Scroll For More
Score (93)
New Research Shows That Dogs Are Happier and Healthier With Friends
New research by the Dog Aging Project found that dogs and humans share common factors that contribute to their overall health and well-being. The study analyzed data from over 21,000 dog owners and identified key environmental factors associated with better canine health, including a strong social network and friends. These findings not only provide valuable insights into dog aging but also highlight the importance of social connection and stability for both dogs and humans.
Score (97)
New Cancer Treatment Shrinks Head And Neck Tumors In Six Weeks, Study Reveals
A new drug that can be delivered by a simple injection is showing powerful early results in treating patients with advanced head and neck cancer, offering new hope where few options remain. Doctors say the triple-action therapy, known as amivantamab, shrank or halted tumour growth in 76% of patients who had already tried both chemotherapy and immunotherapy without success. The results were presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) conference in Berlin. “To see this level of benefit for patients who have endured numerous treatments is incredibly encouraging,” said Professor Kevin Harrington, a professor of biological cancer therapies at the Institute of Cancer Research in London and consultant oncologist at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. “This could represent a real shift in how we treat head and neck cancer – not just in terms of effectiveness, but also in how we deliver care.” A tough cancer to treat Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer globally. Once it recurs or spreads, treatment options are limited, especially after standard therapies stop working. In the Orig-AMI 4 trial, funded by pharmaceutical company Janssen, researchers tested amivantamab on 86 patients across 11 countries, including the UK. All participants had recurrent or metastatic HNSCC and had already undergone immunotherapy and chemotherapy. The new treatment is a "smart drug" that targets cancer in three ways: It blocks EGFR, a protein that helps tumours grow. It inhibits MET, a pathway often used by cancer cells to resist treatment. And it stimulates the immune system to attack the tumour. Fast-acting and easy to deliver Unlike many cancer treatments that require long hospital infusions, amivantamab is administered as an under-the-skin injection. That makes it not only faster and more convenient, but potentially usable in outpatient clinics or even at home. “Unlike many cancer treatments that require hours in a hospital chair, amivantamab is given as a simple injection under the skin,” said Harrington. “This makes it faster, more convenient, and potentially easier to deliver.” On average, patients in the trial began responding to the treatment within six weeks. The average progression-free survival was 6.8 months. Most side effects were mild or moderate. One of the patients on the trial, Carl Walsh, a 59-year-old from Birmingham, had been living with tongue cancer that didn’t respond to previous treatments. He joined the trial in July. “I’m now on my seventh cycle of treatment. It’s working well so far and I’m very happy with the progress,” Walsh said. “Before starting the trial, I couldn’t talk properly and eating was difficult. But the swelling has gone down a lot, and I’m not in the same amount of pain I used to be in. Sometimes I even forget that I have cancer.” Researchers say it’s the first time a triple-action therapy like this has been tested for advanced head and neck cancer, and while more research is needed, early signs are promising. “This could be a breakthrough for patients who previously had few, if any, options left,” Harrington said.
Score (97)
New Laser Breakthrough Promises Cheaper, More Efficient Tech for Cars and Air Quality Detection
A team of researchers led by Associate Professor Johann Riemensberger at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) has developed a new type of laser that could dramatically improve technologies ranging from autonomous vehicles to air quality monitoring. The laser, detailed in a study published in Nature Photonics, is powerful, compact, affordable — and far easier to control than most existing models. “Our results can give us a new type of laser that is both fast, relatively cheap, powerful and easy to use,” said Riemensberger. The project is a collaboration between NTNU, the Swiss École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), and the Swiss tech company Luxtelligence SA. Smaller, smarter, and more adaptable Today’s precision lasers often come with trade-offs: they can be bulky, expensive, or tricky to tune. The NTNU team’s laser sidesteps those problems using advanced materials and micro-sized optical circuits, allowing it to emit a stable and powerful beam with precise frequency control — all on a chip small enough to be mass-produced. “You can also easily control it with just one control instead of many,” said Riemensberger. The frequency can be adjusted quickly and smoothly, without the jumpiness seen in many conventional systems. That combination of simplicity and precision could unlock new use cases and significantly cut costs. How this helps self-driving cars and gas detection The new laser could be particularly useful in Lidar systems, the light-based sensing technology that self-driving cars use to detect their surroundings. By measuring the time it takes for a laser beam to bounce off nearby objects, or subtle changes in the beam’s wave phase, Lidar builds a detailed 3D picture of the environment. The new laser improves the accuracy of those measurements to within just four centimeters — a major leap for a system that often must navigate at high speeds in complex environments. In addition to mapping, the laser can be used to detect hazardous gases in the atmosphere. In one test, researchers showed that it could accurately identify hydrogen cyanide — a deadly compound even in small doses — in the air. Affordable innovation, ready to scale One of the most promising aspects of the new laser is that it’s built using existing chip fabrication technologies, making it feasible to produce at scale without needing new infrastructure. “Our findings make it possible to create small, inexpensive and user-friendly measuring instruments and communication tools with high performance,” Riemensberger said. The research builds on work that began when Riemensberger was a postdoctoral fellow at EPFL. The partnership continues under a European Innovation Council Pathfinder OPEN grant known as ELLIPTIC. With potential uses in communications, environmental safety, autonomous tech, and more, this could mark a major step forward for laser-based systems — one that doesn’t require sacrificing cost or convenience.
Get even more good news on the free app!
Score (98)
Scientists Achieve Breakthrough In Extracting Clean Drinking Water From Sea
Scientists in South Korea have developed a game-changing new way to turn seawater into clean drinking water — and it’s powered entirely by the sun. A team from the Ulsan National Institute of Science & Technology (UNIST) has unveiled a solar desalination breakthrough that not only produces freshwater efficiently, but does so without the carbon emissions typically associated with traditional desalination methods. Their technology, detailed in the journal Advanced Energy Materials, uses oxide perovskites — advanced materials that capture and convert heat into usable energy. That means the desalination process runs on solar power, sidestepping the need for fossil fuels and significantly lowering the environmental cost. "This work demonstrates a breakthrough approach to enhancing the efficiency and durability of solar desalination through advanced material engineering and smart design," the research team told Interesting Engineering. One of the most persistent problems in desalination is salt buildup, which can clog systems and reduce efficiency. The team tackled this by designing a one-directional fluid flow system that creates a salt gradient, essentially pushing the salt to the edges of the panel. As salt crystals accumulate, they’re moved out of the way, allowing sunlight to better reach the surface and maintain high evaporation rates. In lab tests, the system managed an evaporation rate of 3.4 kilograms of freshwater per hour — about 7.5 pounds — and maintained performance even in extremely salty water containing 20% salt, far more concentrated than typical seawater. “This breakthrough provides a practical and scalable solution to the global water scarcity crisis,” said Professor Ji-Hyun Jang, one of the lead researchers. That scarcity is growing. More than four billion people face water shortages at least one month a year, and climate change is only making things worse. Droughts, extreme weather, and shifting rainfall patterns are putting even more pressure on freshwater supplies. Desalination has long been seen as one possible answer, especially in coastal areas, but it comes with drawbacks. Traditional methods are expensive and energy-intensive, often powered by polluting fuels. This new solar-powered approach could change that. It’s not a silver bullet — experts, including those at the U.S. National Institutes of Health, warn that desalination needs to be carefully managed to avoid environmental harm. But the use of clean energy and improved design makes this approach a major step in the right direction. If scaled effectively, the technology could offer affordable, sustainable access to drinking water for communities facing chronic shortages. In a world where water is becoming increasingly precious, this might just be the kind of breakthrough the planet needs.
Score (96)
Husband And Friend Of Claire Lomas Raise Over £1m For Charity In Her Memory
Claire Lomas captured hearts across the UK when she completed the London Marathon in 2012 over 17 days — while paralysed — using a robotic suit. More than a decade later, the legacy she built has officially topped £1 million, thanks to two of the people who knew her best. On Sunday, Claire’s husband Dan Spincer and her best friend Stuart Hall completed the 10-mile Great South Run in Portsmouth — in wheelchairs — pushing the total she raised for spinal injury research past the £1 million mark. “I just want to keep Claire’s legacy alive and keep spreading the word that she was spreading and doing the great job that she was doing,” said a tearful Spincer at the finish line. Hall, speaking after the run, added, “I just think of her walking into a room or wheeling into a room with a massive smile and she just lit up a room. That’s my best friend. That’s who I’m missing now.” Claire Lomas, from Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire, became a high-profile advocate for spinal injury research after a 2007 horse riding accident at the Osberton Horse Trials left her paralysed from the chest down. She was 27 at the time. Refusing to let her injury define her, she began fundraising for the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation and quickly became a symbol of resilience and determination. Her use of a ReWalk robotic suit — a device with mechanical legs powered by motors, braces, and sensors — made her the first person in the UK to walk again with the aid of such technology. She used it to complete the London Marathon in 2012 and the Great North Run in 2016, earning the nickname “bionic woman.” She was chosen to light the Paralympic flame that same year and was appointed MBE in 2017. Claire died in 2024, five weeks after a tragic microlight crash in Jordan. At the time, she had raised £952,000 for spinal injury research. Spincer and Hall vowed to finish what she started, setting their sights on reaching £1 million in her memory. They launched a campaign involving three running events — all completed in wheelchairs. After successfully taking on the Great Manchester Run and the Great North Run earlier in 2025, Sunday’s final 10-mile effort in Portsmouth marked the end of their tribute series. Organisers confirmed that the £1 million milestone was officially reached before the event began. Family and friends joined in, with Claire’s daughters also taking part in the Junior and Mini Great South Run events on Saturday. Family friend Linda Nicol called it a “very emotional” day, saying, “Claire was just such a presence.” Hall says the work won’t stop now. “The campaigning will continue to the next million,” he said. For those who followed her journey from hospital bed to marathon course, Claire Lomas wasn’t just a fundraiser — she was a force of nature. Thanks to those who loved her most, that force is still very much in motion.
Score (98)
New York City Halloween Dog Parade Showcases Adorable Canine Costumes
Halloween came early for New York City’s four-legged residents on Sunday, October 19, as hundreds of costumed pups took over the East Village for the 35th Annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade — a beloved city tradition that continues to be equal parts chaotic, charming, and wildly creative. This year marked the first time the event was officially hosted by New York Dog Parade, a nonprofit dedicated to creating joyful, dog-centric experiences that also support local shelters. Founder Fern Watt called the parade “a celebration of dog-human friendship in a very silly way,” adding, “I also think the world can really feel very divided right now, and it’s hard to find things to agree on. For me, dogs are such a global unifier.” The 2025 edition had more going on than ever. With help from sponsor Stella and Chewy’s, the parade introduced an “activation block” offering free treats and pet-friendly activities for dogs and their humans. Another first? Four adoptable dogs from local shelters were named parade grand marshals, representing Pup Starz, Social Tees, and the ASPCA as they led the costumed procession down Avenue B. The parade kicked off at 1 p.m. with hundreds of pups — many in elaborate themed costumes — strutting their stuff past a cheering crowd. Among the furry celebrities was Bastian, the 2025 winner of PEOPLE’s World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest, who rolled along the route dressed as the Lorax in a bright orange costume full of fluff. Inside Tompkins Square Park, the fan-favorite canine costume contest returned in full force. Dozens of dog-and-human duos entered what Fern Watt dubbed “the Met Gala of the canine community,” bringing out a full spectrum of adorable, spooky, and downright bizarre Halloween looks. Some of the highlights: • A pup dressed as Harry Potter calmly walked beside three “dementors.” • A coven of witches showed off their “witch’s broom” — aka, a fluffy pup in costume. • One tiny flower-covered dog gave off serious Midsommar May Queen vibes. • A K-pop-inspired costume featured Jinu from Demon Hunters, with one very photogenic dog channelling the look. • A full group dressed as Courage the Cowardly Dog characters delighted 90s cartoon fans. • One very sleepy dog was tucked inside a bowl of noodles as part of a hilarious Ramen Dreams costume. • And a curly-haired pup disguised as a tater tot? Almost too cute to handle. There was also a dachshund named Justin Wiener, a nod to Justin Bieber, who had his own cheering section, and a Great Dane who pulled off “farmer chic” in a plaid flannel shirt. One of the most popular costumes was a play on the viral stuffed animal trend. Spectators were challenged to pick the real pup out of a pile of plush toys. Spoiler: it wasn’t easy. Even Taylor Swift got a subtle nod. One dog wore a costume inspired by Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia” music video, with fans calling it the “Life of a Showpup.” For anyone looking to get inspired for their own dog’s Halloween look, the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade remains a gold mine of ideas and proof that when it comes to creativity, dog owners do not hold back. To learn more about the event and other upcoming canine celebrations, visit nydogparade.org
Score (97)
Thousands Gather to Uplift Terminally Ill Boy with 'Butterfly Skin' Disease
A community in Kansas City, Missouri, came together in a powerful way to support a little boy facing an unimaginable battle. Three-year-old Tucker Langford, who suffers from a rare and incurable condition called recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), was recently released from Children's Mercy Hospital into hospice care. On Saturday, October 11, thousands of people showed up to give him one thing he loves most: a parade filled with trucks, Jeeps, motorcycles, and emergency vehicles. Nicknamed “Tough Tucker” by his family, Tucker has lived with painful, blistering skin since birth. His condition — sometimes called “butterfly skin” because of the fragility it causes — affects fewer than 5,000 people in the U.S. It causes the skin to peel and blister at the slightest touch. Complications can include infections, malnutrition, and even skin cancer. His family had originally planned a small parade down their street to lift his spirits. But when the Kansas City Fire Department’s Station 10 caught wind of the idea, they helped turn it into something much bigger. “To all of our fellow first responders, motorcycle riders, Jeepers, car showers and hot rodders! Heads up! We need your help!!” they posted on Facebook. “Let’s give Tucker the final honor he deserves!” The post spread quickly, and the turnout was so overwhelming that the parade had to be moved to a larger venue. What followed was a scene filled with flashing lights, revving engines, and hundreds of vehicles parading in honor of one small boy. “When we were pulling [up to the parade], I was crying because seeing everyone supporting Tucker and our family means a lot to us,” his mother, Chandler Langford, told KSHB. Tucker’s grandfather, Rick Langford, said his grandson earned the “Tough Tucker” nickname for a reason. Doctors didn’t think he’d live past his first birthday. He’ll turn four on Christmas Eve. “I bet you he will show everyone how tough he is,” Chandler added. Tucker's love for trucks, emergency vehicles, and motorcycles was reflected in every part of the parade. Firefighters, paramedics, Jeep clubs, bikers, and classic car owners all showed up — not to mention crowds of cheering neighbors and strangers holding handmade signs of support. The event captured just how much Tucker has touched the people around him, even those who don’t know him personally. “Tucker is one of the best storytellers you will ever meet,” his family wrote in a GoFundMe set up to help cover his care. “He loves talking about his trucks, playing with his baby brother, and spending time with his family.” At birth, Tucker was missing skin on parts of his body, including his feet, hands, lips, and chest. Since then, he’s endured constant pain and intensive care — but through it all, he’s kept smiling. As of October 16, the GoFundMe campaign had raised over $40,000 of its $45,000 goal. Despite the heartbreaking circumstances, his family says they’re taking it one day at a time and holding on to the joy he brings. “He’s had that name since the very beginning,” Chandler said. “He’s Tough Tucker.”
Score (97)
This Recent College Grad Just Saved a Driver After a Seizure in a Montana Parking Lot
A quick-thinking recent graduate is being hailed as a hero in Montana after leaping into a moving car to save a driver suffering a medical emergency. Markus Klewin, 24, had just stepped out of a convenience store in Bozeman on the morning of October 6 when he noticed a vehicle circling erratically in the parking lot. At first, he thought someone was just goofing around. “I just walked out, and then I see this car kind of going around in circles,” he told local outlet KBZK 7. “At first, I just thought it was somebody doing donuts in the parking lot to be fun or whatever. Then it just kept going and going, and I was kind of freaked out.” When he got closer, he saw the driver slumped out of the open door. According to staff at the Town Pump store, the man was having a seizure. “[It was] kind of just natural instincts to jump in that car, slam on the brakes and try not to escalate the situation any further,” Markus said. Surveillance video shows the SUV spinning in reverse, its driver’s door flung wide open, while bystanders look on. Then, Markus steps into frame, jumps into the vehicle, and quickly brings it to a stop. After stopping the car, he ran back inside the store to call 911. Emergency responders arrived shortly afterward, and the driver is now recovering, according to Bozeman police and local media reports. Markus described the moment as a blur. “I didn’t honestly realize the car was going that fast,” he said. “I just kind of blacked out during the whole thing.” He walked away with a slightly injured ankle but shrugged off the attention. “I just like to thank God for putting me in that position in the first place,” he said. “Just being there in the right place, right time.” His dad, Kurt Klewin, said none of it came as a surprise. “He’s just always been one of those kids who goes out of his way to help people. He was an Eagle Scout,” he told PEOPLE. “He didn’t really want people to even know that it happened. He didn’t even tell me for three days!” Bozeman police praised his actions, crediting his fast response for preventing further harm. “His willingness to immediately jump into action without hesitation ensured that the situation ended without further harm to the driver or other citizens,” said Lieutenant Quinn Ellingson. Town Pump, where the incident took place, called it “heroic.” “Markus Klewin is an ordinary individual who, when confronted with this dangerous situation, took heroic action to save another person’s life,” the company said in a statement. “We are in awe of how quickly Markus responded and will make sure we supply him with some energy drinks.” Markus, a recent graduate of Montana State University, doesn’t see himself as a hero. “I think of myself as a guy who’s just trying to do the right thing,” he said. “But it feels good, though.”
Score (95)
This Brain Training Game Boosts Chemical Linked To Memory And Attention, Study Shows
A new clinical trial out of Montreal suggests that digital brain training could do more than just keep your mind sharp—it may actually boost levels of a key brain chemical tied to memory, learning, and attention. Researchers at McGill University found that adults over 65 who used the online program BrainHQ for 10 weeks showed a measurable increase in acetylcholine production, a neurotransmitter often called the “pay attention” chemical. Acetylcholine helps the brain focus, process information, and retain memory. Its decline is also linked to various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s. “I’ve always believed that there are things that you can do that have a positive impact on brain health,” said Dr. Etienne de Villers-Sidani, the trial’s senior author and a neurologist at The Neuro, which is affiliated with McGill. “Now I’m even more sure with what we’re seeing, that [brain training] has a profound impact on the health of key brain chemical systems.” The study, known as the INHANCE trial (Improving Neurological Health in Aging via Neuroplasticity-based Computerized Exercise), randomly assigned 92 healthy seniors into two groups. Half used BrainHQ’s cognitive training tools, while the others played entertainment-focused games like solitaire. Both groups completed their assigned activities for 30 minutes a day over a 10-week period. Brain scans taken before and after the program showed a 2.3 percent increase in acetylcholine production in the anterior cingulate cortex for those in the BrainHQ group. That area of the brain plays a central role in learning, decision-making, and memory. The control group showed no such change. “It’s a chemical that helps us learn and think and remember. It also helps with alertness,” said Dr. Jennifer Pauldurai, a neurologist at Inova Health System in Virginia, who was not involved in the study. “It’s not the only thing that goes wrong in dementia, but it is one thing that has been shown to be deficient in many types of dementia, Alzheimer’s included.” Previous research has shown that acetylcholine levels decline by roughly 2.5 percent per decade between the ages of 20 and 80. That makes the increase observed in the trial particularly significant, according to researchers. The BrainHQ program includes adaptive exercises that adjust in difficulty based on performance. Participants in the study used two specific tasks: “Double Decision,” which challenges users to identify objects both centrally and peripherally, and “Freeze Frame,” which asks users to delay recognizing target images among distractions. Crucially, these are not traditional games, researchers stressed. “Games like sudoku or crossword puzzles, those are made to entertain you,” said Joaquin Anguera, a neuroscientist at the University of California, San Francisco, who was not involved in the trial. “BrainHQ exercises are designed to push you to your limit. They’re not supposed to be fun—they’re supposed to be effective.” The trial was sponsored by BrainHQ’s developer, Posit Science, and funded by the National Institute on Aging. The findings were published in JMIR Serious Games. But the study had some notable limitations. The participant pool was not very diverse—nearly all were white, and most were well-educated residents of the Montreal area. Some experts also raised concerns about potential bias due to Posit Science’s involvement in the trial design and publication. Laura Glass Umfleet, an associate professor of neurology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, noted that BrainHQ offers paid subscriptions up to $96 a year, which may not be accessible to everyone. The platform also requires digital access and a baseline level of tech familiarity. “Cognitive training required a daily commitment for 10 weeks,” Umfleet said in an email. “There’s no way of knowing if less intense training could be just as effective, or if more intense training has diminishing returns.” Even so, the findings mark a step forward in efforts to understand how digital tools can support brain health, not just behaviorally but biochemically. “We really wanted to see how these [exercises] were changing the brain in a more fundamental way,” said de Villers-Sidani, “looking specifically at a chemical system that’s crucial for attention, memory and learning, and that also drives plasticity.” He’s now planning a follow-up study to see whether people with mild cognitive impairment might benefit in the same way. For those wondering how to keep their brains healthy as they age, Pauldurai offered this advice: “You should look at your brain as a physical, medical organ. Keep your body active, sleep well, eat a healthy diet, and challenge your brain with complex, engaging tasks.” “And make friends,” she added. “That part matters too.”
Score (98)
Blind Piglet Rescued From Busy Road Finds New Home At Animal Sanctuary
A blind piglet found wandering alone on a busy road in Nottinghamshire is now safe and thriving, thanks to a chance encounter and a kindhearted family. The piglet, now named Benny, was rescued from the A614 near Farnsfield earlier this month after being spotted in the middle of the road with cars swerving to avoid him. Simon Hill was driving home from Sherwood Forest with his wife and granddaughter on 5 October when he saw what he first thought was a cat. "Cars were swerving around him, people pipping their horns," Hill said. “I jumped out [of my car] and approached a lady who was dealing with it, and she just passed me the pig.” They quickly bundled Benny into their car and began asking nearby farms if he belonged to them. When no one claimed him, they were eventually referred to Brinsley Animal Rescue, a sanctuary about 30 minutes away. “It was quite nerve-wracking,” Hill said. “This isn't a normal drive, you've got a little sentient being that is dependent on you. It was a long, arduous 30-minute drive.” At the rescue centre, Benny spent the night before being taken to a vet, where it was confirmed that he had a perforated cornea in one eye and a severe ulcer in the other. Both eyes had to be removed. Despite that, Benny is recovering quickly and is described as “boisterous” and affectionate. "He's absolutely fighting fit," said Jon Beresford, co-founder and trustee of Brinsley Animal Rescue. “He wants lots of attention, he loves his fusses. He'll run around and he'll bump into things, [but] he doesn’t know the area yet. He will adapt, he's very young and very intelligent and he will cope.” Beresford estimates that Benny is only a few weeks old. The piglet will remain at the sanctuary unless a suitable lifelong home is found for him. “Unfortunately, it's not unusual; it's the third stray pig that we've rescued in the past 12 months,” he added. Nearly two weeks after the rescue, Simon Hill visited Benny at the centre. “It was amazing,” he said. “It was really heartfelt to walk in and see him and know that he's going to be OK. Through fate, whatever it is, we stopped and we rescued Benny. I could not wish for a better outcome.”
Score (96)
Art Project Imagines How Flowers Will Evolve With Climate Change
What if flowers could tell the future? That’s the idea behind Plant Futures, a data-driven art project that imagines how a single flower might evolve each year between now and the end of the century, depending on how the climate changes. The flower in question is the Circaea alpina, a small, delicate plant that thrives in shady, moist forests. In Helsinki, where the project began, it used to be rare. But with rising temperatures and shifting ecosystems, it’s become more common. The conditions it needs to survive, however, are increasingly under threat. Artist and researcher Annelie Berner first encountered the Circaea while on a residency in Helsinki. She was working with local biologist Aku Korhonen and spending time in the primeval Haltiala forest when she learned about the tiny plant and how its fate was tied to climate shifts in the area. The Circaea relies on dense spruce trees to provide shade and maintain a moist forest floor. But the spruce population is declining, challenged by new pathogens and the warming climate. Berner began wondering: what happens to a plant like Circaea alpina when its environment changes drastically? What if the cool, shaded bogs become bright, dry meadows? That question sparked the idea for Plant Futures—a project that blends climate modeling, botany, and speculative design to visualize how one flower might morph year by year in response to global climate change. Berner’s approach was methodical. She consulted botanical archives at the Luomus Botanical Collections, studying samples of Circaea flowers going back more than a century. She dug into historical weather data to trace how each year’s temperature and rainfall correlated with changes in flower size, shape, and pigment. She also studied broader patterns across flowering plants. “The form of a flower is a visual display of its climate, if you know what to look for,” she writes. In dry years, pigmentation shifts. In warm years, blooms may be larger. Ultraviolet-absorbing pigments increase with higher ozone levels. All of this provides a roadmap for how climate leaves its mark on floral evolution. From there, Berner created a speculative visualization of how the Circaea alpina might evolve from 2023 to 2100. One flower for each year. Each design is shaped by climate projection data, using scientific research to drive the changes in color, size, and structure. The resulting series is more than an artistic rendering. It’s a way of thinking through the long-term impacts of global warming in a form that feels tangible—and personal. We often talk about climate change in numbers and degrees, but what if we looked at it through the lens of a single flower trying to survive? The idea is that flowers are not just decorative or seasonal—they’re record-keepers, shaped year by year by environmental shifts. You might notice wildflowers lining a highway or dandelions pushing through cracks in the sidewalk. Most of us know the basic cycle: bud, bloom, wilt, seed. But Berner argues that flowers have more to say, if we pay attention to their shape, pigment, and timing. For example, if blooms are appearing earlier in the year, or growing larger, or fading in color—those could be signals of shifting climate conditions. And over time, these subtle visual changes add up to a long story about survival and adaptation. As climate projections grow more urgent, Plant Futures invites a different kind of reflection. Instead of focusing solely on data or disaster scenarios, it asks: what would resilience look like, year by year, in a single flower? And what might we learn by tracing that transformation over the next 80 years? Now based in Copenhagen, Berner teaches and works in the fields of data visualization and design. Her work often combines science and storytelling. With Plant Futures, she adds botany to that mix—creating a poetic but grounded glimpse into the possible future of one of nature’s quietest climate witnesses.