Widespread farming practice unexpectedly absorbs CO2

Physicists using an LHC experiment have reported the first observations at zeptometer scales, opening a window on ultra-short-distance physics. The result could sharpen tests of the Standard Model and searches for new particles, though it needs independent confirmation.

Scientists report that thawing permafrost in Antarctica is emitting significant quantities of carbon dioxide, a process that was previously understudied compared with Arctic permafrost. The finding matters because it suggests a climate feedback loop that current carbon budgets may not fully account for, potentially complicating forecasts of global warming.

Australia’s High Court ruled that Uber must pay about $81 million in payroll tax and treated its drivers as employees for tax purposes, rejecting Uber’s contractor model. The decision is a major test of gig-economy classification and could raise costs and legal risks for Uber and similar platforms in Australia.

New Scientist examines how a dyslexia diagnosis can help struggling children access support, while asking whether other struggling learners are being overlooked. The question matters for education policy and equitable access to learning support.

OpenAI has announced an agreement to acquire Pierre Computer Company, Inc., with the move also reported on Hacker News. The headlines do not include financial terms, timing, or details about how Pierre Computer’s business will fit into OpenAI. The acquisition signals further expansion by OpenAI, but its full impact remains unclear.