Science, Tech, and Space: A Week of Revelations and Reckonings

This week has been a whirlwind of revelations and reckonings across the realms of science, technology, and space. In the scientific community, a new critique has debunked a claim that trees can sense solar eclipses, casting doubt on the idea that plants possess a level of intelligence previously thought to be exclusive to animals. The original paper, published last year, suggested that spruce trees in Italy's Dolomite mountains synchronized their bioelectrical activity in anticipation of a partial solar eclipse. However, the new critique, published in the journal Trends in Plant Science, outlines several flaws in the original research, including a lack of robust data and a failure to account for alternative explanations. In the world of technology, Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep, Dodge, and Fiat, has announced a major write-down of $26.2 billion as it rethinks its electric vehicle strategy. The move comes as the automotive industry's big bet on rapid electrification begins to unwind. Despite initial optimism, the adoption of electric vehicles has been slower than expected, and Stellantis is not alone in reassessing its approach. The company's decision to "reset" its business and adapt to reality is a significant acknowledgement of the challenges facing the industry. Meanwhile, in the realm of space exploration, lawmakers are considering the future of the International Space Station. A NASA authorization bill, which passed a committee vote this week, includes provisions for the agency to explore options for "storing" the ISS, potentially paving the way for private companies to take over the station's operations. The move is part of a broader effort to commercialize space exploration and reduce the financial burden on NASA. In a more lighthearted development, NASA has partnered with the Jim Henson Company to create a new stage show at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Fraggle Rock: A Space-y Adventure features the beloved Muppets as they explore the wonders of outer space. The show is part of NASA's efforts to promote its deep space exploration plans and inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers. Finally, the European Commission has warned TikTok that its addictive design features may breach the EU's new content rules. The Commission's preliminary findings suggest that TikTok's endlessly scrolling feeds can harm users' physical and mental wellbeing, particularly children and vulnerable groups. The warning marks one of the most advanced tests yet of the EU's Digital Services Act, which requires large online platforms to identify and curb systemic risks linked to their products. As the week draws to a close, it's clear that the realms of science, technology, and space are constantly evolving. From debunking claims of tree intelligence to rethinking electric vehicle strategies, and from exploring the wonders of space to cracking down on addictive design features, there's no shortage of fascinating developments to explore.