Tom Howarth
@tomhowarth.bsky.social
Science Journalist 🧪 • Trends Editor | BBC Science Focus • Formerly @newsweek.com & European Southern Observatory • Views are my own
Gas projects in the US pipeline explicitly linked to data centers increased by almost 25X over the past two years, according to new research from Global Energy Monitor.
Building the 'technology of the future' on the back of fossil fuels feels so so dumb...
www.wired.com/story/data-c...
Building the 'technology of the future' on the back of fossil fuels feels so so dumb...
www.wired.com/story/data-c...
www.wired.com
February 3, 2026 at 1:26 PM
Gas projects in the US pipeline explicitly linked to data centers increased by almost 25X over the past two years, according to new research from Global Energy Monitor.
Building the 'technology of the future' on the back of fossil fuels feels so so dumb...
www.wired.com/story/data-c...
Building the 'technology of the future' on the back of fossil fuels feels so so dumb...
www.wired.com/story/data-c...
Quick reminder to anyone unsure. Yes, the US can still have major cold blasts with record low temperatures in a warming climate. 🧪
Here's why:
(image credit: NOAA)
Here's why:
(image credit: NOAA)
January 28, 2026 at 12:09 PM
Quick reminder to anyone unsure. Yes, the US can still have major cold blasts with record low temperatures in a warming climate. 🧪
Here's why:
(image credit: NOAA)
Here's why:
(image credit: NOAA)
A global analysis has found river deltas - some of the most densely populated areas on Earth - are sinking, often faster than sea level rise. 🧪
For those living in deltas, sea ⬆️ or land ⬇️ makes little difference, but it does change what you can do about it...
www.sciencefocus.com/news/deltas-...
For those living in deltas, sea ⬆️ or land ⬇️ makes little difference, but it does change what you can do about it...
www.sciencefocus.com/news/deltas-...
Why sinking cities may now be a bigger climate crisis than rising seas | BBC Science Focus Magazine
A hidden force is causing highly populated river deltas to sink. In many cases, the subsidence is happening faster than the sea is rising
www.sciencefocus.com
January 27, 2026 at 7:54 AM
A global analysis has found river deltas - some of the most densely populated areas on Earth - are sinking, often faster than sea level rise. 🧪
For those living in deltas, sea ⬆️ or land ⬇️ makes little difference, but it does change what you can do about it...
www.sciencefocus.com/news/deltas-...
For those living in deltas, sea ⬆️ or land ⬇️ makes little difference, but it does change what you can do about it...
www.sciencefocus.com/news/deltas-...
Scientists just put 7k sodium atoms into a superposition (quantum effect where something is at different locations at same time).
This raises the possibility of doing the same to viruses or even proteins.
Mind sufficiently blown? Please continue w/ ur day 🧪
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
This raises the possibility of doing the same to viruses or even proteins.
Mind sufficiently blown? Please continue w/ ur day 🧪
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Schrödinger’s cat just got bigger: quantum physicists create largest ever ‘superposition’
Record-breaking experiment shows that a cluster of thousands of atoms can act like a wave as well as a particle.
www.nature.com
January 23, 2026 at 10:36 AM
Scientists just put 7k sodium atoms into a superposition (quantum effect where something is at different locations at same time).
This raises the possibility of doing the same to viruses or even proteins.
Mind sufficiently blown? Please continue w/ ur day 🧪
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
This raises the possibility of doing the same to viruses or even proteins.
Mind sufficiently blown? Please continue w/ ur day 🧪
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
The Environmental Protection Agency, whose core responsibility is to protect human health and the environment, will stop incorporating HUMAN HEALTH when regulating air pollution.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/12/c...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/12/c...
E.P.A. to Stop Considering Lives Saved When Setting Rules on Air Pollution
www.nytimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 9:48 AM
The Environmental Protection Agency, whose core responsibility is to protect human health and the environment, will stop incorporating HUMAN HEALTH when regulating air pollution.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/12/c...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/12/c...
Reposted by Tom Howarth
57 ways of looking at a dying star.
The Alma Observatory tuned in to 57 different molecules pouring out of the star W Hydrae as it spills its guts into space. That material will later get recycled into the next generation of stars and planets.
www.almaobservatory.org/en/press-rel...
The Alma Observatory tuned in to 57 different molecules pouring out of the star W Hydrae as it spills its guts into space. That material will later get recycled into the next generation of stars and planets.
www.almaobservatory.org/en/press-rel...
January 13, 2026 at 5:47 PM
57 ways of looking at a dying star.
The Alma Observatory tuned in to 57 different molecules pouring out of the star W Hydrae as it spills its guts into space. That material will later get recycled into the next generation of stars and planets.
www.almaobservatory.org/en/press-rel...
The Alma Observatory tuned in to 57 different molecules pouring out of the star W Hydrae as it spills its guts into space. That material will later get recycled into the next generation of stars and planets.
www.almaobservatory.org/en/press-rel...
Reposted by Tom Howarth
I've never broken a bone (*knocks on wood*), but I hear it's excruciating. Perhaps its some comfort that the neurons responsible for that pain also help the bone heal? That and more of the best from @science.org and science in this edition of #ScienceAdviser: www.science.org/content/arti... 🧪 🦴
January 13, 2026 at 7:45 PM
I've never broken a bone (*knocks on wood*), but I hear it's excruciating. Perhaps its some comfort that the neurons responsible for that pain also help the bone heal? That and more of the best from @science.org and science in this edition of #ScienceAdviser: www.science.org/content/arti... 🧪 🦴
RIP Mars Sample Return 💔 🧪
www.science.org/content/arti...
www.science.org/content/arti...
NASA’s Mars Sample Return mission is dead
Congress backs Trump administration’s efforts to kill project that would ferry martian rocks to Earth
www.science.org
January 8, 2026 at 11:16 AM
RIP Mars Sample Return 💔 🧪
www.science.org/content/arti...
www.science.org/content/arti...
While the rest of science suffers, AI and quantum research are at least treading water. 🧪
It's an expensive gamble by the administration that I struggle to see paying off
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
It's an expensive gamble by the administration that I struggle to see paying off
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
AI and quantum science take centre stage under Trump — but with little new proposed funding
The US administration is banking on public–private partnerships and an expanded workforce to deliver progress, but critics say that this strategy could be offset by other US policies.
www.nature.com
January 6, 2026 at 11:07 AM
While the rest of science suffers, AI and quantum research are at least treading water. 🧪
It's an expensive gamble by the administration that I struggle to see paying off
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
It's an expensive gamble by the administration that I struggle to see paying off
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
EU's deforestation delayed again, with possibly more delays and legislative changes again this year. 🌳🌲
Is this a lesson for lobbyists to never give up, even after a law is passed? Seems to be working... 😐
trellis.net/article/euro...?
Is this a lesson for lobbyists to never give up, even after a law is passed? Seems to be working... 😐
trellis.net/article/euro...?
Europe’s anti-deforestation law is delayed again. What's to come
The landmark regulation has been simplified — or weakened, depending on whom you ask — with more uncertainty ahead in the new year.
trellis.net
January 5, 2026 at 2:14 PM
EU's deforestation delayed again, with possibly more delays and legislative changes again this year. 🌳🌲
Is this a lesson for lobbyists to never give up, even after a law is passed? Seems to be working... 😐
trellis.net/article/euro...?
Is this a lesson for lobbyists to never give up, even after a law is passed? Seems to be working... 😐
trellis.net/article/euro...?
Always a highlight of my year scrolling through the best science images. 🧪
My personal fav? Has to be that volcano I think. 🌋
Enjoy...
www.nature.com/immersive/d4...
My personal fav? Has to be that volcano I think. 🌋
Enjoy...
www.nature.com/immersive/d4...
The best science images of 2025 — Nature’s picks
The Sun’s fiery surface, a tattooed tardigrade, rare red lightning and more.
www.nature.com
December 22, 2025 at 9:36 AM
Always a highlight of my year scrolling through the best science images. 🧪
My personal fav? Has to be that volcano I think. 🌋
Enjoy...
www.nature.com/immersive/d4...
My personal fav? Has to be that volcano I think. 🌋
Enjoy...
www.nature.com/immersive/d4...
A Scientific Pipeline to the Nobel Prize Fueled by Immigrants
www.nytimes.com
December 17, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Humans (likely Neanderthals) were making fire 350,000 years earlier than we thought. 🔥 🧪
Remnants of an ancient campfire were found in a field in England of all places. 🏴
“The implications are enormous,” said Dr Rob Davis of the British Museum.
www.theguardian.com/science/2025...
Remnants of an ancient campfire were found in a field in England of all places. 🏴
“The implications are enormous,” said Dr Rob Davis of the British Museum.
www.theguardian.com/science/2025...
Humans made fire 350,000 years earlier than previously thought, discovery in Suffolk suggests
Groundbreaking find makes compelling case that humans were lighting fires much earlier than originally believed
www.theguardian.com
December 11, 2025 at 9:39 AM
Humans (likely Neanderthals) were making fire 350,000 years earlier than we thought. 🔥 🧪
Remnants of an ancient campfire were found in a field in England of all places. 🏴
“The implications are enormous,” said Dr Rob Davis of the British Museum.
www.theguardian.com/science/2025...
Remnants of an ancient campfire were found in a field in England of all places. 🏴
“The implications are enormous,” said Dr Rob Davis of the British Museum.
www.theguardian.com/science/2025...
This wasn't on my bingo card for 2025.
Bryan Johnson live-streamed a psilocybin trip this week, with special guests including a set from the DJ Grimes. 🍄
Can't tell whether this is brilliant or totally dystopian...
techcrunch.com/2025/12/02/t...
Bryan Johnson live-streamed a psilocybin trip this week, with special guests including a set from the DJ Grimes. 🍄
Can't tell whether this is brilliant or totally dystopian...
techcrunch.com/2025/12/02/t...
The spectacle of Bryan Johnson and his livestreamed shrooms trip | TechCrunch
Bryan Johnson livestreamed his shrooms trip -- which included both Grimes and Marc Benioff -- as part of his controversial longevity research.
techcrunch.com
December 5, 2025 at 10:57 AM
This wasn't on my bingo card for 2025.
Bryan Johnson live-streamed a psilocybin trip this week, with special guests including a set from the DJ Grimes. 🍄
Can't tell whether this is brilliant or totally dystopian...
techcrunch.com/2025/12/02/t...
Bryan Johnson live-streamed a psilocybin trip this week, with special guests including a set from the DJ Grimes. 🍄
Can't tell whether this is brilliant or totally dystopian...
techcrunch.com/2025/12/02/t...
Reposted by Tom Howarth
A diverse range of mammals once roamed the planet. This changed dramatically with the arrival of humans, who have become the dominant species through our own population, as well as the animals we breed and raise for food.
What is the distribution of the global mammal kingdom today?
What is the distribution of the global mammal kingdom today?
December 1, 2025 at 10:12 AM
A diverse range of mammals once roamed the planet. This changed dramatically with the arrival of humans, who have become the dominant species through our own population, as well as the animals we breed and raise for food.
What is the distribution of the global mammal kingdom today?
What is the distribution of the global mammal kingdom today?
A controversial study has claimed to have caught a glimpse of dark matter... Yes, actual dark matter! 🧪 ⚛️
“It would mark the first time humanity has ‘seen’ dark matter,” the study's author said.
Yet, others say it’s far from the definitive answer... here's why:
www.sciencefocus.com/news/dark-ma...
“It would mark the first time humanity has ‘seen’ dark matter,” the study's author said.
Yet, others say it’s far from the definitive answer... here's why:
www.sciencefocus.com/news/dark-ma...
A mysterious glow surrounding the Milky Way could be first evidence of dark matter | BBC Science Focus Magazine
The hunt for the Universe’s most enigmatic material may be over
www.sciencefocus.com
December 1, 2025 at 10:37 AM
A controversial study has claimed to have caught a glimpse of dark matter... Yes, actual dark matter! 🧪 ⚛️
“It would mark the first time humanity has ‘seen’ dark matter,” the study's author said.
Yet, others say it’s far from the definitive answer... here's why:
www.sciencefocus.com/news/dark-ma...
“It would mark the first time humanity has ‘seen’ dark matter,” the study's author said.
Yet, others say it’s far from the definitive answer... here's why:
www.sciencefocus.com/news/dark-ma...
Sentinel-6B officially launched yesterday. 🛰️ 🧪
The remarkable satellite will be our eyes on the oceans in the coming years.
Couldn't have launched at a more pertinent time, given COP is ongoing. 🌏
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTmI...
The remarkable satellite will be our eyes on the oceans in the coming years.
Couldn't have launched at a more pertinent time, given COP is ongoing. 🌏
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTmI...
Sentinel-6B: Extending the Legacy (Mission Overview)
YouTube video by NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
www.youtube.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Sentinel-6B officially launched yesterday. 🛰️ 🧪
The remarkable satellite will be our eyes on the oceans in the coming years.
Couldn't have launched at a more pertinent time, given COP is ongoing. 🌏
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTmI...
The remarkable satellite will be our eyes on the oceans in the coming years.
Couldn't have launched at a more pertinent time, given COP is ongoing. 🌏
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTmI...
Reposted by Tom Howarth
Flying Squirrel Loves It Every Time
November 5, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Flying Squirrel Loves It Every Time
A 'superflare' 10 trillion X brighter than the Sun has been confirmed as the most luminous burst of light ever from a black hole. 🧪 ⚛️
What caused such an outburst?
Astronomers think a star, >30X the Sun's mass, was being gobbled up by the BH. ⚫
A light snack?
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
What caused such an outburst?
Astronomers think a star, >30X the Sun's mass, was being gobbled up by the BH. ⚫
A light snack?
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Biggest black-hole outburst ever seen records death throes of a star
A ‘superflare’ 10 trillion times brighter than the Sun is confirmed as the record-holder for luminosity.
www.nature.com
November 6, 2025 at 9:24 AM
A 'superflare' 10 trillion X brighter than the Sun has been confirmed as the most luminous burst of light ever from a black hole. 🧪 ⚛️
What caused such an outburst?
Astronomers think a star, >30X the Sun's mass, was being gobbled up by the BH. ⚫
A light snack?
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
What caused such an outburst?
Astronomers think a star, >30X the Sun's mass, was being gobbled up by the BH. ⚫
A light snack?
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
My conversation with Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales. 🎙️
Fascinating time to talk trust, truth and the future of the internet's biggest bank of knowledge.
www.sciencefocus.com/future-techn...
Fascinating time to talk trust, truth and the future of the internet's biggest bank of knowledge.
www.sciencefocus.com/future-techn...
Elon Musk? AI? ‘Crazy left-wing activists’? The man who built Wikipedia explains its biggest threats | BBC Science Focus Magazine
25 years and millions of articles later, Wikipedia is the biggest bank of human knowledge on the web. But what does the future hold for it?
www.sciencefocus.com
November 5, 2025 at 2:41 PM
My conversation with Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales. 🎙️
Fascinating time to talk trust, truth and the future of the internet's biggest bank of knowledge.
www.sciencefocus.com/future-techn...
Fascinating time to talk trust, truth and the future of the internet's biggest bank of knowledge.
www.sciencefocus.com/future-techn...
Feels like a really low-energy build-up to COP this year. Is anyone excited or hopeful about what can be achieved? 🌎
November 3, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Feels like a really low-energy build-up to COP this year. Is anyone excited or hopeful about what can be achieved? 🌎
Wondering how Melissa became such a beast? This explains it perfectly. 🧪 🌀
(hint: it's climate change dummy)
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/29/o...
(hint: it's climate change dummy)
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/29/o...
Opinion | Hurricane Melissa Maxed Out What Scientists Thought Was Possible
www.nytimes.com
October 31, 2025 at 9:18 AM
Wondering how Melissa became such a beast? This explains it perfectly. 🧪 🌀
(hint: it's climate change dummy)
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/29/o...
(hint: it's climate change dummy)
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/29/o...
🦇 🎃🦇 🎃🦇 🎃
Right in time for #Halloween 🎃
Our VST has spotted a spooky bat flying over Paranal. But fear not, it's located 10,000 light-years away.
This "cosmic bat" is in fact a large cloud of gas. Let's fly through it in this video...if you dare! 🦇
Read more: https://www.eso.org/public/news/eso2518/
🔭 🧪
Our VST has spotted a spooky bat flying over Paranal. But fear not, it's located 10,000 light-years away.
This "cosmic bat" is in fact a large cloud of gas. Let's fly through it in this video...if you dare! 🦇
Read more: https://www.eso.org/public/news/eso2518/
🔭 🧪
October 31, 2025 at 9:12 AM
🦇 🎃🦇 🎃🦇 🎃