opening in theaters October 10, 2025 and available on Netflix on October 24...

www.nti.org

1 1

Reposted by Scott Nolan Smith

Gregory Koblentz @gregkoblentz.bsky.social · 1d

59% of Americans disapprove of RFK Jr.'s moves as health secretary, a new poll says

www.npr.org/sections/sho...

59% of Americans disapprove of RFK Jr.'s moves as health secretary, a new poll says

A new poll shows trust in federal health policies is plummeting, and what — or who — people believe increasingly depends on their politics.

www.npr.org

1 1 1

Reposted by Scott Nolan Smith

Emanuel Maiberg @emanuelmaiberg.bsky.social · 5d

Got a tip recently about how Trump's tariffs are preventing libraries from sharing books, and causing their loaned books to get stuck or lost in other countries: www.404media.co/libraries-ca...

Libraries Can’t Get Their Loaned Books Back Because of Trump’s Tariffs

Libraries have shared their collections internationally for decades. Trump’s tariffs are throwing that system into chaos and can ‘hinder academic progress.’

www.404media.co

1 120 260

Scott Nolan Smith @scottnolansmith.com · 8d

Unlike past global security tech disruptions, today's change is driven more by markets than governments. The future of security depends on science & innovation that outpace the threats. To stay ahead, we need bold partnerships and new approaches. www.nti.org/risky-busine...

Inside the Lab Powering U.S. National Security

Unlike past technological disruptions to global security which were driven by governments, market forces and business dominate today’s global innovation space. This includes working not only with thou...

www.nti.org

Scott Nolan Smith @scottnolansmith.com · 11d

UN launches scientific panel focused on AI risks and opportunities and a new "Global Dialogue" on AI governance www.devex.com/news/un-laun...

UN launches two institutions to govern artificial intelligence

On Thursday, the U.N. launched a "Global Dialogue" and a new scientific panel to guide AI governance and bridge digital divides.

www.devex.com

Scott Nolan Smith @scottnolansmith.com · 15d

Nuclear risks are growing more tangled, yet some policymakers dangerously ignore how deeply connected our world is — and how even a “targeted” nuclear strike could trigger global, cascading consequences. www.nti.org/risky-busine...

What Happens If Nuclear Deterrence Fails?

New research is beginning to reveal how nuclear use could trigger widespread environmental damage, economic disruption, societal upheaval, and global instability. A modern, evidence-based understandin...

www.nti.org

Scott Nolan Smith @scottnolansmith.com · 16d

Trump announced an intention to harness AI to help uphold the international ban on bioweapons. @nti.org supports tech-driven solutions + our report recommends using AI to identify signals of high-risk or illicit activities. But tech alone is not enough. Full statement ⤵️ www.nti.org/news/nti-sup...

NTI Supports Tech-Driven Solutions to Modernize BWC Compliance

At the UN General Assembly President Trump announced his administration’s intention to harness artificial intelligence to help uphold the international ban on biological weapons.

www.nti.org

1 1

Scott Nolan Smith @scottnolansmith.com · 16d

The Pandemic Agreement is a historic step. Yet many low- and middle-income countries face significant challenges. With limited resources, data-driven decisions will be essential to implement the agreement. The Africa Health Security Index has been called "a gamechanger". www.nti.org/risky-busine...

From Agreement to Action: Strengthening Africa’s Health Security Through Data

The Pandemic Agreement is a historic step toward strengthening global systems to prevent, detect, and respond to epidemic and pandemic threats. Yet many low- and middle-income countries face significa...

www.nti.org

1

Reposted by Scott Nolan Smith

Nuclear Threat Initiative @nti.org · 16d

We appreciate storytellers like Kathryn Bigelow and the House of Dynamite team for spotlighting today’s urgent nuclear threats. For the first time in 40 years, the number of nuclear weapons in the world may go up, not down. It doesn’t have to be this way though, change is possible. #AHouseOfDynamite

A HOUSE OF DYNAMITE | Official Trailer | Netflix

YouTube video by Netflix

www.youtube.com

3 7

Scott Nolan Smith @scottnolansmith.com · 22d

National Academies: Climate change is “beyond scientific dispute”. Report confirms “unequivocally” that human emissions are warming the planet. www.politico.com/news/2025/09...

Climate change ‘beyond scientific dispute,’ National Academies report says

The report is a sharp rebuttal to a recent Trump administration's report, and Republicans have already targeted the report as “a blatant partisan act.”

www.politico.com

Scott Nolan Smith @scottnolansmith.com · 22d

“If you don’t move and protect the rights you have, you lose them. And it’s so much harder to reclaim them.” www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...

Americans are ‘deer in the headlights’ in face of Trump assault on free speech, Maria Ressa tells Jon Stewart

Nobel prize winner says US institutions have collapsed much quicker than expected under the Trump administration

www.theguardian.com

Scott Nolan Smith @scottnolansmith.com · 23d

ICYMI - Dr. Kimberly S. Budil, Director of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, joined @nti.org to discuss how emerging tech in computing, biology, space, and advanced manufacturing can reshape U.S. national security science. www.youtube.com/live/Yv_VLr6...

FutureSafe Innovation Forum: A Conversation with Livermore Director Kimberly S. Budil

YouTube video by Nuclear Threat Initiative

www.youtube.com

1 1

Scott Nolan Smith @scottnolansmith.com · 23d

As more embassies open in tech hubs, countries may need 'tech diplomats' to build ties and take advantage of opportunities to advance foreign policy through technology. #DigitalDiplomacy digdipblog.com/2025/09/18/i...

In the Digital World, MFAs Must Change

The digitalization of diplomacy has led to profound changes in MFAs (ministries of foreign affairs) across the world. This change has structural, normative, and practical dimensions. Structurally, …

digdipblog.com

Scott Nolan Smith @scottnolansmith.com · 23d

Advances in biotech from synthetic biology to AI offer huge benefits—but if misused, they could threaten public safety, economic stability, and national security. Fragmented oversight leaves dangerous gaps. @nti.org recommends four practical steps Congress should take. www.nti.org/risky-busine...

Congress Must Act to Secure U.S. Biotechnology

Innovation requires security, and security requires innovation. Congress needs to act decisively to ensure U.S. leadership in biotechnology is paired with governance that keeps its development secure.

www.nti.org

Reposted by Scott Nolan Smith

Emanuel Maiberg @emanuelmaiberg.bsky.social · 25d

A DOJ study showing most domestic terrorism in the US comes from the far right is suddenly missing and replaced with a note saying DOJ is complying with Trump's executive order www.404media.co/doj-deletes-...

DOJ Deletes Study Showing Domestic Terrorists Are Most Often Right Wing

Following Charlie Kirk’s assassination and the Trump administration’s promise to go after the “radical left” a study showing most domestic terrosim is far-right was disappeared.

www.404media.co

7 200 380

Reposted by Scott Nolan Smith

Nuclear Threat Initiative @nti.org · 25d

We are hiring a new Vice President to lead our Global Biological Policy and Programs (NTI | bio) team. This ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills, a strong team player, and have a passion for reducing biological risks.

Learn more and apply. ⤵️

Vice President, Global Biological Policy and Programs (NTI | bio)

www.nti.org

1 2

Scott Nolan Smith @scottnolansmith.com · 26d

“We only need to look back to the [foot and mouth disease] outbreak to see just how consequential an agricultural event can be. Those consequences could be multiplied if the event was deemed as deliberately caused.” — David Stiefel #NatSec #Agriculture inews.co.uk/news/spices-...

Spices, crops and ham sandwiches: How the UK could fall victim to 'agroterrorism'

With tonnes of illegal meat entering the country and hostile states pursuing a campaign of hybrid warfare, Britain is increasingly vulnerable to 'agroterror' attacks, experts warn

inews.co.uk

Scott Nolan Smith @scottnolansmith.com · Sep 11

Join @nti.org on Sept. 17 for a conversation on reshaping U.S. national security science with Dr. Kimberly Budil. RSVP here: www.nti.org/events/futur...

FutureSafe Innovation Forum: Emerging Tech & Nuclear Security—a Conversation with Livermore Director Kimberly S. Budil

Join NTI FutureSafe for a conversation with Kimberly S. Budil, PhD, Director of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, on the nuclear security enterprise—and how we can tailor it for our future.

www.nti.org

1 1

Scott Nolan Smith @scottnolansmith.com · Sep 9

The world’s first Pandemic Agreement is a historic step. Join experts for a virtual discussion to explore data-driven solutions to implementing the agreement. Sept. 18, 9AM EDT. Details: www.nti.org/events/from-...

From Adoption to Action: Data-Driven Solutions for Implementing the Pandemic Agreement

Join hosts NTI, Brown University Pandemic Center, Economist Impact, and Science for Africa Foundation for this important discussion on practical strategies and opportunities for nations to close criti...

www.nti.org

Scott Nolan Smith @scottnolansmith.com · Sep 9

"The bioeconomy’s potential is immense. Realizing it safely will depend on the choices made now. Choices that determine not just how we innovate, but how we safeguard humanity’s future." www.weforum.org/stories/2025...

How to responsibly secure the bioeconomy in the age of AI

Discover why building a secure and equitable bioeconomy requires a shared commitment across regions, sectors and disciplines and responsible use of AI.

www.weforum.org

Scott Nolan Smith @scottnolansmith.com · Sep 9

When a DNA synthesis company receives a request for a sequence not found in nature, decisions are made case by case—creating serious biosecurity risks. A new biodesign metadata standard could help close this biosecurity gap. www.nti.org/risky-busine...

Improving Biosecurity through Metadata Capture

As the capabilities of biological AI tools continue to advance at an accelerating pace, it is vital that DNA synthesis providers and others in the biosecurity space embrace new guardrails to prevent t...

www.nti.org

Scott Nolan Smith @scottnolansmith.com · Sep 4

"The rate at which chatbots are spreading false information doubled in the last year." www.axios.com/2025/09/04/p...

Exclusive: Study finds chatbots are amplifying even more misinformation

The rate at which popular AI services amplify or fail to flag falsehoods has doubled in a year, per NewsGuard.

www.axios.com

Reposted by Scott Nolan Smith

Nuclear Threat Initiative @nti.org · Sep 2

Register now to join NTI FutureSafe for a conversation with Dr. Kimberly S. Budil of the Livermore National Laboratory, on the risks of emerging tech & AI, and the future of the U.S. nuclear arsenal. ⤵️
www.nti.org/events/futur...

FutureSafe Innovation Forum: Emerging Tech & Nuclear Security—a Conversation with Livermore Director Kimberly S. Budil

Join NTI FutureSafe for a conversation with Kimberly S. Budil, PhD, Director of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, on the nuclear security enterprise—and how we can tailor it for our future.

www.nti.org

1 2

Reposted by Scott Nolan Smith

Nuclear Threat Initiative @nti.org · Aug 28

Bioscience and biotechnology are rapidly advancing, creating great opportunities but also risks. Enhanced transparency can help build trust and strengthen global norms against bioweapons development and use.

Learn more in our latest blog post. ⤵️

Strengthening Trust in Bioscience Research & Development

Over the past decade, governments, private industry, and academic institutions have increased their investments in bioscience research and development, yielding global benefits. However, these…

www.nti.org

1 2

Reposted by Scott Nolan Smith

Nuclear Threat Initiative @nti.org · Aug 12

“This is a scientifically unsound decision that we’re making. It’s an abdication of U.S. leadership on the global stage, and it’s not morally defensible,” NTI’s @jaimeyassif.bsky.social on funding cuts to mRNA vaccines.
monocle.com/player/?uuid...

Monocle radio - listen now

monocle.com

1 4