social sciences

The oldest person in the United States has reached the age of 116, and coverage is pairing the milestone with what researchers say about extreme longevity. Science writing on the topic points to factors studied in long-lived people, including genetics, diet, physical activity and social connection, while noting that reaching such ages remains rare and no single formula guarantees a longer life.

The University of Rhode Island is preparing to launch a new doctoral program in computational social science, according to Rhody Today. The program will train graduate students to apply computational and data-driven methods to social science research questions. Details on enrollment timelines and faculty involvement have not yet been widely reported, but the announcement marks a notable expansion of URI's graduate offerings.

A quote from astronomer and science communicator Carl Sagan about the importance of education is being shared and reshared by users on social media. Sagan, known for his advocacy of scientific literacy, remains a frequent touchstone in discussions about learning and public understanding of science. The post has drawn engagement as users pass along his message.

Savannah State University in Georgia has announced the launch of the John Lewis School of Public Policy and Social Sciences, naming the new academic unit after the late civil rights leader and longtime congressman. The school is intended to focus on public policy and social sciences education, honoring Lewis's legacy of activism and public service.

The Twilight Zone, Rod Serling's legendary CBS science-fiction anthology spanning 156 episodes, is now officially available to watch free on streaming. The news has excited fans of classic television, with many calling it a rare chance to revisit or discover the landmark series, whose twist-ending tales of fantasy and social commentary remain hugely influential decades after it first aired.

The MacArthur Foundation has announced its new class of Fellows, the annual 'genius grants' recognizing exceptional creativity across fields. This year's cohort stands out for researchers whose work connects science with social justice, applying scientific expertise to issues of equity and fairness. The awards, which come with substantial no-strings-attached funding, spotlight recipients working at the intersection of research and public good.

A solo artist is selling 4x4 inch original miniature paintings, mostly space, science fiction and geometric abstract works, priced at 70 dollars each, with two larger pieces at 100 dollars each, plus shipping. The artist is asking people to share the sale widely, saying independent artists rely on support from buyers and boosters.

Women astronauts are using social media to present themselves as both scientists and women, challenging the idea that femininity and careers in space science are at odds. By sharing their work and personal lives online, they aim to make space careers more visible and accessible to girls and young women considering science.

Rod Serling's anthology series The Twilight Zone first aired on CBS on this day in 1959, marking the debut of one of television's most influential shows. Viewers and history fans are marking the anniversary, recalling the series' blend of science fiction, fantasy and social commentary that made it a cultural landmark.

NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day for September 30, 2026 showcases Arp 78, a peculiar galaxy located in the constellation Aries. The image and accompanying article on NASA's science site highlight the galaxy's unusual structure, drawing attention from space and astronomy enthusiasts sharing it across social platforms.

Clemson University has announced the 2026 promotion and tenure decisions for faculty in its College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences. The announcement names faculty members advancing in ranks and those granted tenure across the college's behavioral, social and health disciplines. Such annual lists are of interest to university staff, students and academic communities tracking career milestones.

The MacArthur Foundation has announced this year's class of Fellows, its annual 'genius grant' honorees. Among the 2026 winners are researchers whose work combines scientific research with social justice, according to NPR. The fellowships, which come with substantial no-strings-attached funding, recognise individuals across the arts, sciences and advocacy.

Occidental College's computer science department is marking its tenth anniversary, reflecting on a decade of growth. The department has expanded beyond core programming into interdisciplinary studies that connect computing with other academic fields, while placing increasing emphasis on artificial intelligence and ethics. As AI reshapes academia and society, the milestone prompts reflection on how computer science education should address the technology's social and moral implications.

NASA and IBM have put artificial intelligence to work on data from the Moon. Since 2009, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has been photographing and measuring the lunar surface, producing a huge volume of data that researchers struggle to analyse manually. The two organisations are now using AI to process those images and measurements, and the collaboration is being shared on social media.

NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day for September 30, 2026 showcases Arp 78, a peculiar galaxy located in the constellation Aries. The feature, published on NASA's science site, highlights the galaxy's unusual structure, part of Halton Arp's catalog of peculiar galaxies. Space enthusiasts and astronomers are sharing the image and article across social platforms, continuing the daily tradition of celebrating striking astronomical imagery.

A cuneiform word from ancient Mesopotamia is being shared among science and technology readers: 'gibil', read in Sumerian and meaning 'to be new'. The term comes from Assyriology research circulating on the decentralized social web, where enthusiasts highlight everyday translations of ancient texts. The word's meaning strikes a chord given its simplicity and relevance to new-year and renewal themes.