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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.
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How Horses Taught This Diver to Calmly Redirect Sharks in Emergencies
Ocean Ramsey, the professional shark diver and conservationist, has quite a story to tell about her unique approach to handling sharks in emergency situations. In a recent Instagram video, Ramsey revealed that she learned how to "redirect" sharks from an unlikely teacher: horses. Growing up in Hawaii, Ramsey was surrounded by nature and developed a deep respect for all living things. She credits "beautiful powerful horses" with teaching her the skills necessary to interact safely with sharks. Horses can be unpredictable and dangerous; they might trample you or bite you. Yet, according to Ramsey, understanding their body language and mood is crucial for safe interaction. "They have incredible hearing," she said on Instagram. "That's why it's really important to have clear intention and mind your muscle tension." In addition to horses, Ramsey honed her swimming skills with stingrays. By "dancing" underwater with them, she learned how to navigate gracefully through the ocean—a skill that's vital when interacting with sharks. Ramsey's technique for redirecting sharks involves placing a hand on the shark's head, pushing down while locking out the elbows, and then guiding the shark away using a second hand near its jaw or gills. She emphasizes that this is strictly for emergencies. As she told PEOPLE in May, this method helps maintain space between a shark and a diver's body. Ramsey stresses that redirecting isn't something people should try out of curiosity or bravado. Sharing these techniques aims to prepare those who might encounter a large assertive shark in distressing circumstances. "Without this info they are likely to panic and swim away," she wrote in her Instagram caption. This reaction can make the shark more excited and likely to chase. Her work as an ocean conservationist goes beyond social media videos. On June 30, Netflix released "Ocean Whisperer," a documentary profiling her efforts to change perceptions about sharks. The film explores Ramsey's decision to swim freely among various shark species without protective cages—a choice that has sparked both fascination and debate. Ramsey's goal is simple but challenging: prove humans can coexist with sharks peacefully. By decoding their behavior and demonstrating safe interactions, she hopes to shift public perception of these apex predators from monsters to essential parts of marine ecosystems.
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How AI Is Giving This Man His Voice Back
Dr. Alec Cooper, a retired family doctor from Quebec City, is racing against time to preserve his voice as he battles ALS, a terminal motor neuron disease. Diagnosed about 18 months ago, Cooper's been given a life expectancy of two to five years. This has led him to retire and focus on adapting his home for wheelchair accessibility while also recording his voice. In a Quebec City studio, Cooper recites lines from Shakespeare's "Hamlet" into a microphone. He’s working with ElevenLabs, a U.S.-based company providing AI-powered voice cloning technology. This tech helps people with degenerative diseases like ALS maintain their natural way of speaking through text-to-speech devices. "When the voice is gone, it's gone forever," says Cooper. "Thanks to this technology, the disease can't take my voice away." The process involves inputting snippets of audio that are then used to create a digital version of one’s voice, capturing tone and inflection. Cooper started this at home but now gets professional assistance at a local rehab center. Though considered a "slow progressor," Cooper is beginning to struggle with everyday tasks such as dressing and handling utensils. He finds inspiration in Dr. Jean-Pierre Canuel, a friend diagnosed with ALS 11 years ago who still enjoys gardening and woodworking despite advanced symptoms. AI voice cloning is relatively new in the medical field but offers significant quality-of-life improvements for patients like Cooper. Dr. Angela Genge from the Montreal Neurological Institute notes that multidisciplinary clinics can now offer voice banking early in an ALS diagnosis. "It makes a big difference for them," she says. Sophie Dupont, a speech-language pathologist in Quebec City, explains how these tools allow patients to communicate using their own voices even when speech becomes impossible due to ALS progression. Traditionally, options for patients were limited to generic robotic voices; however, Dustin Blank of ElevenLabs emphasizes that their technology captures every dialect and emotion accurately. While there are concerns about AI security and misuse, protections like password protection and voice verification are in place. Cooper’s wife of 30 years, Sylvie Barma, acknowledges the benefits of AI but finds the recording sessions bittersweet reminders of what lies ahead as her husband’s health declines. For now, though, this innovative use of AI allows Cooper not just to maintain his identity but potentially leave behind something meaningful for those around him: his own words spoken in his own voice.
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THIS JUST IN: WNBA to expand to 18 teams by 2030, adding Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia
The WNBA is making its biggest expansion push in decades, announcing Monday that it will grow to 18 teams by the end of the decade, with new franchises coming to Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia. The three cities will join the league in staggered fashion—Cleveland in 2028, Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia by 2030—pending final approval from the NBA and WNBA Board of Governors. Toronto and Portland are already set to join in 2025. “The demand for women’s basketball has never been higher, and we are thrilled to welcome Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia to the WNBA family,” said Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “This historic expansion is a powerful reflection of our league’s extraordinary momentum.” All three new teams will be owned by existing NBA ownership groups, and each paid a $250 million expansion fee—roughly five times what the Golden State Warriors paid to join the league in 2021. Each group has also committed to further investment in practice facilities and team infrastructure. Cleveland and Detroit are both returning to the WNBA after losing their original teams—the Rockers and the Shock, respectively—over a decade ago. The Shock relocated to Tulsa in 2009 before eventually becoming the Dallas Wings. Philadelphia, meanwhile, hosted an ABL team in the 1990s but has never had a WNBA franchise. “This is a huge win for Detroit and the WNBA,” said Pistons owner Tom Gores. “Detroit played a key role in the league’s early growth, and we’re proud to reignite that legacy.” Detroit’s new WNBA team will include high-profile local figures like Grant Hill, Chris Webber, and NFL quarterback Jared Goff as minority owners. In Cleveland, Rock Entertainment Group CEO Nic Barlage said a WNBA team is a “natural next progression” for a franchise already investing in youth basketball across the region. He added that the team name “Rockers” is being considered but will be part of a broader branding process involving fan input. Philadelphia’s team will eventually play in a new arena being planned by 76ers ownership. The facility is projected to open in 2031, but team executives say the WNBA squad will begin play the year before, temporarily using venues like the Wells Fargo Center or the Xfinity Center. The addition of three East and Midwest teams also boosts the league’s geographic balance, creating more regional rivalries. “I would love nothing more than to have a rivalry like we do in the NBA,” said Pistons VP Arn Tellem, referencing longstanding battles between cities like Detroit and Cleveland, or Philadelphia and New York. Other cities in contention for a team—St. Louis, Kansas City, Austin, Nashville, Houston, Miami, Denver, and Charlotte—missed out, but Engelbert noted that interest far exceeded expectations. “We didn’t know the demand would be where the demand ended up,” she said, adding that the league remains cautious about balancing growth with maintaining roster depth. The expansion comes amid surging interest in the WNBA, driven by record attendance, rising TV ratings, and a new generation of marketable stars. The league's financial indicators are also strong, including growth in youth participation, particularly among girls. “The fastest growing segment of our Cavs youth academy is girls,” Barlage said. “It’s growing at a 30% clip year over year.” With three major basketball cities joining the league, Engelbert said the expansion will also boost the WNBA’s appeal to media partners and corporate sponsors. As the WNBA moves toward its 30th anniversary in 2026, the message is clear: women’s basketball is booming—and more cities are ready to be part of it.
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The Mediterranean Diet's New Secret Weapon: Protecting Your Liver
The Mediterranean diet has long been praised for its health benefits, including longer life expectancy and a reduced risk of cancer. Now, a new study adds another perk to the list: protection against metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). MASLD is a condition that affects about one in three people globally. It occurs when fat builds up in the liver, leading to inflammation, cancer, and fibrosis. It's also closely linked to type 2 diabetes and obesity. Researchers from the University of Rovira i Virgili in Spain analyzed 13 previous studies involving 926 participants who followed various diets. All the individuals had MASLD. The Mediterranean diet emerged as particularly beneficial, with intermittent fasting also showing promise in improving several key health markers related to MASLD. "This review suggests that Mediterranean diet and intermittent fasting-based strategies may reduce body weight, improve glycemic control, and lower inflammation, with potential benefits for hepatic function," noted the researchers in their published paper. Despite these promising findings, the researchers emphasized the need for further long-term studies. These would help confirm the effects observed and understand their mechanisms better. It's worth mentioning that while all reviewed studies included people with MASLD, they didn't primarily focus on this disease. The researchers connected how certain biomarkers like glycemic control might influence MASLD outcomes. In theory, adopting a Mediterranean diet or intermittent fasting could reduce MASLD severity or even prevent it altogether. However, longer-term research is necessary to observe how these dietary approaches affect disease progression over time. "Despite the limited data on liver function outcomes, the results of this review provided early indication of the promising potential of Mediterranean diet-based interventions," stated the researchers. The Mediterranean diet focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, olive oil, fish, and poultry while reducing sugar intake along with red meat and processed foods. Originating from regions like Greece and Italy, it's an age-old dietary approach that has shown promise in reducing fatty liver disease severity. Still, direct cause-and-effect relationships are difficult to establish due to many influencing variables. What stands out is that this diet promotes overall health and longevity. Scientists continue exploring how it impacts various conditions, including those affecting liver health. "MASLD is a complex condition with many factors implicated in its risk/development, including nutrition and immune-metabolic health status," wrote the researchers. They highlighted investigating dietary patterns' role in improving liver function alongside immuno-metabolism as important aspects of managing MASLD effectively.
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This Revolutionary Satellite Network Can Detect Wildfires Every 20 Minutes Across the Globe
Three months after Muon Space launched its FireSat Protoflight satellite, the first images are out. These snapshots mark a significant milestone for the company’s ambitious plan to create a constellation of over 50 satellites dedicated to monitoring and detecting wildfires. FireSat's initial task was to scan Earth from low-Earth orbit using a multi-band infrared instrument. This technology looks for specific heat signatures that could point to wildfires. Dan McCleese, Chief Scientist at Muon Space, shared his excitement. "These first light images confirm that our IR sensors are operating as designed and collecting high-quality data," he said. Infrared imaging is notoriously challenging in remote sensing, but Muon Space appears to be making strides. The FireSat Protoflight launched on March 14 from Vandenberg Space Force Base aboard SpaceX's Transporter 13 mission. Muon Space plans to send up three more FireSat satellites by 2026 and aims for the full constellation to be operational by 2030. Once complete, this system will scan every point on Earth every 20 minutes with more frequent checks in areas prone to wildfires. This project isn't just about space tech; it's a collaboration between Muon Space and the nonprofit Earth Fire Alliance aimed at providing detailed wildfire data for policymakers, first responders, and communities directly impacted by these natural disasters. The team believes that better data can help bridge gaps in current wildfire detection systems. FireSat doesn't just look for any heat source; it scans across multiple infrared bands—visible, near-infrared, short-, mid-, and long-wave infrared—all at once. These six channels help the satellite distinguish real fires from false positives while also identifying cooler burning fires that might otherwise go unnoticed. The satellite can detect fires as small as five meters in diameter within a scanning area of 1,500 kilometers wide. In its debut images, FireSat caught various heat signatures from both rural and urban settings. It picked up activity at an airport runway in Sydney, Australia and also scanned remote spots like Hawaii's Kīlauea volcano and Libya's Sarir oil field complex, where it detected gas flares. Jonny Dyer, CEO of Muon Space, expressed his enthusiasm about the project’s progress: "The FireSat first light images demonstrate Muon's approach to building mission-optimized satellites, including purpose-built instruments." He noted how quickly they moved from planning to actual implementation.
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Unexpected Mineral Discovery in Asteroid Ryugu Challenges Our Understanding of Solar System Origins
A recent study found something unexpected in the samples from asteroid Ryugu: the mineral djerfisherite. This mineral, which contains potassium, iron, and nickel, isn't supposed to be there. Researchers at Hiroshima University found it while examining a grain of Ryugu with field-emission transmission electron microscopy. Masaaki Miyahara, associate professor at Hiroshima University's Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, explained the surprise. "Djerfisherite is a mineral that typically forms in very reduced environments, like those found in enstatite chondrites, and has never been reported in CI chondrites or other Ryugu grains," he said. He likened finding it to discovering a tropical seed encased in Arctic ice; it suggests an unusual past for this asteroid. This discovery challenges what scientists thought they knew about Ryugu's composition. Up until now, Ryugu was considered fairly uniform. The presence of djerfisherite hints at more complex conditions during its formation or possibly an interaction with materials from elsewhere in the solar system. Ryugu is part of a larger parent body formed between 1.8 to 2.9 million years after the Solar System began. This parent body likely emerged in the solar system's outer regions where water and carbon dioxide were frozen as ice. Radioactive decay warmed this body about 3 million years after its formation but temperatures stayed below 50 degrees Celsius. Interestingly, djerfisherite usually appears in enstatite chondrites from the inner solar system. These form directly from high-temperature gas or through reactions among potassium-bearing fluids and Fe-Ni sulfides above 350 degrees Celsius. So how did djerfisherite end up on Ryugu? Scientists have two main ideas: either it arrived from another source during the formation of Ryugu's parent body, or it formed when Ryugu's temperature rose above 350 degrees Celsius. Preliminary evidence leans toward the latter hypothesis. The research team plans to conduct isotopic studies to trace back these grains' origins. Miyahara emphasized their goal: "Ultimately, our goal is to reconstruct the early mixing processes and thermal histories that shaped small bodies like Ryugu." Understanding these processes could shed light on planetary formation and material transport within our young solar system.
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How Cosmic Baseball Is Transforming America's Favorite Pastime
Baseball is getting a neon makeover, and fans are lighting up with excitement. Welcome to Cosmic Baseball, where America’s pastime glows under black lights with UV-reflective balls and fluorescent jerseys. Chris Martin, creator and co-founder of this league, wants to create unforgettable experiences for fans when the black lights come on. The game starts like any typical baseball match but with unique twists. Picture pitchers wearing helmets and players running the bases backward. After a brief intermission, things get cosmic as the field transforms into a glowing spectacle. Martin says about 80 to 85 percent of the players in the Cosmic Chili Peppers and Glow Mojis teams are former professionals from minor leagues or international circuits who wanted to try something groundbreaking. "You’re going to see something and go, ‘This is absolutely insane,’" he said. Martin's idea sprouted from an evening themed around glow sticks and ’80s music at his summer collegiate league team, the Tri-City Chili Peppers. When he proposed playing in the dark, lighting companies initially dismissed it as impossible. Martin recalls being told, "It doesn’t exist." However, after six months of research and development, one company managed to make it happen. "I got a text message saying, ‘Hey, your black lights are ready,’" Martin shared. That moment marked the beginning of Cosmic Baseball's journey into popularity. Now in its second season, social media buzz has helped grow a waitlist of 300,000 to 400,000 eager attendees. The Cosmic Chili Peppers and Glow Mojis call Shepherd Stadium in Colonial Heights, Virginia home base. The stadium holds about 2,000 spectators, but that hasn't stopped demand from growing beyond its limits. The teams now travel to larger venues in cities including Nashville, Tennessee; Sugar Land, Texas; and Durham, North Carolina. Major League Baseball supports these glowing games too; there's talk of hosting them at even bigger parks across the country someday. Martin emphasizes creating a family-friendly atmosphere: "Everybody walks up to us at the end of the day and says, 'This is built for families.'" Cosmic Baseball isn't just about entertainment; it's an experience designed for all ages. With merchandise flying off shelves quicker than you can say "home run," fans flock not only for sportsmanship but also for memories made under neon lights.
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How A Paralyzed Cat Got Wheels and Proved Nothing Can Hold Her Back
In Anchorage, Alaska, a cat named HarPURR is showcasing the resilience of animals with special needs. HarPURR was found paralyzed from the waist down at just three weeks old, and his journey to becoming a thriving "kitty warrior" has captivated animal lovers worldwide. HarPURR's beginnings were challenging. Born outdoors in Alaska, he was rescued along with his mother and siblings by Mojo's Hope, an Anchorage-based rescue organization specializing in caring for animals with special needs. An X-ray revealed that HarPURR had suffered a spinal injury, likely during birth, which left him unable to use his hind legs. Despite this daunting start, HarPURR’s spirit remained unbroken. The kitten adapted quickly to his circumstances. Using only his front legs, HarPURR learned to move around independently. His determination and zest for life have not gone unnoticed. Shannon, HarPURR’s owner and caretaker, describes him as spunky from day one: "No matter what he was presented with, he just did it." To aid mobility, HarPURR received his first set of wheels at two months old. The newfound freedom allowed him to explore and play like any other cat. "When he wants to do something," Shannon noted, "nothing gets in his way." With these wheels, HarPURR could race around outdoors, chase other cats, and enjoy new experiences. “Our vet determined that, based upon how the area was healed up the paralysis most likely happened during or before the birth process,” said Shannon. She explained that amputation would only be necessary if the legs became problematic; so far, they haven’t been due to careful monitoring and care routines. A typical day for HarPURR involves multiple checks of his condition along with massages to keep him comfortable. Shannon emphasized how their home environment is tailored for safety and comfort: “Our home is cushioned to the max.” This level of care has kept him free from sores or infections for over six years. In 2022, another battle emerged when HarPURR was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Yet again, he demonstrated remarkable strength in facing this challenge while continuing to live vibrantly alongside other cats in Shannon's household. At six years old as of August 13th this year (2025), he remains a beloved family member whose story inspires others around the globe. Shannon shared her gratitude towards those who support them: “I am so grateful to each and every one of you who takes time… to show us that this world can be a place filled with positivity kindness compassion.” This message resonates strongly among followers on social media platforms like Instagram (@harpurrkittywarrior) where updates about his adventures are regularly posted.
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Mayor Unveils Bold Plan to Transform This Iconic City Street 'As Quickly As Possible'
London's Mayor, Sadiq Khan, has announced a big plan to transform Oxford Street. Known as one of the city's busiest and most famous streets, parts of it could soon be car-free. Khan aims to pedestrianize a 1.1-kilometer stretch between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch as quickly as possible. The move is part of an effort to bring more people back to this iconic shopping district while making it safer and more appealing for pedestrians. "We want to rejuvenate Oxford Street," Khan said. "This will help to attract more international visitors and act as a magnet for new investment and job creation." By turning the street into a pedestrian-friendly zone, he hopes to establish it as a leading destination for shopping, leisure, and outdoor events. With over half a million visitors daily, Oxford Street significantly contributes to London's congestion issues. Closing it off to vehicles could alleviate traffic problems, reduce pollution, and provide much-needed green space in central London. Pedestrianization often comes with numerous benefits. It can lead to cleaner air by reducing vehicle emissions and make streets safer for those walking or biking. It could also encourage people to shop more, giving local businesses an economic boost while offering versatile spaces that can host events or simply provide areas for relaxation. Despite reservations, removing cars from central London could significantly decrease pollution levels while creating a healthier environment for pedestrians in one of the planet's major tourist destinations.
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How a Solar Flare Photobombed the International Space Station in an Astonishing Photo
Astrophotographer Andrew McCarthy from Arizona recently captured a remarkable image that has excited space enthusiasts. McCarthy ventured into the Sonoran Desert to photograph the International Space Station (ISS) as it passed in front of the Sun. He ended up capturing something even rarer—a solar flare erupting in the background. McCarthy shared his excitement about this unexpected addition to his photo on Instagram, saying, "This is one of my favorite shots of all time due to the fleeting nature of these solar flares and the ISS transits." In his photograph, you can see the ISS silhouetted against the fiery surface of the Sun with an active solar eruption adding dramatic flair. For those concerned about safety, it's important to know that the ISS was not at risk from this solar flare. The space station orbits roughly 400 kilometers above Earth and was far from any direct interaction with the Sun's activity. While solar flares can increase radiation levels and potentially disrupt electronic systems, they typically pass without causing significant issues. Capturing such a moment requires both skill and precision. The ISS orbits Earth every 90 minutes, offering brief windows for astrophotographers like McCarthy to catch it passing across either the Sun or Moon. These opportunities are challenging but thrilling for photographers dedicated to celestial imagery. McCarthy is well-regarded for his detailed images of celestial bodies like the Sun and Moon. His method involves taking tens of thousands of individual photos before compiling them into a single breathtaking image. For this particular shot, he used multiple telescopes, which he cooled using ice packs to counteract Arizona's desert heat. He describes this work as a "composite mosaic" that continues shooting after the transit to fill in detailed views of the entire Sun. McCarthy also added certain elements from next year's eclipse to better illustrate what was occurring on the Sun's surface. The photographer named his latest creation Kardashev Dreams, inspired by Soviet astronomer Nikolai Kardashev, who developed a scale for measuring technological advancement in civilizations. According to McCarthy, this image reflects humanity's early steps toward becoming a more advanced civilization. Those interested in following Andrew McCarthy's work can find him on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, as well as on his website. Aspiring astrophotographers eager to capture their own transit photographs can use tools like Transit Finder for assistance.