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Score (97)
Move Over, Batman. Ripken The Bat Dog Is The Real Star Of The Show!
Ripken the Bat Dog is stealing hearts and cleaning up on and off the field as the official bat-retriever for the Durham Bulls Minor League team. With his own TikTok account and a hilarious video showcasing his serious work ethic, Ripken has become an MVP in fans' eyes. Not only does he excel at his job, but he also shows sportsmanship by warmly greeting players from other teams like NHL's Washington Capitols.
Score (95)
Iowa’s ‘Great Treasure Hunt’ Returns $33.6 Million in Lost Assets — and You Might Be Owed Something Too
If the idea of government sounds like endless bureaucracy, Iowa might just change your mind — thanks to a program that’s helped tens of thousands of residents recover money they didn’t even know they had. It’s called the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt, and it’s exactly what it sounds like: a statewide lost-and-found for unclaimed financial assets. Every year, employees at the Iowa State Treasury sort through forgotten savings accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payouts, and other assets that businesses were never able to return to their rightful owners. Once those assets go unclaimed for a set period, the treasury steps in to safeguard them — then posts them online for Iowans to find. Instead of tracking down individuals one by one, the state flipped the script: They invite every Iowan to go looking for themselves. And more people are finding treasure than you might think. In one case two years ago, a woman discovered she was owed $4.5 million in McDonald’s stock and dividends — all stemming from a $15,000 investment she’d made decades earlier and forgotten about. Last year alone, the program returned a record $33.6 million in lost assets to 53,000 individuals and businesses. That’s several million more than any previous year. And according to the state treasurer’s office, there’s still more than $648 million left unclaimed. Since the initiative began, the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt has reunited Iowans with over $408 million in total. And the odds aren’t bad — officials estimate that 1 in 7 Iowans have something waiting for them. Checking is simple, quick, and completely free. You don’t need to submit sensitive information or pay a fee. Just search your name at https://greatiowatreasurehunt.gov and see what comes up. It’s one of those rare government programs that feels less like red tape — and more like a helpful reminder to check the couch cushions of your financial life. So if you live in Iowa, or ever did, you might want to take a look. Your forgotten fortune could be just a click away.
Score (98)
93-Year-Old Widow Brings Photo of Late Husband to Boxing Day Lunch — and Receives a Touching Surprise
For Gwen Whittle, this Christmas was never going to be easy. It was her first without her beloved husband, James, after 71 years of marriage. But on Boxing Day, the 93-year-old widow from Liverpool was reminded that love can still find you — even when you're sitting at a table for one. Gwen and James met in 1952 after she moved from North Wales to become a teacher. They married in 1956 and shared more than seven decades of laughter, devotion, and holiday traditions. One of their favorites? A meal at Toby Carvery every Boxing Day. Even after James passed away in September at the age of 93, Gwen wasn’t ready to let go of that tradition. So she made a reservation for one — and brought a photo of her and James to keep him close. “I took a photograph of the two of us in happy times and put it on the table for company, so we would be together,” she told the Liverpool Echo. As she sat down to eat, Gwen was surrounded by the lively sounds of two large families at nearby tables. One young woman kindly invited her to join them, but Gwen politely declined, not wanting to intrude. What happened next left her in tears. When she asked for her bill at the end of the meal, the server told her it had already been paid — by a stranger at another table. “I said it was terribly generous but can’t let you,” Gwen recalled. But the woman simply replied, “I’ve been looking for someone to give a Christmas present to — someone who looks like they want cheering up.” The gesture moved Gwen deeply. “I had a little cry,” she said. “It was very generous.” Now, she’s sharing her story in hopes of reminding others that a small act of kindness — even one as simple as picking up someone’s bill — can carry more weight than you’ll ever know. “He made me laugh,” Gwen said of her husband. “He was still making me laugh up until the very end.” This year, it was a stranger’s kindness that brought a little warmth back to a bittersweet holiday — and helped make sure Gwen didn’t feel quite so alone.
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Score (97)
AI + Dogs = Faster Rescues: How COSMIC-T Is Changing Search-and-Rescue Missions
Search-and-rescue dogs have been saving lives for decades. With an unmatched sense of smell and the ability to pick up scent trails even in chaotic disaster zones, they’re often the first hope for people who are lost, trapped, or injured. But now, those life-saving canines are getting a high-tech upgrade. A new system developed by Scientific Systems, a US-based artificial intelligence company, is helping to guide dogs more efficiently than ever before — and the early results are impressive. It’s called COSMIC-T, short for Collaborative Intelligence for Olfactory Search Missions Integrating Canines and Technology. It’s not a replacement for search dogs. Far from it. Instead, it’s designed to boost their effectiveness by combining the dog’s natural tracking ability with real-time data from drones, sensors, and AI predictions. Here’s how it works. As a search dog moves through an area, a drone follows overhead, monitoring not just the dog’s path but also environmental conditions like wind direction, terrain, and weather. That data is fed into AI software, which then generates heat maps and directional predictions about where a missing person might be. Handlers can track all of this on a tablet. If the software spots a possible target area before the dog reaches it, it can send an autonomous drone to check things out more quickly. If not, it helps guide the dog more directly — reducing the time it takes to reach someone in need. According to the company, after three years of testing, COSMIC-T helped locate mock victims five to 10 times faster than traditional methods. But it’s not just about speed. The system also monitors the dog’s physical and emotional well-being in real time, allowing handlers to know when their dog might be overworked or stressed — something that’s harder to gauge in high-pressure situations. Training data for COSMIC-T was collected with the help of the Boone County Fire Protection District in Missouri. The district’s fire chief, Scott Olsen, praised the partnership. “Canine Search Teams are one of the most important components of our disaster response capabilities,” he said. “We’re proud to have contributed data and expertise towards technologies that can help advance the Search and Rescue mission.” Importantly, no one at Scientific Systems is pretending that technology alone can replace experience — or a dog’s nose. “We’ve spent hundreds of millions of dollars trying to make a sensor that is as good as a dog’s nose, and we’ve never gotten close,” said Mitchell Colby, the company’s lead for AI and machine learning. “AI is making great strides, but I have not seen any AI that can compete with the intuition of an operator with a lot of experience.” That’s why COSMIC-T is built as a collaboration — dog, human, and machine working as one. And in a world where every second matters during a rescue, that teamwork might just be the thing that tips the balance. So, no, these search dogs aren’t being replaced. If anything, they’re getting backup. And it’s making them even better at what they already do best.
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Five 'Camel Birds' Released in Saudi Arabia to Help Rewild the Desert
Five red-necked ostriches have been released into a massive nature reserve in northwest Saudi Arabia, as part of a sweeping plan to rewild the region’s desert ecosystems. The tall, flightless birds — nicknamed “camel birds” for their long legs and desert resilience — were released into the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve in December. The move is part of an ambitious project to restore native wildlife across the 9,460-square-mile protected area. These ostriches, also known as North African or Barbary ostriches, are filling the ecological role once played by the Arabian ostrich, which went extinct in 1941 due to overhunting and habitat loss. Red-necked ostriches are the Arabian species’ closest living relatives and are well adapted to survive in harsh desert conditions. But they, too, are in trouble. Fewer than 1,000 red-necked ostriches are thought to remain in the wild across parts of North and Central Africa, with some experts labeling them critically endangered. Conservationists hope the newly introduced population will breed and help boost global numbers. “The return of ‘camel birds’ to their historic rangelands supports the restoration of desert ecosystems shaped historically by large grazing and browsing species,” said Andrew Zaloumis, CEO of the reserve. “Ecosystems can only be considered fully restored when lost species, or their ecological equivalents, are returned.” Ostriches are more than just symbols of desert life — they also play an active role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. As nomadic foragers, they help disperse seeds across wide areas, aerate soil while walking, and support insect populations by disturbing vegetation and flushing out bugs for other animals to feed on. Their excellent vision also makes them natural sentries, helping alert other wildlife to nearby predators. Though they can’t fly, ostriches are the fastest birds on land, capable of sprinting up to 70 kilometers per hour (43 mph). They also happen to be the largest and heaviest birds alive, reaching heights of up to 2.7 meters and weighing as much as 154 kilograms. The ostriches are the 12th species to be reintroduced to the reserve. Previous rewilding efforts have included Arabian oryx, Persian onagers, mountain gazelles, and sand gazelles. In total, conservationists aim to bring back 23 native species as part of the long-term ecological restoration plan. The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve is one of the most biodiverse areas in the Middle East, home to more than half of Saudi Arabia’s known species. It includes 15 distinct ecosystems, despite covering just 1% of the country’s landmass and 1.8% of its marine area. The reintroduction effort is a joint initiative, with support from the National Center for Wildlife, NEOM, Aramco, AlUla, and other regional reserves. Ostriches have deep cultural roots in the Middle East, appearing in ancient Arabic poetry, traditional folklore, and even Roman literature — where Pliny the Elder dubbed them “camel birds.” Their images have been carved into sandstone petroglyphs still visible across the reserve. “They are symbols of strength, endurance, and speed,” Zaloumis said. “Their return is essential to restoring full ecosystem functionality, stability, and ecological balance.”
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Beaver Takes Accidental 'Selfie' on Underwater Camera in Cairngorms National Park — And it's Adorable
An underwater camera set up in Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park has captured what staff are jokingly calling a beaver "selfie" — and it’s giving researchers a rare, up-close glimpse of one of the UK's most elusive animals. The camera, placed in the upper River Spey catchment to monitor newly released beavers, filmed one of the animals swimming directly toward the lens before knocking it over and sending it tumbling to the bottom. “Beavers can be elusive,” said Cathleen from Cairngorms National Park. “Often only their heads and backs can be seen skimming along the surface of a loch, so our team set up an underwater camera in the hope of catching a glimpse of our most recently released family. They were not disappointed!” The footage is more than just cute. It’s part of a broader effort to track the progress of Scotland’s growing beaver population — one that includes the first wild-born beaver kits in the Cairngorms in over 400 years. As of now, park staff have confirmed 57 beavers in the upper Spey catchment, plus one individual further down at Garmouth. That number includes 18 kits born since the first licensed wild release in 2023, which was hailed as a milestone for conservation in the region. “This was a landmark moment in conservation,” said Jonathan Willet, beaver project manager for the Cairngorms National Park Authority. “It’s a positive step forward for ecological restoration.” The reintroduction has been carefully monitored under license from NatureScot. The most recent release was done at a site where beavers were already present, but with enough space for an additional family to settle. The park’s tech setup — including camera traps and livestream webcams — has proven essential in keeping tabs on the animals, especially since beaver kits can take months to emerge from their lodges and often appear at different times. Over the next few months, the team will review hours of footage, check in on food availability for the new arrivals, and continue scouting sites for the final four beaver families they’re permitted to release. Beavers are often referred to as "nature’s engineers" for their ability to reshape their environments. Their dam-building creates wetlands that benefit other wildlife and help prevent flooding. They’re also known for their tree-felling skills — a behaviour that ramps up in winter as they bulk up fat reserves stored in their tails. “You can recognise a healthy beaver by the rounded cross-section of its tail,” said Willet. “By the end of a hard winter, the bones start to form a visible central ridge as all the fat stores are used up.” For now, the accidental selfie has delighted conservationists and helped build momentum around one of the UK’s most high-profile species reintroductions. And as the footage continues to roll in, the hope is that the beavers — and their growing families — will settle in for good.
Score (98)
Giant Bear Sculpture Made from Recycled Christmas Trees Unveiled at UK Zoo
A zoo in the UK has turned a mountain of old Christmas trees into something unexpectedly adorable — a towering sculpture of a giant bear and cub, built entirely from recycled evergreens. The eye-catching display was revealed this week at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm in Wraxall, Somerset, marking the return of the zoo’s annual festive tree recycling initiative, now in its sixth year. The sculpture also shines a spotlight on Andean bear conservation, a cause close to the zoo’s heart. Known as spectacled bears, the species is native to South America and considered vulnerable in the wild. The initiative, which runs until January 25, invites members of the public to drop off their real, undecorated Christmas trees at the zoo, where they’re given a second life — either as mulch, compost, or even play enrichment for animals like elephants, meerkats, and the bears themselves. So far, the zoo has teamed up with St Peter’s Hospice, Weston Hospice, and North Somerset Council to collect more than 4,000 trees. “Each January, this campaign remains one of our favorite ways to begin the year,” said Larry Bush, director of Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm. “It’s a great initiative that benefits our animals, our local community, and the environment.” The zoo says the 2026 edition is shaping up to be the biggest one yet. And thanks to the towering bear-and-cub sculpture, it’s certainly the most photogenic.
Score (97)
This Double Amputee Just Became the First to Climb the Highest Peak on Every Continent
Hari Budha Magar has made history — again. The former Gurkha and British Army veteran has become the first double above-the-knee amputee to summit the highest mountain on each of the seven continents. He completed the extraordinary challenge on Tuesday after reaching the peak of Antarctica’s Mount Vinson, which stands 4,892 metres tall. It was the final and coldest climb of a journey that began in 2019 and spanned four continents, three prosthetic redesigns, and one unshakable belief: that disability should never define a person’s limits. “A disability shouldn't limit the size of your dream — anything is possible with enough determination,” Magar said after completing the gruelling three-day ascent. Magar, who lives in Canterbury, Kent, lost both legs in 2010 after stepping on an improvised explosive device (IED) while serving in Afghanistan. At the time, he said he went through a long and painful recovery, both mentally and physically, marked by depression and a deep sense of “loss of self-worth.” But a childhood dream — to one day become a mountaineer — kept flickering in the background. That dream became a goal, and eventually a mission. In August 2019, Magar climbed Mont Blanc, beginning what would become a seven-continent journey. In the years that followed, he reached the summits of Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), Everest (Nepal), Denali (Alaska), Aconcagua (Argentina), and Puncak Jaya (Papua, Indonesia). The climb of Everest in May 2023 drew global attention, not just because of the difficulty but because of what it represented: the first time a double above-the-knee amputee had stood on the world’s tallest mountain. Then, on January 9, 2026, Magar capped off the list by conquering Mount Vinson in Antarctica. “This IED in Afghanistan should have killed me,” he said. “But instead I was given a second chance to do something positive.” Over the course of the challenge, Magar worked with engineers and specialists to develop custom prosthetic legs that could handle ice, altitude, and brutal terrain. Some of the gear was designed specifically for him. He credits a network of people who believed in him — people who donated, supported, trained with him, and helped reshape his equipment to fit the scale of the dream. “If I had the opportunity today to bring back my legs, I would actually decline,” Magar said. “Because my mission now is to help, inspire, and empower others.” He’s already made good on that promise. Magar has been awarded an MBE, won a Pride of Britain award, and continues to raise awareness around disability and veteran support. He’s also turning his record-setting journey into something tangible: the more than £30,000 raised from his Seven Summits challenge will go to veteran charities including The Gurkha Welfare Trust, Blesma, Team Forces Course Foundation, and Pilgrim Bandits. “There is a lot of work that needs to be done around disability,” he said. “So I am dedicating the rest of my life to raising that awareness.” Hari Budha Magar didn’t just climb mountains. He moved them.
Score (97)
10 Health Tech Products Steal The Spotlight At CES 2026
The Consumer Electronics Show is back in Las Vegas, and as usual, it's loud, crowded, and packed with gadgets. But in 2026, the most interesting innovations aren’t the flashiest — they’re the ones that could quietly change how we live, recover, and stay healthy. Health tech took center stage this year, with devices aimed at everything from pediatric rehab to early dementia detection. Here are 10 of the most talked-about wellness products turning heads at CES 2026. 1. A Mirror That Scans Your Health in 30 Seconds The Longevity Mirror from NuraLogix looks like a regular smart mirror — until you take a 30-second selfie video. Using AI trained on hundreds of thousands of patient records, it analyzes your facial blood flow to predict your heart health, metabolic age, and more, scoring everything from 0 to 100. The goal? Give you clear, personalized health feedback at a glance. It’s priced at $899 with a $99/year subscription after the first year. 2. Lightweight Exoskeletons That Actually Fit Into Daily Life Mobility tech is evolving fast. The Ascentiz H1 Pro is a walking exoskeleton built for real-world use — not just clinical rehab. It uses AI to adjust support based on terrain and movement, attaches via a waist belt, and resists water and dust. The company also offers more powerful versions for different mobility needs, suggesting exoskeletons are finally inching toward mainstream use. 3. Powered Walking Support for Kids with Neurological Conditions Cosmo Robotics’ Bambini Kids exoskeleton won a CES Innovation Award for good reason. It’s the first of its kind to offer powered ankle movement for children aged 2.5 to 7. Designed for kids with neurological disorders like cerebral palsy, it supports natural walking patterns with both active and passive training modes. 4. A Device That Replaces Sunlight While You Work If you’re stuck indoors all day, Sunbooster might be your new best friend. This small light clips onto your monitor and emits near-infrared light — a component of natural sunlight linked to better mood, energy, and skin health. You don’t feel it working, but studies from Dutch universities suggest the benefits are real. It tracks exposure time and may soon come built into phone cases and monitors. 5. A Pocket-Sized Food Allergy Detector Eating out with allergies is always risky. Allergen Alert is aiming to reduce that stress. The handheld device tests food samples in minutes for allergens or gluten, using lab-grade tech from diagnostics firm bioMérieux. It's fully automated, so no scientific skills needed, and it’s already generating interest from Michelin-starred restaurants. Pre-orders open later this year. 6. Samsung Watches Will Soon Flag Early Cognitive Decline Samsung’s Brain Health isn’t a diagnostic tool, but it might help spot red flags earlier. Using data from Galaxy Watches and Rings, it tracks subtle changes in walking, voice, and sleep that may indicate early dementia. Still in beta, it’s meant to start conversations, not replace doctors. 7. This Bathroom Scale Goes Way Beyond Weight Withings’ BodyScan 2 won a CES award for turning a scale into a personal health hub. In 90 seconds, it checks your ECG, arterial stiffness, metabolic function, and hypertension risk — all tracked via app. It’s a smart shift away from obsessing over weight alone. 8. Garmin’s New Smartwatch Tracks Trends, Not Just Numbers The Venu 4 smartwatch by Garmin focuses on your overall health status, highlighting when metrics like heart rate variability or breathing deviate from your baseline. It connects those shifts to lifestyle habits, like sleep or stress. With 12-day battery life, it’s designed for continuous use without nightly charging. 9. Ring Doorbells Can Now Detect Wildfires Ring’s new Fire Watch feature uses AI to detect smoke and flames via its outdoor cameras. If a fire is spotted, users can send images to Watch Duty — a nonprofit that distributes real-time wildfire alerts. It’s an opt-in feature, but one that turns a regular home camera into a potential life-saving tool. 10. An AI Massage Robot That Learns Your Body The RheoFit A1 might be the most relaxing thing at CES. It’s a robotic massage roller that slides under your body and adapts pressure based on an AI body scan. In 10 minutes, it delivers a full-body massage tailored to your soreness, posture, or stress level — all hands-free.
Score (98)
One of the UK’s Loudest Organs Is Back — and Louder Than Ever
After eight years of silence, one of Britain’s biggest and boldest musical instruments is roaring back to life. Standing 14 metres tall and packed with more than 5,000 pipes, the Britton organ in Bristol has been painstakingly restored and will make its grand return this weekend at the newly reopened Bristol Beacon concert hall. “It’s an amazing instrument,” said organist Jed Hughes, who’s been rehearsing on the organ to make sure every key, stop, and pedal is performance-ready. “All organs have their own personalities. I’d describe this one as majestic and proud.” Built in 1955 by renowned organ makers Harrison & Harrison, the Britton organ was originally installed in what was then known as Colston Hall. It was designed not for churches, but for the public — a civic centrepiece played for over 60 years and deeply embedded in the city’s musical heritage. The instrument’s history goes back even further. Two of its predecessors were lost to fires in 1898 and 1945. When the hall closed for a major refurbishment in 2018, Harrison & Harrison was again brought in — this time to restore rather than rebuild. Every single pipe, bellow, valve, and pneumatic motor was dismantled, catalogued, and transported to the company’s workshop in Durham, nearly 500 kilometres away. It was a full-scale operation: the largest pipe measures 10 metres; the smallest is the size of a pinky finger. Over 1,000 pneumatic motors were refitted with fresh leather. The entire console, featuring four keyboards, was rebuilt and mounted on a frame, making it easier to move around — a nod to modern performers who might want to bring it centre stage. The aim, Hughes said, is to encourage not just classical organists but also rock and pop musicians to incorporate it into their performances. After the Beacon reopened in November 2023, the organ’s reinstallation took several more months, including “voicing” — the careful tuning process that ensures its sound fits the new acoustics of the venue’s 2,000-seat main hall. The result is a sonic powerhouse that fills the space effortlessly. “The volume is amazing without deafening you,” said Hughes. “They’ve brightened up the sound a bit and it fits the space perfectly.” That “colossal” sound will finally reach a full house on Sunday, when acclaimed organist and broadcaster Anna Lapwood plays the first public concert on the instrument since its restoration. But in the months leading up to the big night, it’s been Hughes’ job to keep it active. Organs don’t take well to sitting idle. “The killer with organs is that if they sit and don’t get played, everything stops,” he said. So Hughes has been showing up each week, slipping off his shoes — he prefers playing in socks — and running through three-hour solo sessions to keep things moving. “Problems may develop like a note sticking,” he said. “When that happens I notify Harrison & Harrison and it’s normally a matter of poking out a bit of dust or something and then it’s fine again.” Among the many stories uncovered during the restoration was one from 1909, when suffragettes hid inside one of the organ’s earlier incarnations overnight to disrupt a political speech, calling for women’s right to vote. Looking ahead, the organ’s revival isn’t just about concerts. Bristol Beacon is launching community events to bring more people into contact with the instrument. In February, members of the public — including those with no stage experience — will be invited to join a choir and perform live with the organ. A new scholarship programme is also in place to train young musicians in the art of organ playing. Three of them — Joshua, Christopher (both 15), and Jenna, 13 — visited the Beacon this week to hear the organ up close. “It sounds marvellous,” said Christopher. Jenna, who also plays piano, clarinet, and drums, was captivated. “It’s got lots of buttons, stops. It’s fun to play.” Simon Wales, the Bristol Beacon’s chief executive, called the organ a “restored jewel.” “Its history is woven deeply into the cultural life of Bristol,” he said. “The new sound is colossal.”
Score (95)
Study Suggests Single 10-Minute Workout Could Lower Deadly Cancer Risk
A quick burst of exercise might do more than boost your mood — it could help your body fight off colon cancer. That’s the takeaway from new research out of Newcastle University, where scientists found that a single 10-minute workout can trigger changes in the bloodstream that slow the growth of colon cancer cells in lab tests. The study looked at 30 healthy adults, aged 50 to 78, who completed a short, high-intensity cycling session lasting just over 10 minutes. Blood samples taken immediately after the workout were then applied to colon cancer cells in the lab. What researchers found was striking. “Exercise altered the activity of more than 1,000 genes in colon cancer cells,” said Samuel T. Orange, an associate professor at Newcastle University and one of the study’s authors. Not only did the cancer cells show slowed growth, but their ability to repair DNA damage improved — a process often disrupted in cancer cells. “These findings show that exercise rapidly triggers molecular changes in the bloodstream that can act directly on colon cancer cells,” Orange told Fox News Digital. “It reshapes gene activity and supports DNA damage repair.” The effect appears to come from molecules known as “exerkines” — substances released into the blood during exercise that act as chemical messengers, sending signals throughout the body. These signals may help the body fight off a variety of diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. According to Orange, the results highlight the power of even small amounts of movement. “Exercise doesn't need to last hours or happen in a gym. Every movement matters,” he said. The study does come with caveats. The research was conducted using colon cancer cells grown in a lab, not in living patients. Scientists say more work is needed to understand how these findings translate to people diagnosed with cancer. “These findings now need to be replicated in people with cancer,” Orange noted. “We also need to better understand the longer-term effects of repeated exercise signals over time.” Still, the results add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that physical activity plays a meaningful role in cancer prevention. Even a single short workout, researchers say, may be enough to kickstart beneficial biological processes. “Each time you move your body and get a little breathless,” Orange said, “you’re contributing to better health and may help influence biological processes linked to bowel cancer.”