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Disney's New Heroine is an Important Step for Body Positivity
In Disney's "Reflect," a plus-size ballerina named Bianca learns to see herself clearly and appreciate her own body for what it can do. The short film follows Bianca as she struggles with self-consciousness and body image issues, but ultimately finds confidence and joy in dancing. The beauty in the message of this film is that Bianca finds body positivity in using her body for what she loves. In the end, it's not what her body looks like, but what it can do that shapes how she feels about it.
Score (91)
Ohio Couple Celebrates 78 Years of Marriage: The Secret? No Secrets
After 78 years of marriage, Thomas and Ernestine Price still make each other smile. The couple from Columbus, Ohio recently celebrated their 78th wedding anniversary, marking a love story that began when they were just kids and has since grown to include five generations of family. They first met in 1940 when Ernestine, then 11, moved to Columbus. Thomas was already friends with her cousin, and the moment he saw her, he made a bold prediction: “I’m going to marry that girl.” They started dating as teenagers under the watchful eyes of Ernestine’s sisters and relatives, a custom at the time. Their courtship lasted through World War II, when Thomas served in the Navy. While he was overseas, the two kept in touch through handwritten letters. Ernestine was still in high school, but the distance didn’t weaken their bond. Thomas returned home in 1946. The next year, on Mother’s Day, he proposed. They were married on September 10, 1947, right on the front porch of Ernestine’s house. Together, they built a life in Columbus, raising three children—one son and two daughters. Over the years, their family grew to include nine grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great-grandchildren. In their younger days, they loved going roller skating and to the movies. These days, their focus is on each other’s health and staying safe, spending quiet time together at home. Asked about the key to such a lasting marriage, Ernestine didn’t hesitate: “No secrets between the couple. That’s not going to work because everything comes out sooner or later.” Even now, after nearly eight decades, the love is still there. When Ernestine asked her husband if he would marry her again, Thomas replied, “Yeah.” She smiled and said, “Oh, you would? I think I’ll keep you, too. How about that?”
Score (98)
There's a Secret Molecule In Guava That Could Combat Liver Cancer
Most modern medicines can trace their roots to nature, and a new discovery from the University of Delaware could add another to the list. William Chain, an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and his research team have developed a way to recreate a cancer-fighting molecule found in guava fruit. Their work, published in the international journal Angewandte Chemie, could make future treatments for liver cancer more accessible and affordable. “The majority of clinically approved medicines are either made from a natural product or are based on one,” Chain said. “But there aren’t enough natural resources to make enough treatments. Now chemists will be able to take our manuscripts and basically follow our ‘recipe’ and they can make it themselves.” The breakthrough comes through a process called natural product total synthesis, which allows scientists to create naturally occurring molecules from widely available, low-cost chemicals. This means researchers no longer have to rely on harvesting rare plants for small quantities of material. The molecule in question is known to combat liver and bile duct cancers, which are among the fastest-growing cancer types worldwide. According to projections, one in 125 people globally will face a diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer, during their lifetime. In the United States, more than 42,000 people are expected to be diagnosed in 2025 alone, with over 30,000 deaths. Current five-year survival rates for late-stage liver cancer are under 15 percent, and treatment costs reach into the billions each year. For Liam O’Grady, a doctoral student in Chain’s lab and the article’s first author, the significance lies in opening the door for global collaboration. “We are the first ones to pave that road, and other people can repave it any which way. Find the shortcuts if they have to. But since we entered into that unknown territory, I think we helped shed light on this unknown pathway that can get us there. And I think that’s the cool part,” he said. By publishing their synthesis pathway, the Delaware team has given scientists worldwide a practical “recipe” to mass-produce the guava-derived molecules. The team is now working with the National Cancer Institute to test the compound’s effectiveness against other forms of cancer. If successful, the research could lead to a new generation of therapies, combining the wisdom of nature with the precision of modern chemistry.
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Score (97)
Scientists Are On The Verge of Decoding Leonardo da Vinci's DNA
For more than 500 years, Leonardo da Vinci has stood as the ultimate symbol of Renaissance genius. Now, an international team of researchers is edging closer to revealing something no one has ever seen: the genetic code of the man behind the Mona Lisa. The Leonardo DNA Project, launched in 2016 and coordinated from The Rockefeller University in New York, has brought together historians, geneticists, and archaeologists to tackle an audacious goal: reconstructing the DNA of Leonardo da Vinci. Their latest findings, outlined in a new book published in Italy, suggest they are closer than ever to succeeding. The book, Genìa Da Vinci. Genealogy and Genetics for Leonardo's DNA, is the culmination of 30 years of work by scholars Alessandro Vezzosi and Agnese Sabato of the Leonardo Da Vinci Heritage Association. Published with the support of the Municipality of Vinci, the research traces Leonardo’s family back to 1331, spanning 21 generations and more than 400 individuals. The genealogy proved more than an academic exercise. By identifying 15 direct male-line descendants of Leonardo’s father and half-brother, researchers were able to collect DNA samples. Six descendants underwent genetic testing, and scientists found matching segments of the Y chromosome, the genetic marker passed virtually unchanged from father to son. “Further detailed analyses are necessary to determine whether the DNA extracted is sufficiently preserved,” said David Caramelli, coordinator of the project’s anthropological and molecular aspects and director of the Department of Biology at the University of Florence. If the Y chromosome identified in the living descendants can also be traced in bone remains excavated from a Da Vinci family tomb in Vinci, it could unlock the ability to compare genetic material directly with traces found on Leonardo’s manuscripts, notebooks, and even his artworks. That, in turn, could allow scientists to build the first genetic portrait of one of history’s greatest minds. Archaeologists Alessandro Riga and Luca Bachechi of the University of Florence are leading excavations at the Church of Santa Croce in Vinci, where bone fragments linked to Leonardo’s grandfather and uncles have been unearthed. One specimen has already been radiocarbon dated and subjected to preliminary DNA analysis. Early results suggest it belonged to a male relative of Leonardo, but further testing is underway. The implications stretch far beyond curiosity. If DNA fragments can be sequenced, scientists may uncover insights into Leonardo’s health, vision, and even causes of death. Forensic tools could reveal traits such as left-handedness or dietary patterns. The research could also reshape how disputed artworks are authenticated, with biological evidence complementing traditional art history. “Even a tiny fingerprint on a page could contain cells to sequence,” said Jesse H. Ausubel of The Rockefeller University and director of the project. “21st-century biology is moving the boundary between the unknowable and the unknown.” The project has also revived attention on Leonardo’s family life. Vezzosi and Sabato’s research sheds new light on his mother, Caterina, who archival evidence increasingly suggests was a slave in the household of a wealthy Florentine banker. It also reveals his grandfather Antonio was not just a farmer but a merchant with connections to Spain and Morocco. In Vinci itself, another surprise has surfaced. A large charcoal drawing discovered on a fireplace mantle in a building once linked to Leonardo’s family may be an early work of the artist. Dubbed the “Unicorn Dragon,” it depicts a fantastical creature with a horn, claws, scales, and wings reminiscent of Leonardo’s later anatomical sketches. Local authorities have planned scientific analysis and restoration of the work. The book goes further, hinting that Leonardo may have anticipated concepts of epigenetics, centuries before the term existed. In his writings on heredity, he reflected on how diet, blood, and parental behavior could influence children — observations that echo debates in modern genetics. For the people of Vinci, the research represents more than science. It is a way to reconnect with their most famous son. “Our goal in reconstructing the Da Vinci family’s lineage up to the present day, while also preserving and valuing the places connected to Leonardo, is to enable scientific research on his DNA,” said Vezzosi. The findings will soon feed into a digital archive, a planned documentary, and even an international film project. But the scientific ambition remains at the heart of the work. If researchers can recover enough fragments of Leonardo’s DNA, they will have a chance to give the world its first genetic portrait of the Renaissance master. “This is not just about the author of the world’s most famous painting,” said Ausubel. “It’s a challenge to redefine the limits of historical knowledge and cultural heritage.” For Vinci, the Tuscan village where an illegitimate child named Leonardo was born in 1452, the chance to hear his “genetic voice” across the centuries is a source of pride — and a reminder that the mystery of da Vinci is far from solved.
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This Boy Sacrificed His Foul Ball To Fulfill a Grandmother's Lifelong Dream
At a Phillies game earlier this month, an unexpected play off the field turned into the highlight of the night. On September 10, 80-year-old Donna Morey was celebrating her birthday at the Phillies vs. Mets game with her family. Sitting near the third baseline, she had one wish: to finally bring home a foul ball after years of attending games. That chance came in the fifth inning when 9-year-old Phillies fan Jameson Pennings caught his very first game ball. He tossed it back and forth with his dad, admiring the scuffs like it was a treasure. But before the game ended, Jameson decided to give it away. Morey recalled the moment. “I was really absolutely amazed because he overheard my daughter talk to the ball girl about next foul would she consider giving it to me for my birthday. All of a sudden, this boy says to his dad, ‘I want to give that lady my ball,’ and his father says, ‘Are you sure about this,’ and the little boy looked at the ball in his glove and says yeah. They got up from their seat, came right over to me and handed me the ball.” Jameson’s dad, James, captured the exchange in a Facebook post. He wrote that they had bought seats next to the ball girl hoping for a game ball, and Jameson finally caught one in the fifth inning. But after hearing Morey’s birthday wish, “Jameson put his head in his knees briefly, stood up and gave the ball to the Birthday Girl.” After the game, Morey asked Jameson to sign the ball and posed for photos with him. “We found out she had been attending Phillies games for quite some time and had never gotten a game ball,” James wrote, adding, “Sorry proud Dad moment!!” For Morey, the kindness of a stranger made the night unforgettable. “I was just blessed to be at this one with him, really, I think it was meant to be,” she said. And in a fitting ending, Jameson didn’t leave empty-handed. The Phillies’ ball girl handed him another foul ball in the ninth inning, making the night special for both families. His parents, Eve and James, said they couldn’t be prouder of their son. “Me being his mom makes me kind of emotional because, oh my God, we’re doing something right and everybody saw it,” Eve said. What started as a simple night at the ballpark turned into a once-in-a-lifetime memory, reminding everyone that sometimes the best plays happen in the stands.
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Strangers Embrace Letters: One Dad Becomes a Father Figure to Thousands
A simple TikTok has grown into something far bigger: a global letter-writing project that connects dads with people searching for a father figure. The Dad Letters Project launched in July, sparked by Rosie Paulik’s video asking if anyone might want a letter from her dad, Buz Ecker. At the time, Ecker had just finished a doctorate but was feeling “aimless” and low, she told ABC News and The Washington Post. Knowing his lifelong love of writing letters — he had sent her thousands throughout her life — Paulik suggested he share that gift with strangers. The response was overwhelming. What started with one dad is now a team of four “Dad Staff Writers” who mail handwritten notes to people around the world. Each letter is different — some offer advice, others encouragement or simply a joke. “Sometimes, you just need a dad to remind you that you’re doing great, to offer unsolicited life advice, or to tell you a joke so bad you have no choice but to laugh. It’s like a hug, but on paper,” the project’s website says. Ecker said he now writes to people who have lost their fathers, never had one, or feel estranged from their families. “It’s very gratifying to be people’s fathers who don’t have one,” he told the Post. “And it’s very gratifying to write a letter to people who have never gotten a letter from a father.” Demand has been so high that the project has extended beyond the summer. “People wanted to hear from a dad. They wanted to hear from a father figure,” Paulik told ABC News. For many, the charm lies in the tangible act of receiving mail. “So many people don’t receive anything in the mailbox besides maybe coupons and bills,” Paulik said. “They are coming up with words to say for you, they’re putting the address on the envelope, putting a stamp on it and sending it out. It’s so authentic and special.” What began as one daughter’s way of lifting her dad’s spirits is now filling mailboxes with comfort, and in some cases, giving people the fatherly words they’ve been missing all their lives.
Score (97)
Sprint Sensation Gout Gout, 17, Set To Shine At World Athletics Championships
Gout Gout may only be 17, but the young sprinter is already making waves on the international athletics scene. The Australian teenager has captured global attention with his blistering speed and is now set to compete in the 200-meter event at this year's World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The competition's first heats are scheduled for Wednesday, and Gout is eager to make his mark. "I've earned my place to be here," he told reporters on Monday, according to Reuters. "Obviously, these athletes are stronger, bigger, older, more experienced, but I know that I have the ability to go out there and do my thing. At the end of the day, we're all running 200 meters, and regardless of how old you are, when you stop on that line, it's all about who's fastest." Gout burst onto the track scene in 2022 with a remarkable 10.57-second finish in the 100 meters at just 14 years old. He later drew even more notice by completing a 200-meter race in 20.60 seconds at last year’s World Athletics U20 Championships. This time was notably quicker than a young Usain Bolt's performance as a 15-year-old in 2002. More recently, Gout broke his own Australian record for the 200 meters by clocking in at 20.02 seconds during his first senior race abroad in June. Despite these achievements, he's focused on achieving a new personal best and has ambitions of breaking the elusive sub-20-second barrier for the distance. Although he recorded a time of 19.98 seconds earlier this year, it wasn't recognized as an official record due to wind conditions that favored runners. "I definitely think PB-ing (personal best) regardless of where I come is definitely a big success," Gout shared with reporters in Tokyo. "And hopefully if I can make it at the semi that's even greater. And then if I make it into the final, that's a big success." As one of the fastest teenagers globally, Gout has had to adjust to life under the spotlight. Comparisons to Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt have become common; Bolt himself praised Gout's performances so far. Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo also believes that Gout has significant potential. "It's definitely crazy," Gout remarked about his newfound fame. "I’ve had people with their grandparents come up to me wanting photos … I’ve had a baby; her mother wanted me to sign her forehead." Despite these sometimes unusual fan requests, he finds joy in inspiring others through his journey from obscurity to prominence. With anticipation building around his performance in Tokyo, all eyes are now on Gout as he lines up against some of athletics' most seasoned competitors. a true test for this rising star aiming for greatness on one of sport's grandest stages.
Score (97)
How Prairie Farmers are Saving Our Most Threatened Ecosystem
A few months after wildfire tore across May Ranch in Lamar, Colorado, Dallas May spotted the first signs of recovery: thin shoots of grass poking through blackened soil. “It was a moonscape,” May said of the aftermath. “Everything was charred and gone.” The 2022 fire, driven by winds up to 113 km/h, killed livestock, burned 42 miles (68 km) of fencing, and wiped out vegetation along the creek. But soon, the land revealed its resilience. Needle-and-thread grass, a species May had barely noticed before, began to sprout. Over time, other grasses emerged from seeds stored in the soil. “We had an entire natural seed bank,” he said. For decades, May and his family have managed their ranch to allow native habitat to thrive alongside cattle. That balance is increasingly rare on the Great Plains, one of the most threatened ecosystems on Earth. Less than 40 percent of the region’s 550 million acres of historical grasslands remain, and about two million acres vanish each year to cropland or development. Ranching, when managed carefully, can help preserve what is left. Grazing cattle suppress woody plants and invasives, and mimic the ecological role bison once played. “Grazing is probably one of the most essential functions that you need to appropriately manage grassland,” said Rich Schultheis of Playa Lakes Joint Venture, a bird conservation group. Without ranchers, he added, “we would be in such a worse place.” The loss of prairie has been devastating for wildlife. Populations of grassland birds have plunged by 53 percent since 1970, a decline of 700 million birds. With only 21 percent of Great Plains grasslands never disturbed, protecting intact habitat is critical. Unlike farming, ranching typically leaves native vegetation untouched. That suits the grasses, which evolved with regular disturbance from fire and grazing. May’s family runs about 600 mother cows — roughly half the number the land could support. The smaller herd means less pressure on the grass, and more left over for wildlife. “If you allow the cattle to be part of the ecology, rather than dominating it, they are a benefit to it,” May said. But raising fewer cattle cuts into profits. May has filled the gap through conservation partnerships. He placed a conservation easement on the ranch, giving up rights to future development in exchange for tax credits. The decision, once controversial among ranchers, gave the family long-term security. “When the solution comes from a community, the solution is more durable,” said Maggie Hanna, who leads the Central Grasslands Roadmap Initiative. The ranch also participates in Ducks Unlimited’s carbon credit program and is certified bird-friendly by the National Audubon Society, which puts its label on beef from participating ranches. “We need to be able to keep ranchers ranching, and the only way to do that is through their finances,” said Audubon program manager Dusty Downey. Evidence suggests these approaches pay off. Grazed land retains more moisture, making it more drought resilient, Downey noted. Botanists have documented 248 plant species on May Ranch, including 50 types of grasses. Endangered black-footed ferrets have begun breeding there, and rare birds like the eastern black rail migrate through its wetlands. Still, challenges remain. May has worked on reintroducing lesser prairie chickens, but broader habitat loss has stymied success. And recovery from the fire has been difficult. The loss of fencing disrupted his breeding program for pure-bred Limousin cattle, costing the ranch income. Even so, signs of renewal encourage him. Beavers that vanished after the fire returned to rebuild dams once water flowed again. Grass now carpets fields that were once ash. “To me, that is the key to sustainability,” May said. “Keeping things there where they can recover on their own.”
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How the Mediterranean Diet Reduces Risk of Gum Disease and Dementia
Eating like a Mediterranean might be your ticket to healthier gums and, in turn, a healthier life. A new study has found that following the Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of gum disease, which is linked with inflammation and could lead to chronic diseases such as dementia. Dr. Andrew Freeman from National Jewish Health in Denver explains the connection: "Periodontal or gum health is associated with cardiovascular disease; they're interconnected." Inflammation plays a big role here. It can lead to vascular diseases where blood vessels narrow or get blocked, affecting organs like the brain, kidneys, and heart. Vascular dementia is one of the most common forms of cognitive decline after Alzheimer's disease. The Mediterranean diet helps keep inflammation down, says Freeman. But he cautions against adopting an Americanized version laden with lamb and feta cheese. Instead, it should be plant-heavy, focusing on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, seeds, nuts, and olive oil. This eating style has been praised for reducing risks associated with diabetes, high cholesterol, memory loss, depression, and breast cancer. It's less about strict restrictions and more about a lifestyle change that includes social eating experiences and exercise. The study published in the Journal of Periodontology examined 200 participants in the UK. Researchers conducted dental exams and took blood samples while participants completed dietary questionnaires. Dr. Luigi Nibali from King’s College London noted that those who consumed more red meat had more severe periodontal disease due to higher levels of inflammatory markers like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Nibali pointed out that people consuming more vegetables and legumes had lower levels of CRP. Additionally, chewing foods such as green leafy vegetables can contribute to healthy teeth by improving bacterial health in the mouth. Freeman emphasizes this point: “It’s certainly a good reminder to pay attention to your teeth.” By aligning your diet with overall body health through Mediterranean principles, you not only benefit your teeth but potentially every part of your body.
Score (90)
Japan Celebrates Record-Breaking 100,000 Centenarians
Japan just hit a milestone in longevity, announcing that the number of people aged 100 or older has reached nearly 100,000. As of September, there are 99,763 centenarians living in Japan, marking the 55th consecutive year this record has been set. Women make up an overwhelming 88 percent of this group. Japan is known for having the longest life expectancy globally and frequently hosts the world's oldest living individuals. Currently, Shigeko Kagawa from Yamatokoriyama holds the title of Japan’s oldest person at 114 years old. Meanwhile, Kiyotaka Mizuno is recognized as the oldest man at age 111. Health Minister Takamaro Fukoka acknowledged these centenarians for their contributions to society over many years. "Gratitude for their many years of contributions to the development of society" was expressed by Fukoka during this announcement. This information comes just before Japan celebrates Elderly Day on September 15, a national holiday where new centenarians receive a congratulatory letter and silver cup from the prime minister. This year, 52,310 individuals are eligible for these honors. Back in the 1960s, Japan had the lowest proportion of people aged over 100 among G7 countries. That landscape has drastically changed over decades. In 1963, only 153 Japanese citizens were recorded as being aged 100 or older when government surveys began. By 1981, that number increased to 1,000 and surged to 10,000 by 1998. Experts attribute this impressive longevity primarily to lower rates of heart disease and common cancers like breast and prostate cancer. The traditional Japanese diet plays a significant role here; it’s low in red meat but rich in fish and vegetables. Obesity rates are particularly low among women in Japan compared to other nations. While sugar and salt consumption rose worldwide over recent decades, Japan moved in another direction thanks to successful public health campaigns encouraging reduced salt intake. But it isn’t all about diet; staying active also contributes significantly to longer lives in Japan. Older adults often walk more and use public transport more than their counterparts elsewhere. A cultural staple since 1928 is Radio Taiso—a daily three-minute group exercise routine broadcast nationwide—that helps keep people moving while fostering community spirit.
Score (90)
The Incredible Story of How Two Kayakers Rescued a Stranded Beluga Whale
When Mateo Niclas set out for a fishing trip in Alaska, catching a stranded beluga whale wasn't on his agenda. But that's exactly what he found along the edge of Turnagain Arm, a notorious spot near Anchorage known for fast tides and treacherous mudflats. A large white shape caught his eye, half-buried in the muck. It was a beluga whale, stuck in glacial silt as the tide receded. The situation was dire. Belugas don't fare well when stranded; their massive bodies press down on their lungs and dehydration becomes an immediate threat. This particular whale weighed over 1,360 kilograms and was sinking deeper into the mud with each passing minute. Without waiting for help, Mateo and another kayaker paddled over to the animal. They knew time was not on their side. Armed with buckets and whatever gear they had on hand, they began pouring water over the whale to keep it cool, while trying not to scare it. Within about ten minutes, more kayakers and fishermen arrived to assist. Before long, eight men were gathered around the beleaguered beluga. They fashioned a small rope around its tail to help reposition it—careful not to cause harm—and coordinated their efforts to push and pull the whale toward safety. Slowly but surely, they managed to inch the animal forward until it started moving under its own power. Suddenly, as if sensing freedom within reach, the rope slipped off just as the water became deep enough for the beluga to swim away. In an instant, it disappeared into deeper waters without looking back. While this story ended well, experts later advised against attempting such rescues without professional guidance. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries in Alaska stressed that stranded marine mammals require trained care. Wildlife officials recommend reporting strandings immediately rather than intervening personally.