## How Jeffrey Epstein Used Elite Scientists to Rebuild His Public Image

A 2006 gathering of elite physicists in the U.S. Virgin Islands offers a revealing window into how convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein systematically cultivated relationships with some of the world's most celebrated scientific minds — using his wealth as the ultimate calling card.

### A Submarine Ride and a Star-Studded Conference

Nearly 100 feet beneath the turquoise Caribbean waters, the late Stephen Hawking peered through a submarine porthole at coral reefs and tropical fish in March 2006. Strapped securely in his wheelchair and accompanied by a nurse, the legendary astrophysicist was experiencing his first-ever underwater journey — made possible entirely through Epstein's financing.

The submarine excursion served as the grand finale to an invitation-only week-long conference that Epstein funded, drawing approximately 20 of the planet's foremost physicists to the Virgin Islands. Among the attendees were three sitting Nobel laureates and three additional scientists who would later claim the prestigious honor.

Getting Hawking aboard the submarine — chartered from a private tour company — was no small feat. A winch system was carefully deployed to lower him in his wheelchair through the vessel's main hatch. Theoretical physicist Lawrence Krauss, who organized the event, even donned scuba gear and dove underwater just to wave at Hawking through the porthole. "I was just so happy because he'd never been underwater," Krauss later recalled.

In a 2017 text message exchange, Epstein reflected on the moment with characteristic irreverence, claiming he had improvised a solution to secure Hawking in the submarine for what he described as "great fun."

### The "Confronting Gravity" Conference

The event, titled "Confronting Gravity," was officially promoted as a forum for exploring fundamental questions in physics and cosmology. Marketing materials described it as an opportunity for participants to engage in serious scientific discourse while also relaxing on the beach and visiting Epstein's nearby private island.

Krauss, who was then affiliated with Case Western Reserve University, organized the gathering and pitched it in advance emails as a small, exclusive, all-expenses-paid workshop. To attract top-tier talent, he strategically name-dropped high-profile invitees, including Hawking, Nobel Prize-winning physicists David Gross and Frank Wilczek, 1999 Nobel laureate Gerard 't Hooft, and Kip Thorne, who would later claim the Nobel Prize in 2017.

"To get good people, you've got to have a hook," Krauss acknowledged.

The strategy paid off. MIT physicist Alan Guth, who first proposed the groundbreaking theory of cosmic inflation, attended and described it as a legitimate and impressive gathering. "It included many of the big names in cosmology and gravitational theory at the time," he told NPR.

Attendees stayed at the upscale Ritz-Carlton in St. Thomas, where daily sessions explored cutting-edge topics such as gravitational wave physics — a subject that would later become central to the field. Several scientists also participated in a public lecture at a nearby college.

Epstein himself viewed the conference as a personal milestone, reportedly listing it among his top five professional achievements. Speaking to a local publication at the time, he took full credit for assembling the group. "They say Newton discovered it but no one knows what it is," he said of gravity, adding, "There is no agenda except fun and physics, and that's fun with a capital 'F'."

### Building a Scientific Network Through Philanthropy

The Virgin Islands conference was far from an isolated event. It was part of a broader, calculated strategy by Epstein to embed himself in elite scientific circles through generous funding. His interests ranged widely — from theoretical physics and evolutionary biology to computer science — and he bankrolled conferences, research initiatives, and individual scientists across multiple disciplines.

"Jeffrey was interested in interesting people," Krauss told NPR, describing Epstein's motivations.

Krauss himself maintained a relationship with Epstein spanning nearly 15 years. He later led the Origins Project at Arizona State University, which received partial funding from Epstein, before retiring from ASU in 2019 following multiple sexual misconduct allegations. Krauss has consistently denied those allegations.

### The Fallout Reaches Science's Upper Echelons

The revelations surrounding Epstein's connections have sent shockwaves through the scientific community, much as they have through politics and the arts. At Harvard University alone, genomics pioneer George Church, physicist Lisa Randall, and mathematics and biology professor Martin Nowak have all faced intense public scrutiny over their associations with Epstein. NPR reached out to all three for comment but received no response.

The repercussions have extended well beyond Cambridge. Nobel Prize-winning molecular biologist Richard Axel stepped down as co-director of Columbia University's Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, while Yale computer science professor David Gelernter was suspended from teaching duties pending a university review of his conduct.

Perhaps most strikingly, even after Epstein entered a guilty plea in 2008 for soliciting prostitution and procuring a minor for prostitution, a number of scientists and academics continued to accept his support or maintain communication with him — in some cases right up until his 2019 arrest on federal sex-trafficking charges.

### Scientists Recall Epstein's Low Profile

Interestingly, several attendees of the 2006 conference recall Epstein as a largely invisible presence during the event itself. MIT's Alan Guth and Princeton University's Jim Peebles — who would receive the Nobel Prize in physics in 2019 — both noted that Epstein barely registered on their radar during the week.

"As far as I'm aware, although I was never thinking of it, Epstein was never in my eyesight at any time during the conference," Peebles recalled.

For the scientists involved, the conference appeared to be a legitimate and intellectually stimulating event set against an unusually scenic backdrop. "It was a little more exotic, a little more colorful, a little more natural beauty than just sitting in a restaurant in a hotel," Guth reflected — an assessment that, in hindsight, takes on a far more troubling dimension.

Jeffrey Epstein funded elite science conferences and forged ties with Nobel laureates, including Stephen Hawking, to rehabilitate his public image.

How Epstein Used Nobel Scientists to Rebuild His Image

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How Jeffrey Epstein Leveraged Nobel-Winning Scientists to Rehabilitate His Reputation

## Private Space Firms Keep Artemis Dream Alive Amid NASA Shake-Up

It started as an ordinary Friday morning at the Colorado offices of space startup Lunar Outpost. Then CEO Justin Cyrus learned that NASA's newly appointed administrator, Jared Isaacman, had called an unscheduled press conference — and everything changed.

Cyrus runs one of the many private contractors quietly but critically supporting NASA's Artemis program, the ambitious initiative aimed at returning humans to the lunar surface for the first time since 1972. So whatever Isaacman had to say, it mattered.

What he hadn't anticipated was a sweeping restructuring of NASA's entire lunar landing strategy. The agency announced it was shifting its first crewed moon landing to Artemis IV, now targeting a 2028 launch — a significant revision driven by technical setbacks, ballooning costs, and mounting pressure to streamline its approach.

## A Stunning Announcement With Far-Reaching Consequences

The Artemis program has long been shadowed by delays and budget overruns stretching into the billions. Critics have argued NASA was attempting too much simultaneously, and the agency's latest announcement acknowledged as much, triggering widespread questions among its commercial partners about what comes next.

Yet for Cyrus, the news carried an unexpected silver lining.

Assuming no further delays, Lunar Outpost's Mobile Autonomous Prospecting Platform — known as Mapp — will now travel alongside the Artemis IV astronauts. The compact, technology-dense rover was designed specifically to scout the lunar surface and lay vital groundwork for long-term human habitation on the moon.

"Humans will be back on the moon for the first time in over 50 years, and one of our rovers will be right there alongside them," Cyrus said. "For us, selfishly, that's a pretty exciting prospect."

He added that NASA's revised plan, which promises higher mission frequency and a more focused roadmap, ultimately benefits companies like his. "It's fantastic that NASA has concrete plans on how they can accelerate things. Rovers and robotic systems are critical to permanence on the moon — and with Mapp, we are full steam ahead."

## A Startup Built for the New Space Age

Founded in 2017 by Cyrus — an aerospace industry veteran — and two colleagues, Lunar Outpost has grown into a compelling example of the evolving public-private partnership model reshaping modern space exploration.

The company's portfolio includes several rover designs of varying size and capability, developed for NASA missions to both the moon and, eventually, Mars. Its flagship project, the Eagle Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV), has been described as the most capable crewed and cargo transport ever built for human spaceflight. A full-scale prototype drew significant attention at Kennedy Space Center's visitor center last year.

### A Rocky Start for Mapp

Despite the company's momentum, Mapp's journey to this point has been far from smooth.

The rover was originally scheduled to analyze dust and soil near the moon's south pole last year, providing critical data for a potential lunar base. In March, it did reach the moon aboard Intuitive Machines' Athena lander — making history as the first commercial exploration rover to touch down on the lunar surface.

But the mission ended in frustration. The Athena lander toppled during landing, trapping Mapp inside. The rover transmitted fully operational signals back to Lunar Outpost's headquarters in Golden, Colorado, but was physically unable to deploy as its batteries gradually drained.

"It got to the moon, it survived the tough landing, and unfortunately, we just couldn't get it out of the garage," Cyrus said. "It makes it hurt just a little bit worse."

For the more than 200 employees who had spent years building and testing the rover, it was a deeply difficult moment — one the company has since channeled into renewed determination.

## Eyes Forward: Hardware Ready, Team Focused

Since the failed deployment, the Lunar Outpost team has worked methodically to prepare Mapp for its next opportunity. Progress continues across the broader company as well, including development of power generation systems, oxygen-producing technology for space habitation, and robotic arm systems designed to assist in moon base construction.

Crucially, Cyrus says the team has learned to maintain focus in an industry defined by constant change.

"If my workforce is watching what's going on each and every day, worrying about how it's going to impact their schedules, they wouldn't be getting much done," he said. "We have a pretty positive working relationship with constant change. It sounds a little weird, but you just kind of get accustomed to it."

That doesn't mean leadership ignores major developments. On announcement days like the recent one, Cyrus still addresses his team directly. "I still have to go talk to them — 'Hey, guys, this is good, this is a positive thing.'" But the underlying culture, he says, is one of steady, heads-down progress.

## Five Moon Missions and Counting

Looking ahead, Lunar Outpost's pipeline is substantial. The company has five lunar missions already confirmed, with a potential Artemis-related announcement regarding the Eagle LTV expected within weeks.

"It's a step-by-step vision over the next five years," Cyrus said. "I think it's going to be fun. In fact, I think it's going to be an absolute blast."

As NASA recalibrates its lunar ambitions, companies like Lunar Outpost represent the resilient, innovative backbone of the new space economy — proof that the partnership between government space agencies and private enterprise is not only viable, but essential to humanity's return to the moon.

NASA reshapes its Artemis lunar strategy, but private contractors like Lunar Outpost are pressing ahead with rovers and tech for a 2028 moon landing.

NASA Artemis Contractors Push Forward With Lunar Plans

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NASA's Artemis Contractors Push Forward as the Agency Reshapes Its Lunar Return Strategy

## Scientists Lift the Veil on Britain's Caribbean Deep-Sea Mysteries

For generations, the deep waters surrounding Britain's Caribbean island territories have remained largely unexplored and poorly understood. That has now changed dramatically. A landmark scientific expedition has brought back breathtaking evidence of underwater mountain ranges, colossal sinkholes, pristine coral ecosystems, and marine species that have never before been documented by science.

### A Historic Voyage Into the Unknown

Operating around the clock for six consecutive weeks aboard the British research vessel RRS James Cook, a team of scientists pushed their equipment to its limits — capturing footage and data at depths reaching 6,000 meters (approximately 19,700 feet). Their mission took them through the waters surrounding the Cayman Islands, Anguilla, and Turks and Caicos.

Navigating these waters presented its own serious challenges. Researchers were forced to depend on outdated maps riddled with inaccuracies and conspicuous gaps. Despite these obstacles, the team pressed forward, and the results have astonished even the most experienced marine scientists.

The UK Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) partnered exclusively with BBC News to share the expedition's footage and findings with the public.

### Creatures That Science Had Never Recorded

Among the expedition's most exciting revelations was the discovery of marine life previously unknown to science. A swimming sea cucumber was observed but has yet to be formally identified. The team also documented a pelican eel equipped with a luminescent pink tail that flashes red to attract prey, a barreleye fish whose tubular eyes point skyward to detect the silhouettes of passing food, and a dragonfish bearing a glowing lure beneath its chin.

In total, researchers catalogued nearly 14,000 individual specimens representing approximately 290 distinct marine species — though further scientific analysis will be required to validate all findings.

"Just yesterday we found a kind of swimming sea cucumber, and we still don't know what it is," said Dr. James Bell, who led the expedition. "The diversity we've encountered is really, really astonishing."

The Cayman Islands, Anguilla, and Turks and Caicos are already home to 146 species found nowhere else on Earth, and this expedition is expected to expand that list considerably.

### An Underwater Mountain Teeming With Life

One of the expedition's most dramatic moments came while navigating an uncharted underwater mountain known as Pickle Bank, located north of Little Cayman island. Rising from a depth of approximately 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) to just 20 meters (65 feet) below the ocean surface, the seamount posed genuine navigational risks.

"We're not sure how close to it we are. It's quite difficult to map it without running the risk of running aground," Dr. Bell noted as the ship carefully traced the mountain's outline.

Camera footage captured a vivid scene — a mountainside blazing with color, featuring golden towers of coral alongside brain-shaped coral formations, gorgonian whip coral sheltering darting fish, orange sea sponges, and ancient black coral. Researchers identified this site as one of the healthiest and most biologically diverse reefs in the entire Caribbean region.

Critically, the reef shows no signs of stony coral tissue loss disease, a condition that has devastated reefs throughout the Caribbean. Scientists believe the reef's depth and the mountain's steep topography have effectively shielded it from both disease and the ocean warming driven by climate change — conditions that have damaged an estimated 80% of the world's coral systems since 2023.

### Mapping the Ocean Floor — A Monumental Task

Using deep-sea cameras and echo-sounding equipment deployed from the ship, the team successfully mapped nearly 25,000 square kilometers (9,700 square miles) of ocean floor and captured more than 20,000 photographs, including images of glowing lanternfish and otherworldly cephalopods.

Dr. Bell offered a sobering comparison to underscore how little humanity knows about its own oceans: "We know the surface of Mars or the Moon better than we know the surface of our own planet. You can send a satellite around them and map them in a matter of weeks. We can't do that for our ocean. We have to map it bit by bit using acoustic instruments on ships."

### A Towering Ridge and a Massive Blue Hole Discovered

In the waters off Turks and Caicos, researchers uncovered two extraordinary geological features that had never appeared on any existing nautical charts.

The first was a vast mountain ridge — 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) high and stretching 70 kilometers (45 miles) along the seabed west of Gentry Bank. This enormous underwater formation had been entirely absent from official sea maps.

The second discovery was equally dramatic: a massive vertical sinkhole, or blue hole, located approximately 75 kilometers south of Grand Turk Bank. Formed when an ancient underwater cave collapsed, the structure measures roughly 300 meters (980 feet) wide and plunges to 550 meters (1,800 feet) below sea level.

"Imagine taking an ice cream scoop out of the sea floor — that's what we saw," said Dr. Bell. Scientists believe its steep walls may make it the deepest blue hole in the Caribbean, potentially rivalling Belize's world-famous Great Blue Hole.

While blue holes are typically devoid of life due to oxygen-poor conditions, cameras lowered into this newly found sinkhole revealed small sponges, a species of large spatangoid urchin, and a variety of fish — suggesting this particular formation may support more life than expected.

### Ancient Coral and Hidden Reefs Off Anguilla

North of Anguilla, the research team followed up on long-standing local rumors circulated among fishermen who had occasionally hauled up coral fragments in their nets. Investigating these accounts, scientists confirmed the existence of a 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) reef adorned with vibrant coral mosaics set within expansive sponge gardens.

Perhaps most remarkably, the team discovered black coral specimens believed to be thousands of years old — placing them among the most ancient coral ever recorded anywhere on the planet.

"It tells us that these environments are really pristine and healthy," Dr. Bell said.

### Racing to Protect What Has Been Found

The significance of these discoveries extends well beyond scientific curiosity. The UK government shares responsibility for protecting nature in its Overseas Territories, and up to 90% of Britain's unique biodiversity is found in regions like these. Scientists are now calling for urgent action to safeguard these environments from the mounting threats of climate change and ocean pollution.

Deep-water and mesophotic reefs — those situated beyond the reach of recreational diving — are of particular scientific interest because steep underwater terrain can channel nutrient-rich water toward the surface, creating productive ecosystems that support diverse marine life and serve as crucial feeding grounds.

"This is the first step into environments people have never seen, and in some cases didn't know existed," Dr. Bell concluded. With the ocean still largely uncharted, the expedition serves as a powerful reminder that Earth's greatest unexplored frontier may not be in outer space — but right here, beneath the waves.

Scientists discover underwater mountains, ancient coral, a massive blue hole, and never-before-seen sea creatures in Britain's Caribbean territories.

Deep-Sea Expedition Reveals Hidden Caribbean Wonders

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Extraordinary Deep-Sea Expedition Uncovers Hidden Worlds Beneath the Caribbean

## Bristol Water Embraces Ancient Hedge Laying to Restore Wildlife Habitats

In a remarkable blend of historical craftsmanship and modern conservation, Bristol Water has launched an ambitious biodiversity initiative at Blagdon Lake — a 440-acre reservoir and trout fishery nestled within the Mendip Hills of Somerset. The project draws on the centuries-old practice of hedge laying to restore and enrich the natural ecosystems surrounding this ecologically significant site.

### What Is Hedge Laying and Why Does It Matter?

Hedge laying is a traditional rural craft that involves carefully trimming the base stems of hedgerow plants and repositioning them horizontally along the hedgerow line. Far from simply being a decorative practice, this technique serves a deeply functional ecological purpose. By allowing sunlight to penetrate the lower sections of hedgerows, it encourages thick, upward regrowth — creating dense, layered habitats that offer vital shelter and nesting opportunities for a wide range of species.

In contrast, conventional hedge maintenance, which often relies on heavy mechanical cutting equipment, frequently strips hedgerows of their density, leaving behind sparse, unstructured growth that offers little protection or habitat value for local wildlife.

### A Site of Special Scientific Interest Gets a New Lease of Life

Blagdon Lake holds the designation of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), making the careful management of its surrounding landscape a matter of genuine national importance. Bristol Water's decision to adopt hedge laying as part of its land stewardship strategy reflects a growing recognition that sustainable, nature-friendly practices must take precedence over convenience.

To date, approximately 1,800 metres of hedgerow have been carefully laid by the specialist team. However, work will be paused during the bird nesting season to ensure that no disturbance is caused to nesting species or other vulnerable wildlife — a thoughtful concession that underscores the project's commitment to responsible conservation.

### The Expert Behind the Initiative

Leading the hedge laying team is Mike Reed, a seasoned specialist in the craft. Reed has spoken passionately about the urgency of the project, highlighting the precarious state of many familiar British species.

*"So many of our farmland and countryside birds are endangered, as are hedgehogs, so creating these spaces for them to live and nest in is more important than ever,"* he explained.

Reed also expressed pride in the cultural dimension of the work, noting that hedge laying carries a strong local tradition and that he relishes the opportunity to pass the skill on to a new generation of practitioners through this collaborative project.

### A Two-Year Transformation in the Making

The full project is expected to span two years, during which time ecologists and conservationists anticipate a meaningful return of wildlife to the area. The revitalised hedgerows are expected to provide critical winter cover for birds, hedgehogs, and insects — species that have seen significant population pressures in recent decades due to habitat loss.

Simon Hughes, Treescape Officer at Bristol Water, expressed enthusiasm for what lies ahead: *"It won't be long before we will start to see a complete transformation in the hedgerows, and it's exciting for all of us at Bristol Water to be a part of creating this significant and important change."*

### A Model for Conservation-Led Land Management

This initiative signals a broader shift in how water companies and land managers might approach their environmental responsibilities. By investing in proven, traditional methods rather than relying solely on modern machinery, Bristol Water is setting a compelling example of how heritage techniques can deliver powerful, lasting results for both biodiversity and community wellbeing.

As pressure on British wildlife continues to mount, projects like this offer a hopeful reminder that sometimes, the most effective solutions are those that have been quietly perfected over generations.

Bristol Water uses centuries-old hedge laying techniques to restore wildlife habitats at Blagdon Lake SSSI in Somerset, protecting birds, hedgehogs and insects.

Ancient Hedge Laying Boosts Biodiversity at Blagdon Lake

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Reviving an Ancient Craft: Hedge Laying Transforms Biodiversity at Blagdon Lake

## Nature's Most Dedicated Travelers Take Flight

Each year, as winter loosens its grip and the days grow longer, something remarkable happens across North American skies. Geese — honking loudly and gliding in their signature formations — begin their annual pilgrimage northward, covering thousands of miles in one of nature's most impressive seasonal spectacles.

But what actually drives these birds to undertake such an ambitious journey, and how do they manage to pull it off successfully year after year?

## Why Geese Leave Their Winter Homes

At its core, goose migration is about one thing: food. According to Mitch Weegman, an avian ecologist and professor at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada, geese are essentially forced out of their winter habitats by harsh environmental conditions.

"Because it's cold, sometimes ice prevents access to drinking water for these birds, and snow is preventing access to food," Weegman explained. "So they're getting kicked out of these places."

Staying put year-round isn't a practical option either. Any given ecosystem can only sustain a limited number of species competing for the same resources, making the seasonal move both a necessity and a survival strategy.

Geese recognize the signal to head north when temperatures rise, daylight hours increase, snow begins to melt, and fresh vegetation starts emerging from the ground.

"They are following the green wave, as we call it," said Andrea Kölzsch, an assistant professor of ecology at Radboud University in the Netherlands.

## The Migration Timeline and Major Flight Routes

The northward migration typically begins in late February and continues through May. Across North America, migrating geese travel along four established corridors known as flyways:

- **The Pacific Flyway** — stretching between Alaska and California
- **The Central Flyway** — running from western and northern Canada down to Arizona and Texas
- **The Mississippi Flyway** — connecting northern Canada to Louisiana
- **The Atlantic Flyway** — spanning from eastern Canada all the way to Florida

## Fueling Up for the Long Haul

Before departing, geese spend considerable time eating — and strategically so. Their pre-migration diet consists heavily of corn, beans, and wheat, which helps them increase fat and protein reserves to sustain energy over long distances.

However, there is a careful balancing act involved. Overloading on food can slow the birds down significantly, so geese must strike the right nutritional balance before taking off, Kölzsch noted.

## The Famous V-Formation Explained

Perhaps the most recognizable feature of migrating geese is their aerodynamic V-shaped flight formation. While visually striking, this pattern likely serves a highly practical aerodynamic purpose.

"The bird in front flies, and the one flying behind it can profit from the air currents that the wings of the first bird produce," Kölzsch explained.

Leadership within the formation isn't fixed. Geese regularly rotate the lead position, distributing the physical demand of flying at the front among multiple birds. This rotation happens more frequently when a bird is unwell or when challenging weather conditions arise.

Communication plays a constant role throughout the journey. The persistent honking heard during migration is actually an ongoing exchange of information and decision-making among the flock, helping coordinate movement and leadership changes.

## Multi-Generational Flocks and Family Bonds

Migrating flocks are far from random groups of strangers. They typically consist of multiple generations — parents, offspring, siblings, and what Weegman describes as "loose family associates" — all traveling together.

The journey's duration varies considerably by species and individual. Faster birds may reach their destination within a few days, while most geese require several weeks or even months to complete the trip. Some species, such as snow geese and Ross's geese, make frequent rest stops along the way. Others, including black brant and Atlantic brant geese, are capable of flying up to 1,000 miles without landing.

## Climate Change Disrupts Migration Patterns

During rest stops, geese replenish their energy reserves and recuperate before continuing north. However, increasingly severe and frequent storms driven by climate change are compressing these recovery windows, forcing geese to eat and move on more quickly than they otherwise would.

## Not All Geese Migrate Anymore

Interestingly, migration is no longer universal among geese. Over the past three to four decades, Canada geese have successfully adapted to live year-round in regions where they once only spent warmer months. Their larger size and notably assertive personalities give them a competitive edge over other species when resources are contested.

"You can imagine how they win these interactions with foxes, coyotes, and other birds," Weegman said. "They're serious competitors."

## Arriving Home — With a Partner for Life

By the time migrating geese finally reach their summer destinations, many have already accomplished something beyond the physical journey. They've found a breeding partner along the way — and once that bond is formed, it lasts a lifetime.

It's a fitting conclusion to one of nature's most extraordinary annual journeys: thousands of miles traveled, countless challenges overcome, and a lifelong partnership secured along the way.

Discover how and why geese migrate thousands of miles each spring, including their V-formation secrets, flyway routes, and incredible survival strategies.

The Science Behind Goose Migration Explained

The Remarkable Science Behind Goose Migration: Nature's Most Impressive Journey North

Munns with (clockwise from bottom left): amethyst crystals, smoky quartz, an ammonite cast, a model of a crystalline mineral lattice, a fossilised ammonite and desert rose gypsum Photograph: Hilary Wardhaugh/The Guardian View image in fullscreen Munns with (clockwise from bottom left): amethyst crystals, smoky quartz, an ammonite cast, a model of a crystalline mineral lattice, a fossilised ammonite and desert rose gypsum Photograph: Hilary Wardhaugh/The Guardian A new start after 60: I’d had several careers but no degree – then I became a palaeontologist at 62 In search of a new adventure, Craig Munns went back to school. Now, at 65, he spends his days examining long-vanished life forms

C raig Munns has a large model of a T rex on his desk. He got it with a magazine subscription two decades ago. One day, a few years ago, he was sitting in his study, which was dense with books and yellow sticky notes and posters charting evolution from single cells upward, and he thought, “What am I going to do next in my life?” And his eyes lit upon the T rex.

Munns had recently taken on a job at the public library in Canberra, but it had always rankled with him that he had not studied for a degree, starting instead as an electronics trainee after he left school in Sydney, Australia. So he decided to enrol as a part-time student. He graduated at 62, with honours in palaeontology from the University of New England in Armidale, NSW.

Now 65 , Munns works at Geoscience Australia, a government agency that conducts geoscientific research. His main task is monitoring mineral deposits, but he sounds most animated when he talks about a palaeontology paper he is working on, about two drill cores – long tubes of rock – which were extracted east of Alice Springs in a search for minerals in the late 90s, and have since lain dormant in storage.

“I’m interested in the animals that are in there,” he says. “What I’m doing is looking at the biostratigraphy – the biology found at each strata, the progress of specimens or species through the strata.” He explains his methodology: “You chop the core up so it splits along lines where you might see a fossil.”

Despite the model T rex, dinosaurs are not Munns’ passion. “I’m more of an invertebrate sort of guy,” he says. “Worms, insects, lobsters …”

View image in fullscreen Munns with a trilobite fossil. Photograph: Hilary Wardhaugh/The Guardian We are speaking on a video call, and Munns holds up to the camera what looks like a lump of grey rock, but is actually a 500m-year-old trilobite that used to roll up into a ball to defend itself. “This one has got about 30 legs, and eyes on the top of its head. It lived in the mud and could see out. This is the thing with invertebrates,” he says. “Their body style is flexible.”

It is this “flexibility of life” that fascinates Munns above all. “How a life form copes with certain pressures, I suppose. I mean, that’s how life works.”

Munns’ own biography contains so many layers and life forms, it sounds a bit like one of his drill cores. After his brief stint as an electronics technician, he shifted into computer engineering in the late 80s. Next came tech support for a multinational, then sales, then teaching adults, until at 40 he started his own business as a computer sales consultant in Canberra.

After 12 years, he sold the company and got the library job – a huge shift in gear and drop in salary – alongside studying for the degree.

Wasn’t he frustrated by the lower level of demand and income?

“I don’t really think that way. It was just my next step,” he says. “You know, a new experience, a new adventure. Off I go. Like I do with all my stuff – just give it a try.” With his wife’s salary, they made ends meet.

Munns has had to do a fair amount of adapting himself. The biostratigraphy paper he is writing is one he started during his studies, and which he completed amid a slew of “traumatic events”. His parents both died, then Covid happened, after which he was knocked off his bike and broke both arms.

For his next job, he says, he would love to move into evolutionary palaeontology. “I don’t understand this retirement stuff. It doesn’t make any sense to me. Why would I do that? I think it’s more of a cultural thing. You’re expected to retire, so you retire.”

As a palaeontologist, he doesn’t want to be stuck in a cellar, guarding specimens as museum pieces. “I want to be looking at the changes that might happen in all things.”

In search of a new adventure, Craig Munns went back to school. Now, at 65, he spends his days examining long-vanished life forms

A new start after 60: I’d had several careers but no degree 

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A new start after 60: I’d had several careers but no degree – then I became a palaeontologist at 62

## Toxic Chemicals Detected in Popular Hair Extensions, Study Reveals

A newly published study has sent shockwaves through the beauty industry after researchers identified dangerous chemical compounds lurking in some of the most commonly used hair extensions on the market. The findings have sparked urgent conversations about consumer safety and the potential health risks associated with everyday beauty products.

### What the Research Found

Researcher Elissia Franklin, who spoke with NPR's Ayesha Rascoe on Weekend Edition Sunday, shed light on the disturbing discoveries made during the course of the study. The research highlights that certain hair extensions — products used by millions of people worldwide — may contain harmful substances that could pose significant health risks to users.

The study's revelations are particularly concerning given how widely hair extensions are worn across diverse communities, often for extended periods of time and in direct contact with the scalp and skin.

### Why This Matters for Consumers

Hair extensions are a staple beauty product for many individuals, offering versatility and confidence to wearers of all backgrounds. However, the presence of toxic chemicals in these products raises critical questions about industry regulation and product safety standards.

Consumers are encouraged to stay informed about the products they use and to consult with hair care professionals when selecting extensions. Advocates are also calling for stricter testing and transparency from manufacturers to ensure that beauty products meet rigorous safety benchmarks.

### A Growing Conversation Around Beauty Product Safety

This study adds to a growing body of research examining the safety of hair and beauty products, particularly those frequently used by women of color. Health experts and researchers continue to push for greater accountability within the beauty industry to protect public health.

As more findings emerge, consumers, policymakers, and manufacturers alike will need to work together to address these concerns and safeguard the well-being of all beauty product users.

A new study reveals toxic chemicals in widely used hair extensions, raising major health concerns for consumers. Learn what researchers discovered and what it m

Dangerous Chemicals Found in Common Hair Extensions

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Alarming Discovery: Toxic Chemicals Found in Widely Used Hair Extensions

## Commercial Satellites Expose the Scale of War Inside Iran

As military operations unfold across Iran, commercial satellite companies are delivering unprecedented imagery that reveals the true scope of destruction being inflicted on the country's military infrastructure — and how its population is responding.

### Opening Strikes Hit the Heart of Tehran

The military campaign launched with a bold daytime strike targeting Iranian leadership in the capital city of Tehran. Aerial imagery captured in the aftermath showed smoke still rising from the compound of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the initial wave of attacks. Satellite photos taken by Airbus on Saturday document the destruction left behind at Iran's Leadership House following the Israeli airstrike that ended the Supreme Leader's life.

### Widespread Military Targets Hit Across the Country

Israeli and U.S. forces have since expanded their campaign well beyond Tehran, striking military installations throughout Iran. Social media reports point to attacks on dozens of military compounds and bases scattered across the country. In response, Iran has launched retaliatory strikes targeting locations throughout the broader Middle East region.

### Iran's Naval Fleet Takes Heavy Losses

U.S. forces have directed significant firepower toward Iran's naval capabilities. President Trump stated via social media that he had been briefed on the sinking of nine Iranian naval vessels by U.S. forces. While U.S. Central Command did not immediately verify that figure, it confirmed striking at least one Iranian warship while docked in port.

Satellite imagery captured on Saturday shows multiple vessels engulfed in flames at Konarak naval base along Iran's southern coastline. Additional images from the same area reveal serious damage to a nearby airbase, where hardened aircraft hangars were destroyed by precision-guided munitions.

### Drone Base Destroyed; Iran Retaliates Across the Gulf

Images from the Konarak region also show substantial destruction at an Iranian drone facility, with multiple structures leveled in the strikes. Despite the damage, Iran has continued launching waves of drones and ballistic missiles toward Israel and U.S. military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar.

While many of these projectiles have been intercepted by air defense systems, videos circulating on social media confirm that some drones successfully evaded interception and caused damage in neighboring Gulf nations. Dubai's government issued an official statement confirming that debris from an Iranian drone struck the landmark Burj Al Arab hotel.

### Underground Missile Tunnels Targeted in Northern Iran

Among Iran's most formidable assets are its long-range ballistic missiles, many of which the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has concealed deep inside mountain tunnel networks. Satellite imagery taken on Sunday in the mountainous terrain of northern Iran suggests that some of these fortified tunnel systems were hit during a coordinated wave of strikes.

### A Nation in Mourning

Following the death of Supreme Leader Khamenei, Iranian authorities declared a 40-day national mourning period. Satellite imagery captured on Sunday showed enormous crowds of mourners filling Tehran's Enghelab Square in a public display of grief.

Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told NPR that the country intends to press on against what he described as "foreign aggression and foreign domination."

Meanwhile, a White House official indicated to NPR that President Trump plans to eventually engage with Iran's interim leadership in dialogue, but stressed that U.S. military operations in the region are continuing "unabated" for the time being.

Commercial satellite imagery captures burning warships, destroyed drone bases, and mass mourning in Tehran as US and Israeli strikes reshape Iran's military.