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These ‘Invisible’ Solar Panels Are Helping Make Historic Buildings More Energy Efficient
If you're looking for a way to make your historic building more energy efficient without compromising its appearance, Invisible Solar tiles are a great option. Made from a recyclable polymeric compound, these tiles allow sunlight to pass through to hidden photovoltaic cells without changing the look of the exterior. Already installed in Pompeii, these tiles are an ideal solution for environmentally-conscious homeowners who want to respect the heritage of their property.
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Rail Worker Hailed As Hero After Saving Lives During Train Stabbing Attack
A rail worker being praised for his bravery during a mass stabbing on a London-bound train has been named as Samir Zitouni. The 48-year-old, who’s worked for LNER for more than two decades, is credited with saving multiple lives during Saturday evening’s attack on the Doncaster to London King’s Cross service. British Transport Police said his actions were “nothing short of heroic.” Zitouni remains critically unwell but stable in hospital after suffering serious injuries, including wounds to his head and neck. It’s believed he stepped in to stop the attacker from stabbing a young girl, effectively shielding her from harm. “In a moment of crisis, Sam did not hesitate as he stepped forward to protect those around him,” said David Horne, managing director of LNER. “His actions were incredibly brave, and we are so proud of him, and of all our colleagues who acted with such courage that evening.” Zitouni’s family also spoke out, calling him their hero long before Saturday’s events. “The police called him a hero on Saturday evening, but to us he's always been a hero,” they said in a statement. “We have been deeply touched by the outpouring of love and kindness shown to Sam, and by the many well-wishes for his recovery.” Ten people were initially taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital following the incident, which took place just after the train passed through Peterborough. A further passenger sought medical attention later, bringing the total to 11. As of Monday, six have been discharged and four remain in stable condition. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander called Zitouni’s bravery “utterly remarkable” during an interview on BBC Breakfast. “There are people who are alive today who wouldn't be… were it not for his actions,” she said. Police have charged 32-year-old Anthony Williams, from Peterborough, with 10 counts of attempted murder. The attack occurred on the 18:25 GMT LNER service from Doncaster to King’s Cross, and the train was brought to an emergency stop in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. Passengers described scenes of chaos and fear as the attacker moved through the carriages, brandishing a knife. Authorities are continuing their investigation, but all attention for now remains on the victims — and the worker who put himself in harm’s way to stop it from becoming worse.
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UK welcomes its only female Indian sloth bear after 40-year absence
For the first time in more than four decades, the UK has a female Indian sloth bear — and her name is Zara. The seven-year-old bear arrived at Lincoln Zoo in Lincolnshire at the end of October after an 18-month effort to bring her from Singapore Zoo. She’ll soon be paired with Randhir, a five-year-old male from Germany, as part of the European Endangered Species Programme. Zoo director Neil Mumby said the team didn’t hesitate when the opportunity came up. “We jumped at the option because there hasn't been a female Indian sloth bear in the UK for over 40 years,” he told BBC Radio Lincolnshire. Zara’s journey was long: 16 hours in the air with stopovers in Istanbul and London before finally landing at Lincoln Zoo on 25 October. She’s now settling in well, exploring her new heated home and — according to Mumby — already making eye contact with Randhir from across their enclosures. “They haven’t been formally introduced yet,” Mumby said, adding that it’s a careful process. “It’s a bit like a dating game.” Sloth bears are native to India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. They’re known for their long claws, shaggy coats, and unpredictable aggression. Despite their somewhat sleepy-sounding name, they’re considered the most dangerous species of bear in the world — often charging without warning at humans and other animals, including tigers. Their population is in decline, with fewer than 20,000 estimated to remain in the wild. They’re classified as a vulnerable species, and conservation breeding programmes like the one at Lincoln Zoo are seen as critical to their survival. The match between Randhir and Zara was arranged by a European species coordinator, with the goal of creating a new genetic bloodline. “To finally welcome Zara and to play a direct role in the conservation of such a unique and underrepresented species is a huge privilege for our whole team,” said Charlie Mumby, general manager at the zoo. The bear’s arrival was made possible with support from local officials, including Gainsborough MP Sir Edward Leigh, who backed changes to the health certification process needed for the move. For now, Zara is taking her time adjusting to life in the English countryside. But behind the scenes, preparations are already underway for the hope that one day, the UK could welcome sloth bear cubs for the first time in generations.
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Scientists Reverse Anxiety and Social Withdrawal in Mice by Rebalancing a Key Brain Circuit
Researchers in Spain have identified a small but powerful group of brain cells that can trigger anxiety, depression-like behavior, and social withdrawal — and more importantly, found a way to reverse those effects. The study, published in iScience, zeroes in on neurons within the amygdala, a region of the brain that plays a key role in processing emotions. The team, led by Juan Lerma at the Institute for Neurosciences (IN), showed that restoring balance in this specific neural circuit could normalize behavior in mice showing strong anxiety and social deficits. "We already knew the amygdala was involved in anxiety and fear, but now we've identified a specific population of neurons whose imbalanced activity alone is sufficient to trigger pathological behaviors," said Lerma. To investigate, the team used genetically engineered mice that overproduce a brain receptor called GluK4, driven by a gene known as Grik4. These mice showed clear signs of anxiety and social avoidance — similar to traits seen in some people with autism or schizophrenia. The problem, researchers found, stemmed from increased excitability in neurons located in the basolateral amygdala. By dialing down Grik4 expression only in that part of the brain, the researchers were able to restore normal function in another key region nearby — the centrolateral amygdala, where so-called "regular firing" inhibitory neurons help regulate emotional responses. "That simple adjustment was enough to reverse anxiety-related and social deficit behaviors, which is remarkable," said Álvaro García, the study’s first author. To measure the impact, the team ran a series of behavioral tests on the mice, including how much time they spent in open versus enclosed spaces — a common indicator of anxiety — and their willingness to interact with unfamiliar mice. They also used electrophysiological recordings to monitor how the neurons responded to changes in brain activity. What’s especially promising is that this wasn't just a fix for genetically modified mice. The same brain-tweaking approach also reduced anxiety in regular mice that naturally showed higher anxiety levels. "This validates our findings and gives us confidence that the mechanism we identified is not exclusive to a specific genetic model, but may represent a general principle for how these emotions are regulated in the brain," Lerma said. While the intervention didn’t correct every issue — some memory deficits, for instance, remained unchanged — researchers believe that’s because other parts of the brain, like the hippocampus, are involved in those functions. Still, the study points to a targeted new direction for treating anxiety and mood disorders. Instead of broad-spectrum drugs that affect the whole brain, researchers could one day fine-tune the circuits that matter most. "Targeting these specific neural circuits could become an effective and more localized strategy to treat affective disorders," Lerma said. The work was funded by the Spanish State Research Agency, the Severo Ochoa Excellence Program, the European Regional Development Fund, and the Generalitat Valenciana.
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This High School Football Player Wins Hearts By Helping a Custodian Clean Up Post-Game Mess
After the final whistle blew on a heated high school rivalry in Lafayette, Louisiana, one player quietly stole the spotlight — not with touchdowns or tackles, but with a trash bag. Hudson Clavelle, a running back for Teurlings Catholic High School, had just helped his team clinch a big win over St. Thomas More. But instead of heading straight to the locker room to celebrate, he stayed behind to help clean up the stadium. His head coach, Michael Courville, was so moved by the moment that he snapped a photo and shared it online. The image shows Clavelle, still in his jersey, holding a trash bag and helping clear the bleachers. "One of the many reasons I love Teurlings Catholic is the humility and love our students, parents, faculty, and leadership show every day," Courville wrote. “Hudson Clavelle — a first-year football player who just recovered from injury — played on kickoff and then stayed after the game to help our maintenance team pick up trash. Incredible character and servant leadership on display. I couldn’t be more proud to be a Rebel.” Clavelle told NEWS 15 that he was inspired to help after seeing a familiar face working alone. “I see Mr. Brian, we call him ‘Mr. B,’ my custodian, and he's picking up trash in the bleachers with just a little 5-gallon bucket,” he said. “And it was just him picking up a bunch of trash, and I just wanted to give him a hand.” Clavelle is a first-year player who recently returned from injury, making his presence on the field a win on its own. But it’s what he did afterward that’s being remembered as the real highlight of the night. In a sport that often focuses on stats and scores, Clavelle’s simple act of kindness is a reminder of what character looks like — when no one’s watching.
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Scientists Recruit 'Junk' DNA To Destroy Cancer Cells From Within
Sections of so-called “junk” DNA may hold the key to fighting some of the toughest blood cancers, according to new research out of King’s College London. These stretches of DNA — once thought to serve no purpose because they don’t code for proteins — have now been linked to how certain cancers grow, and how they might be stopped. The study, published in Blood, focused on two difficult-to-treat cancers: myelodysplastic syndrome and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Both are known to carry mutations in genes like ASXL1 and EXH2, which disrupt protein production and trigger a chain reaction of cell instability. Because these mutated genes stop producing the usual protein targets, traditional treatments often fall short. But researchers found something unexpected: in these cancers, mutations appear to “wake up” dormant parts of the genome called transposable elements (TEs) — bits of DNA that can copy and insert themselves elsewhere. Rather than remaining idle, these sequences start moving through the genome, creating more chaos in the already unstable cancer cells. That movement puts the cancer cells under stress. To survive, they become dependent on a repair system involving proteins known as PARPs (poly ADP-ribose polymerases). The team discovered that by using drugs to block PARPs, they could kill the cancer cells — while mostly sparing healthy ones. “This discovery offers new hope for patients with hard-to-treat cancers, by using existing drugs in a completely new way,” said Chi Wai Eric So, a biologist at King’s College London. “Turning what was once thought to be useless DNA into a powerful target for treatment.” The research was based on lab-grown human cells and mouse models. Though more testing is needed, the implications are broad. PARP inhibitors are already used in treating other cancers, like breast and ovarian, but this study suggests they could work against blood cancers with specific mutations — not by targeting a protein, but by exploiting the cancer’s reliance on its own damaged genome. "This study sets the stage for a novel and broader approach of creating synthetic lethality for human cancers," the authors wrote. It also marks a shift in how scientists view the so-called “junk” parts of our DNA. Transposable elements make up nearly half of the human genome. For decades they were dismissed as relics of evolution, but recent studies suggest they play active roles in gene regulation, immune responses, even brain function. Now, they may offer a fresh weapon in the fight against cancer.
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New National Law Transforms Large Parking Lots Into Solar Power Farms
Starting this month, South Korea will require all large parking lots — not just new ones — to install solar canopies or carports. The rule applies to publicly and privately owned lots with more than 80 spaces, and it’s part of a nationwide push to expand renewable energy and put underused land to work. The policy was approved in late September and officially kicks in this month. Unlike similar proposals in places like the US, this one goes further by covering existing infrastructure. That means thousands of parking lots across the country will be adding solar panels, providing clean energy and new shade for drivers. “Through this mandatory installation, we expect to expand the distribution of eco-friendly renewable energy generation facilities while providing tangible benefits to the public,” a Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy official told Asia Business Daily. “By utilizing idle land such as parking lots, we can maximize land use efficiency.” The law is an amendment to South Korea’s Enforcement Decree of the Act on the Promotion of the Development, Use, and Diffusion of New and Renewable Energy. Officials say it’s about more than hitting energy targets. The shade from solar canopies will help keep cars cool in summer, protect them from snow and rain, and even boost battery life in electric vehicles by reducing AC use. The move is also expected to create jobs across the solar and construction sectors, all while making parking lots more comfortable for the average driver. Could This Work in the US? A rollout this ambitious might seem out of reach for the US, but the groundwork is already there. In Arizona, the Northwest Fire District teamed up with Standard Solar to install a 657-kilowatt solar carport system across a dozen parking lots. It generates over 1.2 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity every year — enough to offset the emissions of 185,000 vehicles. New York City recently announced its own expansion of solar-ready zones, freeing up an additional 400 million square feet of commercial space for EV charging and solar installation. And in sun-drenched states like Texas, New Mexico, and Florida, the benefits could be even greater. While the politics of national mandates may differ, there’s growing momentum at the local and state level. As South Korea shows, solar carports aren’t just an energy solution — they’re an efficient way to make better use of already-developed land, offering shade, power, and cleaner air all at once.
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New Study Triggers Hair Regrowth in Mice by Activating Fat Cells — Are Human Trials Next?
Scientists may be one step closer to a safe and effective way to reverse baldness, thanks to a surprising discovery involving fat cells, skin irritation, and the body’s natural healing response. In a new study published in Cell Metabolism, researchers from National Taiwan University showed that mild skin injuries in mice could spark hair regrowth in just 20 days by stimulating fat cells around hair follicles. Even more promising, they found that applying a serum made from specific fatty acids could achieve the same result — no injuries required. The research builds on an old observation: when skin gets irritated or injured, hair often grows back faster or thicker in that area. But until now, the underlying biology wasn’t fully understood. “The bodies of most mammals are covered by a dense hair coat, which serves as the first protective barrier,” wrote lead researcher Kang-Yu Tai and colleagues. “Irritation or injury to the epidermal skin surface, the second body barrier in most mammals, should signal to regrow or reestablish the first protective barrier, the hair.” To test this, researchers shaved mice and then gave them small skin injuries using chemicals or heat. These mild irritants caused inflammation — which brought in immune cells known as macrophages. The macrophages then triggered nearby fat cells (called adipocytes) to release fatty acids. Those fatty acids were absorbed by dormant hair stem cells, which then kicked into gear and started the hair growth process. In other words, fat cells acted like a delivery service, offering the exact signals hair stem cells needed to wake up and get back to work. The team didn’t stop there. Once they understood the sequence — injury leads to inflammation, which activates immune cells, which activate fat cells — they tried shortcutting the process. They applied a topical serum made of the same fatty acids directly onto the mice’s skin. Hair grew back within about 20 days, even without the skin being injured. It’s not a miracle cure, though. The fatty acid treatment only works on hair follicles that are in their resting phase — the stage in the natural cycle when follicles are dormant but still viable. Human baldness tends to be more complicated, with follicles in different stages and sometimes permanently damaged or shrunken beyond repair. Still, the idea of reactivating dormant hair stem cells — rather than relying on drugs or surgery — could offer a safer and more accessible approach to treating hair loss in the future. Researchers are now exploring whether the same chain reaction can be replicated in humans, with clinical trials in development. There’s still much to learn about how macrophages decide to trigger fatty acid release, and how to control that process without causing unnecessary inflammation. But the building blocks are there. “Their natural existence and established safety profile suggest considerable potential for treating hair loss conditions in the future,” the study concludes. If the approach holds up in humans, it could open the door to a new class of hair loss treatments — ones that don’t just cover up baldness, but restore the body’s ability to grow hair on its own.
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Boston Aquarium Builds 'Old Folks Home' for Aging Penguins — And It's Helping Them Thrive
Lambert the penguin may not see as well as he used to, but he’s still living his best life — thanks to a new geriatric island built just for him and his senior friends at the New England Aquarium in Boston. At 33 years old, Lambert is considered elderly by penguin standards. African penguins, an endangered species native to South Africa and Namibia, rarely live past their teens in the wild due to threats like overfishing and pollution. But in the safety of captivity, some live well into their 30s — even their 40s. That’s created a new challenge for aquariums and zoos: how to care for animals that are now outliving their wild counterparts by decades. For Lambert, who was born and raised at the aquarium, the solution came in February when staff opened a special senior penguin enclosure right near the main entrance. It’s quieter, less crowded, and comes with some upgrades — like carpeted ramps and easy-access water features — to help the older birds move around more easily. “Honestly, it sort of started off as a joke,” said Eric Fox, associate curator of penguins. “It’s like, ‘Oh, well, why don’t we give them an old folks home?’ But the more we were looking at their welfare data... we started to realize that we were on to something.” The aquarium currently houses 38 African penguins, but only seven live in the new senior section. That includes Lambert and his longtime mate, Dyer III, who were recently spotted cuddling and preening each other at the top of their island perch, occasionally letting out loud donkey-like brays — a typical penguin call. Lambert’s had a rough few years health-wise. He lost his left eye to an infection, has glaucoma in the other, and suffers from chronic inflammation. But since moving to the new island, trainers say he’s more active, swimming more and socializing more often. “He’s swimming more with his mate and getting off the island more,” said Mia Luzietti, a senior penguin trainer. “It’s really important that, as we learned how long these animals could live... we evolved with that.” The enclosure’s gentler terrain and custom features — like a hop-out stand in the water — are all designed with senior birds in mind. The changes may seem small, but they make a big difference for animals with mobility or vision issues. Beyond just comfort, the aging penguins also get more medical attention. They’re monitored by extra cameras and receive treatment for common age-related issues like arthritis and joint pain. That includes daily doses of eye drops and anti-inflammatories, much like their human counterparts. “We are just keeping a little closer of an eye on some of these older birds,” Luzietti said. “It’s important that we’re picking up on those — from how someone’s hips are moving, how they’re walking, how they are acting, if someone’s squinting. The smallest change day to day can be hiding a really big secret.” That level of care was on display during a recent visit when Luzietti gently coaxed Lambert onto her lap for his eye drops. A small crowd had gathered to watch, including 69-year-old Terri Blessman, a tourist from Illinois in a wheelchair, who smiled as she learned about Lambert’s special setup. “That’s wonderful,” she said. “All of us older people need extra care as we get older.” For now, Lambert seems content with his slower pace of life, surrounded by familiar faces in a quieter space. And as zoos and aquariums around the world grapple with the challenge of aging animal populations, Boston’s “penguin old folks home” might just become a model for others to follow.
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Canada Unveils Strategy to End Animal Testing by 2035, Aims for Humane Science Revolution
Canada has just taken a major step toward ending toxicity testing on animals. For the first time, the federal government has released a national plan to phase out animal-based testing in chemical safety assessments under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA). The strategy comes after years of pressure from advocacy groups like Animal Justice, and follows the passage of Bill S-5 in 2023. It lays out a roadmap for how Canada plans to replace, reduce, or refine the use of vertebrate animals in toxicity tests—some of the most painful and deadly experiments in Canadian science. “This is a big moment,” said Animal Justice, one of the leading organizations behind the push. “But it can’t be the last one.” Every year, Canada uses millions of animals in lab settings. Around 150,000 are used in toxicity tests to assess chemical safety, and many of those animals endure severe suffering. In some years, more than 90,000 animals have been subjected to Category E procedures—the most extreme category under the Canadian Council on Animal Care. These tests include inflicting burns or trauma without anesthesia, or forcing animals to ingest or absorb toxic substances until death. The newly released national strategy sets a goal: shift away from those methods and adopt modern alternatives that don’t rely on animal suffering. But advocates say that unless Canada backs the plan with real funding and accountability, the progress could stall. A Five-Part Framework The strategy introduces a five-part framework to help bring in “new approach methods,” or NAMs—scientific techniques like AI models, organ-on-a-chip systems, and lab-grown cell cultures. These methods often perform better than traditional animal tests by being more accurate, faster, and cheaper. The five pillars of the framework are: • Identifying where NAMs can replace existing animal tests. • Supporting the research and data needed to validate these alternatives. • Aligning Canada’s approach with international partners. • Engaging regularly with the public, industry, and researchers. • Implementing NAMs directly into CEPA’s regulatory decisions. It’s a science-first strategy, but also a response to public pressure. When the draft version was released in September 2024, thousands of Canadians weighed in, urging the government to adopt faster, more humane methods. A Pledge Without a Plan? One sticking point: the strategy doesn’t include clear benchmarks or timelines. Back in 2021, the Liberal Party pledged to end toxicity testing on animals by 2035. But the new framework doesn’t lay out how Canada will measure progress or hold itself accountable. Nor does it strongly commit to eliminating animal use altogether. Instead, it focuses on the “3Rs”—replace, reduce, or refine—which critics say can dilute momentum. Refining animal tests, for example, may involve slightly better living conditions but still allow painful procedures. “Refinement means things like bigger cages or more bedding,” Animal Justice said. “That’s not enough to stop the suffering.” A National Centre in Jeopardy One of the most urgent challenges is funding. Canada had already established a national centre for non-animal testing—the Canadian Centre for Alternatives to Animal Methods (CCAAM)—at the University of Windsor. But despite its potential, the centre was forced to close last year due to a lack of federal support. Unlike countries such as the US, Brazil, South Korea, and EU members, Canada has not committed public funding to maintain or expand its national centre. Advocates say reopening the CCAAM in Ottawa would help Canada lead on humane science. It could serve as a research hub, connect academic and industry partners, and ensure Canada meets its 2035 target. “The science is already there. What we need is political will and investment,” said Animal Justice. Next Steps To stay on track, advocates are calling for the government to: • Fund and reopen the CCAAM. • Establish a CEPA advisory committee focused on animal-free science. • Set measurable goals and timelines for reducing and replacing animal use. • They argue that doing so would not only save animals from suffering but also modernize Canada’s approach to science and public health. The strategy is a start. But if Canada wants to fulfill its promise to end toxicity testing on animals within the next decade, advocates say the next move must be just as bold as the last.
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Heroic Man Rescues Unconscious Stranger From Burning House While Dressed as Supervillain
Dressed as a comic book antihero, he had no idea he was about to save a life. He and his family were on their way to a Halloween party in Greenville, Ohio. His wife was behind the wheel, dressed as Starlight from The Boys, and their kids were in costume in the back seat. He had chosen to go as Homelander — the caped, patriotic, and deeply unhinged superhero from the hit show — mostly because he’d had a rough day and wasn’t in the mood to play nice. As they neared his sister-in-law’s house, flames caught his eye. A house on the street was on fire. “I said, ‘Honey, pull over and call 911,’” he recalled. While his wife and kids watched from the car, he ran toward the burning home in full superhero costume. “Don’t worry,” he told them. “I’ll be right back.” Outside, several people were standing around watching the fire. “Is anyone inside?” he asked. One man shrugged. “I’m not sure.” That was all he needed to hear. As he stepped inside, smoke and heat surrounded him. His cape snagged on a bannister and tore off, floating back toward the street. A woman caught it. “Hold that,” he said. “I’m going to need it later.” He made it to the top of the stairs, where he found an unconscious man on the floor. With no time to wake him, he hoisted the man up and carried him out like “a 6-foot baby,” straight through the smoke and out the front door. Once outside, he performed sternum rubs until the man came to — then watched as he jumped to his feet and took off down the street. Police later determined the house was vacant and being sold. The man had apparently broken in and passed out. No one knows what caused the fire, though it’s believed a small flame may have gotten out of control. The costume didn’t make the moment, he insists. “I’ve helped people out of car wrecks before,” he said. “It’s just what you do.” What followed was unexpected. Word of the rescue spread. Eventually, he was awarded a Carnegie medal for heroism and added to the Ohio Fire Service Hall of Fame. Even The Boys actor Antony Starr — who plays Homelander — shared the story on social media, writing: “I never been a prouder parent.” His own kids still talk about it. “One of them tells kids at school that his dad’s a superhero,” he said. “Given what Homelander is actually like on the show, I just hope he never watches it.”