Comment on Analysis: Democrats splinter on national security (AP)

Pluto May Have Captured Its Biggest Moon Charon After an Ancient Dance and Kiss The New York TimesCapture of an ancient Charon around Pluto Nature.com‘Kiss and capture’: scientists offer new theory on how Pluto got its largest moon The GuardianHow Pluto captured its largest moon Charon with a 10-hour icy 'kiss' Space.comImage of the week: Pluto and Charon's fascinating embrace Le Monde

This article is part of The D. C. Brief, TIME’s politics newsletter. Sign up here to get stories like this sent to your inbox. Since Election Day, Democrats have rightly been in something of a funk. They sauntered into November expecting Kamala Harris would hold the White House for the party, the House might tip their way, and they even dared to dream about keeping a majority in the Senate. [time-brightcove not-tgx=”true”] Then, votes were counted. Americans decided to send Donald Trump back to Washington for another four years.

China is having standard flu season despite widespread HMPV fears Ars TechnicaWhat We Know About HMPV, the Common Virus Spreading in China The New York TimesChinese doctors surprised by reports of HMPV surge, say flu is a bigger problem South China Morning PostTrends of acute respiratory infection, including human metapneumovirus, in the Northern Hemisphere World Health OrganizationHMPV: What to know about China's human metapneumovirus cases BBC.com

Most of the atoms in your body left the Milky Way on a 'cosmic conveyor belt' long before you were born, new study reveals Livescience.comBuilding blocks of life on Earth left the Milky Way before being pulled back in Space.comPart of Your Body Has Likely Traveled Outside the Galaxy, Scientist Says NewsweekHubble Reveals Carbon's Intergalactic Odyssey Before Becoming Part of Us ScienceAlert‘Cosmic conveyor belt’: Your body’s carbon spent 400,000 light-years in space Business Today

Stomach bug outbreaks jumped gut-wrenching 366% in N. J. last month NJ.comWhy everyone has a gnarly stomach bug right now, explained in one chart Vox.comRecord number of norovirus outbreaks surge across the U. S., CDC says CBS NewsViruses challenge new year health resolutions: when to seek professional help WLOSNorovirus survival guide: How to get through the stomach flu USA TODAY

As 1st bird flu death reported in US, what could happen with virus in 2025? ABC NewsIs bird flu the next pandemic? What to know after the first H5N1 death in the US CNNBird flu: Here’s what Illinois residents should know, following the first US death from the virus Chicago TribuneFirst Bird Flu Death in U.