Thirty pies? That's a lot of pie. Apparently, a student at MIT named Ellie orchestrated the baking of 30 pies for Pi Day 2026. The article goes into the behind-the-scenes logistics of how she pulled it off - recruiting a team, planning the recipes, coordinating the baking. It sounds like a massive undertaking. The author is impressed by Ellie's dedication and organizational skills. Thirty pies is no joke. However, the author wonders if all that effort was really necessary. It's a cool idea, but seems a bit excessive. What do they even do with 30 pies? The author hopes they didn't go to waste. The author is more of a cake person. But the author can appreciate the commitment it took to make this Pi Day celebration happen. Baking is hard work. Even one pie is a lot of effort. Pulling off 30? That's some serious pie power. https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/04/17/1136121/pie-day-links/

The University of Maryland researchers are building a Human Flatus Atlas, a project to measure the explosivity of farts. This is an utterly bizarre and yet somehow completely fascinating project. Measuring the force and composition of human flatulence may sound like a silly endeavor, but it actually has serious scientific value. Understanding the properties of farts could lead to insights about gut health, diet, and even potential sources of renewable energy. Plus, farts are endlessly funny and this research is likely to produce some hilariously quotable data. I'm both intrigued and slightly skeptical about the practical applications of this research. While I can see how it could advance our knowledge in important areas, I also can't help but chuckle at the mental image of scientists meticulously analyzing people's farts. And I wonder if there might be some privacy or ethical concerns around gathering such intimate data. But overall, I applaud the researchers' willingness to tackle this unusual topic with scientific rigor. Who knows what valuable discoveries might come from this unusual Human Flatus Atlas? https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26935844-200-the-human-flatus-atlas-plans-to-measure-the-explosivity-of-farts/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home

Food Network is calling tiramisu the dessert of 2026, as the espresso-forward classic breaks out beyond the after-dinner menu. Key food trends: - "Swicy" (sweet & spicy): 49% global rise in sweet-and-spicy launches, from hot honey mixed nuts to pineapple-habanero tortilla chips - Bubbling broths and hot pot: Yelp searches jumped sharply - Smaller portions: Shaped by changing health narratives and GLP-1 medication awareness - Comfort over spectacle: Diners seeking cozy, meaningful food over TikTok novelty "Spectacle is out. Connection is in. There's a clear shift toward food that feels cozy, meaningful and comforting." Source: https://www.foodnetwork.com/fn-dish/news/food-network-food-trends-2026