Today’s picks
1. “Musk” reminds you of how much you already know about Elon
Alex Gibney’s new documentary “Musk” tackles an omnipresent subject but struggles to offer a fresh perspective. The film is gruelling, showing how hard it is to make a documentary about someone the public already knows so well. This review examines its methods and limits, making it worth reading for anyone interested in Musk saturation and documentary craft.
2. In Britain, “European” doesn’t mean white
The article examines the often overlooked ethnic diversity of EU citizens in Britain, challenging the stereotype that “European” means white. It explores how these communities navigate identity, rights and belonging, especially after Brexit. Their experiences offer a fresh lens on debates about migration, race and Europeanness in the UK.
3. Love blooms on a hostile colony world in As You Wake, Break the Shell
Sci-fi author Becky Chambers discusses designing believable ecosystems, balancing scientific accuracy with emotional impact, and prioritizing empathy over spectacle in her new work, As You Wake, Break the Shell. The interview offers insight into how speculative worlds can serve character and ethics rather than mere wonder. It is worth reading for anyone interested in thoughtful science fiction and worldbuilding.
4. Lettuce engineered to produce meat proteins
Scientists have engineered lettuce to produce meat proteins, turning leaves into protein-packed raw material. This approach could offer a more efficient and sustainable protein source for cultivated or plant-based meat alternatives, bypassing some environmental and cost limits of livestock. It is worth reading because it shows how ordinary crops can become biomanufacturing platforms—and raises questions about safety, regulation, and public acceptance.
5. ‘A crisis of authenticity’: the truth about food influencers – podcast
Instagram food influencers upended Britain’s restaurant scene and built followings in the millions. But their moment may already be passing. This podcast examines how “authenticity” became both their selling point and their weakness, and why that matters for restaurants, diners and online culture.
By publication
The Economist
Scientific American
- Love blooms on a hostile colony world in As You Wake, Break the Shell
- Lettuce engineered to produce meat proteins