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Community Groups Are Working With Farmers to Deliver Surplus Produce to Those in Need
In a time of crisis, people are coming together to make use of surplus food that would otherwise go to waste. Gleaning groups across the UK are working with farmers to rescue fresh produce and distribute it to those in need. This grassroots effort is making a real difference in communities, providing healthy food and boosting mental wellbeing.
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Study Links Social Support To Better Mental And Physical Health
Having people you can count on — even if you don’t always ask for help — can make a measurable difference to your health, happiness, and success, according to new research. A sweeping new analysis led by Dr. GeckHong Yeo of the National University of Singapore found that people who feel supported by friends, family, or colleagues tend to have better mental and physical health, perform more effectively at work, and experience stronger educational outcomes. The study, published in the journal Psychological Bulletin, analyzed data from 604 previous studies involving nearly 900,000 participants in more than 30 countries. Researchers focused on perceived social support — the belief that help would be available if needed — rather than on received support, or help that’s already been given. Prior evidence suggests that perceived support plays a more powerful role in overall well-being. “This study underscores the importance of considering the associations between multiple types and sources of perceived social support and multiple domains of human thriving,” Dr. Yeo said. “Our findings also suggest that adolescents, in particular, can benefit from perceived social support — especially from parents — for improving physical health and reducing risk-taking behavior.” Across all data, people who felt supported showed the strongest improvements in mental health and work performance, followed by gains in physical health, reduced risk-taking, and better academic achievement. The impact also varied across cultures and age groups. In non-Western societies, support was linked more closely with doing well in school, while in Western countries it was more connected to workplace performance. And for children and teens, the sense of having reliable support mattered most for physical health and avoiding risky behaviors. Dr. Yeo said the results show how critical social bonds are for a thriving society. “By identifying the types and sources of support that matter most, we can design targeted interventions to improve mental health, physical health, and overall quality of life,” she explained. She added that the findings could help policymakers, educators, and health professionals “build stronger support networks that promote thriving across different areas of life and contribute to overall well-being.” In short, it’s not just about having people around — it’s about believing they’d be there when you need them.
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Meet Thunder, The Real Bronco Leading Denver's Charge For 33 Seasons
For three decades, one Denver Broncos legend has charged down the field after every touchdown — and he’s not wearing a helmet. Thunder, the team’s iconic white Arabian horse, got some national attention this week in a CBS Mornings feature by Kris Van Cleave. For 33 seasons, a Thunder horse has led the Broncos onto the field at Empower Field at Mile High, symbolizing the heart and spirit of Broncos Country. Today’s Thunder — officially Thunder IV — carries on the proud tradition started in 1993. With his rider and trainer Ann Judge, he sprints across the field before kickoff and after every Broncos touchdown, to the roar of thousands of fans. “Sometimes, the players go in and out of favor,” Judge said. “Thunder never goes out of favor.” Judge has worked alongside Thunder for decades, caring for him and sharing the pregame spotlight before each home game. “Every time they see Thunder, something good has happened,” she told CBS News. The tradition began when the Broncos wanted a live mascot that could truly represent the team. The call went to Sharon Magness Blake, who owned a white Arabian stallion that fit the bill perfectly. “They said, ‘We need a white horse to be the mascot,’” Magness Blake recalled. “They had one, but he got fired. And, ‘Would you like to do it?’ I said, ‘I’d love to do it.’” Thunder has had a front-row view of Broncos history ever since — galloping through all three Super Bowl victories, countless touchdowns, and generations of fans. He even has his own stall at the stadium and a stallion-sized Super Bowl ring to match. Before each game, Magness Blake spends time with Thunder in his private stable beneath the stands. “You be a good boy,” she told him before a recent game. “It’s stressful because you want to keep the horse safe, and you want to keep everybody around him safe. But it’s so cool.” During the CBS interview, Magness Blake joked that Thunder “spoke” to her before the game. “He said, ‘I think I’m going to have to work hard today. I think we’re gonna win.’” That day, Thunder streaked down the field four times — a good omen for any Broncos fan. When he’s not at Mile High, Thunder lives on the Colorado Eastern Plains in Bennett, surrounded by open pastures and loyal fans who know exactly what he means to their team. “I think it’s kind of one of those critical things, especially with Thunder,” said longtime fan Russ Barnum. “You know, the ride that he does.” After 33 seasons and four Thunders, one thing is clear: players may come and go, but the Broncos’ most faithful champion will always be the one who leads the charge.
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This New At-Home Appliance Transforms Plastic Bags Into Recyclable Blocks For Park Benches
Even the most eco-conscious households struggle with soft plastics — the grocery bags, wrappers, and mailers that recycling programs rarely accept. Now, one Texas engineer may have cracked the code to finally make them recyclable. Ivan Arbouzov, founder of the startup Clear Drop, has created the Soft Plastic Compactor (SPC) — a sleek, stainless steel bin that transforms everyday soft plastics into dense, easy-to-recycle blocks. Here’s how it works: Users fill the bin with soft plastics like Ziplocs, bubble wrap, and cling film. When full, the SPC uses heat and pressure to compress the material into a clean, shoebox-sized block. Each block includes a prepaid shipping label and is sent to Clear Drop’s verified recycling partners, such as Frankfort Plastics Inc. in Indiana, where it’s shredded and turned into raw materials for things like park benches and decking. “Nothing is landfilled or incinerated,” Arbouzov said. “There’s real economic value in these compacted materials — and importantly, the entire cycle stays within the U.S.” Arbouzov calls the process “pre-recycling” — a way to prepare materials so they’re actually processed instead of rejected. Soft plastics are notoriously hard to recycle because they jam sorting machines and blow away during collection. By compacting them, the SPC makes them manageable for recyclers — and more efficient to ship, reducing emissions in the process. David Nix, a recycling expert at the University of Pittsburgh, called the SPC “a missing link between households and recycling facilities,” noting that it “reduces the amount of air being shipped” and helps promote a circular economy. According to Clear Drop, if just 1% of U.S. households used the SPC, nearly 300,000 tons of soft plastic — the equivalent of 7.2 billion grocery bags — would be kept out of landfills and oceans each year. The device costs $200 upfront plus a $50 monthly subscription, which covers installment payments, recycling pickup, and a two-year warranty. Each household receives prepaid mailers to recycle one block per month, and the unit runs quietly on just $0.52 worth of electricity monthly. “Soft plastic is like sand through fingers,” Arbouzov said. “The only way to catch it is to stop pretending it’s someone else’s job.” He hopes Clear Drop’s innovation will turn recycling from a confusing chore into a daily, visible act of environmental care — one compact block at a time.
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Rescued Cat Thriving After 8,000-Mile Journey From China to Minnesota
A cat named Xiao Mao — which means “little cat” in Mandarin — has survived an 8,000-mile journey from China to Minnesota after being trapped inside a shipping container for weeks without food or water. When the container was opened in Oakdale, Minnesota, workers were stunned to find the frail, dehydrated feline hiding under pallets. Somehow, she was still alive. “It’s actually amazing she survived that journey, and we are not 100% sure how she did it,” said Kerry D’Amato, executive director of Pet Haven Inc., the Minneapolis rescue now caring for her. “Three weeks without food or water, she would not be alive. She must have been drinking condensation, maybe eating bugs and rodents there.” Xiao Mao’s story began in June, when she accidentally became trapped inside a container bound for the United States. After arriving in Minnesota roughly three weeks later, she was sent to Northwoods Humane Society. But because of her critical condition — she was emaciated, terrified, and too weak to eat — the shelter transferred her to Pet Haven’s Wallflowers Program, which specializes in rehabilitating fearful or traumatized animals. “When she arrived to us, she was deathly thin and very ill,” D’Amato said. “She would charge at us, hiss, and lunge. Today, she chirps at us and comes out when we call her. Her eyes are bright, her ears are forward, she is giving us all the indications she is trusting.” Months of patient care and slow trust-building have transformed Xiao Mao. She’s gained weight, learned to relax, and even bonded with another cat named Prince — a calm companion who helped her come out of her shell. “She’s blossomed,” said D’Amato. “It’s incredible to see the difference.” Pet Haven hopes to adopt out Xiao Mao and Prince as a bonded pair in the coming months. The organization, which relies almost entirely on donations and volunteer fosters, is using her story to highlight the urgent need for more adopters and foster homes amid overcrowded shelters. Xiao Mao’s survival is extraordinary — but for the team at Pet Haven, her recovery is the real triumph. “She’s a symbol of resilience,” D’Amato said. “After everything she went through, she’s learning to trust again — and that’s the most heartwarming part of all.”
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Fishermen and Scientists Team Up to Save Sea Turtles — With Solar-Powered Light-Up Nets
For decades, sea turtles have been dying in fishing nets around the world — victims of accidental entanglement that conservationists call “bycatch.” It’s one of the biggest threats facing the endangered species, alongside climate change and habitat loss. But a team at Arizona State University may have found a surprisingly simple fix: lights. Researchers from ASU’s Senko Lab have developed solar-powered fishing nets equipped with small green LED lights that dramatically reduce the number of sea turtles and other marine animals caught by accident — without hurting fishermen’s catches. Early results show a 63% drop in turtle entanglements. “The results were pretty exciting,” said Jesse Senko, an assistant professor in ASU’s School of Ocean Futures. “It’s a win-win. You’re getting a light that lasts significantly longer, and it also seems to reduce bycatch just as effectively as lights that require replaceable batteries.” The idea came not from a lab, but from local knowledge. While working in Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, Senko’s team was brainstorming with fishermen Juan Pablo and Felipe Cuevas Amador when the brothers suggested illuminating the nets. The concept turned out to be transformative. “They took us into account and gave us the freedom to give our opinions and make modifications,” said Juan Pablo. “Because of that, we wanted to keep using them — and we still do.” The Amador brothers now fish exclusively with the solar-powered nets, making them the first in the world to do so. Senko says that kind of fisher-led collaboration is key. “That’s where the real magic happens,” he explained. “When their ideas go into it, they’re more likely to use it, to share it, and to spread it to other communities.” The technology also helps fishers save time and money by reducing the number of animals they have to untangle. The LEDs are charged by sunlight, eliminating the need for batteries — cutting costs and waste. The project is now expanding to coastal North Carolina, where researchers are testing the nets in collaboration with local fishermen. Every day, graduate students paddle out to attach the lights to study-area nets, then remove them the next morning to compare catch rates. Underwater cameras are also capturing how turtles respond to the glow. “We have no clue what is going on,” Senko said. “Is the light simply illuminating the hazard? Is it making the net less attractive? Video recordings will provide all sorts of new information on behaviors.” The team’s work, recently published in Conservation Letters, is still in its early stages, but the potential impact is enormous. Senko hopes the nets will be available for small-boat fleets within two to three years, and he believes conservation agencies or governments could eventually help subsidize their adoption. The technology also represents something larger: rebuilding trust between conservationists and fishing communities that have often been at odds. In North Carolina, for instance, fishing restrictions meant to protect turtles once devastated local livelihoods. “It shut down the gillnetting here and there was a lot of people dependent on that,” said fourth-generation fisherman Eddie Willis. “It put a lot of people out of work.” Now, efforts like Senko’s aim to bridge that divide — protecting sea turtles and preserving fishing traditions. “A 63% reduction in sea turtle bycatch is a magnificent starting point,” Senko said. “But there’s no reason why that can’t be improved. My goal is to get that 63% reduction to 95%.” For the first time, it looks like conservation and fishing might finally be pulling in the same direction.
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The Best Good News of the Week: From ‘Upcycled’ Skyscrapers to Sea Turtle Comebacks
Every day, Goodable collects the most uplifting stories from around the world. Here are this week’s biggest wins for people, the planet, and progress. In Sydney, Australia, the world’s first upcycled skyscraper has been named a finalist for Prince William’s Earthshot Prize. Instead of demolishing the old 1970s AMP Centre, builders reused 95 percent of its core and 65 percent of its structure to create a new 206-metre tower. The approach saved over 12,000 tonnes of carbon — the same as 35,000 flights between Sydney and Melbourne. The project shows that retrofitting can be just as viable, and far more sustainable, than starting from scratch. In the United States, Indigenous Peoples Day brought stories worth celebrating. In Hawaii, Indigenous-led “DeTours” are educating visitors about colonization and decolonization. In California, a tribe revived its local beaver population to prevent wildfires. And in Montana, Indigenous nations worked with the state’s Department of Transportation to design wildlife crossings that cut animal collisions by 71 percent. Across the country, Indigenous communities are leading projects in conservation, housing, and cultural restoration that benefit everyone. There was also good news for wildlife. After decades of conservation work, green sea turtles are rebounding from the brink of extinction. Once hunted for soup and decorative shells, their populations are finally recovering, thanks to protected nesting beaches and reduced bycatch in fishing nets. In Florida, leatherback turtles have also reached record numbers after a brutal hurricane season. Back on land, clean energy jobs in the U.S. grew three times faster than the overall workforce in 2024, now employing 3.5 million people — more than nurses or teachers. And in a groundbreaking move, North Carolina erased $6.5 billion in medical debt for 2.5 million residents. Governor Josh Stein said the program would “free people from financial stress so they can focus on getting healthy.” LEGO joined the good news too. The company donated MRI scanner toys to hospitals, and new research shows they actually reduce children’s anxiety before scans. Meanwhile in Florida, a retired computer technician nicknamed the “Tech Fairy” is refurbishing donated laptops and giving them away for free to students and workers who can’t afford one. California made history by approving minimum wage pay for incarcerated firefighters. They’ll now earn at least $7.25 per hour, up from as little as $5 a day. Advocates say it’s a long-overdue step toward fairness for those risking their lives on the fire line. Around the world, climate and conservation progress kept rolling in. Global investment in renewables hit a record $386 billion in the first half of 2025, driven by offshore wind and small-scale solar projects. Scientists in Italy discovered a massive new coral reef in the Mediterranean, a hopeful find as reefs elsewhere face mass die-offs. And volunteers stepped up to care for U.S. national parks during the government shutdown, proving that community spirit doesn’t take a break. More good news kept coming: • The U.K. ran on 100% clean power for a record 87 hours this year. • A new “superwood” stronger than steel could reshape sustainable construction. • Ireland made its basic income program for artists permanent. • Norway donated World Cup match profits to Doctors Without Borders in Gaza. • And after a century away, flamingoes are nesting in Florida again. From life-changing policies to small acts of kindness, it was a week full of reminders that progress is still happening — and hope is everywhere you look.
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American Skier Becomes First to Descend Mount Everest’s Toughest Route, Hornbein Couloir
American mountaineer Jim Morrison has made history as the first person ever to ski down Mount Everest’s Hornbein Couloir, one of the mountain’s most dangerous and technically challenging routes. The 50-year-old completed the descent on October 15 after reaching the summit and dedicating his historic run to his late partner, fellow mountaineer Hilaree Nelson, who died in an avalanche on Nepal’s Manaslu in 2022. Before beginning his descent, Morrison spread Nelson’s ashes at the top of the world. “I had a little conversation with her and felt like I could dedicate the whole day to her,” he told National Geographic. Morrison spent more than six weeks on Everest acclimating and waiting for the right weather window. His 12-person expedition team included Sherpas, guides, and a documentary crew led by Oscar-winning filmmaker Jimmy Chin. Setting out from Camp Two before dawn, the team ascended through the Japanese and Hornbein couloirs, reaching the 8,848-meter (29,032-foot) summit just before 1 p.m. While most of the group began the long, slow climb down, Morrison clicked into his skis and began carving down one of the steepest and most dangerous lines on the planet. The full descent took four hours and five minutes. Conditions were brutal. At one point, Morrison encountered a section completely devoid of snow, forcing him to remove his skis and rappel nearly 200 meters (650 feet). “It was a mix of survival skiing and actual shredding,” he said. “Some sections were smooth enough for real turns. Others were rutted and raised four feet up and down, like frozen waves.” When he reached Camp One, Morrison broke down in tears. “I’d risked so much, but I was alive,” he said. “It felt like a tribute to Hilaree—something she’d be proud of. I really felt her with me, cheering me on.” The Hornbein Couloir, named after American climber Tom Hornbein, who first ascended it in 1963 alongside Willi Unsoeld, cuts down the mountain’s north face — a dark, shaded route that stays icy well into fall. Only a handful of climbers have ever summited Everest via this path, and all previous ski or snowboard attempts had failed. French snowboarder Marco Siffredi vanished while attempting the same descent in 2002 and was never found. For Morrison, the climb and ski run were more than a technical milestone. He and Nelson had dreamed of skiing the Hornbein together and were building a home in Colorado when she died. “There are no words to describe the love for this woman — my life partner, my lover, my best friend and my mountain partner,” Morrison wrote after her death. His record-breaking descent will be featured in an upcoming documentary by Chin and Chai Vasarhelyi, the filmmakers behind the Oscar-winning Free Solo. “It’s super steep and unrelenting from top to bottom,” Morrison said of the route. “It’s more than a mile long and just massive, dark, and beautiful in scale.” For Morrison, it was not only the end of a personal journey — but also the fulfillment of a promise.
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Costumed Canines Enjoy Trick-Or-Treating At Howloween Event In Michigan
Elvis, Scooby-Doo, and even a tank commander rolled through Michigan’s capital on four legs this weekend. Hundreds of costumed dogs trotted through Lansing’s Old Town Friday for the city’s annual Howloween celebration — a trick-or-treat event where pups, not people, collect the goodies. The parade of pets wound through the arts district, with stops outside restaurants, gift shops, and jewelry stores where local business owners handed out treats and offered plenty of ear scratches. Wendy Beck’s St. Bernard, Bella, “got filled up on biscuits” and even had to pause mid-route for a nap. It was Bella’s first Halloween, but not so for Mojo, a 13-year-old Pomeranian who arrived dressed as a tank driver — a tribute to owner Alicia Town’s husband, who serves in the Army. “There are so many dogs and so many people. You see the cutest things,” Town said. “People go above and beyond on their costumes, and you get everything. It’s amazing.” Pitbull Sadie, who came dressed as a “kissing booth pumpkin,” was another crowd favorite. Her owner, Makenzie Smith-Emrich, said the event has become a yearly highlight. “This is something we wait for all year,” she said. “It’s something we can do with our dogs that they absolutely adore — and they get to dress up and be the center of attention.” Organized by Preuss Pets, a longtime Old Town fixture, Howloween caps participation at 200 dogs to keep things safe and stress-free. Kirbay Preuss, who helps run the event, said that in today’s world, moments of lighthearted fun are more important than ever. “I think right now with everything going on, we need more joyous events — and that’s what this is,” she said. For one night in Lansing, joy came in the form of wagging tails, floppy ears, and a whole lot of treats.
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Massachusetts Family Donates 400 Acres of Forest for Permanent Conservation
Nearly 400 acres of forest in Winchendon, Massachusetts, are now permanently protected thanks to a landmark donation from the White family to the Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust. The newly conserved land, known as Marchmont Forest, includes 11 acres that had never before been protected. The area is home to diverse wildlife, rich woodlands, and part of the Millers River Watershed — a critical ecosystem for aquatic species and regional water quality. The donation builds on a conservation effort first launched in 2012, extending protections across the historic Marchmont property. The newly added section once housed the long-lost Marchmont Castle, which burned down in the 1950s. “Our family’s ties to this land stretch back to 1847, when our great-great-grandfather established his textile mill in Spring Village,” said Eric White, trustee of the Marchmont Trust, in an interview with The Gardner News. “Generations of our family grew up exploring these woods, and in honoring our father’s wishes, we are proud to see this 384-acre forest remain undeveloped under Mount Grace’s care.” Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust, which has protected more than 36,000 acres across central and western Massachusetts, will serve as the forest’s long-term steward. The land will remain open to the public, ensuring that its trails, trees, and wildlife are maintained for recreation, education, and conservation. With the donation, the Whites have ensured that the property — once private family land — will remain a shared natural space for the community. The Marchmont Forest will continue to serve as a gathering place for residents, a living reminder of local history, and a sanctuary for nature. By preserving this landscape, the White family has left a legacy that protects both the environment and the spirit of community in Winchendon for generations to come.
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The Science of Scents: How Smell Shapes Mood, Memory and Mind
Most of us have experienced it — that instant wave of calm from a whiff of lavender, the joy of passing a bakery, or even the strange satisfaction of smelling gasoline. Our sense of smell is hardwired into the brain’s emotional and memory centers, making it one of the most powerful — and least appreciated — influences on how we feel. The science is clear: smell and emotion are deeply intertwined. The olfactory nerve, known as the first cranial nerve, connects directly from the nose to the brain, bypassing the usual relay stations that other senses use. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it “starts in the brain and ends in the upper, inside part of your nose.” This direct link means scent signals reach the limbic system — the region responsible for emotion, memory, and behavior — in milliseconds. That’s why certain smells can instantly transport you to a childhood memory or shift your mood. But it’s also why scientists are paying closer attention to the connection between smell and brain health. A diminished sense of smell, or anosmia, is now recognized as one of the early indicators of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, highlighting just how closely scent and cognition are linked. Different aromas can also activate different emotional or cognitive responses — a principle that underpins aromatherapy. “From the olfactory epithelium, nerve impulses are transmitted to the limbic system,” explains The Science of Scents. “Different aromas stimulate specific areas within the limbic system, influencing mood, stress levels, and even cognitive function.” Here’s what science says about how some of the most common scents affect the brain: Lavender: Studies show lavender can improve sleep and ease anxiety. In sleep experiments, people exposed to lavender aromas had longer, deeper rest. Dr. Elizabeth Ko from UCLA Health says inhaling lavender or diffusing its oil can “temporarily relieve feelings of stress and anxiety,” especially in older adults. Rosemary: A mental pick-me-up. Research from Northumbria University found that participants who inhaled rosemary performed significantly better on memory tests. The scent stimulates neurotransmitters tied to alertness and focus. Pine: Even a short exposure can lower anxiety. In experiments, participants showed measurable signs of relaxation after just 90 seconds of breathing in pine-scented air. Rose: In a simulated driving study, people exposed to the scent of roses drove more carefully — slower speeds, fewer crashes, and lower stress levels — than those exposed to other fragrances. Citrus: Lemon, orange, and bergamot oils are known for boosting mood and energy. They activate brain regions linked to happiness and alertness while reducing fatigue. “Citrus oils like bergamot or lemon tend to be uplifting and promote happiness,” Dr. Ko says. Eucalyptus: This crisp, cooling scent promotes focus and clear thinking. It’s also linked to easier breathing and stress relief, making it a staple in wellness and skincare products. Cinnamon: Warming and spicy, cinnamon has been shown to enhance attention, working memory, and even libido. Researchers at Wheeling Jesuit University found that people performed better on memory tasks after smelling it. Other scents have targeted benefits, too. Green apple can ease headaches, ginger enhances relaxation during massage, and a blend of lavender and bergamot may help relieve pain, according to a review of more than 170 trials. Of course, aromatherapy isn’t a cure-all for serious conditions. But scientists agree that scent can meaningfully affect how we feel — and how our brains function. As Dr. Ko puts it, “When researchers reviewed the results of over 170 trials, the findings suggested that inhaled essential oils may have some benefits for pain.” So the next time life feels overwhelming, you don’t need to overhaul your habits. Just reach for a scent that brings you peace — maybe lavender for calm, citrus for energy, or pine for clarity — and take a slow, deep breath. Your brain will thank you.