James Watson's "The Double Helix" is a controversial bestseller, criticized for racism, sexism, and immaturity. Yet, it's a groundbreaking scientific memoir that reimagined science as a passionate journey, drawing many to the field despite its ethical problems and ongoing debate over its "greatness."
Physicists discovered that shoe squeaks are caused by 'stick-slip' motion, where sole parts briefly stick and slip, creating repetitive wrinkle pulses. This research, using high-speed videos and rubber blocks, explains the sound and suggests tuning sole properties for silent shoes, though ultrasonic pitches might bother pets.
C/2026 A1 (MAPS), a rare Kreutz "sungrazer" comet, will pass near the sun on April 4. It may become visible with a bright tail around April 9 after sunset, but faces the risk of disintegration during its close encounter.
