Millipede species named after Taylor Swift
And other stories from the stranger side of life

Scientists have named a newly discovered millipede the “Nannaria swiftae” millipede in recognition of Taylor Swift’s “talent as a songwriter and performer”. Dr Derek Hennen, the lead author of the Virginia Tech study, said: “Her music helped me get through the highs and lows of graduate school, so naming a new millipede species after her is my way of saying thanks.” Hennen and his team spent five years searching for millipedes in the Appalachian Mountains.
Gallagher would prefer wheelchair to hip operation
Liam Gallagher said he would rather be in a wheelchair than face the “stigma” of a hip operation for his arthritis. The former Oasis frontman, 49, told Mojo magazine: “My hips are f***ed – I went to get it checked and my bones are mashed up. The lady was going: ‘You might need a hip operation, a replacement’ – no way. You’re all right... I think I’d rather just be in pain. It’s also the stigma, saying you’ve had your hips replaced... What’s next?”
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Jupiter’s moon may be habitable
Jupiter’s moon Europa may be habitable, according to a new study. Europa has long been regarded as a prime candidate to host alien microbes as it appears to possess a liquid saltwater ocean that could be as much as 150km deep, said The Times. “Liquid water near to the surface of the ice shell is a really provocative and promising place to imagine life having a shot,” said Dustin Schroeder, an associate professor of geophysics at Stanford University.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Miami Freedom Tower’s MAGA library squeeze
THE EXPLAINER Plans to place Donald Trump’s presidential library next to an iconic symbol of Florida’s Cuban immigrant community has South Florida divided
-
Trump wants to revive coal. Will it work?
Talking Points Wind, solar and natural gas are ascendant
-
Is the first AI ‘actor’ the beginning of Hollywood’s existential crisis?
Today's Big Question 'Tilly Norwood' sparks a backlash
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of Taiwan
In the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdown
IN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
-
Why the world is going mad over Taylor Swift's engagement
The pop star unveiled diamond ring in cosy snaps with fiancé Travis Kelce earlier this week
-
China is silently expanding its influence in American cities
Under the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
-
How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctions
The Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
-
One year after mass protests, why are Kenyans taking to the streets again?
today's big question More than 60 protesters died during demonstrations in 2024
-
What happens if tensions between India and Pakistan boil over?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION As the two nuclear-armed neighbors rattle their sabers in the wake of a terrorist attack on the contested Kashmir region, experts worry that the worst might be yet to come
-
Why Russia removed the Taliban's terrorist designation
The Explainer Russia had designated the Taliban as a terrorist group over 20 years ago