2022 Is Poised To Become The "Year Of Vaccination"

2022 will be the year of vaccination, says Jerome Kim, director general of the International Vaccine Institute. It will also mark the year when anti-Covid drugs will come to the fore, and make treatment more effective, he said. Kim highlighted a so-called “diagnostics gap” at the diagnosis stage of Covid-19.

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Feel Good Friday: Doctor Fulfills Dream Of Fatherhood By Adopting Teen With a Heartwarming Twist

Dr. James C. Wittig had always imagined becoming a father. A successful orthopedic oncologist in New Jersey, he used to joke that if he ever had kids, he’d skip the diaper stage and start with a 13-year-old. In 2015, that wish turned into something very real. A Facebook post caught his attention — a teenage boy named Ronnie had lost both parents, and someone was looking for a home for him. Wittig, a single and never-married doctor, didn’t hesitate. He reached out and volunteered. At the time, Wittig had no idea just how deep his connection to Ronnie would go. Months later, he would uncover a link that seemed almost too perfect to be coincidence. Wittig, who now chairs the Department of Orthopedics at Morristown Medical Center, has spent decades treating patients with bone cancer, including osteosarcoma. For years, he’s used a photograph in his lectures — a side-by-side image of two women he treated during his fellowship in the 1980s. One had a leg amputated. The other underwent limb-sparing surgery. The image was a teaching tool for generations of medical students. He kept in touch with the woman whose leg he saved. In 2015, he noticed she was helping find a guardian for Ronnie, the son of her late friend who had died from complications following her own leg amputation. Ronnie’s father had also recently passed away. Wittig reached out, and she arranged for him to meet the boy. He drove to northern Virginia and met Ronnie in person. They clicked. A second visit followed, and just hours after that, Ronnie made his choice. He wanted to live with Wittig. Two weeks later, guardianship was transferred. It wasn’t until months later — after they’d already been living together — that Wittig made the connection. The boy’s mother was the same woman whose image had appeared in his lecture slides for years. He’d never met her, but he’d been using her story to teach future doctors about cancer care. Now he was raising her son. “I see this whole thing as a synchronicity,” Wittig said. “One of those things in life that feels like it was meant to happen.” Ronnie, now an adult, attended Seton Hall Prep and completed welding school. Though he hasn’t been legally adopted yet, Wittig says that’s just paperwork. Their bond, he says, goes far deeper than that. “Being his dad has been one of the biggest miracles of my life,” he wrote in a post on Instagram. “I am so proud to call you my son… You are amazing to me and my hero.” Wittig says parenting has brought him more joy and meaning than he ever imagined. It’s also taught him a few things. “Kindness, compassion, empathy, love, joy, and happiness,” he said. “That’s what I’ve learned from Ronnie.” He hopes their story will show other older, single adults that it’s never too late to become a parent. “It doesn’t have to look traditional,” Wittig said. “Love is what makes a family.”

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Scientists Bioengineer Bacteria to Mass-Produce Octopus Camouflage Pigment

Octopuses are known for their mind-bending camouflage, but now scientists are one step closer to replicating the chemical trick that powers their disappearing act. Researchers at the University of California San Diego have successfully bioengineered bacteria to produce xanthommatin — a rare, color-shifting pigment found in the skin of cephalopods like octopuses, squids, and cuttlefish. It’s a breakthrough that could help unlock the secrets of natural camouflage and push the boundaries of sustainable manufacturing. “This natural pigment is what gives an octopus or a squid its ability to camouflage – a fantastic superpower – and our achievement to advance production of this material is just the tip of the iceberg,” said senior author Bradley Moore, a marine chemist at Scripps Oceanography. Until now, xanthommatin has been notoriously difficult to obtain. It’s nearly impossible to harvest in useful quantities from animals, and efforts to synthesize it in the lab have hit a wall. The UC San Diego team tackled that by using a novel technique called growth-coupled biosynthesis — essentially tricking bacteria into making xanthommatin by tying its production directly to their survival. “Essentially, we came up with a way to trick the bacteria into making more of the material that we needed,” said lead author Leah Bushin. Here’s how it worked: the scientists engineered “sick” bacteria that could only grow if they made two things — xanthommatin and formic acid. For every molecule of pigment produced, one molecule of formic acid was released, giving the bacteria the fuel they needed to survive. If they didn’t make pigment, they didn’t grow. The result was a self-sustaining cycle that dramatically increased pigment output. The team’s system was able to produce up to 3 grams of pigment per liter — roughly 1,000 times more than earlier attempts. “It was one of my best days in the lab,” said Bushin. “When I came in the next morning and realized it worked and it was producing a lot of pigment, I was thrilled. Moments like that are why I do science.” The implications go beyond camouflage. The approach could pave the way for more efficient, sustainable production of other rare and valuable compounds using microbes, rather than relying on animal harvesting or chemical synthesis. That’s good news for everything from medicine to materials science. “This project gives a glimpse into a future where biology enables the sustainable production of valuable compounds and materials,” said co-author Adam Feist, a bioengineer at UC San Diego. “We show how we can accelerate innovation in biomanufacturing by bringing together engineers, biologists, and chemists.” By combining the power of genetic engineering, bioinformatics, and adaptive lab evolution, the team also trained bacteria to make pigment from simple nutrient sources like glucose — an added efficiency boost. For now, octopuses still hold the crown for world-class camouflage. But thanks to bacteria and some creative science, humans are catching up.

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Farm Boy Prepares to Swap Sheep Shearing for F1 Glory in Bahrain

At just 12 years old, Tom from Louth, Lincolnshire, is balancing life on the farm with a fast track to Formula One. Known in the racing world as “The Farmer,” Tom is set to represent Team UK at the Grand Finals in Bahrain next month — a global karting competition that has launched many F1 careers. When he’s not shearing sheep or driving tractors on his family’s farm, Tom is winning races. And he’s won a lot of them: 70 trophies since he first stepped into a kart at age eight. “I normally help with the sheep and driving the tractors around the farm,” Tom said. “It builds up my muscles, which helps me in my sport.” His parents, Sally and James, are traveling with him to Bahrain and say they’re overwhelmed with pride. “To get to Bahrain, it's a dream. We're so proud of him,” said Sally. “He loves his animals, tractors, anything with an engine.” And his fuel of choice? “Steak and chips and a pint of milk,” said Sally. “We're often asked if we have a cow tethered up outside, the amount of milk he drinks. It keeps his bones strong and has kept him racing.” Tom’s racing journey began on an old Lancaster base at Woodthorpe. Since then, his rise has been rapid. In 2023, he caught the attention of Strawberry Racing — one of the UK’s top karting teams — while competing at PF International Circuit near Grantham. “He just rocketed from there,” said his dad, James. “Every waking hour he’s thinking about karting and racing.” Tom looks up to F1 star Lando Norris, who also started in karting and competed at the Grand Finals before making it to the big leagues. Tom says he plans to follow the same path. “Most of the Formula One grid started in karting and won world finals,” he said. “I just need to do the same.” The Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals run from 29 November to 6 December in Bahrain — and Tom will be there, hoping to trade the sheep pens for the winner’s podium.

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Photography is Helping Stroke Survivors Reconnect With the World

After suffering a stroke in 2021, Liz Elmont thought her days of taking photographs were behind her. Housebound and struggling with her recovery, the Somerset-based photographer found herself in what she describes as “a really dark place.” “I was really miserable,” she said. “I sold off some of my lenses because I thought I’d never use them again.” But everything changed the day she remembered the BBC’s Weather Watchers program — a photo-sharing platform where people upload weather images from across the UK. “One day, I thought, ‘I should take a picture for Weather Watchers, I haven’t done that in ages,’” said Elmont. “It suddenly became the thing that got me out of the house.” Armed with just her phone, Elmont began taking short walks outside her home in Watchet, capturing snapshots of local skies and weather changes. The photos not only gave her a reason to get moving again, but reignited a passion she feared she had lost for good. Some of her photos have since appeared on BBC Points West, something she says brings a huge lift. “When you put a photograph on Weather Watchers and you see it was picked, it’s a real boost. Especially when it’s used on TV in the evening, it’s fabulous,” she said. Elmont, who previously worked as a professional photographer for magazines and estate agents, now uses photography to track her recovery — and her connection with the outdoors. She’s not the only one who’s found purpose in snapping the sky. In Gloucestershire, Ant Walker also joined the BBC Weather Watchers community somewhat by accident. “I just happened to be randomly checking the forecast for Gloucestershire on the BBC website,” he said. “I saw this thing about favourite Weather Watcher pictures and I thought, ‘I’ll have a go at that!’” Walker took a shot of a tree and a gate while out walking his husky, Anika. That same evening, the image appeared on Points West. “To my surprise and delight,” he added. Walker now posts weather photos daily under the username “Space Walker.” Weather Watchers is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, with more than 362,000 registered users sending in photos from every part of the UK. While it helps forecasters illustrate local conditions, it’s also become something more personal for many participants — a source of joy, motivation, and even healing. “It gave me a boost and helped me do things again,” said Elmont. “It helped bring me back.”

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New Academy Opens Doors for Neurodivergent Students with Creative Focus

A new educational opportunity is lighting up the educational landscape in Bristol, with a special focus on neurodivergent young people. The Enemy of Boredom Academy, which also operates in Bracknell and Letchworth, is shaking things up by offering courses that put music and coding front and center. This academy isn’t your typical school. It's a haven for students with various challenges like ADHD and autism, who are now venturing into subjects such as video games design as part of their vocational qualifications. Steve Godwin, the academy's founder, describes it as a place designed to bring "happiness to young people in education." "We tap into the potential of learners who feel disconnected from traditional schooling," Godwin said. "It's incredibly rewarding when we see a young person start engaging with education again." Take 13-year-old Iris, for example. She’s dyslexic and finds conventional school environments overwhelming. Thanks to funding through an educational health care plan from her local authority, Iris attends the Enemy of Boredom Academy twice a week. Here, her passion for art and video gaming is nurtured with professional-level training. "Before this I'd never touched Pixel Art in my life," Iris shared, describing her experience at the academy as "a big safe space where you can rest and do Pixel Art and coding." Her mother, Rosie, expressed relief at finding a supportive environment for her daughter after seeing Iris struggle in mainstream school settings. "Iris wasn't completing any work; she was hiding under her desk with her hands over her ears," Rosie explained. "She started getting stressed out and even suffered nosebleeds. Every day ended in tears." The Cabot Learning Federation in Bristol is among the organizations sending pupils to this innovative academy. Katherine Ogden, senior principal at the federation, believes schools must adopt an inclusive approach to meet every student's needs. "Sometimes it might be children with particular neurodivergent profiles," Ogden noted. "Sometimes it might be working with a child who has interests beyond the school gates." For students like Iris—and many others—the Enemy of Boredom Academy offers more than just an escape from traditional school stressors; it provides them with skills and qualifications they can carry forward into future careers.

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First New Subsea Habitat In 40 Years Set To Launch

It may look like a sleek new RV, with fold-out bunks, a microwave tucked under the counter, and even a steel sink complete with a French press. But one detail gives it away: the heavy, steel, submarine-style door that seals shut with a spinning wheel. This is Vanguard — and it's not going anywhere on land. Set to be deployed under the waves of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary early next year, Vanguard will be the world’s first new subsea habitat built in nearly 40 years. Designed by ocean technology company Deep, the compact steel capsule will house teams of four scientists for week-long stints on the ocean floor, allowing them to carry out reef restoration, marine surveys, underwater archaeology, or even astronaut training — all without needing to surface every few hours. One part of the habitat, called the “wet porch,” features an open floor known as a moon pool. Thanks to carefully controlled air pressure, seawater doesn’t rush in. Instead, divers can enter and exit the habitat without flooding it — and because Vanguard maintains the same pressure as the surrounding water, its crew avoids the dangerous stop-and-go process of decompressing after every dive. “More time in the ocean opens a world of possibility, accelerating discoveries, inspiration, solutions,” said Kristen Tertoole, Deep’s chief operating officer, at the habitat’s unveiling in Miami in October. “The ocean is Earth’s life support system. It regulates our climate, sustains life, and holds mysteries we’ve only begun to explore, but it remains 95% undiscovered.” That’s where pressurized habitats like Vanguard offer an edge. A typical scuba dive to 50 meters allows for only minutes of work before the diver must return and slowly decompress. Vanguard changes that by letting scientists stay under for days and decompress just once, at the end of the mission. That dramatically expands the scope of underwater science and exploration. Subsea habitats aren’t a new idea. Jacques Cousteau built the first one in 1962 — a cramped capsule about the size of an elevator. Several larger systems followed in the 1970s and 80s, but interest (and funding) fizzled out. Vanguard is the first serious attempt to bring the concept back with modern technology. That includes a tethered surface buoy — the “surface expression” — which supplies fresh air and water, a diesel generator to power a Starlink internet connection, and even wastewater storage. Deep’s engineering team designed the tether system to withstand the most severe hurricanes Florida is expected to face over the next 20 years. If that connection fails, Vanguard has enough energy, water, and breathable air onboard to support a crew for at least 72 hours. That safety margin was certified by DNV, the same classification body that oversees standards for marine vessels and offshore oil rigs. It’s a first for any subsea habitat — a step that, while cumbersome, adds a major layer of legitimacy. “On a foundational level, it’s going to be safe,” said Patrick Lahey, founder of Triton Submarines, which is helping conduct Vanguard’s final tests at its Florida facility. Still, for Deep, Vanguard is just the beginning. The company’s endgame is a far larger system called Sentinel — a modular habitat twice the diameter of Vanguard, featuring staircases, private cabins, and enough room for up to 50 people, potentially at depths as great as 225 meters. A smaller version, with a crew size comparable to the International Space Station, is expected by 2027. Ultimately, Deep’s mission goes well beyond ocean labs. The company says it wants to “make humans aquatic,” suggesting long-term visions of permanent underwater communities. Exactly who is funding that vision remains unclear. Business records show that as of early 2025, a Canadian named Robert MacGregor owned at least 75% of Deep’s parent company. MacGregor has kept a low profile, but a Reuters investigation previously linked him to Craig Steven Wright — the controversial figure who once claimed to be Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous inventor of Bitcoin. Wright’s claim later unraveled under scrutiny. Deep declined to comment on the Wright connection. “Robert MacGregor started his career as an IP lawyer in the dot-com era, moving into blockchain technology and has diverse interests including philanthropy, real estate, and now Deep,” said company spokesperson Mike Bohan. Whoever’s backing it, Vanguard’s arrival has ocean scientists watching closely. If successful, it could reinvigorate underwater exploration at a time when climate change, biodiversity loss, and declining ocean health are demanding new attention. “The ocean is not just our resource; it is our responsibility,” said Tertoole. “Deep is more than a single habitat. We are building a full-stack capability for human presence in the ocean.”

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AI-Powered Discoveries by Researchers Could Transform Farming

A new project out of the University of Manchester is aiming to solve one of agriculture’s biggest mysteries: where exactly all the water is going. Although farming consumes about 70 percent of the world’s freshwater, there’s still limited understanding of how that water is actually used. To close that gap, researchers in the UK have turned to artificial intelligence and satellite imagery to track irrigation systems — starting with Ghana. “We can now rapidly map and monitor where and when farmers are adopting irrigation in Ghana and other African countries,” said Dr. Tim Foster, who’s part of the Manchester research team. “We use these maps to help governments, development agencies, NGOs and the private sector to better design and target irrigation projects, to improve food security and help reduce rural poverty.” The data-driven project is designed to support smallholder farmers, boost food and water security, and guide smarter irrigation investment. It’s also a timely move as climate change continues to disrupt rainfall patterns around the world. Irrigation has long been a safeguard for farmers, letting them water crops consistently without relying solely on rain. But as droughts grow more frequent and erratic, the pressure is on to make irrigation systems smarter, more efficient, and more adaptable. In a recent article published in IOP Science Journal, Dr. Foster and his co-authors, Shoobhangi Tyagi and Christopher Bowden, highlighted just how urgent this need is. Their analysis shows that without irrigation, nearly all of India’s farming districts — 95 percent — would face a greater chance of crop failure. That’s especially concerning given India produces about one-third of the world’s rice. Rice harvests in India have already been repeatedly disrupted due to unpredictable rainfall, and projections suggest that rice production failures could rise by 26 percent if climate trends continue. Expanding access to irrigation could significantly reduce those risks, the researchers found — especially in areas that are already highly vulnerable. “Our analysis demonstrates that expanding irrigation access could play a vital role in mitigating these risks,” their report states. The team’s work in Ghana is part of a broader strategy to modernize how we monitor and respond to climate risks in farming. By using satellite images to identify where irrigation is happening — and where it’s not — they hope to arm decision-makers with better tools to prepare for food and water shortages before they happen. The goal isn’t just mapping water use. It’s helping farmers stay resilient in the face of climate extremes — and making sure the systems that support global food production don’t run dry.

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Dogs Are Combating Loneliness For Seniors in a Heartwarming 'Pawsitive Friendship' Initiative

A project in England is using the power of wagging tails and wet noses to fight loneliness among older adults. Run by the Cleethorpes-based charity Friendship at Home in North East Lincolnshire, the “Pawsitive Friendship” program matches volunteers and their dogs with elderly residents for weekly visits. For one hour a week, the volunteers bring their canine companions into people’s homes to provide company, comfort, and a dose of joy. “A lot of elderly people feel a bit lost,” said volunteer manager Beth Sparkes. “They used to have dogs or animals and can no longer look after them, so this is giving them something back and it fills a hole.” The initiative is one of several offered by Friendship at Home, which also runs befriending services, dementia support, and social clubs aimed at reducing isolation among older people. All participating dogs are assessed by a professional behaviourist before joining the program to make sure they’re calm and friendly enough for visits. Andy Leaston and his dog, Hope, are among the current volunteers. “We got paired up with a lovely woman who we see once a week for about an hour,” he said. “She lost her dog some years ago and that hour of cuddling and playing with Hope makes a huge difference.” “You just can’t put a value on it — the scheme is invaluable,” Leaston added. The charity is now looking for more volunteers — and their dogs — to get involved. The goal is simple: ease loneliness, one tail wag at a time.

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Three Dads Walk Over 1,500 Miles To Honor Late Daughters And Raise Millions For Suicide Prevention Charity

Warning ⚠️ This story mentions suicide, grief, and healing, which may be hard for some readers. If you need support, it is okay to pause and reach out to someone you trust or a local crisis line; you are not alone. For three British fathers, grief has turned into purpose — and thousands of miles of healing. Since 2021, Tim Owen, Mike Palmer, and Andy Airey have walked more than 1,500 miles together across the United Kingdom. They met under devastating circumstances, after each lost a daughter — Emily, Beth, and Sophie — to suicide. Their connection began through Papyrus, a suicide prevention charity that offered support to their families. Once they’d begun to heal, the three men decided they wanted to give something back. Palmer suggested a charity walk that would link their three homes and raise awareness for suicide prevention. That first walk spanned 300 miles over 15 days. They carried photos of their daughters on their backpacks and shared stories about them along the way. Donations poured in, and so did calls to Papyrus — which rose 20 percent during the campaign. “Mums are the emotional managers in the family, but because we’ve been open about what’s happened, dads started to phone up [too],” Airey told the Daily Mail. “I was really proud.” Their message was simple: suicide prevention isn’t just a cause, it’s a conversation — and it’s one men need to be part of. In the years since, the trio, now known as “3 Dads Walking,” have made an annual tradition of their treks, each one longer and more ambitious than the last. In April 2024, they walked 500 miles from Scotland to Norwich. That summer, they tackled the 130-mile Ynys Môn/Anglesey Coastal Path in Wales. Their efforts have raised over £1.5 million (about $1.96 million USD) for Papyrus. The impact has been huge: the charity has opened 13 new centers and now runs a 24-hour helpline to support people in crisis. But their greatest accomplishment may be what they’ve given each other. In the beginning, all three men struggled with suicidal thoughts of their own. Through their friendship — and the long miles walked together — they’ve built a lifeline for themselves as well as others. “We made a pact that if we were feeling bad, we’d call,” Owen said. “No matter what time of day.” Their walks continue to inspire families across the UK, offering proof that even the deepest grief can lead somewhere hopeful — one step, and one story, at a time.

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How This Community is Embracing a Weekly Bike Bus Tradition to School

Every Friday morning in Montclair, New Jersey, the streets come alive with the sound of spinning wheels and cheerful chatter. What began as five parents looking for a safer way to bike their kids to school has grown into a full-blown community movement — a “bike bus” that now attracts more than 350 riders each week. Students wearing backpacks and helmets meet at neighborhood gathering spots, where volunteers in orange safety vests guide the way along a carefully planned 5-mile route. As the group pedals toward local elementary and middle schools, more families join at each stop. By the time they reach the final school, the group can stretch nearly 400 strong. “It was so fun,” said Gigi Drucker, a student at Nishuane Elementary School. “The best way to get to school is by bike because it gives you more exercise. It’s healthier for the Earth.” The Montclair Bike Bus has become more than just a weekly ride — it’s a symbol of what happens when a simple idea brings people together. Organizers like Jessica Tillyer say the goal is as much about building community as it is about encouraging healthy habits. “It really started because a small group of us...just felt like it wasn’t safe,” Tillyer said. “And for me, I felt kind of lonely riding by myself to school. So, bike bus just took off as a small effort. And now we can have up to 400 people riding together to school.” Montclair is just one of hundreds of communities around the world embracing the bike bus model. According to Bike Bus World, there are now over 400 active routes in places like the U.S., Brazil, India, Australia, and Europe. The concept is simple: kids and parents ride together to school in a group, making the journey safer and more social. “Children and families are craving community and physical activity and being outdoors,” said Sam Balto, co-founder of Bike Bus World and leader of a popular route in Portland, Oregon. “When you present that versus a school car line, people naturally gravitate to something that’s super joyful and community-driven.” In Montclair, that joy is contagious. Gene Gykoff, a local parent, says the weekly ride is the one day his son wants to get out of bed early. “He’s more excited to get out of bed for the bike bus than for the regular bus.” Keeping it going year-round takes planning. Volunteers monitor weather forecasts, communicate with families, and make sure everyone is dressed for cold or rainy conditions. The group also secured reflective vests and bike lights to improve safety during darker winter mornings. “We tell everyone to make sure they have the right gear — gloves, neck warmers, warm jackets,” said Andrew Hawkins, another organizer. “The idea is that kids should feel comfortable riding all year.” Each ride is carefully paced to accommodate young riders, typically cruising at 6 miles per hour. The route includes low-traffic streets and staggered starting points so kids of all ages can safely join in. And when the seasons change, the group adapts. Organizers host themed weekend rides and holiday events, giving more families a chance to experience the bike bus before committing to weekly participation. They also keep communication flowing through group chats, PTA announcements, and social media updates. While organizing such an event takes coordination, Balto and Tillyer agree that the key is to start small — even just two families riding together. “Don’t ask for permission,” Tillyer said. “Don’t worry about what it’s going to take. Find a small group of people, get on your bikes and ride to school. Once people experience it and enjoy it, more will want to join.” The end goal, organizers say, isn’t just getting more kids on bikes — it’s about changing how cities think about transportation. Bike bus leaders hope the growing popularity of group rides will push local governments to invest in safer biking infrastructure. Until then, Montclair’s families are leading by example — proving that with a little organization and a lot of enthusiasm, something as routine as a school commute can become the best part of the week.

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