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Art Rediscovered: 4,000 Mural Pieces are Finally Being Put Back Together
Amid the sun-drenched landscapes of Spain's Mediterranean coast, a remarkable discovery is unfolding. Researchers have uncovered over 4,000 fragments of ancient murals at the Barberes Sud villa in Villajoyosa, dating back to the early second century during Emperor Trajan's reign. This Roman outpost, once a vibrant hub, is now being meticulously pieced back together by experts. The excavation, led by Vilamuseu and Alebus Historical Heritage Company, spanned more than 9,000 square feet. Archaeologists found that the villa featured an industrial section, a multi-room atrium and a large garden surrounded by opulently decorated rooms. Today, only their foundations remain. The collapsed walls were adorned with frescoes—watercolor paintings on wet plaster. Researchers carefully collected and documented these fragments before transporting them to Vilamuseu’s restoration lab. So far, they have reassembled 22 of the 866 pieces from one painted panel depicting green garlands and cartoonish birds. Other fragments suggest they flaked off large columns that supported the villa’s porticoed garden. These columns were designed with decorative vertical lines to create a fluted appearance. Built nearly 2,000 years ago near a road connecting Alonís to the sea, this villa was part of Hispania—a vital Roman region after Rome conquered the Iberian Peninsula between 218 B.C.E. and 19 C.E. Villajoyosa bears many Roman imprints: baths from 85 C.E., a funerary tower dedicated to Lucio Terencio Mancino and even a first-century shipwreck carrying fish sauce amphorae discovered in 1999. As conservators continue their work on Barberes Sud’s murals, each piece brings us closer to reviving this ancient residence's splendor.
Score (98)
A 3-Week-Old Baby Received a Heart Transplant 14 Years Ago and Gained a ‘Donor Mom’
Addison McArthur's journey from a critically ill newborn to a thriving teenager is nothing short of remarkable. At just three weeks old, Addison was diagnosed with left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy, placing her at the top of British Columbia’s transplant waiting list. Her mother, Elaine Yong, recalls the shock: “Going through that transplant journey with Addison was such a … wow, you can’t control everything.” On Mother’s Day that year, the family received life-changing news—a heart had been found for Addison. This gift came from Felicia Hill's daughter, Audrey Jade Hope Sullenger, who became Nevada's youngest organ donor after passing away at six days old. Yong and Hill connected through an unexpected comment on Yong’s blog: “I’m Addison’s donor mom.” Their bond grew stronger over time as they met in person and shared their stories at advocacy events. Hill said meeting Yong brought her happiness: “I felt connected immediately knowing that another mother got to raise their child.” Both women have become advocates for organ donation. Yong transitioned from journalism to work with BC Transplant, while Hill shares Audrey’s story to inspire others. Their families now consider each other as extended family. Addison refers to Hill as “Auntie Felicia” and sends her medals from track and swimming competitions. This summer, Hill plans to cheer on Addison at the World Transplant Games in Germany. “It’s just really amazing to see that she (Addison) gets to live her life,” said Hill.
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Score (97)
How This Teen Prodigy is Inspiring a New Generation of Fans
Barcelona's rising star, Lamine Yamal, is capturing the hearts of young fans much like his idol Lionel Messi once did for him. At just 17, Yamal has already netted 14 goals and assisted in 22 more this season, keeping Barcelona competitive across all fronts as they gear up for Saturday's Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid and a Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan. Yamal's jersey is now a top seller at the club’s official store and a common sight at the Olympic Stadium. "It's incredible," he told ESPN during an interview for Powerade’s new campaign featuring "The 304" film about his neighborhood. "When I was a kid, I wore Neymar's shirts, Messi's jerseys... seeing kids wearing my shirt means that I'm their inspiration." His rapid ascent began with his debut at age 15 on April 29, 2023. Since then, he's won the European Championship with Spain and received numerous accolades, including the breakthrough of the year award at the 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards. Despite his swift rise to fame, Yamal says he remains grounded thanks to the values instilled by his parents in Rocafonda, Mataró. "My parents were my references in everything," he said. He credits them with teaching him love and dedication. While fame limits some typical teenage experiences—like hanging out freely with friends—Yamal finds joy in family moments. "Seeing my younger brother happy... it's something that fills me with happiness," he shared. For Yamal, these sacrifices are worth it: “I would not change it for anything.”
Score (96)
Wednesday Rewind: How NASA Saved The Hubble With Daring Space Missions
The Hubble Space Telescope, a marvel of human engineering and curiosity, has been unveiling the universe's secrets for over three decades. Comparable in size to a large school bus, Hubble's contributions to science are monumental, delivering nearly 250 terabytes of data since its launch. The journey began in the late 1960s when scientists envisioned a large space telescope. After years of lobbying, Congress approved funding in the late 1970s. Named after astronomer Edwin Hubble, the telescope faced delays due to the Challenger disaster but finally launched aboard Discovery on April 24, 1990. However, initial images were blurry due to a tiny flaw in its primary mirror. Fortunately, Hubble was designed for servicing. In December 1993, astronauts aboard Endeavor conducted five spacewalks to install corrective optics and upgrade components. Subsequent missions focused on enhancing performance. In February 1997, Discovery delivered new instruments that expanded Hubble’s capabilities into near-infrared wavelengths. Later missions replaced aging parts and boosted power efficiency. In May 2009, Atlantis carried out the final servicing mission with upgrades that included new instruments like the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph and repairs to existing systems. Despite aging challenges, NASA has adapted operations to extend Hubble’s life into the 2030s. With two functioning gyros left and operating under tighter constraints, it continues its cosmic exploration. Hubble's legacy is one of resilience and discovery—a testament to human ingenuity that will continue until it eventually re-enters Earth's atmosphere by mid-2030s without further intervention.
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Meet the Welsh Puppies That are Stopping Wildlife Poachers in Africa
In the quiet town of Carmarthen, Wales, a unique initiative is taking shape to combat poaching in southern Africa. Dogs4Wildlife, a non-profit organization founded by professional dog trainers Darren Priddle and Jacqui Law, is breeding and training dogs to assist anti-poaching units (APUs) in protecting endangered wildlife. The journey begins with puppies like Shinga, a Belgian Malinois who recently helped capture a poacher in Zimbabwe's Imire Rhino and Wildlife Conservancy. "We can deploy dogs in the UK to track people … so why could we not look at developing the dogs that we were training for conservation efforts?" Priddle said. Since its inception, Dogs4Wildlife has sent 15 dogs to countries including Mozambique and Tanzania. The program starts early; puppies are exposed to various stimuli from two days old to prepare them for formal training at six weeks. This includes acclimating them to African wildlife through trips to local zoos. After 16-18 months of rigorous training focusing on obedience, tracking, and scent detection, these canine protectors are ready for deployment. Although saying goodbye is tough for Law and Priddle, they find solace in knowing their work makes a difference. "As much as it breaks my heart when they go," Law said, "I know they’re going for the greater good." Their efforts have significantly reduced poaching incidents in areas like Zimbabwe’s Imire conservancy. As park manager Reilly Travers noted, “It’s had a massive impact on security for Imire.” Dogs4Wildlife aims to open a specialized training school within Africa while fostering future generations through its Conservation club. “Once they get the passion for it,” Law added about local children learning about wildlife conservation, “they’re going to become future rangers.”
Score (84)
Student-Run Shelter Steps Up After College Prices Students Out Of Dorms
A photo of a sunlit kitchen, with a welcoming banner and cozy details like backpacks and books, might not scream "homeless shelter" to most. But for University of California, Davis student Allie O’Brien, it’s the heart of Aggie House—a nonprofit shelter run by students for students facing homelessness or unsafe living conditions. In a TikTok video, O’Brien challenged viewers: “If I told you that this picture was of a homeless shelter and that it was run by college students, would you believe me?” She explained the common misconception about college homelessness. “When you say the words college homelessness, a lot of people think that’s an oxymoron,” she said. The Hechinger Report highlights how room and board costs are outpacing tuition increases. Jason Cohn from the Urban Institute noted that housing expenses are becoming central to discussions on college affordability. Henry Taylor-Goalby from the University of California Student Association added that many students find themselves unexpectedly rent-burdened. O’Brien emphasized in her video that nearly seven percent of UC Davis's 40,000 students experience homelessness annually. In response to limited university support, she co-founded Aggie House in May 2020 with fellow students Ashley Lo and Katie Shen during the COVID-19 pandemic. They raised over $100,000 in their first year to provide transitional housing and resources. Aggie House moved to A Street in August 2023 and received recognition from the Davis City Council with the Thong Hy Huynh award for promoting diversity and social justice. Virginia Moore, now resident co-president at Aggie House, expressed her dedication: “My passion for this kind of work [has] been solidified.” Today, Aggie House continues its mission as an essential resource for student support.
Score (96)
Museum Unveils Hidden Treasure by 16th-Century Spanish Master
The Getty Museum in Los Angeles has enriched its collection with a newly acquired masterpiece by 16th-century Spanish Renaissance painter Luis de Morales. Known for his dramatic religious scenes, Morales' "Christ Carrying the Cross" (c. 1565) is a striking addition to the museum's Spanish works. The painting vividly depicts Jesus burdened by the weight of the cross, his features marked by strain and suffering. The piece showcases Morales' signature style, earning him the nickname "El Divino" during his lifetime for his religious realism. "The exquisite detailing of Christ’s features, hair and tears commend this as a major masterpiece of 16th-century Spanish painting," said Timothy Potts, director of the Getty Museum. "[It’s] a powerful proclamation of the Catholic faith as espoused by the great Spanish mystics." Morales was influenced by both Leonardo da Vinci's Lombard school and northern Renaissance painters. His career spanned over five decades in Badajoz, Spain, where he produced numerous altarpieces and devotional panels. The painting underwent significant restoration before joining the Getty's collection. Conservator Kari Rayner meticulously removed discolored varnish and non-original paint that had altered its appearance over centuries. “Removing the non-original paint was a lengthy and challenging process,” Rayner said. “But it has brought the painting closer to how the artist originally intended.” Initially attributed to Morales’ studio when it appeared at auction in 2021, "Christ Carrying the Cross" eventually sold for €1.2 million ($1.4 million). The Getty acquired it from London-based Daniel Katz Gallery. Curator Davide Gasparotto highlighted its significance: “This sublimely expressive painting represents a great opportunity to enrich our collection with a compelling work by one of the defining protagonists of 16th-century Spanish art.”
Score (97)
This Girl is Thriving After a Historic Heart Surgery
In a remarkable medical journey, Vanellope Hope Wilkins has once again defied the odds. Born in 2017 with her heart outside her body due to a rare condition called ectopia cordis, Vanellope has undergone groundbreaking surgery at the East Midlands Congenital Heart Centre in Leicester. At birth, Vanellope's survival was uncertain. Consultant pediatric surgeon Nitin Patwardhan recalls the uncertainty: "Everything was unknown." Yet, she overcame a less than 10% chance of survival and went home after 14 months in the hospital. Now seven years old, Vanellope faced another challenge—reconstructive surgery to build a protective cage around her heart using her ribs. The complex procedure involved detaching part of her heart from where it had adhered to her skin and reshaping her ribs into a protective structure. This intricate operation lasted over nine hours and marked a first for such procedures in the UK. Consultant congenital cardiac surgeon Ikenna Omeje expressed his satisfaction with the outcome: "It went a lot better than we expected." He described an X-ray of Vanellope's chest post-surgery as "really beautiful." Vanellope’s mother, Naomi Findlay, shared her pride: "It makes me extremely proud to see how far she's come." Despite anxiety about handing over her daughter for surgery, she praised the NHS team as "amazing." Vanellope will spend time recovering in intensive care but is expected to enjoy an improved quality of life without further surgeries. Her family eagerly anticipates bringing their brave girl home soon. "We've got this," Naomi said confidently about their future together.
Score (90)
Humans Vs Robots: The Thrilling Debut Of A Humanoid Race
Robots took a significant stride in Beijing as they joined humans in a half-marathon, marking a novel chapter in robotics. On April 19, humanoid robots of various designs tackled the 21.1-kilometer course alongside 12,000 human participants. The event, hailed as a first by organizers, saw robots guided by teams of navigators and engineers on parallel tracks separated by dividers for safety. While human runners adhered to traditional marathon rules with water station stops, the 20 robot teams operated under customized guidelines. These included battery swap pit stops and allowed substitutions at the cost of a 10-minute penalty per switch. Despite their technological prowess, the robots didn't outpace their human counterparts. Many stumbled along the way, requiring assistance to regain balance. One robot even collided with a railing shortly after starting. The standout performer among the machines was Tien Kung Ultra from the Tien Kung Team, finishing in two hours and 40 minutes. Although this time lagged nearly two hours behind the men's race winner's one hour and two minutes finish, it marked progress from an earlier attempt where Tien Kung Ultra took eight hours to complete the distance. Tang Jian, chief technology officer for Tiangong Robotics Center, attributed Tien Kung Ultra’s success to its long legs and advanced algorithm mimicking human running patterns. "I don’t want to boast but I think no other robotics firms in the West have matched Tiangong’s sporting achievements," Jian told Reuters. Awards were given for best endurance, gait design and innovation. Spectators eagerly shared videos of these robotic feats on social media.
Score (95)
Mars Rover Just Stumbled Upon This Mysterious Rock on 'Skull Hill"
NASA's Perseverance rover has stumbled upon some intriguing geological features on Mars, sparking curiosity among scientists. As it explores the Jezero Crater, a site believed to have once hosted a vast lake, Perseverance is on the hunt for signs of ancient life. Since December 2024, the rover has been navigating Witch Hazel Hill, an area that may hold clues about Mars' climatic history. On April 11, Perseverance paused at a striking geological boundary where light and dark rock outcrops meet. Among these was "Skull Hill," a dark-colored rock with an angular shape and pitted texture that stood out against its surroundings. This region, known as Port Anson, contains several such rocks called "floats," which likely traveled great distances billions of years ago when Mars had rivers and lakes. "We've found a few of these dark-toned floats in the Port Anson region," NASA noted in a blog post. The team is investigating their origins and how they arrived at their current location. The pits on Skull Hill might have formed through erosion or wind abrasion over time. While its dark tone suggests it could be a meteorite, chemical analysis from Perseverance's SuperCam instrument indicates otherwise. These rocks might instead have volcanic origins due to minerals like olivine and pyroxene. "Luckily for us, the rover has instruments that can measure the chemical composition of rocks on Mars," according to NASA's post. In recent months, Perseverance has ramped up its data collection efforts significantly since landing four years ago. Scientists are eager to return samples to Earth for further study but face challenges with NASA's Mars Sample Return mission due to budgetary and technical hurdles. "Crater rims — you gotta love 'em," said Katie Morgan, Perseverance's project scientist at JPL.