These Earbuds Can Monitor Patients' Health Levels, Revolutionizing Medical Treatment

Engineers at the University of California, San Diego, are working on flexible, sticker-like sensors that can transform earbuds into advanced health monitors, capable of detecting brain activity and lactate levels. These sensors, spring-loaded and covered with a hydrogel film, can continuously track vital health data as patients go about their daily lives. With the potential to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, from brain-related diseases to mood disorders, these sensors could usher in a new era of personalized and effective healthcare.

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Lego MRI Scanner Sets are Helping Reduce Anxiety In Children Undergoing Medical Treatment

In the fall of 2023, just two months after his mother finished her battle with breast cancer, 13-year-old Sam Lane began to get sick. After several rounds of testing, doctors delivered news no one wanted to hear: Sam had a rare brain and spine cancer. “They said ‘cancer,’ and before I started crying, I said, ‘Dang it, I was going to guess that, but I didn’t want it to be that bad,’” Sam recalled. At his lowest point — intubated and unable to walk — a nurse at Boston Children’s Hospital offered Sam something unexpected: a small Lego project that would help other young patients. She handed him a box containing a Lego MRI scanner set and asked for his help building it. The toy, designed to help children understand MRI procedures through play, features a miniature scanner, a patient bed that moves back and forth, and tiny medical instruments. The idea is to make an intimidating experience less frightening by turning it into something kids can touch and explore. Sam took the task seriously. “I remember sitting there saying to him, ‘Sammy, why don’t you take a break? You’ve been working at that straight for some time,’” said his mother, Christina Lane. “And he just didn’t even look at me and was like, ‘Nope, this is important... I need to help other kids.’” That set, now displayed at the hospital, is helping children prepare for their own scans — something Sam knows all too well can be scary. “An MRI machine, that’s not something that kids are seeing in school, that’s not what they’re talking about at home,” said child life specialist Laura Boegler. “Using the MRI Lego set, we’re able to show kids in a way that’s comfortable for them.” Lego, which doesn’t sell the sets commercially, has donated more than 10,000 of them to hospitals around the world. The company recently announced that over 1 million children have used the kits to learn about MRIs. A study by Lego found that 96% of healthcare professionals said the model helps reduce children’s anxiety, and nearly half reported fewer cases requiring sedation after play sessions. “We often say that play is a universal language,” said Boston Children’s child life specialist Alyssa Sachs. “Being able to touch and ask questions really helps ease anxieties and misconceptions that any kids have.” For Sam, the project did more than just distract him — it gave him purpose during treatment. “To have a little Lego buddy that they can identify with that is going through the same things that they are is really incredible,” his mother said. “As a mom, as a nurse, as a human being, to be able to support our kids during such a challenging and difficult time through play — truly, it’s essential.” Now, over a year cancer-free, Sam says he’s no longer afraid of MRIs. In fact, he has a simple ritual before each one. “I fall asleep,” he said with a smile. The Lego set he built continues to help other kids face what once terrified him — proof that even the smallest bricks can build something powerful: courage.

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This Toronto Teen Completed a 100-Kilometre Charity Walk, Raising Over $45,000

A 13-year-old girl from Toronto has spent her Thanksgiving weekend walking 100 kilometres to support a cause close to her heart — helping homeless and at-risk youth. Evangeline Link began her journey on Friday, trekking from Binbrook, Ontario, to Toronto for her fourth annual “Evangeline Walks” fundraiser. The three-day challenge raises money for Covenant House, Canada’s largest agency serving youth aged 16 to 24 who are homeless, trafficked, or at risk. Since starting the fundraiser at age 10, Evangeline has raised more than $45,000 for the charity — and inspired others to lace up alongside her. “The journey has been good, but it’s been a little hard this morning since it’s the third day in a row,” she told CP24 on Sunday. “The third day is always the hardest because it’s the in-between one. You’ve walked for two days already, but it’s not the last day yet. So you know you still have more to go.” Evangeline said the idea came to her in 2021 after one of her teachers participated in the Ride to Conquer Cancer. “That really inspired me because I wanted to do something beautiful, meaningful for other people too,” she said. Combining her love of walking with her affection for her grandparents, she decided to make the trek from their home to Toronto — and turn it into a fundraiser. At first, her parents, Ryan and Teresita Link, were hesitant about the idea of their 10-year-old daughter walking such a long distance. But once they saw her determination, they came around. In an email, they said they are “extremely proud” of Evangeline, especially for how her example has encouraged others to take part. “In times where we can find ourselves surrounded by negativity, we could all use her motivation to inspire us all,” they wrote. “She wants the youth at Covenant House to have what she knows she already has.” For Evangeline, the long hours of walking are worth it if they can help someone in need. “I did a very big step here and this took a lot of effort,” she said. “But if you don’t necessarily have that energy to do the same thing, then always do what you set your mind to — do what helps other people and what helps you.” As for what’s next, the young philanthropist has no plans to slow down. She said she intends to keep doing her annual walk for as long as she can.

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Florida Bus Driver Rescues Young Boy Walking Barefoot In The Street

A Tampa bus driver is being hailed as a hero after rescuing a barefoot young boy who was wandering alone in traffic. Barbara Baker, a driver with the Hillsborough Transit Authority, was on her usual route on August 31 when she spotted the child — dressed only in pajamas — in the middle of a busy street. “Oh my God, that’s a baby,” Baker recalled to Local 12. “My heart just dropped, and that’s what made me jump off the bus.” She immediately stopped her bus, got out, and carefully approached the boy, speaking softly to reassure him. “When I approached the baby, he looked at me and I said, ‘Come on baby, let me take you to mommy.’ So he let me pick him up,” she said. Baker carried the child to safety and stayed with him until police arrived. Officers began knocking on nearby doors to locate his family while Baker comforted the boy, keeping him calm until he was reunited with his mother. “When the police came, it’s like I almost wanted to cry because I thought about my grandbabies,” Baker said. The Hillsborough Transit Authority praised Baker’s quick thinking and compassion, calling her actions a model of care and professionalism. Community members have echoed that praise, saying her instinctive kindness likely prevented a tragedy. Thanks to her calm, decisive response, a frightened child made it home safely — and Tampa gained another everyday hero behind the wheel.

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This NFL Cheerleader Received a Surprise On-Field Proposal At a Football Game

It was more than just a win for the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday — it was a moment one cheerleader will never forget. During a break in the Colts’ 31–27 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 12, Colts cheerleader Mika was in the middle of a routine when her boyfriend, Spencer, appeared on the field. Wearing a jersey with “Marry Me” printed on the back, he walked through a tunnel of her teammates before dropping to one knee right behind her. The surprise, captured in a video shared by the Colts Cheerleaders’ Instagram page, showed Mika turning around mid-performance and gasping in disbelief. She dropped her pompoms, burst into tears, and fell to her knees before nodding yes. Spencer slipped the ring on her finger as the crowd erupted in cheers. Mika, who has spent four years on the Colts cheer team, then proudly showed off her new ring to the cameras before embracing her now-fiancé. Her fellow cheerleaders surrounded the couple in hugs and applause. “Gonna be a hard routine to beat 💙💍 Congratulations, Mika and Spencer!” the team wrote in the post’s caption. On her own Instagram, Mika called it “the most amazing day made possible by the most amazing people 💍💕.” Her teammates flooded the comments with love. “BEST DAY EVER WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!! even though you’re impossible to keep a secret from lol,” wrote fellow cheerleader MacLaine Funsch. Mika and Spencer have been together nearly two years, celebrating their first anniversary in 2024. Now, after one unforgettable halftime performance, they have another milestone to celebrate — the beginning of their life together.

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Reese Witherspoon Debuts First Novel, Aims To Inspire Young Women In Medicine

Reese Witherspoon is stepping into the literary spotlight with her first novel, "Gone Before Goodbye," written in collaboration with bestselling author Harlan Coben. The book, a thriller about Army combat surgeon Maggie McCabe, hits shelves today. During a panel discussion called "Inside the Writers' Room: Mastering Fearless Storytelling" on October 11 in Los Angeles, Witherspoon shared her motivations behind the project. She expressed hope that her new protagonist might inspire young women to pursue medical careers, similar to how Elle Woods from her "Legally Blonde" films encouraged many to consider law school. In the panel, part of Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine event named Shine Away, she explained why she’s not overly concerned about critical reception. "I'm less worried about critics," she said. "I really don't care about their thoughts, feelings or opinions because half of the stuff I've done is not well reviewed. But it means something." Her goal for the book is clear. "My biggest goal for this book is to make as many little girls as possible want to be surgeons as Elle Woods did for lawyers," she stated. Witherspoon reflected on the challenges of coauthoring a novel despite having a solid idea during the pandemic. She realized early on that she needed a partner who excelled at storytelling in novel form. Enter Harlan Coben. Initially hesitant about collaborating on novels, Coben was intrigued after hearing Witherspoon’s concept. He recalled his initial reaction: "Oh damn, that's good." The partnership resulted in a finished book and an audiobook featuring Witherspoon as Maggie McCabe alongside actor Chris Pine. Drawing inspiration from family ties in medicine, Witherspoon shared personal stories from her childhood on military bases surrounded by medical professionals—her father was a surgeon in the U.S. Army and her mother was a nurse. "Gone Before Goodbye" promises intrigue and suspense with its release just around the corner and is currently available for preorder everywhere books are sold.

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Scientists are Turning Coffee And Plastic Waste Into Eco-Friendly Carbon Capture Technology

What starts as a cup of coffee and a discarded plastic bottle could soon become a weapon against climate change. Scientists in the United Arab Emirates have patented a new technology that transforms used coffee grounds and plastic waste into a carbon-capturing material capable of trapping industrial CO₂ emissions before they reach the atmosphere. The process, developed by researchers at the University of Sharjah, blends spent coffee grounds with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) — the same plastic used in water bottles — and potassium hydroxide, a strong alkaline compound. When heated to around 600°C, the mixture produces a form of activated carbon with a high capacity to absorb carbon dioxide. “What begins with a Starbucks coffee cup and a discarded plastic water bottle can become a powerful tool in the fight against climate change,” said study leader Dr. Haif Aljomard. She called the breakthrough a “waste-to-resource” solution that is both sustainable and cost-effective. Globally, about eight million tons of coffee grounds are thrown away each year, often ending up in landfills where they emit methane and other greenhouse gases. PET plastic, meanwhile, is one of the most common sources of non-biodegradable waste. By repurposing both materials, the new method not only prevents further pollution but also creates a product that actively helps reduce emissions. “This invention repurposes two abundant waste streams — coffee and plastic — into a high-performance adsorbent,” Aljomard said. “The resulting activated carbon shows strong potential for capturing CO₂ from fossil fuel-based energy systems, contributing to the reduction of air pollution.” The patent, filed in March and published in August, outlines a detailed process for producing the activated carbon through chemical activation. Potassium hydroxide enhances the carbon’s surface area and pore structure, increasing its ability to trap gas molecules. According to co-inventor Professor Chaouki Ghenai, the innovation could have “wide-ranging potential” across industries, from gas purification and power generation to water filtration, wastewater treatment, and even swimming pool maintenance. “Transforming spent coffee grounds and plastic waste into high-quality activated carbon offers economic, social, and environmental benefits,” Ghenai said. “Through carbonisation and chemical activation, we eliminate the need to landfill these materials, protecting the environment from their harmful effects.” The researchers believe the technology represents a significant step toward cleaner industrial practices — and a reminder that the everyday waste in our kitchens and recycling bins could help tackle one of the world’s biggest challenges.

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Muppet Lookalike Chicks Just Hatched At Sanctuary in Australia

A pair of fuzzy, wide-eyed Tawny Frogmouth chicks — birds so comical they’re often compared to Muppets — have hatched at Healesville Sanctuary in Victoria, Australia. The two new arrivals are the fourth clutch for devoted parents Tiny and Kermit, who welcomed their chicks just three days apart in September. Keeper Louise Tegg says the pair has settled right back into parenting mode. “Kermit does the bulk of the work during the day,” Tegg explained. “He will sit on the nest, feeding those chicks regularly, and then mom will swap in to take care of the chicks in the afternoon. Then they do regular changeovers at night.” While the bird couple’s teamwork has impressed keepers, sanctuary staff have still had to pitch in. “Tawny Frogmouths are not the most amazing nest builders,” Tegg admitted. “They tend to just throw a few sticks together in a crosshatch and hope for the best. So, we’ve reinforced the nest to keep the chicks nice and safe.” Tiny and Kermit are keeping their fast-growing offspring well-fed with a steady diet of mealworms, cockroaches, and even the occasional Huntsman spider. Regular weight checks help ensure the chicks are developing properly and that their feathers are coming in strong. Known for their perpetually grumpy expressions, Tawny Frogmouths are often mistaken for owls because of their nocturnal habits and camouflage coloring. In reality, they belong to the nightjar family. For now, the chicks are thriving — fuzzy, bug-fed, and already charming everyone who sees them. At Healesville Sanctuary, it seems the next generation of these endearing “feather dusters” is off to a strong start.

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Florida's Leatherback Sea Turtles Rebound To Record High After Devastating Hurricane Season

After a year marked by destruction and loss, Florida’s sea turtles are making a strong recovery — and setting new records in the process. In 2024, experts predicted a record-breaking nesting season across Florida’s coasts, with the state poised to surpass 2023’s total of 200,000 nests, the highest count since 1989. But then came an unrelenting series of storms. Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton slammed into the state within two months, flattening beaches and washing away countless nests. Helene alone became the second-deadliest hurricane in 50 years. “It’s a big shock to see a beach go from dunes, with sea oats and sea grapes and other dune plants, to just a flat piece of sand,” said Kristen Mazzarella, turtle watch director of Anna Maria Island. The 15-foot storm surges transformed nesting beaches overnight, devastating fragile turtle habitats. Now, a year later, the tides are finally turning. According to Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI), green turtles laid more than 61,700 nests this season — the second-highest total ever recorded in the state. “Green turtles had a strong August, bringing the season total to 61,708 nests,” the institute shared. “While still behind the record 72,982 nests set in 2023, this is the second-highest green turtle total on record for Florida.” Leatherback turtles, meanwhile, are having their best year yet. “Leatherbacks have now reached 2,021 nests statewide, officially extending their record set last month,” FWRI reported. “2025 will be remembered as Florida’s top leatherback year to date!” There was even a rare sighting of 10 Kemp’s Ridley nests — a hopeful sign for the world’s most endangered sea turtle species. Still, conservationists caution that record nest counts don’t guarantee survival. “You can have as many nests laid as you want,” said biologist Jack Brzoza of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. “If none of them hatch, that’s really not contributing much.” Even so, the numbers reflect broader progress. In late 2025, green sea turtles were officially reclassified from “endangered” to “least concern” by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species — a milestone decades in the making. Dr. James “Buddy” Powell, executive director of research at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, said today’s success stems from long-term conservation work. “[Record sea turtle nesting] is likely a consequence of conservation actions that were put in place 30 years ago,” he told WUFT. Those actions include beach cleanups, light pollution controls, and habitat restoration — all measures that, Powell said, benefit both wildlife and humans. “I don’t know of any renourishment projects of beaches that are done just for turtles,” he said. “What’s good for the animals, what’s good for the habitat, ends up also being good for us.” After years of storms, setbacks, and recovery, Florida’s beaches are once again teeming with new life — and the quiet, determined return of sea turtles may be the most hopeful sign yet.

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Good Gord: This California Engineer Won a Pumpkin Contest With His 2,346-Pound Gourd

A California engineer and gardening enthusiast has claimed top honors at this year’s World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay after growing a pumpkin that weighed nearly as much as a small car. Brandon Dawson, of Santa Rosa, took home the title — and a $20,000 prize — on Monday after his giant gourd tipped the scales at 2,346 pounds (1,064 kilograms). The win came a year after Dawson narrowly missed first place by just 6 pounds. “My mind is kind of racing because I was in this position last year when I lost by 6 pounds,” Dawson said after his victory, celebrating by pumping his fists and seating his two young children atop the colossal pumpkin. Dawson, who works as a manufacturing engineer at electric vehicle maker Rivian Automotive, credits his professional skills for helping him master the fine details of pumpkin growing. “Precision skills acquired at my job helped me with the right watering and sunlight,” he said. He’s been growing massive pumpkins for five years, turning it into a family affair with his 2-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter. “We like to spend time out in the patch and watch the thing grow,” Dawson said. “My 4-year-old now can really pay attention to the growing process,” especially since the pumpkins can gain 50 to 70 pounds (23 to 32 kilograms) a day. Last year, Dawson finished second to Minnesota horticulture teacher Travis Gienger, whose 2,471-pound pumpkin won the 2023 contest. Gienger also set a world record later that year with a 2,749-pound gourd, but damage to his pumpkin this season kept him out of the competition. While Dawson now holds the Half Moon Bay crown, the global title belongs to two brothers in England, who earlier this month broke Gienger’s record with a pumpkin weighing 2,819 pounds (1,278 kilograms). For Dawson, though, the win is more than just numbers on a scale. It’s a family ritual — one that starts in a backyard patch and ends with a pumpkin big enough to need its own zip code.

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Karate Student From Massachusetts High School Helps Veterans In Need

In Duxbury, Massachusetts, one high school senior is quietly proving that strength doesn’t always come with noise. Seventeen-year-old Sophia Bethoney has been training in Uechi-Ryu karate since she was six years old. Her instructor — and relative — Bob Bethoney, better known in the dojo as Sensei Bob, remembers her as a quiet but determined student. “If Sophia said more than three words in the whole six years that she trained with me, she’s so quiet, but she was just an incredible fighter,” he said. Sophia, now a red belt, says karate taught her far more than how to throw a punch. “You have to be really focused when you’re doing all this. It’s not just kick or punch the bag. You have to really set your mind to it, and just go for it,” she said. “I definitely try to keep an open mind and have a growth mentality because it’s OK to make mistakes or not know how to do something the first time. But as long as you’re open and willing to learn, that’s most important.” Her sensei agrees. “Karate teaches you a way of life, and the way of life is the humility, the caring, the thing that’s most important — and the number one is respect,” said Bob Bethoney. That lesson in respect and discipline has carried over into every part of Sophia’s life, especially her newest project — designing and building a home for a veteran experiencing homelessness. Sophia grew up around construction, helping out with her family’s building company. “When I was about six years old, I started pushing brooms at the job sites for my family’s construction company,” she said. “And over time, I really got into the marketing and design aspects that really take place.” After school, she often transforms her family’s dining room into a design studio, sketching plans for accessory dwelling units, or ADUs — small, self-contained homes often built in backyards. “I am really excited to see how each project turns out because it’s really cool to have something in your mind and then just to see it in person, it’s just unreal,” she said. Her latest vision goes beyond design: she wants to build an ADU for a veteran in need, using entirely donated materials and labor. “We’re looking to do a 100% donated labor and materials ADU because we want to honor them and thank them for their service,” said Bethoney. The project is still in its early stages, but she hopes to finish it before she graduates high school. It’s a goal that perfectly combines her two passions — building things and helping people. Between organizing ice cream socials for local seniors and planning construction projects, Sophia is driven by the same philosophy that guides her in karate: humility, focus, and service. “If I could just inspire at least one person to go and do something to change the world like I’m trying to,” she said, “then my job is, like, that’s all I’m looking for — just to change the world.”

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