Chris Baraniuk
@chrisbaraniuk.com
Freelance science and technology journalist. 11+ years experience. Irish/Polish. I write for the BBC, Wired, the BMJ, The Guardian, and others!
Newsletter: thereengineer.pro
Portfolio: chrisbaraniuk.com
HQ: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Newsletter: thereengineer.pro
Portfolio: chrisbaraniuk.com
HQ: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Pinned
Chris Baraniuk
@chrisbaraniuk.com
· Nov 14
🥳 Hey everyone! It was a year ago today that I launched my newsletter The Reengineer - and it's been such fun! 🥳
thereengineer.pro
I'm getting closer to 1,000 subscribers and some have been kind enough to go for a paid subscription. THANK YOU!
🧵 Here are some highlights from the last 12 months...
thereengineer.pro
I'm getting closer to 1,000 subscribers and some have been kind enough to go for a paid subscription. THANK YOU!
🧵 Here are some highlights from the last 12 months...
Hackers always causing some kind of trouble
Well, this is a new one:
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/california/s...
SoCal agave owners have been hacked. What are thieves doing with those filched leaves?
For the second time in three years, someone has been hacking off and stealing waxy, 2-to-4-foot-long serrated leaves from agave plants at east Torrance homes.
www.latimes.com
December 24, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Hackers always causing some kind of trouble
Interesting thread on DIY install of a heat pump. (In the US).
Christmas came early for me, with delivery of my new @airspool.bsky.social heat pump. The driving force behind me getting this thing was that it promised to be easy to install, and boy was it ever! Read on to see how I got it on the night it was delivered without drilling a big hole through my wall.
December 24, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Interesting thread on DIY install of a heat pump. (In the US).
On the Porsche thing I just reposted, here's the Instagram post from the creative studio that made it - in the comments they say "absolutely no AI" was used.
www.instagram.com/reel/DSdJP7O...
www.instagram.com/reel/DSdJP7O...
PARALLEL STUDIO on Instagram: "We had an amazing time crafting @porsche end-of-year animation 🏁
Spot all the Easter eggs and you’re a real Porsche lover 👀"
8,995 likes, 140 comments - parallel_studio_ on December 19, 2025: "We had an amazing time crafting @porsche end-of-year animation 🏁
Spot all the Easter eggs and you’re a real Porsche lover 👀".
www.instagram.com
December 23, 2025 at 10:01 PM
On the Porsche thing I just reposted, here's the Instagram post from the creative studio that made it - in the comments they say "absolutely no AI" was used.
www.instagram.com/reel/DSdJP7O...
www.instagram.com/reel/DSdJP7O...
Reposted by Chris Baraniuk
"this could have been slop, but it's not" is rapidly becoming a surefire signifier of premium-ness
Porsche reportedly created their new ad without using any AI.
December 23, 2025 at 3:28 PM
"this could have been slop, but it's not" is rapidly becoming a surefire signifier of premium-ness
Reposted by Chris Baraniuk
I'm a broken record on this but we absolutely do not talk enough about the fact that ~20% of injected CO2 for EOR-CCUS can be microbially converted to methane. coupled with lax MVA regimes, EOR "storage" could easily produce a net increase in GHG emissions!
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
December 23, 2025 at 6:26 PM
I'm a broken record on this but we absolutely do not talk enough about the fact that ~20% of injected CO2 for EOR-CCUS can be microbially converted to methane. coupled with lax MVA regimes, EOR "storage" could easily produce a net increase in GHG emissions!
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by Chris Baraniuk
My pitch: Equip the train quiet carriage with a faraday cage
December 23, 2025 at 6:29 PM
My pitch: Equip the train quiet carriage with a faraday cage
Reposted by Chris Baraniuk
During its worst drought in a century, Iraq signs a water security for oil deal with Turkey. The once rich Tigris & Euphrates rivers are drying up from climate change & mismanagement, leading to crop losses & a water crisis. edition.cnn.com/2025/12/21/c...
Grappling with its worst drought in a century, Iraq bets on a controversial oil-for-water deal | CNN
The historic “land between two rivers” faces a crisis as the Tigris and Euphrates shrink dramatically amid severe drought and the increasing toll of upstream dams, helping create the country’s worst w...
edition.cnn.com
December 21, 2025 at 3:04 PM
During its worst drought in a century, Iraq signs a water security for oil deal with Turkey. The once rich Tigris & Euphrates rivers are drying up from climate change & mismanagement, leading to crop losses & a water crisis. edition.cnn.com/2025/12/21/c...
Reposted by Chris Baraniuk
"We're still servicing probably 20 to 25 typewriters a week. Isn't that crazy?" – Mike Marr, the typewriter repairer of Rhode Island.
www.bbc.co.uk/future/artic...
www.bbc.co.uk/future/artic...
'We use them every day': In some parts of the US, the clack of typewriter keys can still be heard
Computers and smartphones might be where most writing is done these days, but typewriters still have work to do in the US.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 18, 2025 at 1:04 PM
"We're still servicing probably 20 to 25 typewriters a week. Isn't that crazy?" – Mike Marr, the typewriter repairer of Rhode Island.
www.bbc.co.uk/future/artic...
www.bbc.co.uk/future/artic...
That wind farms can cause radio/radar interference is a real thing. Has come up in UK + Sweden, etc
However. The 5 farms just blocked were previously judged A-OK re security. US policy right now = disproportionate to actual risks.
I reported on an example of that here:
share.google/tcL5vzhWutLB...
However. The 5 farms just blocked were previously judged A-OK re security. US policy right now = disproportionate to actual risks.
I reported on an example of that here:
share.google/tcL5vzhWutLB...
December 23, 2025 at 3:11 PM
That wind farms can cause radio/radar interference is a real thing. Has come up in UK + Sweden, etc
However. The 5 farms just blocked were previously judged A-OK re security. US policy right now = disproportionate to actual risks.
I reported on an example of that here:
share.google/tcL5vzhWutLB...
However. The 5 farms just blocked were previously judged A-OK re security. US policy right now = disproportionate to actual risks.
I reported on an example of that here:
share.google/tcL5vzhWutLB...
Reposted by Chris Baraniuk
Something gnawed your oak tree? Sink hole in your road? How Zurich’s beaver hotline is reassuring residents
Something gnawed your oak tree? Sink hole in your road? How Zurich’s beaver hotline is reassuring residents
As the number of the semi-aquatic creatures soars so can tensions. But the Swiss have a tried and tested system to calm the neighbours and restore harmony
www.theguardian.com
December 23, 2025 at 9:19 AM
Something gnawed your oak tree? Sink hole in your road? How Zurich’s beaver hotline is reassuring residents
They are among hundreds of people who have contacted the BBC about problems with poorly installed insulation.
BBC News - Our son can't come home for Christmas after insulation mould took over - BBC News
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
BBC News - Our son can't come home for Christmas after insulation mould took over - BBC News
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Our son can't come home for Christmas after insulation mould took over
Mr and Mrs Wadley's 19-year-old son has asthma and cannot come home for Christmas due to mould all over the walls.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 23, 2025 at 7:30 AM
They are among hundreds of people who have contacted the BBC about problems with poorly installed insulation.
BBC News - Our son can't come home for Christmas after insulation mould took over - BBC News
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
BBC News - Our son can't come home for Christmas after insulation mould took over - BBC News
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Am overwhelmed by the huge response to this story. Lots of readers and shares - and new subscribers, too! THANK YOU.
I work hard to find unusual stories like this, to help expand our understanding of climate change and engineering. Subscribers help make this possible!
I work hard to find unusual stories like this, to help expand our understanding of climate change and engineering. Subscribers help make this possible!
NEW: Organ tuners have been leaving temperature and humidity records in little-known books for decades. 🎹
They reveal how temperatures inside churches have changed over time due to climate change and increased heating.
A new scoop for The Reengineer!
www.thereengineer.pro/p/church-org...
They reveal how temperatures inside churches have changed over time due to climate change and increased heating.
A new scoop for The Reengineer!
www.thereengineer.pro/p/church-org...
Church organ tuning records mirror our warming climate
The records appear to reflect climate change, as well as the increased heating of churches in winter
www.thereengineer.pro
December 22, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Am overwhelmed by the huge response to this story. Lots of readers and shares - and new subscribers, too! THANK YOU.
I work hard to find unusual stories like this, to help expand our understanding of climate change and engineering. Subscribers help make this possible!
I work hard to find unusual stories like this, to help expand our understanding of climate change and engineering. Subscribers help make this possible!
Reposted by Chris Baraniuk
I love the fact that some of the seemingly mundane observations you record as part of your job might prove to be useful for someone else someday in the future
NEW: Organ tuners have been leaving temperature and humidity records in little-known books for decades. 🎹
They reveal how temperatures inside churches have changed over time due to climate change and increased heating.
A new scoop for The Reengineer!
www.thereengineer.pro/p/church-org...
They reveal how temperatures inside churches have changed over time due to climate change and increased heating.
A new scoop for The Reengineer!
www.thereengineer.pro/p/church-org...
Church organ tuning records mirror our warming climate
The records appear to reflect climate change, as well as the increased heating of churches in winter
www.thereengineer.pro
December 22, 2025 at 7:53 PM
I love the fact that some of the seemingly mundane observations you record as part of your job might prove to be useful for someone else someday in the future
Reposted by Chris Baraniuk
having just had to postpone a recording session because the organ pitch had dropped in the cold weather, this is definitely my favourite news story of the week https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/dec/22/organ-tuning-books-english-churches-notes-warming-climate?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
Organ-tuning books in English churches provide notes on a warming climate
Researchers have realised the records are a ‘goldmine’ to study changes in environmental conditions
www.theguardian.com
December 22, 2025 at 1:15 PM
having just had to postpone a recording session because the organ pitch had dropped in the cold weather, this is definitely my favourite news story of the week https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/dec/22/organ-tuning-books-english-churches-notes-warming-climate?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
Reposted by Chris Baraniuk
I’m going to use this in 8th grade when we get back from winter break! Thank you!
NEW: Organ tuners have been leaving temperature and humidity records in little-known books for decades. 🎹
They reveal how temperatures inside churches have changed over time due to climate change and increased heating.
A new scoop for The Reengineer!
www.thereengineer.pro/p/church-org...
They reveal how temperatures inside churches have changed over time due to climate change and increased heating.
A new scoop for The Reengineer!
www.thereengineer.pro/p/church-org...
Church organ tuning records mirror our warming climate
The records appear to reflect climate change, as well as the increased heating of churches in winter
www.thereengineer.pro
December 22, 2025 at 1:01 PM
I’m going to use this in 8th grade when we get back from winter break! Thank you!
Reposted by Chris Baraniuk
December 22, 2025 at 11:29 AM
NEW: Organ tuners have been leaving temperature and humidity records in little-known books for decades. 🎹
They reveal how temperatures inside churches have changed over time due to climate change and increased heating.
A new scoop for The Reengineer!
www.thereengineer.pro/p/church-org...
They reveal how temperatures inside churches have changed over time due to climate change and increased heating.
A new scoop for The Reengineer!
www.thereengineer.pro/p/church-org...
Church organ tuning records mirror our warming climate
The records appear to reflect climate change, as well as the increased heating of churches in winter
www.thereengineer.pro
December 22, 2025 at 12:13 PM
NEW: Organ tuners have been leaving temperature and humidity records in little-known books for decades. 🎹
They reveal how temperatures inside churches have changed over time due to climate change and increased heating.
A new scoop for The Reengineer!
www.thereengineer.pro/p/church-org...
They reveal how temperatures inside churches have changed over time due to climate change and increased heating.
A new scoop for The Reengineer!
www.thereengineer.pro/p/church-org...
Reposted by Chris Baraniuk
Christmas chocolate prices double and tub sizes shrink as #climate shocks hit cocoa, sugar and dairy.
eciu.net/media/press-...
eciu.net/media/press-...
The Christmas Chocolate Climate Crunch
New analysis finds Christmas chocolate prices nearly double and tub sizes shrink as climate shocks hit cocoa, sugar and dairy.
eciu.net
December 22, 2025 at 10:23 AM
Christmas chocolate prices double and tub sizes shrink as #climate shocks hit cocoa, sugar and dairy.
eciu.net/media/press-...
eciu.net/media/press-...
Reposted by Chris Baraniuk
NIST reassures the world that despite atomic clock power outage time is not broken. www.cbsnews.com/colorado/new...
Power outage in Boulder area affects atomic clock, "Time is not broken" NIST says
Due to the power outage, time (very) briefly stood still at the NIST Internet Time Service facility in Boulder.
www.cbsnews.com
December 21, 2025 at 5:16 AM
NIST reassures the world that despite atomic clock power outage time is not broken. www.cbsnews.com/colorado/new...
Reposted by Chris Baraniuk
A shared heritage - Watching #NewgrangeSolstice from North Wales.
📸 From Plas Newydd home of the Ladies of #Llangollen from #Kilkenny
#Wales #Ireland
📸 From Plas Newydd home of the Ladies of #Llangollen from #Kilkenny
#Wales #Ireland
December 21, 2025 at 9:01 AM
A shared heritage - Watching #NewgrangeSolstice from North Wales.
📸 From Plas Newydd home of the Ladies of #Llangollen from #Kilkenny
#Wales #Ireland
📸 From Plas Newydd home of the Ladies of #Llangollen from #Kilkenny
#Wales #Ireland
Reposted by Chris Baraniuk
Nearly 1am in Vancouver, and I’m watching #NewgrangeSolstice in my homeland of Meath 💚🇮🇪
December 21, 2025 at 8:58 AM
Nearly 1am in Vancouver, and I’m watching #NewgrangeSolstice in my homeland of Meath 💚🇮🇪
The longest night is almost over.
Newgrange Winter Solstice live stream stats in five minutes here: www.youtube.com/live/lRgumO6...
Newgrange Winter Solstice live stream stats in five minutes here: www.youtube.com/live/lRgumO6...
Winter Solstice Live Streaming - 21 December 2025
YouTube video by Office of Public Works
www.youtube.com
December 21, 2025 at 8:56 AM
Reposted by Chris Baraniuk
I love Clare and Frank so much, they make this livestream so special #NewgrangeSolstice
December 21, 2025 at 8:51 AM
I love Clare and Frank so much, they make this livestream so special #NewgrangeSolstice
Reposted by Chris Baraniuk
What else does an archaeologist do on 21 December but watch the livestream for Newgrange?
www.youtube.com/live/lRgumO6...
#NewgrangeSolstice
www.youtube.com/live/lRgumO6...
#NewgrangeSolstice
December 21, 2025 at 8:44 AM
What else does an archaeologist do on 21 December but watch the livestream for Newgrange?
www.youtube.com/live/lRgumO6...
#NewgrangeSolstice
www.youtube.com/live/lRgumO6...
#NewgrangeSolstice
The longest night is almost over.
Newgrange Winter Solstice live stream stats in five minutes here: www.youtube.com/live/lRgumO6...
Newgrange Winter Solstice live stream stats in five minutes here: www.youtube.com/live/lRgumO6...
Winter Solstice Live Streaming - 21 December 2025
YouTube video by Office of Public Works
www.youtube.com
December 21, 2025 at 8:35 AM
The longest night is almost over.
Newgrange Winter Solstice live stream stats in five minutes here: www.youtube.com/live/lRgumO6...
Newgrange Winter Solstice live stream stats in five minutes here: www.youtube.com/live/lRgumO6...