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These Seed-Planting Drones Are Reforesting Canada With Lightning Speed
In just a few years, Flash Forest has become the leading drone reforestation company in the world, planting trees across Canada and looking to expand its reach. The company's innovative approach is powered by technology, with drones deployed to shoot "seed pods" onto fire-damaged land. In addition to helping replant forests after fires, this process can also be used to prevent future fires by growing biodiverse, tree-rich landscapes.
Score (95)
Gen Z Pumps Up Social Lives, Boosts Gym Membership To Record High
A new wave of fitness enthusiasm is sweeping across the UK, driven largely by health-conscious Gen Zers who are swapping pub nights for gym sessions. According to a report by UKActive, 11.5 million Britons aged 16 and over now hold gym memberships—a record high and an increase of 1.6 million from last year. This surge is particularly notable among Generation Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, who are increasingly prioritizing physical and mental well-being. "This is a significant moment as it shows that more people are making a conscious decision to get active," said Huw Edwards, CEO of UKActive. The report highlights that younger adults view health and fitness as integral to their identity, with many preferring gyms over traditional social venues like pubs. This trend aligns with findings from Sport England's research on rising physical activity among teenagers. David Minton, founder of Leisure Database, notes that Gen Z's healthier lifestyle choices extend beyond exercise. "They are drinking less alcohol than their predecessors and are much more conscious about what they eat," he said. Interestingly, the social aspect also plays a crucial role in this generational shift. Many young people see gyms as places to meet friends or even romantic partners—offering real-life interactions in contrast to virtual connections on social media. The UK's health and fitness market has grown to £5.7 billion, with over 5,600 clubs nationwide seeing increased participation due in part to affordable membership options. With motivations ranging from improving physical strength to boosting mental well-being, it's clear that for many young Britons, hitting the gym is becoming an essential part of life. As this trend continues, Gen Z may indeed become the most health-aware generation yet.
Score (98)
This Astronaut's Furry Reunion Steals Hearts After 286 Days in Space
Astronaut Sunita Williams experienced a joyful reunion with her dogs after returning from an extended mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The NASA astronaut, who served as a flight engineer on Expedition 72, shared the heartwarming moment on social media, declaring it the "Best homecoming ever!" In a video posted on April 1, Williams is seen greeting her two pets, who excitedly jump and wag their tails upon seeing her. "Do you know who I am?" she asks them before embracing them as they lick her face. After a minute of enthusiastic greetings, Williams is heard saying, "Alright, I got to sit down." Williams and fellow ISS crewmate Butch Wilmore spent 286 days in space due to technical issues with their original spacecraft, the Boeing Starliner. They safely returned to Earth on March 18, landing in waters near Tallahassee, Florida.
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Score (95)
This Rock Used As a Doorstop For Decades Is Worth €1Million
A seemingly ordinary doorstop in Romania has turned out to be an extraordinary find, now classified as a national treasure. An elderly woman discovered a 3.5-kilogram reddish "rock" in a stream bed in southeast Romania and used it to prop open her door for decades. After her death in 1991, a relative inherited the property and decided to have the rock appraised. The verdict? The doorstop was one of the largest intact pieces of amber deposits in the world, valued at around €1 million. According to El Pais, the Croatian government purchased the fragment and sent it to the Museum of History in Krakow, Poland. Estimated to be between 38 and 70 million years old, this amber likely originated from prehistoric coniferous trees' resin. Over millions of years, geological pressure preserved and fossilized it. Amber is known for its medicinal properties and value as a gemstone. Now housed at the Provincial Museum of Buzău, this discovery holds significant scientific and cultural importance. "Its discovery represents great significance both at a scientific level and at a museum level," said Daniel Costache, director of the museum. The museum plans further scientific analyses on its composition and potential ancient biological inclusions. This story echoes another case from Michigan where a stone used as a doorstop was identified as a rare meteorite worth $100,000 by Central Michigan University (CMU) in 2018. Mona Sirbescu, CMU geology professor who examined it said: "I could tell right away that this was something special."
Score (95)
Tiny Pacemaker Brings Big Hope: A Breakthrough For Newborns
A groundbreaking innovation from Northwestern University engineers has introduced a pacemaker so small it can be injected with a syringe. This tiny device, ideal for newborns with congenital heart defects, is smaller than a grain of rice and pairs with a soft, flexible wearable device on the chest to control heart pacing. When an irregular heartbeat is detected, the wearable emits light pulses that activate the pacemaker through the skin and muscles. Designed for temporary use, this pacemaker dissolves naturally in the body once it's no longer needed, eliminating the need for surgical removal. "We have developed what is, to our knowledge, the world's smallest pacemaker," said John A. Rogers, who led the development. "There's a crucial need for temporary pacemakers in pediatric heart surgeries." The study will be published April 2 in Nature journal and demonstrates efficacy across various animal models and human hearts from deceased donors. "Our major motivation was children," said Igor Efimov, co-leader of the study. "About 1% of children are born with congenital heart defects... Now we can place this tiny pacemaker on a child's heart without additional surgery." This innovation builds on previous work by Rogers and Efimov to create dissolvable devices for temporary pacing. The new design uses biofluids as part of its power source and employs infrared light to activate pacing. "The heart requires a tiny amount of electrical stimulation," Rogers explained. "By minimizing size... we eliminate any need for secondary surgical extraction procedures." This versatile technology could also enhance other medical devices like heart valve replacements or aid in healing nerves and bones.
Score (97)
A Three-Year-Old Unearthed This Ancient Treasure on a Family Outing
A day of exploration turned into a remarkable discovery for 3-year-old Ziv Nitzan at the ancient site of Tel Azeka in Israel. While playing among the ruins, Ziv picked up what appeared to be an ordinary stone but turned out to be a 3,800-year-old Canaanite scarab from the Middle Bronze Age. "When she rubbed it and removed the sand from it, we saw something was different about it," said Ziv’s sister, Omer Nitzan, in a Facebook post by Israel's Antiquities Authority. "I called my parents to come see the beautiful stone, and we realized we had discovered an archaeological find." Experts identified the artifact as a scarab used as both a seal and an amulet during that period. Daphna Ben-Tor, an Egyptologist mentioned in the post, explained that scarabs were often found in graves and homes and sometimes bore symbols reflecting religious beliefs or status. The scarab is part of numerous artifacts indicating ancient Egyptian presence in Israel. Tel Azekah itself holds historical significance as it's referenced in the Bible as the site of David's battle with Goliath. After discovering the scarab on a family outing last month, Ziv's family promptly reported it to Israel’s Antiquities Authority. Eli Escusido, director of the antiquities authority, commended the family's discovery and announced plans for displaying the seal alongside other Egyptian artifacts across Israel.
Score (97)
Wildlife Corridor Nears Milestone With This Special Soil Spread
Monday marked a significant step forward for the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, as the long-awaited soil arrived at the site. Although it still appears as a bridge to nowhere from the bustling 101 Freeway, this milestone signals progress in a project that began nearly three years ago. The crossing will soon be covered with 6,000 cubic yards of specially manufactured soil—a blend of sand, silt, clay, compost and local mycorrhizal fungi designed to mimic native soils. "Adding soil is a big deal because it means we're nearing the end of Stage 1," said Robert Rock, CEO of Rock Design Associates and landscape architect for the project. Stage 2 will connect the structure to nearby hills by late 2026. This phase includes burying utility lines along Agoura Road and creating natural slopes with additional acreage planted with native vegetation. Jeremy Wolf, mayor pro tem of Agoura Hills, emphasized the project's importance: "Humans created this problem... now we're fixing this problem by using human ingenuity for good purposes." The project has involved meticulous planning and innovation. A nursery was established to cultivate plants from seeds collected locally. Mycologists gathered beneficial fungi to inoculate the soil and support plant growth. Earlier this week, supporters watched as soil was transported via conveyor from trucks to cover the structure's top. The goal is to contour the soil to resemble adjacent hillsides while planting native species like black sage and California buckwheat. As construction continues through weather-related delays and challenges like invasive species management, optimism remains high for restoring wildlife connectivity across one of California's busiest highways.
Score (91)
Eaglet Naming Soars: Sunny And Gizmo Win Big Bear Kids' Vote
The Friends of Big Bear Valley, a nonprofit known for its 24/7 livestream of bald eagles Jackie and Shadow, announced that their chicks have been christened Sunny and Gizmo. This follows a naming contest that attracted over 54,000 submissions. The winning names were chosen by local students from Big Bear Elementary School's 3rd, 4th and 5th grades. "We're thrilled by how excited people were for the chance to name these two adorable chicks," said Sandy Steers, executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley. "All the students have been learning about Jackie and Shadow and their chicks. It was great to add a little reward for all their hard work." Participants who submitted the winning names will receive certificates as tokens of appreciation from the organization. Jackie and Shadow first captured public attention two years ago when viewers noticed two eggs in their nest via livestream. Although those eggs did not hatch, interest surged again this year with the arrival of three new eggs. Sadly, one eaglet did not survive a winter storm. Despite this loss, Sunny and Gizmo continue to thrive under the watchful eyes of both their eagle parents and an adoring online audience.
Score (93)
This 15-Year-Old Hero Saved His Stepdad with CPR He Learned in School
A 15-year-old from Buffalo, New York, is being celebrated for his quick thinking and bravery after saving his stepfather's life with CPR. Anthony Killinger sprang into action when his stepfather, Michael Reese, collapsed at home on March 19. "He was heroic," Reese told Good Morning America. "For someone of his age to step up and act in such a fashion when there's a medical emergency, that's a hard thing to do." Reese had just finished his shift as a law enforcement officer and was relaxing at home when he suddenly went into cardiac arrest. The family's dogs alerted Anthony and his mother, Jennifer Killinger-Reese, who quickly called 911. "My mom runs down the stairs because the dogs were barking really loud," Anthony recounted. "She runs right back up, tells me, 'Mike might be dead. Call 911.'" Following instructions from the dispatcher, Anthony checked for a pulse and began performing CPR until the paramedics arrived. He estimates he continued CPR for about eight minutes. Doctors later informed Reese that he had only a 9 percent chance of survival due to the severity of his condition. They credited Anthony's swift actions and the use of an automated external defibrillator by emergency responders with saving Reese's life. "I'm grateful to be here," said Reese. "It's a true blessing that I'm here." The family hopes their story will inspire others to learn CPR. "Learn CPR. It'll help you," Anthony advised. Jennifer Killinger-Reese plans to get trained in CPR herself and advocates for its inclusion in school curricula nationwide. "When the dust settles, I'm going to go get trained too," she said.
Score (98)
This Aquarium Created a Retirement Paradise for its Elderly Penguins
A new chapter of comfort and care has begun for the aging African penguins at the New England Aquarium in Boston. The aquarium recently unveiled a special "retirement" island designed to cater to the unique needs of its senior seabirds, offering them a peaceful haven away from the hustle and bustle of younger penguins. Diana Major, the aquarium's penguin manager, describes this new habitat as akin to assisted living for humans. “Being relaxed is key, and we think the new retirement home will ultimately lead to happier and healthier penguins,” she said. In their natural habitats along South Africa and Namibia's coasts, African penguins face numerous threats including pollution, climate change, predation, and overfishing. These challenges have left them critically endangered with scientists warning they could become extinct in the wild by 2035. However, life in captivity offers these birds a different story. At the New England Aquarium, they receive comprehensive care that includes physical therapy, acupuncture and specialized diets. This attentive care has allowed several residents to live well into their 30s—far surpassing their typical wild lifespan of 10 to 15 years. The retirement island allows these geriatric birds like Harlequin and Durban—a mated pair together since 2000—to enjoy their golden years without competition for food or territory. Kristen McMahon, curator of pinnipeds and penguins at the aquarium, notes that this environment fosters tranquility among its residents: “The birds are definitely quieter... There’s a little bit more laying down and resting.”
Score (97)
75-Year-Old Ends Epic Streak, Proves It's Never Too Late To Start
Gary Price of London, Ontario, embarked on a remarkable journey that began with a simple step. Twenty-Four years ago, he started walking daily and continued for an impressive 8,766 consecutive days. Now at 75, Price has decided to conclude his streak on his own terms. Reflecting on the motivation behind his commitment, Price shared, "24 years ago, I saw a good friend of mine who had suffered a heart attack at the age of 51. He was in hospital and he was in pretty rough shape, and I thought, 'Oh my goodness, if it can happen to him, it can happen to me.'" This realization prompted Price to embrace walking as his exercise of choice. "I felt that I should start looking for some form of exercise to keep me healthy," he said. His dedication took him across the globe—from the Great Wall of China to Mount Rushmore—and through every Canadian province and territory. On Sunday, friends and family gathered at his local Westmount Mall to celebrate this milestone. Diane Price remarked on her husband's dedication: "It's become part of our lives. Everybody knows about the walk. It's Gary's walk." As he transitions from routine to choice, Price explained his decision: "I've decided to transform from the daily commitment to walking to a daily choice." He plans to take Tuesday off completely before deciding day by day whether or not he'll continue. Price hopes his story will inspire others to stay active: “I’ll likely be out for a walk again soon.”