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Score (99)
Meet Stumpy, the Cherry Blossom Tree Stealing Hearts by Persevering
Move over, lush and full cherry blossom trees — Stumpy is here to steal the show! Despite being a little different from the other trees in the Tidal Basin near the Jefferson Memorial, this scraggly and worn-down tree has captured the hearts of many Washington, D.C. residents. While the flooding in Stumpy's neighborhood unfortunately means his days are numbered, there's good news: Stumpy is still going strong three years later and even reached peak bloom with his friends on March 23, 2023.
Score (98)
Queen Guitarist is Saving Wildlife at His Home Sanctuary
Brian May, the legendary guitarist of Queen, is making a difference beyond music by hosting an animal hospital on his property and actively participating in its operations, according to the BBC. The Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue has been dedicated to rehabilitating injured British wildlife for over 30 years. With a team of around 50 volunteers and full-time veterinary staff, including May himself, the organization treats animals and releases them back into the wild once they have recovered. "Guitarists aren't much use to the rescue, so to us he is a worker," said founder Anne Brummer. "He is very good at communicating with people and gets involved in it at every level." In addition to addressing immediate animal care needs, Harper Asprey also tackles broader conservation issues through its Save Me Trust initiative. This nonprofit works on advancing conservation laws by mobilizing community action. Its efforts include amending England's Hunting Act, ending badger culls, and promoting sustainable land development. Wildlife populations have been declining due to habitat loss, hunting, human transportation, and invasive species. As these numbers decrease, essential ecosystem services provided by these animals are also threatened. To enhance their care capabilities and build a public database for veterinarians worldwide, Harper Asprey continually seeks funding for more equipment. "We can have any one of 750 animals come in through the door," Brummer noted. "There's not a lot of data out there on them so the vets are using all their expertise." For those interested in supporting wildlife conservation efforts or learning more about environmental initiatives, joining newsletters that offer good news and practical tips can be beneficial.
Score (98)
Geologists Just Uncovered Earth's Oldest Rocks in a Canadian Expedition
In the remote wilderness of Canada's Northwest Territories, a team of Smithsonian geologists embarked on a mission to uncover Earth's ancient secrets. Led by Michael Ackerson from the National Museum of Natural History, the expedition aimed to collect samples from the Acasta Gneiss, home to the oldest known rocks on Earth—some dating back over four billion years. The journey was part of "Our Unique Planet," an initiative uniting researchers across disciplines to explore what makes Earth distinct. “Earth is really a unique planet in three senses,” Ackerson explained. “It has continental crust, oceans and life. No other planetary body has all three.” To understand how these features developed, scientists must delve into Earth's distant past. The Acasta Gneiss offers a rare glimpse into this era. Postdoctoral fellow Wriju Chowdhury noted that it wasn't until 1999 that some rocks in this formation were confirmed as more than four billion years old. “This is a snapshot into the first 500 million years,” he said. Identifying these ancient rocks proved challenging due to their fragmented nature and similar appearance to younger formations. The team used magnets and mineral clues like garnet crystals to distinguish them. Central to their research are zircons—tiny crystals resistant to erosion that lock in their chemical environment at formation. By analyzing uranium-lead isotopes within zircons, scientists can precisely date them. Ackerson likened their work to reverse-engineering a recipe: “We’re trying to reverse-engineer the recipe—starting with the ingredients.” These findings could reshape our understanding of Earth's evolution from molten rock to habitable planet. The collected samples will join the National Rock and Ore Collections for global scientific study and eventually enhance public exhibits at the museum, tracing Earth's history back billions of years.
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Score (88)
This 8-Year-Old Saved the Day by Dialing Police After His Mom Collapsed
Eight-year-old Ayaan from Birmingham, England, is being hailed as a hero after his quick thinking helped save his mother's life. In the early hours of November 30, Ayaan awoke to find his mother, Mahabuba, unconscious on the floor of their Soho home. Alone and faced with a daunting situation, he dialed 999 for help. West Midlands Police dispatcher Rebecca Kelly answered the call and swiftly dispatched an ambulance after determining it was a medical emergency. Thanks to Ayaan's calm demeanor and prompt action, Mahabuba received urgent treatment and has since recovered. In recognition of his bravery, Ayaan was awarded a certificate and chocolates by the police. He also enjoyed a special tour of the contact center where his call was received. During a ceremony hosted by Chief Constable Craig Guildford, Ayaan had the opportunity to explore police vehicles and meet officers from the firearms unit. "Ayaan was fully deserving of his award, especially as he's so young," said Keri Drew, contact handling supervisor. "He found himself in a situation that would scare and worry a lot of us as adults but he stayed calm and knew exactly what to do." Drew also praised her colleague, Rebecca Kelly, for her role in managing the emergency call effectively. "She made sure that Ayaan was OK and reassured him throughout that help was quickly on its way," she added.
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The Weeknd Surprised These Grads With An Unforgettable Performance
Fordham University graduates were treated to a surprise performance by Jimmy Fallon and The Weeknd at their graduation party in New York City on Thursday. What began as a seemingly ordinary celebration quickly turned extraordinary when the host of "The Tonight Show" and the Grammy-winning artist made their entrance. About 200 students gathered for what they thought was a simple party in their honor. Fordham President Tania Tetlow hinted at a "special guest DJ," setting the stage for Fallon's surprise appearance. "They have no idea that I’m about to DJ for them," Fallon revealed in a video, adding, "They also have no idea that The Weeknd is going to perform." Fallon, who admitted he had never deejayed before, took his place behind the setup and played The Weeknd's hit song "Blinding Lights." As excitement filled the room, The Weeknd himself appeared, prompting cheers from the crowd. “Class of 2025, let’s go!” he shouted before performing. The duo entertained with hits like “Can’t Feel My Face,” engaging with students and even sharing dance moves with Fordham's mascot Ramses—affectionately called “Ramsey” by Fallon and The Weeknd. Reflecting on Friday night's episode of "The Tonight Show," The Weeknd expressed surprise at the event's success. When asked by Fallon when he realized it might work, he replied with humor: “When they started screaming for you.” Fordham University's Class of 2025 celebrated its official commencement ceremony on Saturday morning.
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Teens Turn Date Night Into Acts Of Kindness At Local Hospital
In Southington, Connecticut, two high school seniors have turned a simple date night into a global message of kindness. Liliana Vera and Evan Jekubovich, both students at Southington High School, decided to celebrate their four-month anniversary by spreading joy to strangers. Inspired by a TikTok video, the couple purchased flowers, pens, and notecards from Target—not for each other but for those facing difficult times. The pair drove to Hartford Hospital and placed flowers with handwritten notes on car windshields in the parking lot. The messages were straightforward yet impactful: “One step at a time,” “Get better,” and “You’ll get through this.” They also gave extra flowers to the parking garage attendant before sharing their act of kindness on TikTok. The video quickly went viral. “We just wanted to inspire other people how we were inspired,” Vera told NBC Connecticut. “We didn’t expect it to go viral.” Among those touched by their gesture was Amel Zubeidy, who had been staying at the hospital with her daughter. “I was at the hospital...and when I got to the parking lot and saw two purple flowers with a note, it was a surprise," Zubeidy said. "It gave me [a] feeling like someone felt my pain without knowing anything." Vera and Jekubovich hope their actions encourage others to spread kindness. “I hope that it inspires others to do better and be the better version of themselves,” Vera said. Jekubovich added, “It’s important...so people can see that other people are doing good so they can do good too.”
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EVs Meet Ice Cream: Ben & Jerry's Unveils Futuristic, Eco-Friendly Trucks
Ben & Jerry's is taking a sweet step toward sustainability by teaming up with electric vehicle maker Rivian to launch two fully electric "scoop trucks" across the United States. The collaboration was unveiled in March at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas. "Rivian helped Ben & Jerry's reduce our reliance on fossil fuels in a small way, while making things a little bit cooler … which, as an ice cream company, is extremely difficult to do," said Sean Slattery of Ben & Jerry's. The scoop trucks are based on Rivian's Commercial Van platform, offering a range of approximately 160 miles and equipped with features like 360-degree cameras and microclimate seats. This is the same vehicle model that Amazon has invested over $1 billion in for its fleet of electric delivery vans. Ben & Jerry's has long been committed to environmental responsibility. The company tracks its carbon footprint closely and aims to use 100% renewable energy in its facilities this year. It also plans to cut emissions intensity by 80% by 2050. Through initiatives like the Caring Dairy program and innovative projects such as feeding cows red seaweed to reduce methane emissions, the company continues to push for greener practices. Switching from internal-combustion engine vehicles to electric ones aligns with these goals. A Bloomberg study from 2024 found that electric vehicles produce significantly less carbon pollution than traditional vehicles—between 27 percent and 71 percent less on average. Research suggests that if all new vehicles sold by 2035 were fully electric, it could lead to nearly three million fewer asthma attacks among children annually. Healthier kids might just enjoy their ice cream even more when it comes from an all-electric truck.
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How Women In India Use 'Dream Maps' To Safeguard Lands From Climate Change
In the lush landscapes of Odisha, India, a group of Indigenous women is taking bold steps to safeguard their community's future. At the heart of this effort are "dream maps," vibrant illustrations that depict their villages in an ideal state, brimming with resources and greenery. Sunita Muduli, a Paraja tribeswoman from Putpondi village, explained the urgency: “Nowadays, the rains come late, affecting our farming, leading to a decrease in production.” The traditional practices of farming millet and rice and foraging from forests are under threat due to climate change. With support from a local NGO, women from 10 villages have surveyed and mapped dwindling resources. Comparing their findings with government data from the 1960s revealed that common areas have shrunk by up to 25 percent. These dream maps will be submitted to local officials as part of a request for $2 million in development funds aimed at preserving or restoring these lands. Saita Dhangada Majhi of Pangan Pani village emphasized their mission: “Once we acquire the rights we deserve, our priority will be to revitalize and flourish our forest.” Odisha is one of India's poorest states and is highly vulnerable to climate impacts. A study by Fakir Mohan University found that food production there has decreased by 40 percent over the last 50 years due to climate change. As monsoons become unpredictable, livelihoods suffer. Bidyut Mohanty from the Society for Promotion of Rural Education and Development noted that these communities face severe impacts despite not contributing significantly to climate change. Neha Saigal, a gender and climate expert familiar with the project, praised these women as leaders in addressing climate challenges. Their work could inform national adaptation plans as India grapples with its environmental future. “Forest is our life,” said Purnima Sisa of Badakichab village.
Score (97)
A Family Legacy: This Father-Daughter Duo is Chasing Dreams Across Sports
Long before Kalen DeBoer became a top college football coach, his daughter Alexis was making her mark on the softball field. At just six years old in Carbondale, Illinois, Alexis hit a ball over the fence and onto her mom's car during a youth game. "My first thought was, 'OK, maybe we have something here,' but the little turkey hit my car," joked her mother, Nicole. Fast forward to today, Alexis is still hitting home runs—now for the University of Washington. In her freshman year, she became only the second player in program history to hit 20 home runs as a freshman and earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors. "Honestly, it's about my teammates and coaches and all their support," Alexis said. Her father Kalen laughed when he heard this. "That's what we talk about... It's never about you. It's about the team." Alexis has paved her own way at Washington long before Kalen joined as head football coach in 2022. "She's proven this was completely about her," he said. With an impressive .369 batting average and 54 RBIs entering Friday's NCAA tournament game against Mississippi State, Alexis continues to shine on the field. Her family is there to support her every step of the way. Despite moving seven times due to Kalen’s coaching career, Alexis’ dedication never wavered. Her father served as her hitting coach throughout these transitions. "I'm right where I want to be," she told him when Alabama came calling for Kalen with a lucrative offer. For now, both father and daughter are thriving on their respective paths—each right where they’re supposed to be.
Score (97)
A Key To Boosting Brain Health And Preventing Alzheimer's: Stay Curious
Curiosity may be more than just a trait of inquisitive children; it could be a key to maintaining brain health as we age. Recent research published in PLOS One suggests that older adults who remain curious and eager to learn new things might help offset or even prevent Alzheimer’s disease. The study involved over 1,200 participants aged 20 to 84, who completed an online questionnaire assessing their general curiosity. Participants were then asked to guess answers to challenging trivia questions and rate their interest in learning the correct answers. The findings revealed that individuals with higher "state curiosity" (a temporary desire for knowledge) also exhibited greater "trait curiosity" (an inherent inquisitiveness), and vice versa. Interestingly, the drive to learn new things declined in early adulthood but surged after middle age, continuing into older age. While the study did not directly link curiosity with Alzheimer's prevention, researchers noted that those who maintain an interest in learning may reduce their risk of dementia. Neurologists like Amit Sachdev from Michigan State University explain that developing new interests can create robust brain connections, fostering resilience. Clifford Segil from Providence Saint John’s Health Center adds that avoiding repetitive activities is beneficial for aging brains. To harness this protective power of curiosity, Dr. Segil advises engaging all five senses by trying new foods, exploring art, and attending concerts. Additionally, maintaining good brain health involves regular exercise, a healthy diet like the MIND diet, limiting alcohol intake, avoiding smoking, and participating in stimulating activities such as reading and visiting museums.
Score (97)
How Virtual Spaceship Lecture Theaters Are Revolutionizing Learning Adventures
A spaceship adventure is transforming the way students learn science and technology, thanks to an innovative project from Graz University of Technology in Austria. The Game Lab Graz team, led by Johanna Pirker and Saeed Safikhani, has developed Project Chimera—a computer game that turns complex scientific concepts into a playful learning experience. Funded by an Epic Mega Grant from Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite, this virtual 3D world invites players to explore physics and mechanical engineering through engaging storylines. "What sets Chimera apart from other educational games is the gamification aspect and the story you experience," said Pirker. Unlike traditional learning programs that teach directly, Project Chimera encourages users to develop a natural curiosity about science. Players navigate a damaged spaceship where they must solve puzzles based on scientific principles to restore functionality. For instance, when faced with a broken elevator blocking access to other floors, players learn how to charge batteries using magnets and repair electric motors. This quest-like structure provides continuous incentives for players to delve deeper into scientific topics as they progress through different levels. Each floor introduces new subject areas while adapting difficulty levels for various age groups, making it suitable for school use. An accompanying study at TU Graz showed increased student motivation in mechanical engineering courses using Project Chimera. "With Project Chimera, we give students the opportunity to experiment with [an engine] in a very uncomplicated way," said Safikhani. Available as a free pre-alpha version on Steam, Project Chimera aims for AAA game quality but currently requires high hardware specifications due to its early development stage.