Goodable

NASA just picked a solar scientist to become the agency's science chief. Nicola Fox, the former top scientist on the Parker Solar Probe mission, has been named as NASA's associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate. In her previous role, Fox lead groundbreaking research on the sun, including a better understanding of solar wind and how it affects planets and satellites. Now, she'll be leading the charge overseeing some of the agency's most exciting and high-profile missions.
But that's not all - Fox will also be heading up a NASA study group on UFOs (that’s Unidentified Flying Objects). NASA chief Bill Nelson praised Fox's appointment, saying that she has been instrumental in making the complex world of heliophysics accessible to the public. With an annual budget of roughly $7 billion, the Science Mission Directorate plays a vital role in NASA's efforts to explore the mysteries of the universe, from probing for past life on Mars to studying distant galaxies with the James Webb Space Telescope.

Nicola Fox Just Became the First Female Head of Science at NASA

Science Daily

Researchers at The Ohio State University are looking at mushrooms in a whole new way. They’ve found that fungi, like the ones you might find on your dinner plate, could replace tiny metal components in computers. It turns out these humble organisms could be future stars in sustainable computing.

The idea is simple but groundbreaking: use mushrooms to create memory cells that work like those in traditional microchips. John LaRocco, a research scientist from Ohio State's College of Medicine, explained the potential benefits. "Being able to develop microchips that mimic actual neural activity means you don't need a lot of power for standby or when the machine isn't being used," he said. This could offer significant computational and economic advantages.

Mushrooms are already known for their toughness and unique biological properties, but now they’re catching attention as viable materials for bioelectronics—a field combining biology and technology to develop new materials for computing systems. These fungal electronics are not entirely new ideas, though they are becoming increasingly practical due to their sustainability.

Fungal materials have some clear advantages over conventional semiconductors. For one thing, they’re biodegradable and cheap to produce. Unlike traditional chips that require rare minerals and lots of energy, mushrooms can help cut down electronic waste significantly.

To see how well this works, the team grew shiitake and button mushrooms and dehydrated them before attaching them to custom electronic circuits. They then tested these mushroom devices by exposing them to different electrical currents. LaRocco noted the distinct electrical properties observed at different points on the mushrooms during testing.

After two months of experimentation, results were promising. The mushroom-based memristor managed to switch between electrical states up to 5,850 times per second with about 90 percent accuracy. Although performance waned at higher frequencies, connecting multiple mushroom units seemed to stabilize operations—similar to how human brain neurons function together.

Qudsia Tahmina, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at Ohio State who co-authored the study, emphasized how easily mushrooms adapt for computing purposes. "Society has become increasingly aware of the need to protect our environment," she said. This awareness drives innovation toward eco-friendly solutions like these fungal devices.

Tahmina also indicated the potential applications for larger-scale mushroom systems in edge computing or aerospace exploration; smaller versions could enhance autonomous systems or wearable tech.

Though still in early stages, researchers plan to improve cultivation methods and shrink device sizes further down the line. Achieving more efficient fungal components will determine if they can truly compete with traditional microchips.

John LaRocco summed it up: "Everything you'd need...could be as small as a compost heap...or as big as a culturing factory." With resources available today, exploring fungi's role in computing seems more accessible than ever.

In addition to LaRocco and Tahmina's contributions, other Ohio State researchers Ruben Petreaca, John Simonis, and Justin Hill played roles in this study supported by Honda Research Institute.

Scientists Develop Living Computers Powered By... Mushrooms?

Counting sheep, trying white noise, or using weighted blankets; people have tried many ways to get a good night's sleep. Yet, for many, restful slumber remains elusive and continues to affect heart health, memory, learning ability, productivity, emotional balance, and relationships.

Now, scientists from the University of Chicago Medicine and Columbia University suggest that a simple trip to the grocery store might hold the key. Their research indicates that eating more fruits and vegetables during the day can lead to better sleep quality at night.

"Dietary modifications could be a new, natural and cost-effective approach to achieve better sleep," said Esra Tasali, MD. She is the co-senior author and director of the UChicago Sleep Center. The study focused on understanding how diet influences sleep—a subject less explored compared to how lack of sleep affects dietary choices.

In this study, healthy young adults used an app to log their daily food intake while wearing wrist monitors tracking their sleep patterns. The researchers analyzed "sleep fragmentation," which measures how often someone wakes up or shifts between lighter and deeper stages of sleep during the night.

The results were telling: those who consumed more fruits and vegetables experienced longer periods of deep, undisturbed sleep. The analysis showed that individuals meeting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendation of five cups (about 1.2 liters) of fruits and vegetables per day saw an average 16 percent improvement in their sleep quality compared with those who did not consume any.

"Sixteen percent is a highly significant difference," Tasali pointed out. "It's remarkable that such a meaningful change could be observed within less than 24 hours."

Next steps in this research will aim to determine if this relationship is causal and explore the biological mechanisms involved. The team also plans to test these findings in broader and more diverse groups. But as it stands now, the evidence strongly suggests making fruits, vegetables, and whole grains a staple in your diet can improve long-term sleep health.

Marie-Pierre St-Onge, PhD from Columbia's Center of Excellence for Sleep & Circadian Research added her insight: "People are always asking me if there are things they can eat that will help them sleep better." She emphasized that small changes can indeed make an impact on sleep quality; better rest is within reach by adjusting daily eating habits.

The study titled "Higher daytime intake of fruits and vegetables predicts less disrupted nighttime sleep in younger adults" was published in June 2025 in Sleep Health: The Journal of the National Sleep Foundation. Co-authors include Hedda L. Boege from Columbia University; Katherine D. Wilson from UC San Diego; Jennifer M. Kilkus from UChicago; Waveley Qiu from Columbia University; Bin Cheng from Columbia University; Kristen E. Wroblewski from UChicago; Becky Tucker from UChicago; Esra Tasali from UChicago; and Marie-Pierre St-Onge from Columbia University.

This work received support through grants provided by various entities including the National Institutes of Health (R01HL142648), R35HL155670), UL1TR001873), CTSA-UL1TR0002389), UL1TR002389), R01DK136214) among others), as well as funding from Diabetes Research Training Center at University Chicago).

Scientists Just Revealed How a Simple Diet Change Could Improve Sleep Fast

BBC News

When Rob Toon picked up a battered copy of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes from a homeless charity in Nottingham, he didn’t know it would change the course of his life.

He had been sleeping rough for months. His phone had been stolen. With nothing to do and nowhere to go, he reached for a book — just to pass the time. Then another. And another. Before long, he was reading a novel a day.

“At first, it alleviated boredom and it gave me something to hide behind,” the 47-year-old said. “Less people bother you when you’ve got your head in a book. I didn’t want people to notice me.”

But people did notice — and it ended up saving him.

One of them was Naomi Wright, who runs a small café near where Toon used to sleep. “He always looked so peaceful and serene,” she said. “I’d often see him sitting there reading.”

One day, she stopped to talk. She mentioned she had some Stephen King novels to give away, and offered them to him. That simple exchange sparked an unlikely friendship — and a community-wide effort.

Wright posted online asking for more books. Within days, about 50 donations came in. She kept them stacked at her café, and Toon started carrying a rucksack filled with reading material — everything from horror to self-help to IT textbooks.

“She set something in motion,” Toon said. “It was a real icebreaker. It gave me a chance to talk to people with no judgement, no politics, just talking to people about a good book they’d read.”

At a time when he was angry at the world, reading gave him a reason to connect. “Meeting Naomi and everyone out here, it kept a connection with me and society,” he said. “I was in danger of losing that.”

The simple act of reading — and being seen as a reader rather than a homeless man — changed how others treated him. It also changed how he saw himself.

Through those conversations and friendships, Toon started to rebuild trust. “Not everyone was out to get me,” he said. By April this year, after two years on the streets, he moved into assisted living accommodation run by a homeless charity.

And he didn’t stop learning. He earned a grade five — roughly a low B or high C — in English and maths, the equivalent of a GCSE. Now, inspired by books he read about coding while he was homeless, he’s thinking about a career in cyber security.

He and Wright still meet regularly to swap books and talk about life, though he admits he has less time to read now. “I’m thankful for Naomi and everyone around here for bringing me out of myself,” he said. “Without reading and this book exchange, I’d probably still be out there. I’d like people to be more aware that there are homeless people out there who want a better quality of life and just need a bit of help.”

For Wright, it’s been just as meaningful. “Getting to know someone like Rob, who was so intelligent and who had just fallen on hard times — to bond over books and things like that — it makes them feel like you’re seeing them for who they are,” she said. “Not just a charity case.”

A single book pulled Toon out of isolation. The kindness of a stranger kept him there. And together, they turned a chance encounter over a few pages into the beginning of a new chapter.

Reading Habit Transforms Life of Homeless Man Thanks to This Local Cafe Owner

In Derby, England, a group of six men recovering from addiction has found solace and purpose through music. They call themselves Sons of Jericho, a rock band that emerged from Jericho House, a recovery charity in Derby devoted to helping men rebuild their lives after addiction and legal troubles.

Sean Payne, the band's frontman and singer, was volunteering at the charity when the opportunity to join the band arose. Despite being naturally withdrawn, he took on the role with enthusiasm. "Every song we play carries the message that recovery is possible," said Neil Ainslie, chief executive of Jericho House and manager of the band. He added that their music styles include rock, indie, and Britpop, drawing inspiration from bands like Foo Fighters, Oasis, and The Beatles.

For Jake Lindsay, another member of Sons of Jericho, performing in the band has been transformative in his recovery journey from drug addiction. "I was looking for ways to cope and when I first started it was very much like it felt like the answer because it stopped all the noise in my head," he shared. He explained that drugs initially seemed like a solution for his anxiety but eventually became a problem. "Jericho took the drugs out of the equation," he said.

Charlie Pool began as just a roadie for Sons of Jericho but ended up becoming their bass player when there was no one else available. "I was the only volunteer," he said. Pool didn't know how to play an instrument before joining but learned guitar at Jericho House. Now, playing music has become something he deeply enjoys.

The band has already played several gigs under Ainslie’s management and continues to grow stronger with each performance. They are currently preparing for an upcoming Christmas-themed event in Derby next month.

Sons Of Jericho Rock Band Inspires Hope And Recovery For Members Battling Addiction

Fox News

A treasure trove of ancient gold coins and exquisite jewelry has been unearthed at the ruins of Hippos, a historic Christian city overlooking the Sea of Galilee — and archaeologists are calling it one of the largest finds of its kind in Israel.

Discovered in July by a metal detectorist during a routine dig, the cache includes 97 gold coins and dozens of intricately designed jewelry fragments, some inlaid with pearls, semi-precious stones, and colored glass.

“I couldn’t believe it — gold coins started appearing one after another,” said Edie Lipsman, the metal detectorist who made the accidental find. “The device went crazy.”

Hippos, once a prominent bishop’s seat during the Byzantine era, has been under excavation for over two decades, but nothing of this scale had ever been found on dry land at the site. According to the University of Haifa, which leads the dig, the coins span more than a century of history, from the reign of Emperor Justin I in the 520s to the early years of Emperor Heraclius around 610 A.D.

Among the standout pieces: a rare tremissis minted in Cyprus during Heraclius the Elder’s revolt against Emperor Phocas — only the second of its kind ever found in Israel.

“This is one of the largest Byzantine-era hoards found in Israel,” said Michael Eisenberg, the lead archaeologist. “Its uniqueness lies in the combination of jewelry and gold coins from the reigns of different emperors. In addition, remnants of fabric were found on some of the coins — a trace of the cloth pouch in which the hoard had been hidden.”

Many of the coins are solidi — full-value gold coins — while others are fractional, indicating the hoard was probably a well-used stash rather than ceremonial or decorative.

But it’s not just the coins that caught the team’s attention.

“The fine craftsmanship, combining semi-precious stones and pearls… I hope modern jewelers will recreate this beauty,” said researcher Arleta Kowalewska.

Eisenberg agreed, adding that the preservation was remarkable. “Gold is a noble metal, and when you find coins and jewelry nearly 1,400 years old that look new, it is a rare experience,” he said.

The discovery paints a vivid picture of daily life in Hippos during the height of its Byzantine prominence — a city filled with traders, artisans, and clergy, connected to a wider world through commerce and culture.

The site has been the focus of multiple discoveries in recent months. In August, archaeologists revealed what may be the world’s oldest known nursing home, a Christian care facility for the elderly dating back 1,600 years. A mosaic found inside one of the buildings bore a clear message in ancient Greek: “Peace be with the elders.”

That structure was located just 100 meters from the city’s central plaza, within a residential block, and added new layers of understanding to how the early Christian community at Hippos cared for its aging population.

Taken together, these finds show a city rich in material culture and social complexity — where care for the elderly and dazzling wealth could exist side by side.

The team plans to continue its excavations in the area, hoping the stones of Hippos still have more secrets to give.

Archaeologists Unearth Treasure Trove Of Gold Coins And Ancient Jewelry Near Sea Of Galilee

CNBC

People who consistently hit their goals tend to have something in common — and it’s not just talent or ambition.

Psychologist Angela Duckworth, best known for her work on “grit,” says there are four key traits that show up again and again in people who stay committed and achieve long-term success.

“They pursue projects they’re genuinely interested in. They practice diligently and deliberately. They have a strong sense of purpose. And they believe their efforts will help them improve,” Duckworth explained on an October 13 episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast.

Duckworth, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, has spent more than 15 years studying what keeps people going. Her research suggests that while goal-setting matters, the way people stick with those goals is what makes the difference.

And it all starts with genuine interest.

“When you look at people who are great at what they do... their mind comes to this subject and wants to stay there,” she said. “I don’t believe you can grow passion without the seed of interest.”

If you're unsure what that interest might be, Duckworth advises paying attention to what others notice about you. Are there topics you bring up often? Things you keep returning to?

Or, better yet, stop overthinking it.

“Don’t think it, just do it,” Duckworth said. “Stop writing in your journal. Stop asking yourself questions. Literally go out and do something. Interests are like food. You’ve got to taste it to know whether you like it or not.”

The second trait, deliberate practice, is about more than just putting in hours. It’s about how you practice.

Duckworth offered her own running habit as an example. Despite years of jogging, she wasn’t improving. Her late mentor, psychologist Anders Ericsson, asked if she had a goal, if she gave full effort, or if she sought feedback.

“Never,” Duckworth admitted. “I was doing low-quality practice.”

The third trait — a strong sense of purpose — is often tied to helping others. When people believe their work benefits someone beyond themselves, it creates accountability and motivation.

But that sense of purpose doesn’t always have to be grand. Physician and author Jordan Grumet cautioned against getting too fixated on big-picture goals.

“Unlike big audacious goals that take years or even decades to achieve, the small, more personal types of purpose are ongoing projects that are enjoyable regardless of the results,” Grumet wrote for CNBC Make It in April.

That ties directly to the fourth trait: hope. People who succeed tend to believe they can — even when progress is slow.

And when it feels overwhelming? Duckworth says to start small.

“I take my pen out and I put a to-do list together that is ridiculously simple, like ‘Open [a] Google Doc.’ Then I open the Google Doc and check it off. Small win,” she said. “If you break down these things that are feeling discouraging to you, you should just think to yourself, ‘Too big.’ Not that it’s impossible.”

Her message is clear: grit isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you build — one small, deliberate step at a time.

Ivy League Psychologist Reveals 4 Traits That Help Successful People Achieve Their Goals

Science Alert

In a major leap toward the future of quantum communication, scientists in the US have successfully teleported a quantum state of light through more than 30 kilometers of fiber optic cable — while it was actively carrying regular internet traffic.

The experiment marks the first time quantum teleportation has been achieved alongside a working data stream, suggesting quantum and classical communications could eventually share the same infrastructure.

“This is incredibly exciting because nobody thought it was possible,” said Prem Kumar, a computing engineer at Northwestern University who led the study.

The breakthrough, published in Optica, didn’t result in anyone being beamed across space like in Star Trek, but it did push the boundaries of what's technologically feasible. The researchers teleported the quantum state of a photon — a particle of light — across 30.6 kilometers (about 18 miles) of commercial-grade fiber optic cable. The cable wasn’t empty; it was humming with 400 gigabits per second of data, from banking transactions to streaming videos.

To understand why this is such a big deal, it helps to know how fragile quantum states are. A photon’s quantum state is like candy floss in a rainstorm: delicate, ephemeral, and liable to collapse the moment it's touched. Regular light signals can be sent over fiber without issue, but quantum signals are notoriously easy to lose or corrupt. Most past experiments were done in clean, controlled lab environments. Kumar’s team threw their quantum signal into the chaotic stream of real-world internet data — and it survived.

“We carefully studied how light is scattered and placed our photons at a judicial point where that scattering mechanism is minimized,” Kumar said. “We found we could perform quantum communication without interference from the classical channels that are simultaneously present.”

The process hinges on a principle called quantum teleportation. It’s not about moving matter, but about transferring the quantum information of one particle to another at a different location. It works by destroying the original quantum state and imprinting it onto another particle through a process known as entanglement. A small burst of classical information must still be sent between the two points to complete the transfer.

What made this experiment groundbreaking was its ability to perform teleportation over existing fiber cables — the kind already used to power the modern internet — without the need to build entirely new infrastructure.

That’s significant because one of the big roadblocks in quantum networking has always been cost and practicality. Creating a separate, secure quantum internet sounded great in theory, but less so when it came to digging trenches and laying cables. Kumar’s team showed that, with careful tuning, quantum and classical communication can coexist.

“Our work shows a path towards next-generation quantum and classical networks sharing a unified fiber optic infrastructure,” Kumar said. “Basically, it opens the door to pushing quantum communications to the next level.”

While other labs have simulated this kind of hybrid transmission or tested quantum communication over unused fiber, this was the first time a quantum teleportation experiment succeeded under real internet conditions.

The implications are huge. A working quantum internet could make encryption dramatically more secure, help connect quantum computers in different locations, and create new tools for sensing and measurement.

“Quantum teleportation has the ability to provide quantum connectivity securely between geographically distant nodes,” Kumar said. “But many people have long assumed that nobody would build specialized infrastructure to send particles of light. If we choose the wavelengths properly, we won’t have to build new infrastructure.”

In other words, this experiment didn’t just prove teleportation could work. It proved it could work in the world we already live in.

Scientists Achieve Quantum Teleportation Over The Internet For First Time

GoodGoodGood

It’s been a big week for good news around the world — from billionaires quietly giving away fortunes to kids dodging peanut allergies and sea turtles escaping fishing nets. Here are the standout stories worth celebrating.

MacKenzie Scott’s silent giving spree keeps breaking records
Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has cut her stake in Amazon by 42% in the last year — offloading about $12.6 billion worth of stock — while continuing her habit of quietly giving away massive sums.

Scott, who signed the Giving Pledge in 2020, has now donated more than $19 billion to over 2,000 nonprofits. Her gifts are unrestricted, which means recipients can spend the money however they believe it will help most. Just in recent months, she’s donated $42 million to help low-income students access college, $70 million to HBCU scholarships, and $50 million to scholarships for Native students.

From fishing nets to 3D printers — and sunglasses
On the coast of Cornwall, UK fisherman Ian Falconer was tired of seeing discarded nylon fishing nets piling up and harming marine life. So he invented a better way. Using a recycling method he developed in his kitchen, Falconer now turns these nets into plastic pellets used in 3D printing.

His startup, OrCA, has already raised over £1 million and is producing items like eyeglasses and razor handles — all with a fraction of the carbon impact of creating new plastic.

A heat-sensing patch could save outdoor workers' lives
Roxana Chicas, a nurse and scientist who immigrated from El Salvador, has designed a wearable patch to protect people who work outdoors. The biopatch monitors hydration, skin temperature, oxygen levels, and more — using AI to detect early signs of heat strain.

Chicas developed the idea after hearing about the conditions her family members faced in construction and landscaping. The patch could help prevent life-threatening situations by alerting workers to seek help before symptoms become severe.

Volunteers charter a rescue flight for dogs left behind in Alaska flood
After a typhoon caused massive flooding in parts of Alaska, hundreds of residents were forced to evacuate — but military evacuation flights didn’t allow pets. That left up to 100 dogs stranded in remote villages.

A local nonprofit, Bethel Friends of Canines, stepped in, chartering a private plane to save the animals. With $22,000 raised in donations, they’ve already reunited several dogs with their owners and continue to care for the rest.

Bon Jovi’s Soul Kitchen serves free meals to furloughed federal workers
In response to the latest U.S. government shutdown, Jon Bon Jovi’s pay-it-forward restaurant, JBJ Soul Kitchen, is now offering free three-course meals to federal workers in need.

With roughly 1.4 million government employees affected, including tens of thousands in New Jersey, the restaurant’s gesture is more than symbolic. It’s also not the first time: the Bongiovis did the same thing back in 2019.

A 3D-printed bridge inspired by bones traps more CO₂ than regular concrete
A new 3D-printed bridge designed using the internal structure of human bones is drawing attention for more than just its architecture. The bridge, built using a special formula of concrete, absorbs 142% more carbon dioxide than conventional versions.

FarmVille returns — and this time it’s helping endangered animals
Yes, that FarmVille. The digital farming game, once a Facebook staple, has been revived — and it now partners with real-world conservation efforts. In-game actions now help fund actual conservation programs, including those protecting endangered species.

Peanut allergies in kids are down, thanks to early exposure guidelines
A major public health shift is paying off. Since 2015, doctors have advised parents to introduce peanut products to babies early — as young as 4 months — to help prevent allergies. Now, researchers estimate that around 60,000 children have avoided developing peanut allergies as a result.

The Savannah Bananas revive the legendary Indianapolis Clowns
The Savannah Bananas — baseball’s showmen known for their trick plays and showmanship — have revived a piece of history. They’ve partnered with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum to bring back the Indianapolis Clowns, known as the “Harlem Globetrotters of baseball.”

Before he became an MLB legend, Hank Aaron got his start with the Clowns. Their legacy is now being introduced to new generations of fans through Banana Ball.

And there’s more:

• Scientists in the UK successfully transplanted a kidney modified to be blood type O — a universal donor — into a human.
• A vintage otter T-shirt worn by Taylor Swift helped raise $2 million for ocean conservation.
• North Atlantic right whale numbers rose for the first time in years, sparking cautious optimism among scientists.
• The U.K. approved its biggest solar farm yet, which will power 300,000 homes.
• Oregon became the first U.S. state verified as an “accessible travel” destination.
• A new robotic fish eats plastic pollution and uses it as fuel to keep swimming.
• A new law in California boosts fire safety standards for grid battery installations.
• A U.S. developer is building housing for 2,000 Ukrainians displaced by war.
• A 1960s motel in Atlanta was converted into affordable housing honoring civil rights leaders.
• Austria is turning transmission towers into public art — massive sculptures of animals.
• Scientists found a way to grow leather from living cow cells — and the cow is still alive.
• A new wetsuit design offers real protection from shark bites.
• The Boy Scouts introduced AI and cybersecurity merit badges.
• Public Montessori programs showed strong results for early learning at lower cost.
• A “Think Like a Scientist” program is inspiring incarcerated people to pursue higher education.
• Billionaires in Houston pledged 95% of their $11 billion fortune to local charities.
• Chappell Roan’s new LGBTQ+ initiative raised $400,000 for youth organizations.
• A new statue outside a London hospital honors postpartum mothers.

And in case you missed it: Even though many people feel the world is getting worse, most are still optimistic that their own lives will get better. In study after study, hope proves stubborn — and that’s something worth holding onto.

Good News You Might Have Missed This Week

**What makes a “superager” brain different? New study reveals key clues**

A rare group of older adults known as "superagers" are challenging the common assumption that cognitive decline is an inevitable part of aging. These individuals, well into their 80s and beyond, maintain memory abilities comparable to people in their 50s — and now, after 25 years of study, researchers are beginning to understand why.

“It’s really what we’ve found in their brains that’s been so earth-shattering for us,” said Sandra Weintraub, a clinical neuropsychologist at Northwestern University.

Weintraub and her colleagues have spent more than two decades studying nearly 300 people aged 80 and older. Through long-term observation and post-mortem brain donations from 79 participants, the team uncovered a distinct neurological profile that sets superagers apart.

One of the most striking findings: superagers’ brains are remarkably resistant to the buildup of plaques and tangles associated with Alzheimer’s disease. These are the protein clumps that typically accumulate in aging brains and are closely linked to cognitive decline.

But that’s not all. Superagers also show less inflammation in their brain’s white matter, retain more thickness in key outer brain layers, and have a higher concentration of specific types of neurons in critical brain regions.

In particular, the study points to two biological mechanisms at play: resistance and resilience. “One is resistance: they don’t make the plaques and tangles. Two is resilience: they make them, but they don’t do anything to their brains,” Weintraub said.

Cells called entorhinal neurons — which help relay information to the hippocampus, the brain’s memory center — were found to be larger in superagers. That may play a role in how their brains process and retain information so effectively.

The team also identified a higher density of von Economo neurons in superagers, particularly in a part of the brain called the anterior cingulate gyrus. This region is involved in attention, emotion, and decision-making, and it tends to shrink with age in most people. Not so for superagers — theirs remained thicker, even when compared to much younger adults.

To qualify as a superager in the study, participants had to remember at least nine words from a list of 15 — a performance typical of someone in their 50s. Fewer than 5 percent of people tested reached that level.

Interestingly, superagers didn’t necessarily follow healthier lifestyles. Some smoked or drank alcohol regularly, suggesting that biology — not just behavior — plays a big role in their cognitive strength.

One trait many of them did share, however, was high extroversion. Whether that’s a contributing factor or simply a common personality feature remains unclear.

“Many of the findings from this paper stem from the examination of brain specimens of generous, dedicated superagers who were followed for decades,” said Tamar Gefen, another neuropsychologist at Northwestern.

The research, published in the journal *Alzheimer’s & Dementia*, adds to a growing body of evidence that the aging brain is more malleable and diverse than once believed. It also opens up potential new pathways for Alzheimer’s research and brain health.

The team is now investigating specific genes that could influence cognitive longevity. If scientists can pinpoint the genetic switches that keep superager brains functioning so well, it may be possible to develop therapies that mimic those effects in the wider population.

The findings not only redefine what's possible in old age — they offer hope for a future where mental sharpness doesn’t have to fade with time.

What Makes a “Super Ager” Brain Different? New Study Reveals Key Clues

When a baby walrus was found stranded and alone on a remote Alaskan beach in July 2024, she was barely a week old and near death. Severely dehydrated, underweight, and covered in puncture wounds, she had little chance of surviving on her own.

Locals in Utqiagvik, Alaska — the northernmost town in the US — quickly alerted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, who coordinated her emergency rescue. She was flown to the Alaska SeaLife Center, the only facility in the state authorized to care for live-stranded marine mammals.

No one knew if she would make it through the night.

But months later, after nonstop care and a team of veterinarians flying in from across the country, that fragile calf has made a full transformation. She now has a name, Ukiaq — which means “autumn” in the Iñupiaq language — and a permanent home at SeaWorld Orlando, surrounded by a new walrus family.

“As just the eleventh orphaned Pacific walrus calf to come through our doors since our opening 25 years ago, we recognize how incredibly special she is,” said Dr. Wei Ying Wong, President and CEO of the Alaska SeaLife Center. “Success stories like Ukiaq is what inspires us.”

Ukiaq, affectionately called “Uki” by staff, arrived at the center in rough shape. Experts believe she had either been separated from her herd or moved inland by humans before trying to escape. Either way, by the time she was found, she was in critical condition.

Responders wasted no time. Veterinarians from the Indianapolis Zoo, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, and SeaWorld Orlando flew to Alaska to assist in her care. For months, they worked in shifts around the clock to rehydrate, feed, and heal her.

It worked. Slowly, Uki regained her strength, began socializing, and even learned to backflip into her pool — a favorite move that made her an instant star when PBS Newshour visited the center during her recovery. Their segment, Walrus: Life on Thin Ice, captured her transformation one month in, from “a shaking leaf of trauma” to a confident, curious calf.

Due to her early reliance on human feeding and care, Uki can’t be reintroduced into the wild. But she hasn’t been alone for long.

She now lives at SeaWorld Orlando, alongside some of the same veterinarians who helped save her life. She’s part of a new walrus group that includes Garfield, Kora, and her surrogate mother, Kaboodle.

“Her story of survival is a testament to the importance of partnerships and rapid response in wildlife rescue,” said Dr. Claire Erlacher-Reid, a senior vet at SeaWorld Orlando who was part of the original rescue team. “And we are committed to providing her with the highest level of care as she continues her journey here.”

For the Alaska SeaLife Center, Ukiaq’s story is a rare one. In 25 years, only ten other orphaned Pacific walrus calves have come through their doors. Most never get a second chance.

That’s part of why Ukiaq’s name — meaning “autumn,” the season of change — feels so fitting. What started as a story of abandonment has become one of belonging. From near-death on a beach to backflipping into a pool, she now has a herd of her own.

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