How a Wedding Party Saved Residents of a Moroccan Village From the Earthquake

A wedding celebration in a Moroccan village turned into a life-saving moment when a devastating earthquake struck. As the villagers were enjoying traditional music in an outdoor courtyard, the 6.8-magnitude earthquake destroyed their stone and mud-brick houses. Thankfully, the communal event had gathered everyone in one place, saving lives. Despite the destruction, there were no deaths or serious injuries in the village, highlighting the power of coming together in times of crisis.

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Bride Stuns Guests by Baking 13 Unique Cakes for Her Wedding

Samantha Frisby Kawall didn’t just bake her own wedding cake — she baked thirteen. The 33-year-old bride from Provo, Utah, turned her childhood love of baking into a full-blown wedding showstopper, creating a jaw-dropping spread of homemade cakes for her October 11 celebration. The results were so impressive, her wedding videographer, Taylor Nicholson, said she “leveled it up by 100.” “I have never seen anything like this at a wedding before,” Nicholson, 24, told PEOPLE. “The cake spread was absolutely the star of the show. The flavor combinations were so unique and different from anything I have ever seen.” Samantha didn’t stop at a traditional wedding cake. She made 13 different cakes — 15 if you count the tiers — each one crafted from scratch, with its own flavor profile, buttercream, and filling. Among them: raspberry white chocolate Chantilly, cinnamon roll, apple cider doughnut, salted caramel chocolate, chocolate Biscoff, and even one called “The Parent Trap,” made with chocolate and peanut butter. The centerpiece was a three-tier white cake flavored with pink Funfetti, red velvet, and Oreo — from bottom to top. And yes, she did it all herself. “I was stacking my wedding cake and finishing some piping in the middle of the reception in my dress and everything,” Samantha said. “But it’s such a good memory to have and I love sharing cake with people, especially on such a special day.” The week before the wedding, she took over her parents’ kitchen and freezer, working 10 to 12 hours a day. She baked each cake layer in advance, wrapped and froze them, and decorated everything herself. There were setbacks — a few cake failures meant she had to start over — but she kept going. “I started with my wedding cake to really give myself time to get it as perfect as I could,” she said. “None of them were perfect, per se, but I took my time with each one and wanted the decorations to be somewhat cohesive while still matching the flavors of each cake.” Her relatives pitched in by storing cakes in freezers and transporting them to the venue. Once everything was set up, guests were blown away. Nicholson recalled how people were hesitant at first to cut into the cakes — they looked more like artwork than dessert — but once the first slice was served, “guests were all over them.” “Everyone was trying to get the perfect photo,” Nicholson said. “The guests were stunned to see the full cake display… the consensus was that they tasted just as good as they looked!” The couple’s 150 guests weren’t the only ones talking about it. Samantha’s parents say neighbors and friends are still raving about the cakes — and she has plenty left in the freezer for anyone who wants more. “I cut all the leftovers up in individual slices, wrapped them up and froze them in my parents' freezer,” she said. “There's plenty more!” What started as a childhood dream ended in a personal, unforgettable moment. Samantha has since launched a custom cake side business, but says the wedding was always the heart of the plan. “We will have cake for a while,” she said, “but those memories forever.”

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11-Year-Old Lands Snowboard Magazine Cover After Sliding Down Hill on Plastic Lid

Mickey Watkins had never set foot on a snowboard. But that didn’t stop him from landing on the cover of one of the biggest snowboarding magazines in the country. It all started with a plastic bin lid. Last February, the 11-year-old was playing outside near his home when he spotted a group of snowboarders and photographers capturing shots on a snowy hill. Curious, Mickey wandered over to watch. The riders were sliding down the slope and grinding a rail — and Mickey decided to join in, with whatever he could find. He grabbed a plastic tote lid and started sliding. Photographer Mike Yoshida, in town for a professional shoot, noticed Mickey and encouraged him to try standing up on the lid. Yoshida snapped a photo between his sessions with pro riders — a single frame that would end up reshaping the magazine’s next issue. Mickey’s face was completely visible in the shot: no goggles, no expensive gear, just raw joy. It was different from the high-drama, high-performance photos the industry was used to. And it immediately stood out. Yoshida later posted the photo to Instagram. That’s where Colin Wiseman, content and brand director for The Snowboarder’s Journal, saw it. For a magazine known for its striking alpine landscapes and elite athletes, Mickey’s photo was a departure. But to Wiseman, it captured something deeper. The joy of the sport. “It wasn’t about technical skill or style points,” he said. “It was about why people fall in love with snowboarding in the first place.” So the magazine ran with it. Mickey and his plastic bin lid ended up on the cover — a decision that sparked a wave of reactions online. Readers called it one of the most meaningful covers the magazine had ever published. And it didn’t stop there. Snowboarding brands and organizations began reaching out, wanting to support Mickey’s unexpected entry into the sport. He was given a season pass to a local ski hill. Lessons were arranged. He’ll now be learning to snowboard — for real — with a full set of brand-new gear: a board, helmet, goggles, jacket, gloves, bindings, and pants. All thanks to a chance encounter, a plastic lid, and a kid who just wanted to slide down a hill.

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Shaquille O’neal Helps Texas Man Get Second Chance At Becoming Police Officer

Jordan Wilmore was ready to give up on his dream of becoming a police officer. After completing the academy, he missed the mark on Texas’s state peace officer exam. But what could have been the end of the road turned into a new beginning — thanks to a surprise appearance from one of the tallest legends in sports. NBA icon Shaquille O’Neal showed up in person to offer Wilmore something much bigger than encouragement. Wilmore, who hopes to become Texas’s tallest officer, had drawn attention for his height and ambition. After learning about Wilmore’s story on Instagram, Shaq paid a visit to the Kemah Police Department, where he announced he would sponsor Wilmore to go back through the academy and take the exam again. Standing before a crowd, Shaq spoke about the value of failure and the power of second chances. “He reminded everyone that setbacks are part of the path,” said one officer at the event, according to local coverage from KHOU 11. Shaq also shared that he failed his own state law enforcement exams before eventually becoming a certified officer in California and Florida. In addition to his law enforcement credentials, Shaq comes from a family with deep ties to policing. And he’s used his celebrity platform over the years to support others in the field. For Wilmore, the moment was overwhelming. He called the meeting “a blessing” and said he was incredibly grateful for the support. With Shaq’s backing, Wilmore plans to return to the academy in mid-January to prepare for the exam once more. Shaq, always one to deliver surprises, also hinted there could be another reward waiting once Wilmore officially earns his certification. For now, though, the focus is on giving the future officer a second shot — and a much-needed vote of confidence.

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Pilot Program Transforms Lives of Formerly Homeless Residents into New Life of Hope

Deborah Ann Badeau sits in her small apartment listening to Country 94 on the radio. The walls are covered with pictures and drawings. The unit is warm. It is quiet. It is hers. Nearly a year ago, the 61-year-old moved into the Somerset ACRES transitional housing site in Saint John after spending about six years living in a tent. Before that, she had escaped an abusive relationship she says she got out of “with my life.” Seven years ago, after being struck by a bus, she became homeless. “Then I chose to go with a tent because it was a lot freer,” she said. “I knew I was a tough little bird.” She managed through the summers. Winters were harder. When frontline workers told her she would be getting a home, she said the news changed her “whole life.” “Because I was losing all hope and was thinking about suicide,” she said. “I didn’t think there's any point.” On hearing about the housing, she began crying. “I told them, I got nothing — no clothes, no blankets.” When she arrived, she said, everything she needed was already there. “I walk in and everything is right there.” Badeau is one of more than 20 residents at Somerset ACRES, a pilot project run by non-profit Fresh Start Services. The site converted five trailers into 18 micro-units, each one essentially a small bachelor apartment with its own bathroom, kitchenette, basic furniture and storage. Some units accommodate couples. ACRES stands for Advancing Community With Respect, Empowerment and Support. Residents pay 30 percent of their income toward rent. The project’s focus is helping people move from encampments into stable housing and eventually into independent living. For Badeau, the biggest change is feeling safe and warm. “Out in the tent, I was bothered a lot,” she said. She has a mobility disability and chose tents over shelters because she felt her belongings were safer. “People would come and shake the tent because they knew I was a little bit disabled. And then one night I came home and the tent is burnt to the ground.” Melanie Vautour, executive director of Fresh Start, said the pilot is the first in Saint John built on a “housing first” approach, with most residents having experienced homelessness for at least three years. Three residents have already moved on from the site after rebuilding basic tenancy skills such as taking out garbage regularly, learning to cook again and practising good neighbour habits. “So working on a lot of those pieces so that when they move out from the support staff … they can manage maintaining an apartment themselves,” Vautour said. When Somerset ACRES opened a year ago, the site was little more than a gravel lot with trailers. Since then, staff and residents have added grass, flowers, barbeques and a fire pit area, though summer fire bans prevented its use. Residents formed a council to raise concerns, help create rules and shape how the community functions. “It was really about establishing it as a home where they had ownership and they could lead that discussion and those changes themselves,” Vautour said. The project did not arrive quietly. Early in its development, nearby residents expressed concerns about public safety. Since opening, Saint John police have logged 64 calls at Somerset ACRES. Most were non-criminal: 21 medical calls, 16 disputes and 27 well-being checks or reports about damaged or missing property. Vautour said challenges were expected, especially as people transition from life on the street. “They’re transitioning from street life,” she said, adding that residents are learning to “let that go and becoming neighbours.” Some of the calls, she noted, were initiated by residents seeking emergency help, which she sees as a positive shift. “We need to remember that asking for help is a positive thing, especially when, as stated, these calls are non-criminal in nature,” she said. Relations with the surrounding neighbourhood have improved, she added, as residents make efforts to connect locally. Still, many residents remain hesitant to speak publicly, aware of harsh comments and assumptions about homelessness. “When you're trying to make change and you're trying to move forward, it's really difficult to still see the negative comments and the negative assumptions about you,” Vautour said. “For them, there's always that fear: why do we want to talk about how good we're doing when no one's going to believe us anyway?” Somerset ACRES is part of Saint John’s Housing for All strategy and shares similarities with the city’s “green zone” transition housing sites launched this year, which also faced community resistance. Vautour said the main difference is independence. Somerset ACRES offers private units, while the green zone sites use shared kitchens and bathrooms. One of the project’s biggest challenges is finding permanent housing for residents once they are ready to move on. “But in the meantime, for us, it's really about keeping going with those goals and keep moving forward towards independent living,” Vautour said. The pilot was originally planned for two years. Provincial housing minister David Hickey has since confirmed the site will continue for at least one additional year while governments examine long-term options. Badeau hopes to be living independently within the next year. “Its only been a year, so it's pretty hard to get used to, but I'm doing a pretty darn good job, I think,” she said. “I think I'll probably be the first one out because I've had apartments before on my own. So I'm excited to get there.”

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Patrols Hit the Streets in Newfoundland to Rescue Stranded Birds Confused by City Lights

Every fall, along Newfoundland’s eastern coast, a small army of volunteers arms itself with flashlights, pet carriers, and patience — all for the sake of a small seabird that’s losing its way. Leach’s storm petrels, once found in the millions off Newfoundland’s shores, are turning up on land, dazed and vulnerable. At night, the birds can be thrown off course by bright lights from buildings, fishing boats, and offshore oil platforms — especially fledglings attempting their first flight between September and mid-November. “They were falling from the sky, circling, exhausted, falling, breaking their necks on the pavement. And it was absolutely awful,” said Karen Gosse, a volunteer with Rock Wildlife Rescue. “So we’ll take a not busy night any day.” Gosse is part of a growing community effort to save these seabirds, alongside organizations like Rock Wildlife Rescue, CPAWS-NL, and the Canadian Wildlife Service. Thanks to them, petrel rescues have become an annual tradition — a kind of bird-saving patrol. Each night, volunteers gather up stranded birds and bring them to a drop-off site, where they’re assessed and prepared for release. “We have a 24-hour petrel drop off unit,” Gosse said. “If they’re found around the city or brought in by anybody… any time of day or night — they can be dropped off to us at the rescue and we will assess them.” From there, other volunteers transport the birds to beaches in places like Witless Bay, where they can safely take off toward the ocean. Mother-daughter team Jennifer and Chloe Lahey are among the many night owls making it happen. “We go out at about 11 p.m. and we get home around 2 a.m.,” Jennifer said. Despite the hours, Chloe said the payoff is always worth it. “It’s my favourite thing to watch them fly off and just know that you saved their lives, and watch them get another chance.” The mission to protect the petrels has inspired more than just seasoned volunteers. In Musgrave Harbour, kindergarten to Grade 3 students at Gill Memorial Academy are joining the cause. Teacher Rebecca Vincent said her students leapt into action after spotting the birds near school grounds. “They think they’re saving the world is what we’re doing,” Vincent said. “They are very involved in it, and even the Grade 4s and 5s that are moved upstairs ask each day, 'How many birds, Miss?'” Wildlife biologist Taylor Brown understands the pull these little birds have on people. “They’re lovely, small, quirky birds. They make crazy sounds. They recognize each other by smell. They nest in burrows. They mate for life,” Brown said. “They’re just incredibly charismatic animals.” But charm doesn’t protect them. Petrel numbers are falling — dramatically. Ecologist Bill Montevecchi, who has studied petrels for decades, said the species is in real trouble. On Baccalieu Island in the 1980s, he recorded more than six million birds. But as the offshore Grand Banks filled with oil platforms and their blinding flares, things changed. “So what happened over those 30 years? Well, over those 30 years we lit up the Grand Banks,” Montevecchi said in a 2024 interview. And even though the population still numbers in the millions, he warned that large numbers don’t equal safety. “Things that are often really abundant are still highly vulnerable to extinction,” he said. “I mean, you can look at the commercial extinction of cod.” For now, the rescue work continues, carried out by dedicated volunteers, sleepy students, and late-night beachgoers. It’s a patchwork of passion and persistence — a reminder that even small efforts can help protect a species on the brink. And as Chloe Lahey watches each rescued bird take flight, she knows exactly why it matters. “They get another chance,” she said.

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Two Dogs, Two Christmas Miracles: How Loyal Pets Saved Their Owners’ Lives

One year after a near-death experience on a quiet beach in Dorset, David Howarth says he still wakes up each day in disbelief — and gratitude. The 71-year-old widower suffered a cardiac arrest on Sandbanks beach with no one around except his black labrador, Beau. But Beau didn’t panic. He sprang into action. The five-year-old lab began running in circles and barking loudly, eventually catching the attention of Claire Dashwood and her partner, who were walking about 100 metres away. “I feel I owe Beau my life,” Howarth said. “I feel like I’ve won the lottery… I’m just so glad to be alive, to be here, to have another chance.” Dashwood, a 65-year-old healthcare assistant from Bournemouth, initially thought the dog was playing. But as she approached, she saw Howarth lying motionless on the sand. “He was dead, purple and freezing cold,” she said. “I checked his pulse and his airway but there was nothing.” Dashwood called emergency services. Two off-duty doctors, also walking on the beach, rushed over and began CPR until paramedics arrived. Meanwhile, Beau stayed by Dashwood’s side, licking her and offering no resistance. “The dog could have growled at me or attacked me,” she said. “But he kept on licking me. He knew I was helping David.” Howarth was rushed to hospital, where he made a full recovery. Doctors later fitted him with an internal defibrillator. Since the incident, Dashwood carries a dog toy every time she returns to the beach — just in case she runs into Beau again. “Beau is my little hero,” she said. “Every time I see him, he licks my face — and I never let a dog lick my face.” But Beau isn’t the only dog credited with a life-saving act this past holiday season. In Wales, a golden retriever named Maple came to the rescue when her owner, Samantha Forrster, blacked out from hypoglycaemic shock at her home in Ebbw Vale. Forrster, 29, has type 1 diabetes and was home alone while her partner, Joshua Vaughan, was at work. Maple sensed something was wrong. She barked repeatedly, eventually alerting nearby neighbours who heard the commotion and jumped the fence to reach the back door. Inside, they found Forrster unconscious and began administering sugar to stabilize her. “I just remember the next-door neighbours coming in,” Forrster recalled. “I remember them giving me sugar and telling me that Maple had been barking.” Her partner believes Maple may have unknowingly been trained for that moment. “I used to play with Maple and flop over, and she’d lick and bark and wake me up — just playing,” Vaughan said. “I didn’t realise that would end up working. I know that golden retrievers like providing care, but she saved Sam.” Both dogs — a black lab and a golden retriever — acted without hesitation. And both owners now credit their survival to the instincts of their loyal companions. For Howarth, it’s added meaning to his quiet life by the sea. For Forrster, it’s a reminder that even games can lead to lifesaving habits. And for the rest of us, it’s a reminder: sometimes the most powerful kind of help doesn’t come from humans at all.

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For 81 Years, These Two Friends Have Been Mailing the Same Birthday Card Back and Forth

On her 95th birthday, Pat DeReamer opened her mailbox and found a familiar face: a cartoon dog with a red bow and a message that’s been part of her life for more than eight decades. The birthday card, originally sent to Pat in 1944, is now 81 years old — and still in active circulation. It’s the centerpiece of a birthday tradition between two childhood friends that began during World War II and shows no signs of slowing down. Pat was 14 when her family moved from Kentucky to Indianapolis. It was wartime, and she didn’t know many people. One of the first to welcome her was a girl named Mary Wheaton. “I didn’t know very many people, so Mary kind of picked me up out of the gutter and, you know, was nice to me,” Pat told WLKY News. “We became really good friends.” That first year, Mary gave her the card: a light-hearted greeting with a cartoon dinosaur inside and the punchline, “’Cause It’ll Be a Long, Long Time Before You’re an Old Fossil!” After her birthday, Pat didn’t toss it. She signed her name, added a note, and sent it back to Mary on her birthday a month later. That one-off gesture became a lifelong tradition. The two began mailing the card back and forth every year — one signs and dates it, then mails it on. What started as a simple exchange has now endured 81 years, multiple moves, technological shifts, and major life events. “We never said, ‘We’re going to do this.’ At least, I don’t remember ever saying that. It just happened,” Pat said. And it’s lasted far longer than either expected. The birthday card even earned a Guinness World Record after 60 years — officially recognized as the longest-running exchange of a single greeting card. The back-and-forth tradition gave the friends a reason to connect, even when life got busy. “Every year it would give us some reason to call each other and talk,” Pat said. Through the decades, everything changed — the world went to war and came back, Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, email replaced handwritten letters — but the birthday card kept arriving like clockwork. Pat knew she’d see it again this year. And as always, she’ll add a new message, date it, and send it back to Mary in May for her 95th. The card itself has outlasted generations of trends and technologies. And while it may be slightly worn after more than 80 trips through the mail, it’s still bringing smiles — and still doing what it was meant to do: celebrate friendship. What began as a simple gesture between two teenage girls is now a living time capsule of their bond — one birthday at a time.

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Can Boiling Your Tap Water Dramatically Cut Your Microplastic Intake?

A team of Chinese researchers has found that a simple kitchen ritual — boiling water — could dramatically reduce the amount of microplastics we ingest through tap water. The study, published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, looked at how boiling affects nano- and microplastics (NMPs) suspended in drinking water. Researchers added known amounts of these plastic particles to both soft and hard tap water, then boiled and filtered the water using a basic stainless steel mesh, like the kind used to strain tea. The results were promising. In samples with higher mineral content — so-called “hard” water — boiling removed up to 90 percent of the plastic particles. Even soft water, which contains fewer minerals, saw a reduction of about 25 percent. “Tap water nano/microplastics (NMPs) escaping from centralized water treatment systems are of increasing global concern, because they pose potential health risks to humans via water consumption,” the team wrote in the paper. The mechanism is simple: as hard water boils, it forms calcium carbonate, also known as limescale — the chalky white deposit that builds up in kettles. This mineral crust forms on the surface of plastic particles as the temperature rises, effectively capturing them and making them easier to filter out. “For example, from 34 percent at 80 mg L−1 to 84 percent and 90 percent at 180 and 300 mg L−1 of calcium carbonate, respectively,” the study noted, citing a direct correlation between calcium carbonate levels and plastic removal efficiency. While the research didn’t involve testing every possible type of plastic, it’s consistent with past studies that have found fragments of polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, and PET in everyday drinking water. These plastics are shed from a staggering number of common items — everything from food containers to kitchen tools, clothing, and cosmetics. “Drinking boiled water apparently is a viable long-term strategy for reducing global exposure to NMPs,” write Zimin Yu, a biomedical engineer at Guangzhou Medical University, and colleagues. Boiling water has long been a tradition in some countries, often for safety reasons. But this research suggests there may be another good reason to keep the kettle boiling — even in places where water is considered safe to drink. The scientists hope this low-tech, accessible solution might become more widespread, especially as concerns over plastic pollution grow. Their findings add to a growing body of research that paints a worrying picture of just how much plastic has infiltrated daily life. According to a 2025 literature review from the University of Texas at Arlington, drinking water may be one of the most significant routes of microplastic exposure for humans. While wastewater treatment plants do remove a lot of plastic particles, the review found that the systems still miss a troubling number of them. The scale of the problem is massive. Roughly 9 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced globally since the material became widespread, and much of it has broken down into ever-smaller fragments without ever truly disappearing. That includes particles so small they’re invisible to the naked eye — and capable of entering our bodies through water, food, and even air. Once inside, the effects are still being studied. But early research has linked microplastics to disruptions in the gut microbiome and increasing antibiotic resistance. One of the big unknowns is how chronic exposure — particularly at low but consistent levels — might impact human health in the long run. What is clear, researchers say, is that most people are already carrying plastic inside them. And without better filtering systems at the municipal level, we’re likely to keep ingesting more every day. The study’s authors say their results provide a clear path forward. “This simple boiling water strategy can 'decontaminate' NMPs from household tap water and has the potential for harmlessly alleviating human intake of NMPs through water consumption,” they write. It’s a fix that doesn’t require expensive equipment, new infrastructure, or sweeping policy changes. Just heat, minerals, and a basic kitchen filter. The team says they now hope to expand their tests to include more samples and varied water types to see how widely the findings apply. Their conclusion is blunt: if you want to limit how much plastic you're drinking, start by boiling your water.

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Study Suggests Restoring Brain Balance Could Reverse Alzheimer's Disease

In a breakthrough study that could reshape how scientists understand Alzheimer’s disease, researchers have found a way to reverse cognitive decline in mice by restoring a critical brain molecule. The study, led by scientists at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and published in Cell Reports Medicine, showed that boosting levels of NAD+ — a compound essential for energy production and cell maintenance — reversed key Alzheimer’s markers in mouse models and fully restored their cognitive abilities. “For more than a century, Alzheimer’s has been considered irreversible,” said senior author Dr. Andrew A. Pieper. “Our experiments provide a proof of principle that some forms of dementia may not be inevitably permanent.” The team focused on NAD+ because levels of this molecule naturally drop with age, especially in the brain. NAD+ is vital for healthy cell function, energy production, and repairing DNA. When levels dip too low, brain cells can no longer sustain themselves properly. The study found “severe” NAD+ decline in the brains of both Alzheimer’s mouse models and human Alzheimer’s brain tissue. This shortage appeared to be linked to the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles — the hallmarks of the disease. Using a drug called P7C3-A20, researchers were able to restore NAD+ balance in the mice’s brains. The result: amyloid and tau buildup was reversed, and the mice regained normal cognitive function. Blood levels of a key Alzheimer’s biomarker, phosphorylated tau 217, also returned to normal. Crucially, the treatment worked even without targeting amyloid plaques directly — a major departure from other Alzheimer’s research strategies that have largely focused on removing plaque buildup. The researchers said they were “struck” by how completely the animals’ cognitive deficits disappeared. “This gives reason for cautious optimism that similar strategies may one day benefit people,” Pieper said. Dr. Charles Brenner, a biochemist and chief scientific advisor for Niagen (a company focused on NAD+ products), praised the study’s implications. Though not involved in the research, Brenner told Fox News Digital that the brain’s energy demands make NAD+ especially important. “The brain consumes around 20% of your body’s energy,” he said. “NAD+ plays a key role in the way neurons adapt to stress and support processes associated with brain health.” Previous research from the same lab had already shown that restoring NAD+ levels could speed up recovery from traumatic brain injuries. Now, the new study suggests the same approach might help reverse damage from neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. But the findings come with a strong word of caution. Alzheimer’s is a complex and uniquely human condition. Promising results in mouse models don’t guarantee the same outcome in people. So far, no drug has been shown to reverse the disease in human patients — and this therapy has not yet been tested in clinical trials. The team also warned against self-medicating with over-the-counter NAD+-boosting supplements. While such products can increase NAD+ levels, they may push them too high. Some animal studies have linked excessive NAD+ to increased cancer risk. “P7C3-A20, by contrast, enables cells to restore and preserve appropriate NAD+ balance under stress without driving NAD+ to excessively high levels,” said Pieper. The drug is not currently approved for human use, and further testing is needed before it could move to clinical trials. In the meantime, researchers point to well-established ways to support brain health and reduce Alzheimer’s risk: quality sleep, a Mediterranean or MIND diet, regular exercise, cognitive and social engagement, and managing cardiovascular health. Looking ahead, the team plans to explore whether restoring brain energy balance through NAD+ could help treat other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and ataxia. For now, the findings mark a promising step — and a rare moment of optimism — in the long and often frustrating search for an Alzheimer’s cure. “Our study provides hope,” Pieper said, “that the brain may have a greater capacity for repair than previously believed.”

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Why a Calgary Earth Scientist is Beaming Astronomy Lessons to Students In Ukraine

Every other Monday morning, Don Hladiuk logs into Zoom and greets a screenful of Ukrainian students. The group, often between 30 and 45 strong, is eager to learn about space, astronomy — and for a short time, feel like regular students. “It’s my favourite part of the morning,” Hladiuk says. “To just hear about their day, what’s happening in their lives.” For an hour, the chaos outside fades. Many of the students are learning in makeshift classrooms, often in conflict zones without power or heat. Some connect from bomb shelters. But they show up — and Hladiuk, a retired Calgary earth scientist and longtime CBC “starman,” is there for them. Since July, he’s volunteered with Vchysia (Ukrainian for “Learn”), a non-governmental organization providing free education for students affected by the war in Ukraine. Its English-language initiative, Ukraine Speaks English, pairs international volunteers with students who want to keep learning — even as the war grinds into its third year. Hladiuk’s lessons often focus on the stars — constellations, space exploration, upcoming celestial events — and always end with a quiz and an open discussion. A Canadian of Ukrainian descent, Hladiuk says he felt compelled to help. Both sets of his grandparents came from Ukraine, and when he heard about the program from retired teacher and friend Julia Wowkadow, who volunteers by reading Harry Potter to students, he knew it was the right fit. “I thought this would be an opportunity to share my love of the night sky and try to give these students some normalcy,” he said. “Because many of them that join me have no power, no heat … they’re in bomb shelters being attacked.” Despite the distance — and language barriers — Hladiuk says the connection with students is real. A translator moderates the sessions, but by now, the rhythm feels familiar. The program is one of the largest educational volunteer projects currently running in Ukraine, according to project manager Olena Zhupanova. Based in Kyiv, she returned to Ukraine after five months as a refugee in Sweden, where she fled with her two children when the war began. “I loved my work, I loved my life, but then one day everything changed,” she said. Her husband joined the Ukrainian military; she came home to find another way to help. “We cannot stop the war,” she said. “But still, I can help my country somehow, and so this is the way.” Vchysia evolved from Smart Osvita, a Ukrainian NGO that once focused on teacher training. Since the war, it has pivoted to serve students directly. Today, 35 volunteer teachers from around the world lead 12 to 16 sessions per week. Zhupanova says teachers like Hladiuk and Wowkadow bring more than just English lessons — they offer something deeper. “Our aim is to not only teach them English, but also provide them an opportunity to learn something new, something exciting, [and] to connect with the person on the other side of the planet.” Wowkadow, who has taught for decades in Alberta, says the relationships built over Zoom are powerful — and often emotional. “I don’t know what I would do if something happened to any of these kids,” she said. “But the common thread with the volunteers is that it’s the high point of their week. They get a lot of enjoyment and emotional affirmation.” The success of the model has inspired others. David Falconer, a teacher in Cochrane, Alta., volunteered with Vchysia and Smart Osvita in 2022. When a colleague asked him to help set up a similar program in Myanmar, Falconer launched Classrooms Without Walls — a Canadian-led initiative now offering online education to students in Afghanistan, many of them girls who’ve been barred from school. He’s continued to work with Vchysia through a partnership called Teachers for Ukraine. In 2024, the program reached around 35,000 students, with 25 volunteers leading classes. For Falconer, the feedback from parents has been just as powerful as the student stories. “As one Ukrainian parent has said … ‘It’s like an island of normal life,’” he said. “That’s all we need — to create an island of normal life so that kids can continue to dream.” Hladiuk agrees. And for him, that island often begins with the night sky — something he and his students see together, even from opposite sides of the world. “Ukraine, and Kyiv in particular, is at the same latitude as Calgary — about 51° north,” he said. “So what I see in the night sky is pretty much what they see in the night sky.” And that shared view — constant, unshaken, ancient — has become something more than a science lesson. “It’s special to give them something that is distracting from the war and the horror that they shouldn’t be experiencing,” he said. “Just something that reminds them there’s still beauty in the world.”

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