How One Man is Preserving the Forgotten Art of Comic Book Strips

The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum is currently displaying a sample of the vast collection of American newspaper comics that was preserved by Bill Blackbeard. His collection of 2.5 million pieces, dating back to 1893, is considered the largest, most comprehensive private collection of American newspaper comics ever assembled. Blackbeard dedicated his life to preserving a neglected art form that he felt was important. Through his efforts, he ensured that the vibrant colors and social significance of newspaper comics were not lost to history.

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Scientists Capture Rare Footage Of 'Deep-Diving' Whales Near Massachusetts Coast

In a remarkable moment for marine scientists, three elusive True’s beaked whales were recently seen surfacing off the coast of New England — a rare event for a species known for staying far below the ocean’s surface. The New England Aquarium’s aerial survey team captured the encounter near the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, off Cape Cod. The whales, typically hidden in deep waters, were photographed swimming together at the surface, even briefly poking their fins above the waves. “These deep-diving whales are rarely seen at the surface and were a delight to see from the sky!” the aquarium shared in a Facebook post. True’s beaked whales are considered one of the most mysterious species in the ocean. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), they can grow up to 17.5 feet long and weigh as much as 3,000 pounds. They’re usually found in deep, warm parts of the North Atlantic Ocean and select regions of the Southern Hemisphere. They’re also incredibly difficult to study. Their deep-diving habits and shy behavior make them “cryptic and skittish,” NOAA notes — which means researchers often struggle to tell them apart from other similar species. As a result, very little is known about their population status. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently lists them as “data deficient,” meaning there’s not enough information to determine whether they’re endangered. “Are they endangered? Are the populations in good shape?” said Orla O’Brien, a research scientist at the New England Aquarium and the aerial survey coordinator. “We just don’t have enough data on them.” True’s beaked whales also face modern threats, particularly from human-generated ocean noise. Underwater sound pollution can interfere with their communication and may even drive them away from important areas where they breed and feed. While the sighting may have lasted only moments, researchers say it’s a valuable and exciting data point — and a rare window into the life of one of the ocean’s most mysterious whales.

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Adorable Wallaroos 'Cuddle' at Oakland Zoo

Animal carers at Oakland Zoo captured a sweet moment between two of its resident wallaroos, posting footage of the adorable interaction on November 4. Video taken by Keeper Marisa shows two wallaroos – large marsupials native to Australia – appearing to hug each other in their enclosure at Oakland Zoo. “Do you have your snuggle buddy ready?” the zoo joked on social media. Wallaroos are a generally solitary species, but mothers and mature young will still spend time side by side, according to Oakland Zoo.

Neuroscientists Reveal How To Unlock Childhood Memories You Thought Were Gone Forever

If you’ve ever tried to remember the name of your second-grade teacher or what costume you wore that Halloween, only to come up blank, there’s some good news: the memory might not be lost — just hidden. Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University have found that one surprisingly simple tool can help unlock memories from deep in your past: a photo of yourself as a child. “When our childhood memories were formed, we had a different body,” said Jane Aspell, senior author of the study and head of the Self & Body Lab. “So we wondered: if we could help people experience aspects of that body again, could we help them recall their memories from that time?” Turns out, yes. In the study, participants were asked to recall events from either their childhood (up to age 11) or from the past year. Some were shown a photo of their adult face, others a photo of themselves as children. The results were striking: people who looked at their younger selves were significantly better at remembering childhood details. The research suggests that our memories are deeply connected to our physical self at the time we experienced them. That version of “you” — the one who ran through sprinklers or hid under the bed from thunder — helps anchor the way your brain stores those moments. “All the events that we remember are not just experiences of the external world, but are also experiences of our body, which is always present,” said lead author Utkarsh Gupta. And it doesn’t stop with photos. Earlier studies show that re-experiencing sights, sounds, or places linked to specific memories can also work. Can’t remember who you went camping with in eighth grade? Try listening to music from that time. Want to recall what your childhood kitchen looked like? A photo of the house's exterior might jog the rest. The takeaway is simple but powerful: just because you can’t remember something right now doesn’t mean it’s gone for good. With the right cue — especially one tied to your past physical self — your brain might be able to bring it back. Your memories are still there. Sometimes, they just need a little help finding their way home.

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Scientists Build AI-Powered Robot That Could Revolutionize Farming: 'More Efficient'

A new one-armed, AI-powered robot is rolling through vineyards in Italy — and it might just be the future of farming. Named Frasky, the four-wheeled machine looks like a robotic arm on wheels. Built by researchers at the Italian Institute of Technology in collaboration with the JOiiNT Lab, Frasky is designed to help vineyards cope with a mix of growing challenges: labor shortages, rising temperatures, and shifting growing seasons. "Integrating robotics and artificial intelligence in agriculture allows us to develop increasingly advanced models of precision farming," said Manuel G. Catalano, who coordinates the JOiiNT Lab. "It enables more efficient and targeted use of resources, reduces environmental impact, and offers concrete support to farmers and wine producers." Frasky comes equipped with cameras, sensors, and a flexible appendage that allows it to identify grape clusters and carry out tasks like applying treatments. Its AI system helps it learn the terrain as vines grow and weather conditions change, while remote operators can adjust its instructions on the fly. And it’s more than just a flashy robot. The tech could provide a much-needed boost to an industry under pressure. Vineyards are being squeezed by multiple crises. Warmer temperatures are altering harvest timelines, droughts are reducing yields, and new pests are emerging in places they never existed before. In California’s Napa Valley, wildfires have devastated crops, causing millions in losses. Researchers predict that as climate zones shift, some current wine regions may suffer — while others, previously too cold, may become viable. That uncertainty has prompted interest in “smart” agricultural tools that can improve efficiency and resilience. Some researchers are developing smartphone-based tools to detect plant stress before humans can spot symptoms. John Deere is testing a fully electric, autonomous orchard sprayer. Tesla’s humanoid Optimus robot is still in early development but is being eyed for future fieldwork too. Frasky, however, is already in action. According to Stefano Ierace, director of the industrial research group Consorzio Intellimech, the project isn’t just about farming — it’s also a platform for training young professionals and sparking innovation. “It offers real opportunities to explore innovative solutions, with benefits extending to the entire production chain and the local social system,” he said. While Frasky’s current role is specialized, the possibilities go beyond the vineyard. A tool this adaptable — able to learn and evolve with its surroundings — could eventually be used in a variety of agricultural or even residential settings. For now, the focus is wine. But as labor becomes harder to find and climate stress intensifies, robots like Frasky may become a common sight in fields around the world.

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How Can Introverts Excel in Networking? By Playing to Their Strengths

Networking often seems like an extrovert's game, especially when it involves mingling in large, crowded rooms. But introverts may have an edge when they leverage their natural strengths. Introverts tend to shy away from conventional networking methods, yet they possess qualities that can lead to successful interactions. For introverts, the focus should be on quality over quantity. Instead of trying to meet as many people as possible at a networking event, it's more effective to aim for meaningful conversations with just a few individuals. As EHL Graduate School suggests, "Rather than expending your energy talking to as many people as possible, play to your strengths and aim to forge strong bonds with a smaller group of people." Listening and empathy are key skills often found in introverts. These traits can turn simple interactions into genuine connections. While charisma might grab attention initially, listening and empathy build stronger relationships over time. This makes introverts well-suited for the core task of networking: relationship-building. Arriving early at networking events can also work in introverts' favor. Early arrival means fewer people and less noise, allowing introverts to engage more comfortably before the crowd builds up. Leaving early is equally important, ensuring social energy isn't depleted too quickly. Following up after an initial meeting is another area where introverts shine. Grace McCarrick notes that an introvert might not say much during an event but will follow up thoughtfully afterward with a message or useful information related to the conversation. "That is elite level," she emphasizes. Preparing for potential social challenges helps ease anxiety associated with networking events. Practicing conversation starters or polite ways to exit conversations can boost confidence significantly. Learning confident body language techniques can also help mask any nervousness. Introverts don’t have to attend large events if they find them overwhelming. Networking can happen one-on-one through coffee dates or lunches arranged individually online. This approach often suits introverts better because it allows for deeper connections without social exhaustion. There's an argument that in the long run, introverts make exceptional networkers due to their ability to forge deeper-than-surface-level connections and excel at relationship-building tasks essential in professional environments. In conclusion, while traditional networking scenarios may seem daunting for those who thrive on solitude, introverts possess unique skills that allow them to excel in building meaningful professional relationships when utilized effectively.

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This Music Festival Ditched Diesel — and Powered the Entire Show with Solar

At a time when most music festivals rely on diesel generators to keep the party going, one event in New York City is showing there’s another way. The New Energy music festival, held on Governors Island, turned heads not just for its lineup, but for how it powered the entire event: with solar-charged batteries. Organizers used four massive batteries, all charged at a solar EV facility outside the city, to run the festival’s two stages, food and drink stands, and phone charging stations. A fifth battery stood by as backup. “The whole thinking is if we can just put this on display, we want the general public to come to these shows and just [understand] that it works,” James McGinniss, one of the festival’s founders and CEO of clean energy company David Energy, told Tech Brew. Diesel generators are the go-to for large events because they’re reliable and easy to transport. But they come with steep environmental costs. Burning diesel produces carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming, as well as nitrous oxide, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds — pollutants linked to everything from respiratory problems to heart disease and cancer. By contrast, solar power is clean and quiet — and increasingly cost-competitive. The team behind New Energy set out to prove it’s also festival-ready. McGinniss believes the success of this year’s event is just the beginning. “If we can grow this up to a 10,000-person festival over the next couple years on Governors Island, then it can inspire the work of others to be like, ‘Oh, wow, they're not using diesel generators. Maybe we don’t have to, either.’” For festivalgoers like Nicholas Birkhead, the experience felt like something bigger than a day out. “It’s a lot of money for me,” said Birkhead, a fellow with climate startup Carbon Reform. “But it’s what I can really contribute in this moment to play some small part in making this happen.” “It’s really important, in my opinion, for the clean energy people to lean in as hard as they can,” he added. That’s exactly what the organizers plan to do. If all goes well, solar-powered festivals might become more than a novelty — they could become the new norm.

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Yorkshire’s Gaming Scene Gears Up for Its Moment — and It’s Not Just About GTA VI

When Grand Theft Auto VI finally lands in 2026, the global spotlight won’t just shine on Los Angeles or New York — it’ll briefly flicker on a corner of Yorkshire. That’s because the much-hyped title, expected to be one of the biggest video game releases of the decade, is partly developed by Rockstar Leeds. But behind the headlines and blockbusters is a growing network of indie studios and solo developers who say it’s time the UK — and its government — starts taking Yorkshire’s games scene seriously. “It’s massive,” said Yasmina Fadel, who runs a games studio out of Production Park in South Kirkby, a former mining area near Pontefract. Her team, split between there and York, is working on Wyrd Waters, a Norse folklore-inspired strategy game. “We wanted to be in York and we wanted to be part of the northern games scene,” she said. “We keep hearing the story of moving down to London, coming back up north, feeling like you just don't have the opportunities here.” That trend may be starting to shift. Earlier this year, the UK government announced a £30 million Video Games Growth Package as part of a wider £380 million investment in the creative industries. West Yorkshire has also received an additional £25 million to help people turn creative ideas into businesses. “Creativity has no postcode,” said Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy. “Whether it's a musician in Leeds, a film-maker in Bradford, or a video games developer in Huddersfield.” For the local industry, it’s a welcome signal — but some say it’s still far behind what countries like Germany offer in support. “The government is starting to notice that the games industry is the biggest entertainment industry at the moment,” said Fadel. “But there’s room to do more.” She’s not alone in that view. Jamie Sefton, who runs Game Republic, one of the largest games networks in the north, says perception is slowly catching up to reality. “I do think that sometimes culturally we probably aren't as valued as film and TV, but I think it's getting better,” said Sefton. “We’re now in a generation of politicians that have grown up playing games, and they recognise the value of it.” According to him, the numbers speak for themselves: 80 percent of the UK’s games industry is based outside London, with over 20 percent of games companies in the north alone. “I mean, one of the biggest entertainment franchises in the world, Grand Theft Auto, is made in Leeds. So, you know, we have incredible talent here,” he said. “Not many people realise that. And I think part of it is educating people here in the region — and parents of kids — to say, look, there is an amazing industry here.” It’s not just GTA. Games like Hogwarts Legacy, Fall Guys, and Atomfall have roots in northern England. And then there are teams like Coal Supper Games, two friends from Barnsley — James Carbutt and Will Todd — who gained critical attention for their offbeat and very local game Thank Goodness You’re Here. “We really just focused on our own stuff,” said Todd. “Making silly drawings wave their arms and scream at each other.” The game took home an industry award in April, beating out some major studios. “I think I’ve won the respect of my parents — finally.” For West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, it’s about rebalancing the industry so creatives no longer have to choose between opportunity and home. “For too long, our creative industries have been disproportionately concentrated in London and the southeast, fuelled by talent from the rest of the country,” she said. “Now, this government is working with mayors to reset the dial, giving creatives across the country a fair chance to flourish.” Still, many developers say the gravitational pull of London remains strong, especially for those starting out. Breaking that cycle may depend on whether recent funding actually reaches small and mid-size teams — and whether local infrastructure like Production Park continues to support the next generation of game makers. Fadel believes the moment is coming. She’s seen how the stigma around gaming is fading, especially as older audiences take up the hobby and games spawn mainstream TV and film spinoffs like The Last of Us. “People are becoming more educated about it,” she said. “It’s actually a different art form — and I think people are starting to see that. Which is where I’m hoping we all get to in the end.”

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Eye Scans Reveal Early Signs Of Heart Disease And Aging, Study Finds

A simple eye scan might soon reveal much more than how well you see. New research from scientists in the UK and Canada shows that tiny blood vessels in the eye could help predict a person’s risk of heart disease and biological aging — offering a non-invasive, easy way to catch major health problems earlier. The team analyzed data from more than 74,000 volunteers and found that people with simpler, less branched blood vessels in the retina were more likely to have a higher genetic risk for cardiovascular disease. In other words, the shape and complexity of your eye’s blood vessels could reflect the health of your entire circulatory system. “The eye provides a unique, non-invasive view into the body’s circulatory system,” said Marie Pigeyre, a geneticist at McMaster University in Canada. “Changes in the retinal blood vessels often mirror changes occurring throughout the body’s small vessels.” These findings, published in Science Advances, build on earlier studies that suggested the eye can serve as a window into heart health. But this time, researchers went further by identifying specific proteins that appear to influence these changes and may eventually be used to develop treatments. Two proteins in particular — MMP12 and IgG–Fc receptor IIb — were found to affect inflammation in ways that influence both eye blood vessels and general vascular health. “By connecting retinal scans, genetics, and blood biomarkers, we have uncovered molecular pathways that help explain how aging affects the vascular system,” Pigeyre said. The analysis used a method called Mendelian randomization, which relies on fixed genetic variants rather than diagnosed diseases, allowing researchers to infer causality. That means the changes in the eye's blood vessels aren't just happening at the same time as cardiovascular problems — they may be caused by the same biological mechanisms. And that’s what makes the findings especially promising. Right now, tests for heart disease risk or biological aging tend to be complex, time-consuming, and expensive. A simple eye scan could offer a much faster and more accessible way to spot trouble early, especially in older populations. “By identifying key proteins, our findings point to potential drug targets for slowing vascular aging, reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases, and ultimately improving lifespan,” Pigeyre said. Researchers are hopeful the study opens the door to more routine use of eye scans in preventive care — not just for vision, but for overall health.

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This Rare Superman Comic Found in an Attic Could Fetch a Record $6 Million at Auction

A nearly perfect copy of Superman No. 1 — found buried in an attic by three brothers cleaning out their late mother’s home — could become the most valuable comic book ever sold. The vintage issue, published in 1939, was discovered alongside five other early editions of Action Comics, the series that first introduced Superman to the world. Experts at Dallas-based Heritage Auctions say the collection could bring in a “life-changing windfall” for the Northern California family, with the Superman No. 1 issue alone expected to surpass $6 million. The pristine condition of the comics has stunned collectors. Graded 9.0 by Certified Guaranty Company (CGC), the Superman No. 1 issue boasts bright colors, crisp corners, and a near-perfect spine — a rare feat for any comic from that era, especially one stored in an attic for over 80 years. “If it had been in an attic here in Texas, it would have been ruined,” said Lon Allen, Vice President at Heritage Auctions. “Fortunately for them, the Northern California climate helped preserve it.” The discovery happened late last year when the brothers, all in their 50s and 60s, were sorting through their mother’s belongings during the holidays. Beneath layers of old newspapers and cobwebs, they found the long-rumored collection she had mentioned throughout their lives — but never shown them. “It’s a twist on the old ‘Mom threw away my comics’ story,” Allen said. The copy of Superman No. 1 was published shortly after National Allied Publications rebranded as Detective Comics, Inc., the company now known to fans around the globe as DC. The comic has long been considered one of the most coveted in the world. In 2022, a copy sold for $5.3 million. A copy of Action Comics No. 1 fetched $6 million in 2023. With the newly discovered issue in such exceptional condition, experts believe it could top both. But for the youngest of the three brothers, the value goes far beyond money. “This isn’t simply a story about old paper and ink,” he told Heritage. “This was never just about a collectible. This is a testament to memory, family, and the unexpected ways the past finds its way back to us.” Heritage Auctions will offer the comics as part of its Comic Books Signature Auction, taking place November 20–22.

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Father Feels The Ocean For First Time In Over 25 Years Thanks To His Physical Therapist Son

When Garreth Bell was in the fourth grade, he was asked to write about his hero. He didn’t hesitate — he picked his dad, Stephen. That school assignment would become more than just a piece of homework. It would shape both of their lives. Stephen Bell has used a wheelchair since 1992, when a burst blood vessel in his spine left him paralyzed from the chest down. He was only 22. “I was in rehab for about two months and learning how to just, to live again,” he said. “I gained a whole new perspective on the world.” But it wasn’t until years later that he saw just how much his story had impacted his son. In his school essay, Garreth wrote: “It’s like he’s still walking because he takes care of himself and the family.” That one sentence, Stephen says, changed how he saw himself. “When I read it, I felt seen for the first time in a long time,” Stephen wrote in an email to CBS Mornings contributor David Begnaud. “It was as if he understood what I had gone through and how I battled daily to continue to provide for our family regardless of the circumstances.” The assignment also sparked something in Garreth. “Poppa, I’ve been watching you suffer my whole life,” he wrote. “I should become someone who can do something about it so that others don’t have to go through what you went through.” And that’s exactly what he did. Garreth went on to study at the University of Miami and became a physical therapist. Today, he helps run adaptive beach days, where people with disabilities can experience the ocean safely — sometimes for the first time in years. One of those people? His dad. With Garreth by his side, Stephen was able to feel the ocean on his skin for the first time in more than 25 years. “They had to keep me from jumping out of the chair and swimming,” Stephen said. “It was just like heaven for me.” Garreth will never forget it. “The first little splash hits him and I just see probably the biggest smile I’d ever seen on his face in my entire life,” he said. Since then, Stephen’s returned to the beach several times. He credits Garreth’s compassion and empathy for making it possible. “I was surprised that he said that I’m his hero,” Stephen said. “Because looking back on it, if I had to say it again, I’d say I want to be like him when I grow up. I strive to be the person that he actually sees.” Garreth’s answer from fourth grade hasn’t changed. “He taught me how to be a man,” he said. “He was my role model growing up, and he still is.”

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