‘Data manipulations’ alleged in study that paved the way for Microsoft’s quantum chip (science.org)

But two of its authors say the correction is insufficient and the study should be retracted. Henry Legg, a quantum physicist at the University of St. Andrews, also has concerns. “This is the latest in a long line of issues we have seen with Microsoft-funded research,” he says. “It seems when they turn up with funding, standard research practices can go out the window.”

So maybe don’t take the money next time.

The new reality for American academia (science.org)

After reading her insightful piece in The Atlantic about a potential way forward, I talked to Danielle Allen, a professor at Harvard University who studies political science, democracy, and philosophy. She argues for a new social contract between higher education and the federal government that simultaneously calls for a firm commitment to academic freedom and what she calls a “horizontal” relationship between universities and the American people—one that is based on mutual respect and reciprocity.

I’ve seen Dr. Allen (Harvard bio; Wikipedia page) mentioned a couple times over the last couple weeks, in different contexts (first in a New Yorker article on how universities are pivoting toward pluralism and away from DEI), and now in this Science editorial about how the social contract between universities and the federal government. I don’t know much about her work or positions, but I’m going to learn more about both as she seems to be leading new thought on the future of universities.

Associated Press finds 'no definitive evidence' to change credit for famous Vietnam War photo (apnews.com)

The AP concluded that it was “possible” Ut took the photo, but it was unable to be proven conclusively due to the passage of time, absence of key evidence, limitations of technology and the deaths of several key people involved.

At the same time, AP found no proof that Nguyen took the photo, the report said.

I’d love to watch this documentary on the authorship of the famous Napalm Girl photo, but I can’t find it on any streaming service.

Trump says talking to Fed boss Powell is like ‘talking to a wall’ in latest attack (independent.co.uk)

Donald Trump has offered his latest sharp criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, complaining during an Oval Office press conference on Thursday that dealing with the central banker is like “talking to a wall.”

Good. That’s exactly how it’s supposed to work.