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Celestial December: Here Are All the Stargazing Events You Don't Want to Miss This Month
The skies will be ablaze with activity this December, so mark your calendars for some spectacular celestial events. The Geminid Meteor Shower will peak on the nights of December 13 and 14, and the Ursid Meteor Shower will peak on the nights of December 17 to 23. December 21 is the Winter Solstice, the last day of autumn and the longest night of the year. This will also be an excellent time to see Mercury, as it rises to its highest point in the sky this year, and is farthest away from sunset.
Score (96)
The Nasal Spray That Could Change Alzheimer's Treatment: A Couple's Journey
Joe Walsh, 79, is at the forefront of a groundbreaking medical trial. Seated in a recliner at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital, he becomes the first Alzheimer's patient to receive an experimental nasal spray designed to reduce brain inflammation linked to the disease. His wife, Karen Walsh, stands by as a nurse counts down. With a simple sniff, Joe takes in the monoclonal antibody treatment that researchers hope will make a difference not only for him but potentially for others with conditions like multiple sclerosis and ALS. Dr. Howard Weiner from Mass General Brigham, who helped develop this innovative treatment with Tiziana Life Sciences, expresses optimism: "I think this is something special." While it's uncertain if reducing inflammation will improve Joe's cognitive abilities, early reports in Clinical Nuclear Medicine show promise. The quest for effective Alzheimer's treatments has largely focused on removing amyloid plaques and tau tangles from the brain. However, addressing inflammation—a key factor as Alzheimer's progresses—offers new hope. Karen noticed changes in Joe back in 2017 when he struggled with words. A PET scan later confirmed extensive amyloid plaques. Despite setbacks due to COVID-19 halting research studies, they found their way into this trial thanks to Dr. Seth Gale's efforts. Foralumab, initially tested for inflammatory diseases like MS, shows potential by reducing harmful brain inflammation. The FDA granted special permission for Joe's treatment under expanded access guidelines. Six months into the trial, while no drug can restore lost brain cells entirely, Karen observes positive changes: "He appears more engaged socially." Joe himself notes simply: "It's easy enough to take it...and it feels good." A clinical trial of foralumab specifically targeting Alzheimer's is set to begin later this year.
Score (98)
Meet the Newborn Monkeys Melting Hearts at a UK Sanctuary
A delightful trio of endangered baby Barbary macaques has made its debut at Trentham Monkey Forest in Staffordshire, UK. These adorable newborns, just days old, were discovered by head guide Anna Smith during her morning rounds. Born high in the treetops as they would be in the wild, these bright-eyed arrivals are a significant boost to the dwindling global population of only 8,000 Barbary macaques. Heartwarming photos capture the tiny monkeys exploring their new world, with one cheeky infant even sticking out its tongue at the camera. "Since 2005, this conservation project for Barbary macaques has been successful in prolonging the survival of this fascinating yet unique species," said Smith. "For 20 years, it has been a privilege to witness babies arrive and each year is as exciting as the last." The sanctuary spans 60 acres and is home to 140 Barbary macaques. Staff had anticipated new arrivals for months but waited for nature's confirmation when proud mothers brought their babies down from the trees for breakfast. A spokesperson noted that witnessing a newborn just hours old is a lovely surprise for both staff and visitors. Park Director Matt Lovatt shared his excitement about entering "baby season," expecting six to ten births annually. "The new arrivals will be looked after by their fellow group members and start learning the fascinating Barbary macaque way of life from the very first day of their lives," he said. Trentham Monkey Forest collaborates with organizations dedicated to protecting wild Barbary macaques in Morocco and Algeria. The arrival of these three little ones marks another hopeful chapter in conservation efforts.
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Score (97)
76-Year-Old Grandad Beats Stage 4 Lung Cancer with New Groundbreaking Treatment
Jeff Cook, a 76-year-old grandfather from Warrington, England, has defied the odds and is now cancer-free after being treated with a groundbreaking immunotherapy drug. Diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in 2019, Jeff faced grim survival statistics—only about 5% of patients live five or more years post-diagnosis, according to Cancer Research UK. Initially told he needed radiotherapy, Jeff was also offered pembrolizumab, an innovative treatment that empowers the immune system to target cancer cells. Despite its high cost of around $84,000 per patient, an agreement between the NHS and the manufacturer made it accessible for Jeff. After two years on pembrolizumab, Jeff received the life-changing news: he was free of cancer. "Considering I had such an advanced cancer... I feel like the pembrolizumab has been a medical miracle," he said. Now able to enjoy life fully again, Jeff spends time with his wife Carol and participates in local activities like a fortnightly quiz at a cricket club. Reflecting on his journey through treatment at Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Jeff expressed gratitude for the care he received. "The staff were very welcoming... The nurses always treated me well," he shared. Dr. Woolf, who oversaw Jeff's treatment, remarked on his remarkable recovery: “I am delighted that Jeff has had such a positive response to his treatment and is now cancer-free six years after his diagnosis.” While new treatments like immunotherapy offer hope for many patients facing serious diagnoses like stage four lung cancer, Dr. Woolf emphasized the need for earlier detection and continued advancements in treatment options.
Score (97)
Scientists Achieve Breakthrough in Restoring Deep Water Corals After Devastating Oil Spill
In the depths of the Gulf of Mexico, a groundbreaking effort is underway to restore deep-sea coral ecosystems devastated by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. This ambitious project, led by scientists and U.S. Navy divers, aims to revive an area half the size of Rhode Island that was severely damaged when millions of gallons of oil spilled into the ocean. Using underwater robots and specialized diving gear, teams are planting coral fragments on the seafloor while labs in Texas, South Carolina, and Florida cultivate corals for future transplantation. The initiative has already achieved significant milestones, including high survival rates for transplanted corals and successful spawning in captivity. "This is something that we’re going to be judged for generations from now," said Chris Gardner, a fisheries biologist with NOAA’s Southeast Fisheries Science Center. Despite these successes, challenges remain. Climate change, commercial fishing, agricultural runoff, and potential future oil spills continue to threaten these fragile ecosystems. Nearly 1,000 spills occurred in U.S. waters in 2021 and 2022 alone. The restoration project is part of a larger $8.8 billion settlement from BP to address natural resource damages caused by the spill. Of this amount, $273 million is dedicated to restoring deep-sea habitats through mapping efforts and coral propagation both at sea and in laboratories. As researchers race against time to protect these ancient underwater forests, some corals can live over 2,000 years. Their work highlights not only ecological recovery but also scientific discovery. New species have been identified during expeditions aimed at understanding these complex environments better. "We need to understand the Earth," said Andrew Davies from the University of Rhode Island. "They deserve our respect."
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Mother-Daughter Duo Make History: Both Earn Doctorate Degrees Together
Sharon Mallory and her daughter, Lauren, recently celebrated a remarkable milestone together: earning their doctoral degrees side by side. Their academic journey began in 2021 when Lauren decided to pursue a Ph.D., and Sharon, who had been retired for some time, jokingly suggested she’d join her. That joke soon turned into a shared commitment. Returning to school after many years posed challenges for Sharon. "There were a couple times I didn’t think I was going to make it," she told WRIC. "I am a woman of a certain age and I hadn’t been in school in a minute. But [my daughter] was very encouraging — and my granddaughter, too — helping to keep me on point." Lauren faced her own struggles with her dissertation but found motivation from her 15-year-old daughter. "I wanted to give her a good example of what it means to keep pushing through something that you start, not be a quitter," Lauren said. For Sharon, this achievement marked her third degree—adding to the bachelor’s and master’s degrees she earned while balancing family roles as wife, mother, and grandmother. In May, both women proudly walked across the stage at Liberty University. Sharon received a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Administration with an emphasis on educational leadership; Lauren earned a Ph.D. in Public Administration and Policy. Reflecting on their accomplishment, Sharon expressed immense pride: “I’m more proud of her than I am of myself, for making this accomplishment.”
Score (98)
Lost And Found: Man Miraculously Reunites With Wedding Ring Dropped On Railway
A wedding ring lost on a railway track near Lichfield City station has been reunited with its owner, just in time for his first anniversary. Ben Harris was out for a walk with his wife Daisy, their 11-month-old son George, and friends when he removed his jumper to shake off some greenfly. To his dismay, the ring slipped off and fell from the Sturgeons Hill footbridge into the vegetation below. "I could not believe what happened," Harris said. "It was as if the ring was dropping in slow motion into the nettles below. I thought it was lost forever and I was absolutely gutted—especially as it was so close to our first wedding anniversary." Fortunately, Network Rail worker Mark Samson came to the rescue. Just days away from celebrating his own 32nd wedding anniversary, Samson led a team that managed to locate the ring within 24 hours of its disappearance. "My wife would have killed me if it had been lost forever so Mark has saved my life! I definitely owe him a beer or two," Harris remarked gratefully. Samson described finding the ring as "like looking for a needle in a haystack" and praised Harris for reporting the loss rather than attempting to retrieve it himself. This is not an isolated incident; another wedding ring was found on West Midlands railway tracks in 2018 after Eileen Lawrence lost hers at Bloxwich North station while moisturizing her hands. Her ring was also recovered by an attentive track worker.
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Jackie Chan, 71, Amazes Fans by Doing All His Own Stunts in New 'Karate Kid'
Jackie Chan is back in action, but don't expect any CGI-enhanced stunts in the new "Karate Kid" movie. The 71-year-old martial arts legend reprises his role as Mr. Han in “Karate Kid: Legends,” hitting theaters Friday. This film draws heavily on Chan’s legacy of authentic action sequences. “People definitely don’t like to see Jackie Chan with CGI, of course,” Chan told NBC News, emphasizing the importance of genuine fight scenes. The story follows kung fu prodigy Li Fong as he enters a high-stakes karate competition under the guidance of Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso, played by Ralph Macchio. Director Jonathan Entwistle aimed to capture the essence of an early Jackie Chan film. Chan first portrayed Mr. Han in the 2010 remake and expressed joy at performing his own stunts again, attributing it to “muscle memory.” He also highlighted a significant cultural moment: mentoring the first Asian American karate kid, played by Ben Wang. “Before I met him, I was wondering, ‘What did he do right to get this part?’” Chan said about Wang. “But when I actually saw him...I was definitely impressed.” The original 1984 "Karate Kid" faced criticism for its lack of Asian representation despite becoming a cultural phenomenon that popularized martial arts in America. “It gave people a [new] way of looking at Asian culture,” Chan noted. Reflecting on his career spanning six decades and roles in films like “Rush Hour” and “Shanghai Noon,” Chan recalled learning from early Hollywood experiences despite initial setbacks. Chan believes "Karate Kid: Legends" captures what made the original special: “[This movie has] a lot of good and real action...about love, affection, friends and family.”
Score (94)
Hidden City in the Clouds: Uncovering Chachapoya Secrets with Cutting-Edge Tech
Nestled between the Andes and the Amazon, the Chachapoya culture of South America has long remained shrouded in mystery. Known as the "people of the cloud forest," their settlements are hidden within rugged terrain, making them difficult to access even today. Conquered by the Inca in the 15th century, much of their history faded into obscurity. However, recent advancements have illuminated this enigmatic civilization. Over the past five years, researchers in Peru have utilized cutting-edge technology to explore Chachapoya's architectural marvels and agricultural systems. A significant breakthrough came from a team at the World Monuments Fund, which uncovered over 100 previously unknown structures at Gran Pajatén—a hilltop site located 300 miles north of Lima. Originally rediscovered in the 1960s with 26 known structures, Gran Pajatén is now recognized as a central hub within a network of Chachapoya settlements. “The site likely held ceremonial and symbolic significance,” said Juan Pablo de la Puente Brunke, executive director of World Monuments Fund in Peru. “Its architectural complexity and visual prominence suggest it was central to how the Chachapoya organized their territory.” To preserve this fragile ecosystem while conducting research, archaeologists employed non-invasive tools like aerial LiDAR and photogrammetry. These technologies allowed them to map hidden structures with unprecedented detail. In conjunction with these discoveries, a virtual tour has been released for public exploration. Remarkably, only 10 percent of LiDAR data has been processed so far. “This work constitutes a pioneering intervention,” said Ricardo Morales Gamarra, head of conservation for the project. The findings not only expand our understanding but also set a precedent for future conservation efforts in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Score (96)
Mysterious Banksy Lighthouse Mural Illuminates Marseille Overnight: What Does It Mean?
A new Banksy mural has captivated the streets of Marseille. Overnight, a lighthouse appeared on a wall in the city's Catalans district, its beam perfectly aligned with the shadow of a nearby metal post. At its heart are the words: “I want to be what you saw in me.” The elusive British street artist confirmed his latest work by sharing images on Instagram, sparking excitement among fans who quickly pinpointed its location at 1 Rue Félix Frégier. Since then, locals and tourists alike have flocked to see it firsthand. The phrase's meaning remains open to interpretation—some suggest it's inspired by a Lonestar ballad, while others view it as a love letter or lament. The mural’s simplicity belies its impact; it cleverly integrates real-world elements with painted ones, turning reality into part of the art. Marseille Mayor Benoît Payan acknowledged the piece online with enthusiasm, and soon #BanksyMarseille was trending across social media platforms in France and beyond. Banksy's works often explore themes of loss and identity alongside political commentary. His career began in Bristol, England, and he has since become one of the world’s most renowned artists. Known for satirical pieces like kissing police officers and riot police with smiley faces, his art frequently fetches millions at auction. Despite this fame—or perhaps because of it—his murals sometimes face theft or vandalism shortly after appearing. Yet in Marseille, no protective measures have been taken; the artwork remains exposed to time and elements. This latest piece arrives just before major Banksy retrospectives open in Toulon and Montpellier but stands apart as an unguarded testament to his enduring global influence.
Score (96)
1,000-Year-Old Viking Gold: Detectorist's Stunning Discovery Unveiled at Museum
A remarkable piece of history has emerged from the soil, captivating both historians and treasure enthusiasts alike. A 1,000-year-old gold arm ring, discovered by veteran metal detectorist Ronald Clucas in a field on the Isle of Man, is now on display for the first time at the Manx Museum in Douglas. Clucas, who has been exploring with his metal detector for half a century, described this Viking Age find as "really something else." The fragment measures 1.4 inches and weighs just over an ounce. It dates back to between 1,000 and 1,100 AD and was crafted by intricately plaiting eight strands of gold rods together. Allison Fox, curator of archaeology at Manx National Heritage (MNH), emphasized the significance of this discovery in understanding the island's Viking legacy. "Such jewelry served as prized personal possessions and visible displays of wealth," she explained. The arm ring had been cut twice—likely used in transactions before being buried for safekeeping or possibly as an offering to Viking gods. Clucas is no stranger to unearthing treasures; he previously found silver and lead ingots on the island in 2005. Reflecting on his latest find, he noted that gold often gives a low signal on detectors: "It was quite a big shock to discover this lovely piece of gold."