LED Lights Could be the Secret Key to Cutting Carbon Emissions

The world has been shifting away from wasteful incandescent and harmful fluorescent lights and increasingly adopting light-emitting diode (LED) technology, which promises to reduce carbon emissions. LEDs use roughly 75% less electricity and last 25 times longer than previous forms of lighting. Despite widespread adoption, virtually no LEDs are currently recycled or reused for their parts. Researchers are exploring ways in which LEDs can be designed for reuse and repair.

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Mattel Honors Juneteenth Icon Opal Lee With Collectible Barbie Doll

Mattel has unveiled a new Barbie doll celebrating Opal Lee, the 99-year-old activist whose decades-long fight helped turn Juneteenth into a federal holiday. Known as the “grandmother” of Juneteenth, Lee has spent most of her life advocating for the recognition of June 19—the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. In 2016, at age 89, Lee walked from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., to raise awareness. Her efforts helped push Congress to officially recognize Juneteenth as a federal holiday in 2021. “It has been a joy to partner with Barbie on my Inspiring Women doll,” Lee said in a statement. “I hope my story encourages the next generation to never underestimate the power of one voice. As I often say, one person can start a change, and that can change the world.” The new doll captures Lee’s trademark look, featuring glasses, white pants, sneakers, and a blue “Unity Unlimited Opal’s Walk for Freedom” T-shirt, commemorating her historic journey. Nathan Baynard, Mattel’s vice president of Barbie and Dolls, praised Lee’s impact, saying the new figure highlights “the power of purpose in action.” Lee joins other trailblazers in Barbie’s Inspiring Women series, including civil rights icon Rosa Parks, tennis star Venus Williams, and astronaut Sally Ride.

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These Teen Hikers Saved Five Adults and a Dog from a Snowy Trail

Two teenage boys are being praised for rescuing a group of five adults and a dog stranded on Helvellyn in dangerous winter conditions. Caelan, 16, from Blackburn, and Rowan, 15, from Settle, were hiking the Lake District peak when they came across the group, who were ill-equipped for the icy conditions. The adults, wearing jeans and trainers, had become stuck near the exposed Striding Edge ridge. The teenagers took charge and guided the group safely down the mountain, carving steps into the snow to help them descend in a zig-zag pattern toward Red Tarn. Patterdale Mountain Rescue said the outcome “could have been a lot worse” and praised the boys for staying calm and acting quickly. Caelan and Rowan are already planning their next hike in the Lakes this weekend.

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Fort Worth Firefighters Hailed As Heroes For Rescuing Vulnerable During Winter Storm

Fort Worth firefighters are being hailed for their courage and compassion after rescuing several homeless residents stranded in freezing conditions during a winter storm. On Sunday, January 25, the Fort Worth Fire Department’s HOPE Team (Home. Outreach. Prevention. Education.) returned to a homeless encampment they had visited the day before, checking on individuals who had declined shelter transport and instead spent the night under a bridge near East 9th Street in downtown Fort Worth. This time, the residents were ready to leave — but conditions had worsened. The terrain was steep and icy, and four people were without shoes. Their footwear had frozen solid overnight. With temperatures dangerously low, the firefighters made the call to physically carry people up the embankment to safety. For one man in particular, the rescue turned into a life-saving mission. He was visibly shaken and suffering from cold exposure. A firefighter hoisted him onto his back and started up the hill, speaking calmly to reassure him. Midway up, the man began having seizures, likely triggered by hypothermia. The team responded immediately, rushing him to a transport bus, where they began emergency warming procedures and called for paramedics. He experienced multiple seizure episodes before being stabilized and taken to hospital for further treatment. Once he was safe, the team resumed their mission. Everyone else at the camp was helped to shelter, and no one was left behind in the cold. The rescue is part of a broader city-wide effort by the HOPE Team during the ongoing winter storm. In recent days, they’ve made over 300 contacts with vulnerable residents, handed out blankets, gloves, and hand warmers, helped 150 people reach emergency shelters, and reunited 60 others with family or friends able to provide safe housing. In a statement, the Fort Worth Fire Department said every resident counts — and during harsh winter weather, their priority is simple: “We help one another, no matter what.”

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Revolutionary Gene Therapy Puts Blood Cancers Into Deep Remission, Offers New Hope

A groundbreaking gene therapy has achieved what was once thought impossible: reversing previously untreatable blood cancers in children and adults. In a world-first trial, scientists in the UK turned donated white blood cells into cancer-fighting agents, creating what they call a “living drug.” The treatment, called BE-CAR7, was developed by researchers at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and University College London. It uses a refined gene-editing technique to reprogram immune cells from a healthy donor, allowing them to hunt down cancer cells without triggering rejection in the patient’s body. Eleven patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, including nine children and two adults, were treated at GOSH and King’s College Hospital in London. The results: the majority of patients entered a deep remission, and seven remain disease-free three years later. “A few years ago this would have been science fiction,” said Professor Waseem Qasim of UCL. “Now we can take white blood cells from a healthy donor and change a single letter of DNA code in those cells and give them back to patients to try to tackle this hard-to-treat leukaemia.” The breakthrough therapy is based on a technique known as base editing — a next-generation version of CRISPR. Unlike traditional CRISPR, which cuts DNA strands, base editing works more precisely, swapping individual letters in the genetic code to reprogram the cells. In this case, the edits allow the modified donor T-cells to recognize and destroy cancer cells, while avoiding a dangerous immune response. One of the first people to receive the treatment was Alyssa Tapley, a 13-year-old from Leicestershire who had exhausted all conventional treatment options. After chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant failed, doctors began to discuss palliative care with her family. That’s when she was offered the BE-CAR7 therapy through the clinical trial. Now 16, Alyssa is cancer-free. “I’ve now been able to do some things I thought earlier in my life would be impossible,” she said. “My ultimate goal is to become a research scientist and be part of the next big discovery that can help people like me.” T-cell leukaemia is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops in the thymus gland. While most patients respond to standard treatments, around one in five do not. For them, this new therapy could be life-saving. “Although most children with T-cell leukaemia will respond well to standard treatments, around 20% may not,” said Dr Rob Chiesa, one of the study investigators and a bone marrow transplant consultant at GOSH. “It’s these patients who desperately need better options and this research provides hope for a better prognosis for everyone diagnosed with this rare but aggressive form of blood cancer.” The therapy represents a major leap forward in personalized medicine. Because T-cells are a vital part of the immune system, using donor T-cells without rejection has always been a major hurdle. The new approach bypasses that by editing the DNA to avoid immune conflict while directing the cells to attack cancer. This trial is still in early stages, and researchers caution that further studies are needed before the therapy can become widely available. But for the families involved, the results have already changed lives. The research was funded by Blood Cancer UK and is being seen as a proof of concept that could lead to wider use of gene-edited immune cells to treat other blood cancers — or even solid tumors. If successful, this would mark a shift in how cancer is treated, turning immune cells into precision weapons that can be engineered, deployed, and monitored — much like a drug, but alive.

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Llamas at the Gate: Meet the Furry Therapists Calming Nerves at Portland Airport

If you’re one of the 40% of people who feel uneasy about flying, Portland International Airport has a fluffy solution: Beni the llama and Captain Jack the alpaca. These two unlikely airport regulars are part of PDX’s animal therapy program, designed to help calm anxious travelers before takeoff. Every few weeks, the pair trots in from their home base at Mountain Peaks Therapy in Washington, stepping out of farm life and into the bustling airport terminal — turning heads and melting stress along the way. The camelid cousins aren’t your average therapy animals, but they’ve become celebrities at the airport, posing for selfies and handing out collectible trading cards that detail their personalities. And yes, they come dressed for the occasion, often sporting festive gear or scarves that match the season. Their presence is part of a broader effort to make PDX more inviting. The airport’s recent redesign includes subtle connections to nature — natural wood elements, open light-filled spaces, and visits from therapy animals like Beni and Captain Jack. “Being in nature is a stress reliever,” said Allison Ferre, a spokesperson for the Port of Portland. “The therapy animals that come in is just one way we kind of deliver on that for the traveler experience.” Shannon Joy, co-owner of Mountain Peaks Therapy, says not every llama or alpaca is cut out for this kind of work. Confidence and calm are essential. “It’s rare for llamas and alpacas to have the level of confidence and autonomy that Beni and Captain Jack do,” she told NPR. Joy and her business partner, Lori Gregory, began bringing their animals into schools and senior centers back in 2007. Over time, word got out — and demand grew. What started as community visits has evolved into a regular role at one of the country’s most beloved airports. Especially during the holidays, their timing couldn’t be better. Between long lines, delayed flights, and general travel chaos, the pair provides a much-needed moment of joy. “My favorite response is when we are walking down to a concourse, and you have people with their blank stares just trying to make their way to luggage claim, and they turn around the corner and see a llama and their body just melts in excitement,” Joy told OPB. Some travelers are so moved, they cry. “I think dogs elicit the same emotion,” said Lori Sackett, a recent flyer. “But isn’t this a million times more magnificent?” Each visit from Beni and Captain Jack draws smiles, selfies, and stories shared with family back home. And with airport stress levels running high, their impact speaks for itself — one gentle nuzzle at a time.

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Creatine Isn’t Just for Bodybuilders. Here’s Why More Women Are Taking It

For years, creatine has been the go-to supplement for gymgoers and athletes looking to build muscle, improve strength, and boost performance. But a growing body of research is showing it might offer a lot more than just gym gains—and that it’s not just for men. Studies now suggest creatine may also support brain function, mood, sleep quality, memory, and bone health. And as advertising shifts to target women more directly, questions are emerging: Can creatine really help women too? And should more be taking it? The short answer is yes, and possibly more than you think. While most early research focused on male athletes, newer studies are turning attention to how creatine affects women. Some findings are especially promising when it comes to energy, focus, and staying strong as women age. “Creatine could benefit women by reducing fatigue during exercise,” recent research notes. It may also be helpful for preserving muscle and strength, especially in midlife and beyond—something that becomes increasingly important as metabolism slows, hormones fluctuate, and muscle mass declines after menopause. Creatine is a natural compound the body makes from amino acids. It’s found in protein-rich foods like beef and seafood, though you'd need to eat nearly a kilogram of raw meat or fish to get about 3 to 5 grams of it. Cooking meat reduces that amount even further. That’s why supplements have become so common—because our bodies don’t store much creatine, we need to top it up regularly. Daily use of creatine is simple. The most studied and recommended form is creatine monohydrate, taken as a powder, capsule, or gummy. A daily dose of 3g to 5g builds up muscle stores gradually over a few weeks. For those in a hurry, a “loading” approach of 20g daily for one week can do it faster, before scaling back to the regular 3g–5g dose. There’s a catch, though. Some groups—like vegetarians, vegans, and women—tend to consume less creatine through diet. And while women appear to store a little more of it in their muscles than men, they may respond more slowly or differently to supplementation. The potential benefits go well beyond exercise. Resistance training already helps combat age-related declines in strength, bone density, and energy. But combining that training with creatine may make workouts more effective and easier to stick with—supporting both long-term physical and mental health. Studies have shown that women who consistently take creatine while exercising experience improved muscle function. That can translate to better balance, strength, and independence later in life. There’s also some evidence it could support bone health in postmenopausal women, though the findings aren’t yet consistent across all studies. A common concern about creatine is whether it causes weight gain or makes users look too muscular. But research doesn’t support that, especially at the recommended daily doses. Creatine doesn’t appear to bulk women up or drastically change their physique—what it may do is help them feel stronger and train more effectively. Then there’s the brain connection. Emerging research shows creatine might help with cognitive function and mood, particularly in women. One study found that women who took 5g of creatine daily had improved sleep after workouts. Another suggested the same dose could improve sleep quality during perimenopause, possibly by helping the brain meet its energy demands. And in women dealing with depression, creatine supplements seemed to boost the effectiveness of antidepressants. Creatine might even help with the common but frustrating symptoms many women report during menstruation or menopause—like brain fog, low energy, and poor focus. While it’s not a magic fix, some researchers say it could be a low-cost, low-risk option worth considering. To see potential brain benefits, though, higher doses of around 5g to 10g daily may be needed, according to current studies. Still, experts are cautious. Justin Roberts, a professor of nutritional physiology at Anglia Ruskin University, says more studies focused specifically on women are essential. But he adds that even small amounts of creatine, paired with resistance training and a healthy lifestyle, “hold promise in supporting many aspects of women's health.” Creatine won’t solve everything. But for women looking to support energy, strength, sleep, and mental clarity—especially as they get older—it might be worth a closer look.

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Minnesota Teen Pays for Stranger’s Groceries, Inspires Act of Kindness in Return

A high school senior in Stillwater, Minnesota, is being praised for a quiet act of generosity that left a lasting impression on a stranger — and is now changing his life in return. Brent Cabahug, who works part-time at Walmart, was at his register during what seemed like an ordinary shift when an elderly woman ahead in line began having trouble with her credit card. After several failed attempts, frustration began to build, and the people around her could feel it. Dani Dircks, who was next in line, watched the moment unfold. In a Facebook post, she wrote that she could sense the tension. “I could feel that tense buildup of ‘this is taking too long and becoming awkward,’” she said. The woman, she overheard, insisted her card had money on it: “I know it has $300 on it.” Dircks thought about stepping in. “I was just about to offer to pay,” she wrote, thinking of how she’d want someone to help her own mother in that moment. But before she could act, Cabahug did. Without saying much, he walked around the register, pulled out his own wallet, and paid for the woman’s groceries himself. “I watched the cashier walk around, pull out his wallet, and say, ‘I got it,’” Dircks wrote. “I hesitated. This young man didn’t.” She asked if he had really paid out of his own pocket. He quietly confirmed he had. “I drove home from that experience thinking, that’s exactly the children I want to raise,” she wrote. “No talk. All action.” Dircks later learned that Cabahug is saving up for his first car — and had just spent about $80 to help a stranger. Wanting to give back, she started a GoFundMe to help him reach that goal. She also connected with his mother, and wrote a note to Cabahug himself: “Dear Brent, I’m not sure who raised you, but I want you to know your actions inspired me more than you will ever know. You are one of a kind, and you are changing the world.” “I feel like you were an angel,” she added. “Man, you taught me a lesson tonight that will stay with me forever.”

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Disney World’s “Aunt Elaine” Celebrates 50 Years of Magic — and Manners

Elaine West Grimes didn’t set out to spend half a century at Disney World. But 50 years after taking a cashier job at the Contemporary Resort in 1975, she’s still there — and more beloved than ever. Now 72, Grimes has become a fixture at the 50’s Prime Time Café in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where she plays a fan-favorite role: Aunt Elaine. “I am everybody’s favorite Aunt Elaine,” she told PEOPLE. “Everybody needs a favorite aunt.” Known for her quick wit and strict (but loving) reminders to “set the table” and “eat your vegetables,” Grimes has turned themed dining into a heartfelt experience for generations of Disney guests. The restaurant’s setup mimics a 1950s family kitchen, with cast members playing roles like mom, dad, siblings — and of course, that one aunt who never lets you get away with bad manners. Grimes didn’t always plan to stay at the park long. But over the decades, she rotated through a number of food and beverage roles, worked behind the scenes training new staff, and eventually found herself right back where she thrives most — face to face with guests. Her return to customer service was sparked by a shift she didn’t see coming. “They brought in computers, and I’m not a computer person,” she said. So she left the training department and embraced roles at spots like Whispering Canyon Cafe and Chef Mickey’s. But nothing felt quite like home until she found Prime Time Café — and kept coming back. “I went back there five times,” she said. “I said, ‘If I got to work every day, I’m going to Prime Time.’” She’s been there ever since. In that time, Grimes has built more than just a resume — she’s built a following. A Facebook group called “Aunt Elaine’s 50’s Prime Time Family Album” features guests posting selfies with her, recounting their favorite memories. Some even return decades later, bringing old photos and snapping new ones with the same woman who once served their family dinner. “I had a couple come in that I waited on 20 years ago, and they didn’t think I’d still be working,” she said. “They sat at my table and they pulled out a picture from 2006 with me and them and then we took a new picture. It’s like you’ve been friends for a long time.” For Grimes, that connection is what it’s all about. “Just to hear a guest tell me ‘thank you’ — that they’ve had a good time — is enough,” she said. In 2025, Grimes marked her 50th year at the resort with a special tribute: a commemorative Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs statue, part of the company’s recognition of longtime cast members. Disney says the parks enjoy an 80% retention rate, with an average tenure of 12 years — but Grimes has far surpassed that. Each year, she’s reminded of what keeps her coming back during Disney’s Service Celebration, an exclusive after-hours event for veteran employees. This year, honorees had Magic Kingdom all to themselves on January 27. “Service Celebration reminds me why I started and why I’ve stayed,” Grimes wrote. “These cast members and our guests are like family, and together we keep the magic going.” She may have started out behind a cashier’s counter, but today, Aunt Elaine is a piece of the magic herself.

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Canadian Farmers are Smashing Harvest Records Amid a Five-Year Drought

Against all odds, Canadian farmers have pulled off a record-breaking grain harvest in the middle of a relentless five-year drought. It’s a feat that defies expectations. In Wawanesa, Manitoba, farmer Simon Ellis watched as pounding rains gave way to searing drought—conditions that typically ruin crops. But when harvest time came, Ellis rolled out his combine to collect fields of plump, healthy wheat. That wheat is now part of a historic national yield, with spring wheat averaging 58.8 bushels per acre—up 77 percent compared to the three-year average from 30 years ago, according to newly released government data cited by Reuters. “We are constantly making little tweaks,” Ellis told Reuters. “That’s how we’re going to be able to keep fighting the changing climate.” Those tweaks include a mix of high-tech and low-till methods. On Ellis’s farm, underground drainage systems prevent flooding. He uses slow-release fertilizer and precise weed control to reduce runoff and chemical usage. But perhaps most important is his commitment to zero-till farming. Zero-till, or no-till farming, means leaving the soil undisturbed before planting. That allows existing plant cover—like clover or grasses—to stay in place, protecting the soil from erosion and extreme heat. It also keeps the soil’s microbiome intact, a hidden web of bacteria and fungi that supports plant health and strengthens immunity. Today, roughly 75 percent of farmers across Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta use zero-till methods. The practice cuts down on fuel and pesticide use while helping fields hold moisture better during dry spells. These regenerative agriculture methods go a step further than sustainability. They aim to leave soil healthier and more fertile after each harvest, sometimes by running animal herds over the fields between seasons, or planting cover crops that protect and enrich the soil. Other strategies are making a difference too: intercropping (growing multiple crops in the same field), cover cropping, and the use of GPS-guided tractors and seeders are all helping boost yields in regions that once struggled to grow anything reliably. In places like the Western Canadian Prairie—where farming has never been easy—these innovations have become essential as climate shifts accelerate. According to Reuters, farmers in grain-growing regions of Australia are seeing similar gains thanks to a similar mix of tools and techniques. That progress doesn’t come cheap. High-speed tractors and precision combines can cost more than a million dollars. Tile drainage systems, which channel excess water into underground pipes instead of letting it sit on the surface, are expensive to install. But the long-term payoffs are real: lower annual spending on fuel, fertilizer, and pesticide use, along with healthier soil and more resilient crops. For Ellis, who’s sending most of his surplus grain abroad to developing countries, the message is simple. With the right mix of tradition and technology, even the harshest growing conditions can yield results.

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Drones and DNA Reveal Secrets of the Amazon Rainforest Canopy

What lives in the towering treetops of the Amazon? For decades, the answer has remained elusive. But scientists in Peru are now using drones and cutting-edge genetic tools to help fill in the blanks. A team from ETH Zürich’s Environmental Robotics Lab, in partnership with the nonprofit Wilderness International, has piloted a novel method combining drone flights with environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling to detect vertebrate species living high in the rainforest canopy. The results: 257 species detected, including many that traditional ground-based methods miss entirely. “It also matches with our traditional ground data of the species present in the area,” said Marie Schreiber, head of science communication at Wilderness International. “For us, that was important in order to understand the reliability of the data.” Environmental DNA refers to genetic material animals leave behind—through skin, hair, saliva, or droppings—which can linger in the environment. It’s been used widely in water sampling to detect species presence, but scientists say that approach tends to overlook animals that live in trees. “What is going on in the treetops is very difficult to understand and assess,” Schreiber told Mongabay. “We have researchers who cover the ground level when it comes to traditional biodiversity research.” To address that gap, the team flew drones over two protected rainforest areas near the Tambopata River in the Peruvian Amazon. At each location, the drone lowered a probe with a moist cloth pad into the canopy, brushing against leaves and branches to collect genetic material. The approach worked. One single canopy sample yielded DNA from up to 50 species. But when researchers compared these findings to water-based samples collected in the same regions, they found little overlap. Water samples identified more species overall, but the canopy samples revealed entirely different taxonomic groups, including species unlikely to be detected in rivers or streams. “This highlighted the importance of both techniques and the need to use them in a complementary manner,” said postdoctoral researcher Steffen Kirchgeorg, who helped design the drone system. He explained that because eDNA is “rather stochastic”—randomly scattered and uneven—it was important to maximize contact between the probe and the vegetation. Later flights were fully automated, allowing the drone to follow a pre-programmed path and boost collection efficiency. Beyond advancing science, the data could carry weight in conservation planning. “This is data with a lot of impact because it helps in justifying the establishing of new conservation areas and getting funding for them,” Schreiber said. The study comes at a time when the Peruvian Amazon is under mounting threat from deforestation, agriculture, mining, and road development. Many species remain poorly studied, and researchers say the number of individuals per species is often very low—making detection even more important. While the technology is promising, Kirchgeorg acknowledged that cost and logistical hurdles remain. “The political or general safety situation may not allow us to bring in drones for these kinds of purposes,” he said. Still, both Kirchgeorg and Schreiber are optimistic. As eDNA analysis becomes cheaper and more accessible, and as drones become more autonomous, this method could be scaled up to study hard-to-reach ecosystems around the world. For now, it’s giving scientists an unprecedented look at what’s living in one of the planet’s most biodiverse—and least explored—realms: the treetops.

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