Jason Momoa Shaved His Head to Raise Awareness About Plastics Pollution

Jason Momoa has shaved his signature shoulder-length hair to raise awareness about the environmental toll of single-use plastics. The "Aquaman" star shared a video on Instagram Tuesday in which he can be seen buzzing off his braids, quipping, "I've never even felt the wind right there." Momoa, who was born in Hawaii, said he was startled after witnessing the "sad" amount of waste in the ocean surrounding his home state. In the caption accompanying the video, he vowed to "be better at protecting our land and oceans."

Read More

Citizen Scientists Just Rediscovered This Rare South African Moth

A rare emerald-green moth last seen in the 1870s has been rediscovered in South Africa thanks to a team of citizen scientists and a few well-timed photographs. Drepanogynis insciata, known for its shimmering green wings tinged with red wine hues, was long believed extinct — until photos began surfacing online between 2020 and 2023. The discovery came through iNaturalist, a citizen science platform where observers uploaded images of the moth from four different locations near Swellendam. Until then, scientists only had two faded specimens collected in the 19th century and stored at the Natural History Museum in London. “It was quite an incredible feeling,” said South African lepidopterist Hermann Staude, who spotted the photos and confirmed the species’ identity. One of the moths was eventually captured and preserved for study by Finnish zoologist Pasi Sihvonen, who compared it to the original museum samples. “It’s difficult to describe how you feel when you see something you thought didn’t exist anymore,” he said. All of the rediscovered moths have been males, likely because they’re more mobile and drawn to light. Scientists are now working to identify the plant species their caterpillars rely on — a key step in conserving the moth and its fragile fynbos habitat. The find highlights the power of community science and technology to help protect even the smallest — and most overlooked — members of the ecosystem.

Read More

Young Boy Unearths Ancient Fossil During Family Outing

In a stroke of remarkable luck, 11-year-old Touren Pope stumbled upon a nearly 50-million-year-old fossil while rock hunting in Wyoming with his grandparents. What started as an ordinary day turned extraordinary when Touren's sharp eye spotted something unusual among the rocks. Out on public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in southwest Wyoming, Touren was initially just searching for interesting stones with Patti and Tom Patterson. His attention shifted from typical finds to something far more intriguing. "We went searching for rocks and found white, clam-like shells... I just got bored and it started doing weird stuff and I found it," he recounted to Wyoming News Now. Touren’s curiosity led him to a prehistoric turtle fossil that had been nestled in what used to be Lake Gosiute's ancient waters for about 48 million years. This region, now known as the Greater Green River Basin, was once a lush tropical area teeming with fish, crocodiles, and turtles. Recognizing their grandson's find as special, Patti and Tom sent a photo of the fossil to his mother, Tessa Patterson. She was astounded and immediately knew they had come across something significant. "It blew all of our minds," she told Wyoming Public Media. Following proper protocol, the family reported the discovery to BLM officials. The paleontology staff at Rock Springs Field Office quickly assessed the site. Museum specialist J.P. Cavigelli noted that within minutes they could see it was "a pretty complete turtle shell and worth collecting." The fossil was confirmed by BLM officials to be nearly complete and exceptionally well-preserved. Cavigelli identified it as a soft-shelled turtle species, related to those still seen today. He explained that if someone familiar with modern softshell turtles were to travel back in time 50 million years, they would recognize this creature instantly. Craig Thomas from BLM emphasized how critical timing is in such discoveries: fossils tend to degrade quickly once exposed at the surface. Touren didn’t just stop at finding the turtle; he also joined the excavation team to help uncover it further. As part of his reward for both discovering and reporting it properly, Touren received the privilege of naming his find "Little Timmy." "This discovery would not have been possible without Touren’s keen observation," stated a press release from BLM, praising him for responsibly reporting the find. The statement highlighted how public involvement plays a key role in preserving scientific resources on public lands. Now named Little Timmy, this ancient piece of history will be housed at the Tate Geological Museum where visitors can marvel at its story—and remember how an ordinary rock hunt turned into an extraordinary fossil discovery thanks to one observant young boy.

Read More

Golden Retriever Helps 84-Year-Old Reconnect With Joy After Moving Into Care Home

When 84-year-old John Weller moved into Gillibrand Hall Care Home in Chorley, Lancashire, he struggled to adjust to life without his beloved dogs — Rocky the miniature schnauzer and Jovi the whippet. But everything changed when he met Dan, a golden retriever with a talent for lifting spirits. “I keep their photos in my bedroom and look at them often,” Weller said. “Seeing Dan makes me happy. Stroking him and feeding him treats reminds me of my own dogs. I look forward to Dan’s visits.” Staff at the care home say Weller was quiet and low in mood when he first arrived, missing the routines and companionship of his previous life. But they watched his confidence grow as he formed a gentle bond with Dan, who visits regularly. Dan’s owner, Fiona Hill, says her golden retriever has a gift for knowing just what each resident needs. “Dan is very gentle — albeit a bit giddy sometimes — and he seems to instinctively know how to respond to each resident,” she said. “Some even weep with joy when he arrives.” The visits don’t just offer comfort — they often spark stories, laughter, and emotional memories. “The residents love sharing stories about their own pets, which can be emotional at first, but often lead to happy conversations,” Hill added. The impact has been so profound that Dan was recently named “Employee of the Month” at the home. “For John, pet therapy isn't just about reducing anxiety — it’s about reconnecting with his passion for dogs and those happy memories,” said care home manager Kathy Spencer. “The bond they share brings him comfort and calm.” And for John, Dan’s visits are now the highlight of his week — a reminder of the dogs he’s loved, and the happiness that still lives in every tail wag.

Read More

'World's Loneliest Sheep Is Lonely No More' After Giving Birth to Twins

A sheep once dubbed the “world’s loneliest” has given birth to two healthy lambs. First-time mom Fiona made headlines in 2023 when she was rescued after being stranded in isolation for two years on a remote cliff in Scotland. Now the ewe has a family of her own. “The World’s Loneliest Sheep is lonely no more!” said Dalscone Farm, which gave Fiona a new home after her rescue. “Fiona has officially traded her title for ‘World’s Best Mum,’ and she is taking to her new role amazingly well,” the farm said, adding, “We couldn’t be prouder of her and these two healthy little lambs. Welcome to the world, little ones.” Dalscone Farm via Storyful

Read More

Local Student Wins National Pun Championship With Clever Henry VIII Joke

A university student has taken the crown at this year’s UK Pun Championships after a night of rapid-fire wordplay and punchlines that had a Leicester audience in stitches. Adam Ernest Pickard, 22, emerged victorious at the 2026 showdown at De Montfort Hall, beating seven other comedians in a live pun-off held in a boxing-ring-style stage. The annual event, part of the Leicester Comedy Festival, is a highlight for lovers of clever one-liners and shameless groaners. Pickard, a Master's student in scriptwriting based in Norwich, said the win felt surreal. “It’s just very overwhelming, but very exciting as well,” he said. “It’s the biggest gig I’ve ever done and I’m very pleased there is a competition for something that I’m good at.” He had the audience laughing early with jokes like: “The song Greensleeves was composed by Henry VIII. I’d play some of it here, but it’s not royalty-free.” and “I’ve compiled everyone who works at my local takeaway pizza place into a book. It’s my Domino’s Who’s Who.” Another favourite: “Only women can use the herbal dumbbells. Thyme weights for no man.” Hosted by comedian Jason Byrne, the championships are known for their light-hearted intensity, with comedians battling it out in rounds themed around topics like history, food, or pop culture. Pickard, who was visiting Leicester for the first time, said the experience felt like “a very elaborate prank.” “I’ve always loved comedy,” he said. “One of the first comedians I really loved was Tim Vine, who of course is the pun master. I’d like to be part of the comedy world, and hopefully this is a stepping stone to get there.” Now in its 33rd year, the Leicester Comedy Festival features over 700 shows across 76 venues, with appearances from major names like Stephen Fry and Sue Perkins alongside rising talent. Michael Harris-Wakelam, chief executive of the Big Difference Company, which runs the festival, praised this year’s pun-off. “The skill on display this year was outstanding,” he said. “This event is a flagship of our festivals programme and celebrates and champions the art involved in great word play. Congratulations to all involved and to our worthy winner.” For Pickard, who just came for the gig, the trip ended with a title — and a few thousand more fans.

Read More

Still Bouncing at 91: Trampoline Champion Peter Quinney Wins Gold Again

At 91, Peter Quinney is still defying gravity — and expectations. The British trampolining champion and great-grandfather from Melksham, Wiltshire, has just added another gold medal to his collection after taking first place in his age category at a recent competition in Portsmouth. Decades after his first taste of gymnastics at school, Quinney’s passion for trampolining is stronger than ever. “I just enjoy it all,” he said. “With the coaching, it's like a little family at the club and somewhere I can share something I've been doing all my life.” Now a coach at a Salisbury trampoline club, Quinney traces his love of the sport back to his National Service in the Royal Air Force at age 18, where he trained as a physical training instructor. It was during that time that he first introduced trampolining to the RAF gymnastics display team. By 1960, Quinney had bounced his way to the top of the sport, winning gold at the British Championships just three years after the event was introduced. “At that time, I had the opportunity to train a lot and I managed to win the British Championship in 1960,” he said. “Being selected to represent Great Britain was absolutely great, smashing.” He went on to perform with the RAF team at Madison Square Garden in New York and at the Olympic stadium in Canada, later expanding his skills into parachuting. While stationed in Singapore, he introduced trampolining to schools and taught jungle and sea survival to troops. After retiring from the RAF, Quinney continued to shape the sport. He founded what became the Wiltshire School of Gymnastics, with a special focus on making the sport more inclusive for children with special needs. Now in his tenth decade, he still occasionally surprises his students by hopping on the trampoline to demonstrate a move. “I’ve passed the point where I can just leap on and demonstrate any skill,” he said, “but sometimes they can get a bit jealous when I do and demonstrate something they are finding difficult.” He’s also quick to acknowledge that mastering the trampoline comes with its knocks. “Fortunately I've never had any broken bones, just a few bumps and bruises — but you just get back on and try again when it goes wrong.” At an age when most are content to slow down, Quinney keeps moving — and keeps winning. “It can be exciting,” he said. “Especially when you achieve something that you didn't think you could even attempt, let alone achieve.”

Read More

UK's First Pickleball Scholarship Student Is Smashing Expectations

UK's First Pickleball Scholarship Student Is Smashing Expectations When Charlotte Pressley first picked up a pickleball paddle, she had no idea it would change her life — or make UK sports history. The 19-year-old from near Harlow, Essex, has become the first student in the UK to receive a university scholarship for pickleball, one of the world’s fastest-growing sports. Now in her first year studying sports coaching at Canterbury Christ Church University in Kent, Pressley says the award has opened doors she didn’t know existed. “I wasn't aware pickleball could get a scholarship because it's a new sport in the UK,” she told BBC Essex. “I got the scholarship and it's gone absolutely wild from there.” The scholarship not only supports her development as a player but also includes mentoring, nutritional guidance, and financial backing. “It helps me with my sport, but also stuff like mentoring, nutrition, and helps me financially too,” she said. Pressley recently won a bronze medal at the 2025 English Nationals in doubles alongside her coach and former tennis mentor, Mollie Knaggs. “She said, ‘I actually believe you can do this’ — and that's the confidence I needed to get myself to the professional side,” Pressley said. Pickleball blends elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Played with solid paddles and a plastic ball on a smaller court, it limits the power of each shot, placing more focus on hand skills and strategy than raw strength or speed. Pressley’s love of the game began at her tennis club in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, where temporary pickleball courts were set up during the Covid-19 pandemic. After an injury sidelined her county-level tennis play at age 16, pickleball filled the gap. “I got addicted,” she said. “I’d played tennis since I was six, and then Covid hit… our coach put pickleball courts down in the mini courts and introduced me.” Now based in Canterbury, she’s joined a local pickleball club and has her sights set on international competition. But more than medals, she wants to grow the game itself — especially among young people. “There’s no real age bracket,” she said. “Families can do it, anybody can do it, and a lot of people who are retired play it. But youngsters are starting to come through, which is really nice to see.” Jemma Cullen, the university’s sports and active health delivery manager, said the school is proud to back Pressley’s rising career. “As a university that participates in pickleball, we are delighted to see she is excelling in the game both at regional and national level, and we are incredibly proud to support her continued success.” The university’s sports scholarship programme, now nearly two decades old, has supported athletes ranging from professional footballer Deanna Cooper to Kent cricket captain Megan Belt and Paralympic long jumper Desiree Bargiela. For Pressley, it all started with one question and one coach’s belief. Now, she’s not just making history — she’s making pickleball impossible to ignore.

Read More

Barking Hero: Unknown Dog Leads Louisville Police to Missing Toddler Locked in Car

When a 3-year-old boy went missing in Louisville, Kentucky, police turned to drones, aircraft, and ground searches to locate him. But it was an unexpected four-legged stranger who ultimately helped bring the child home. The search began on January 7, prompting the Louisville Metro Police Department to deploy all available resources. But it was Officer Josh Thompson’s interaction with a barking dog that shifted everything. The dog, which Thompson had never seen before in his two years of patrolling the neighborhood, approached him while he was checking a lead about a child seen ringing a doorbell and running off. Though the description didn’t match the missing boy, Thompson decided to follow up. No one answered the door at the home in question, but the dog kept pace with Thompson, barking and circling him. Then came a pivotal moment: “Hey, let’s go find this kid,” Thompson told the dog. Without hesitation, it ran toward the backyard. At first, Thompson thought the boy might be in the house—the back door was open—but the dog redirected him again, this time toward the garage. Inside, in the front passenger seat of a locked car, they found the boy. “He was terrified,” Thompson said in a video shared by LMPD. “Dad mode turns on, and I’m trying to get this kid to hit the unlock button. He hit the door latch, and I just gave him the yank motion. He yanked, and I pulled that door open quickly. And he jumped from the car, bear hugged my neck, and wouldn’t let go.” The boy was safely reunited with his family. As for the dog, no one knows where it came from. “In two years of working this neighborhood, I’ve never seen that dog before,” Thompson said. “I truly believe he was a blessing from God.” The department praised the rescue in a Facebook post: “Outstanding work by our officers, and a four-legged friend who reminded us that heroes come in all forms.”

Read More

Speedskater Francesca Lollobrigida Celebrates Gold Medal With Adorable Moment Featuring Toddler Son

Italian speed skater Francesca Lollobrigida didn’t just win gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics — she did it while showing the world what it looks like to be a champion and a mom at the same time. On Saturday, Feb. 7 — her 35th birthday — Lollobrigida took first place in the women’s 3,000-meter race. But it was what happened after the race that turned her into a viral sensation. During a post-race interview, Lollobrigida held her 2-year-old son Tommaso in her arms as she answered questions from reporters. Tommaso, entirely unfazed by the global spotlight, stole the show. He played with the gold medal draped around his mom’s neck, grabbed her face mid-sentence, attempted to snatch the microphone, and even took off her hat — all while she calmly kept speaking. The video quickly racked up more than 3.5 million views on X. “It’s not that easy to combine being a skater and a mom,” Lollobrigida told The Athletic. But she made it clear the two identities are not mutually exclusive. “This [medal] is for myself, the people who believed in me, and the people who said, ‘Maybe she can’t do it, you know?’ They gave me the power to prove myself.” After winning silver and bronze at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, Lollobrigida took a break from competition following Tommaso’s birth. But she was back on the ice just six months later and earning medals at the European Championships by early 2024. “I didn’t choose between a family, being a mom, and being a speed skater,” she said. “I was brave, so I’m really proud of myself.” Now, with a gold medal in one arm and her son in the other, Lollobrigida has become a new kind of Olympic icon — not just for her athleticism, but for her unapologetic embrace of motherhood on the world stage.

Read More

Hackers Turn Discarded Vapes into Musical Instruments to Fight E-Waste

Every time a single-use vape is sold, it adds to one of the world’s fastest-growing waste problems. Millions of these devices—used up after just a few thousand puffs—are tossed into landfills, where they leak toxic materials, release methane, and contribute to the climate crisis. Now, a group of New York–based hackers is offering a surprising alternative: make music with them. Kari Love and David Rios from New York University, along with Shuang Cai from Cornell University, have created a digital instrument called the “Vape Synth.” Built from discarded Elf Bar vapes, the device is part art, part protest, and part environmental intervention. “We started from a very silly place,” Love told Wired. “We have to use the low-pressure sensor. Which means to play it, you must suck.” The team reuses the vape’s lithium-ion battery and charging circuit, then adds a small speaker, buttons, and a tone-generating circuit board. The result is a functioning musical instrument that diverts toxic e-waste from landfills and draws attention to the environmental toll of disposable tech. “You see them everywhere,” Love said of single-use vapes. “They have the lithium-ion batteries, which makes them particularly insidious in the disposable tech world.” Vape batteries are especially harmful because they don’t just pile up—they pollute. When dumped in landfills, they can leak heavy metals and release methane, a greenhouse gas 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Love and her team say their goal is to inspire others to find creative uses for waste. And they’re not alone. Researchers elsewhere are working on biodegradable circuit boards that decompose at the end of their lifespan. Other innovators have upcycled old smartphones into working components for data centers. “Ideally, we would change that paradigm and make less waste,” Love said. “But while we're making that much waste, let's divert some of it. Let's use it.” Their Vape Synth is one of many small but inventive steps aimed at rethinking how we treat discarded electronics. And for now, it's also a reminder: sometimes, reducing harm starts with a little noise.

Read More