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Score (98)
This Music Festival Donates 100% of Its Profits to Charity
The M3F Festival in Phoenix, Arizona is breaking the norm of music festivals by giving back to the community. As a registered nonprofit, it donates 100% of its proceeds to charity, with $4.4 million donated since 2004 and $2 million donated since 2022. The festival's focus on community collaboration and sustainability sets it apart from others, allowing attendees to enjoy good music while making a positive impact on the world.
Score (97)
Harvard Dropout Raises $6.6M to Launch His AI Smart Glasses Startup
Caine Ardayfio left Harvard at 22 with a bold idea and a big bet on the future of AI — and now he’s raised $6.6 million to bring it to life. The African American tech entrepreneur is the co-founder of Mira, a startup that builds AI-powered smart glasses designed to make artificial intelligence a natural part of daily conversations. With early backing from General Catalyst and a vision to reach one million users within three years, Ardayfio is aiming to redefine how people interact with technology — one conversation at a time. Mira’s glasses don’t capture video and aren’t designed for flashy AR overlays. Instead, they focus entirely on audio. Worn like normal frames, they can listen, respond, translate languages, do quick math, remember key moments, and even suggest helpful follow-ups — all powered by AI. “It’s literally like a system that’s with you 24/7,” Ardayfio told AfroTech. “It’s with you during all of your conversations.” The glasses use built-in speakers to provide responses, and a sleek wearable ring lets users activate the AI or take calls. Users can review their daily conversations in the Mira app, where audio is deleted instantly but transcripts are saved for reference. Custom AI settings let users tailor how the assistant behaves. Retailing at $649 for non-prescription and $799 for prescription models, Mira’s early adopters include executives and business owners using the glasses to track meetings and recall important info. Calendar and email integrations are next on the roadmap. Ardayfio’s journey to Mira began back in eighth grade, when his father introduced him to coding. By high school, he had already launched a mental health startup inspired by his sister, raised $100,000 in funding, and hired a team. Those early lessons in building and pitching laid the foundation for his current venture. At Harvard, he met Mira co-founder AnhPhu Nguyen in the campus makerspace. The pair bonded over their love of hardware and wild side projects — building flamethrowers, robotic tentacles, and early versions of smart glasses. Their videos racked up more than 80 million views online, and eventually, the idea for Mira stuck. With $6.6 million now in hand, Mira plans to invest heavily in software, AI, and improving the glasses’ design. The first 300 pairs have already shipped, with another 1,000 expected by January. While other companies are experimenting with smart glasses, Ardayfio believes Mira stands apart by focusing on utility and reliability over novelty. “It’s not about having a screen in front of your face,” he said. “It’s about having something that helps you in real time — with the people around you, with your work, and with your life.” The goal is to make Mira’s AI assistant feel like a natural extension of yourself — always listening, ready to help, and fully embedded in the flow of everyday life.
Score (96)
A New Building Material is Pulling Carbon from the Air Instead of Releasing It
A team of researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has created a construction material that doesn’t just lower carbon emissions — it removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Called Enzymatic Structural Material (ESM), the innovation could be a game-changer for the building industry, which is under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. ESM is strong, recyclable, and fast-curing, and it sequesters carbon during its production. The findings were published in Matter, a leading journal focused on materials science. The project was led by Nima Rahbar, head of WPI’s Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering. His team engineered ESM using an enzyme that triggers a chemical reaction to convert atmospheric CO2 into solid mineral particles. These particles are then bonded together and shaped into structural forms — all under mild conditions. “Concrete is the most widely used construction material on the planet, and its production accounts for nearly 8% of global CO2 emissions,” Rahbar said. “What our team has developed is a practical, scalable alternative that doesn't just reduce emissions — it actually captures carbon.” In terms of numbers, the difference is stark. Producing just one cubic meter of conventional concrete emits about 330 kilograms of carbon dioxide. ESM, on the other hand, removes more than 6 kilograms of CO2 for every cubic meter produced. Unlike concrete, which requires extremely high temperatures and can take weeks to fully cure, ESM sets within hours. It also allows for adjustable strength and full recyclability. According to the researchers, these traits make ESM suitable for a wide range of real-world applications, including roof decks, wall panels, and prefabricated modular structures. It’s also repairable — another advantage that could lead to lower long-term costs and reduce landfill waste in the construction sector. Rahbar believes the implications go well beyond green building. “If even a fraction of global construction shifts toward carbon-negative materials like ESM, the impact could be enormous,” he said. Because ESM is made using low-energy processes and renewable biological inputs, it fits well with goals around climate-resilient infrastructure and circular manufacturing. The material could be especially useful for affordable housing projects or rebuilding efforts after natural disasters, where speed and environmental impact are critical factors. The team at WPI hopes the development of ESM will serve as a model for how science can move the needle on climate solutions — not just by limiting harm, but by reversing it.
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Score (98)
Breast Cancer Survivor Undergoes UAE’s First Robotic-Assisted Breast Reconstruction
In a breakthrough for women’s health in the UAE, a breast cancer survivor in Abu Dhabi has become the first patient in the country to undergo robotic-assisted breast reconstruction surgery. The operation, performed at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, marks a major milestone in reconstructive surgery, offering a minimally invasive and highly precise alternative for breast cancer survivors seeking natural-looking results with reduced recovery time. Led by Dr Raffi Gurunian, Dr Ahmad Matalkah, and Dr Mario Cherubino, the procedure was carried out by a multidisciplinary team that included breast and plastic surgeons, anaesthetists, and nursing staff. Using robotic tools, the team harvested tissue from the patient’s abdomen through small incisions, preserving the underlying muscle — a significant advantage over traditional methods. The harvested tissue was then used to reconstruct the breast, resulting in a more natural look and feel. “The robotic system allows us to work with enhanced accuracy and minimises many of the side effects,” said Dr Gurunian, who heads the plastic surgery section at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. “It was a complex, high-precision surgery that was completed with no complications. We believe this represents the future of reconstructive surgery.” The robotic-assisted approach gave surgeons a 3D view of the operative field and access to instruments capable of delicate movement, allowing them to carefully handle blood vessels and limit trauma. For the patient, this meant less postoperative pain and a shorter recovery period compared to standard surgery. The patient had previously undergone a mastectomy as part of her breast cancer treatment. Once confirmed as a suitable candidate, doctors opted for the robotic-assisted method instead of the conventional Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap procedure, which, while considered the gold standard in breast reconstruction, typically involves longer incisions, more post-surgical pain, and a higher risk of complications like hernia or abdominal weakness. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally and remains the leading cancer affecting women in the UAE. While many survivors choose reconstruction following mastectomy, the Cleveland Clinic team believes this advancement could change how that path looks for future patients. “It is incredibly rewarding to be a part of something this big and make it happen here for the first time ever in the UAE,” said Dr Gurunian. The procedure not only opens the door for similar surgeries in the region but also positions the UAE at the forefront of innovation in women’s health and surgical care.
Score (98)
This Nigerian Chef Earned a Third Guinness World Record for the Largest Serving of Rice
Nigerian chef Hilda Baci has officially claimed her third Guinness World Records title — this time, for the largest serving of rice ever cooked. Guinness confirmed that the 8,780-kilogram dish prepared by Baci and food brand Gino in September 2025 didn’t just qualify as the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice, but also set the global record for the largest rice serving of any kind. The milestone was achieved on Victoria Island, Lagos, and recognized in an email sent by Guinness World Records on January 20. “The largest serving of rice is 8,780 kg (19,356 lb, 9 oz) and was achieved by Hilda Baci and Gino (all Nigeria), in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria, on 12 September 2025,” Guinness officially stated. The record was first announced last year as a celebration of jollof rice, one of West Africa’s most iconic dishes. But it turns out the feat went even further. Baci shared the update on social media, posting a screenshot of the congratulatory email she received from Andrew Fanning, Head of Client Partnering at Guinness. The message confirmed the rice cook met criteria for both the regional and overall categories. “It was shocking and emotional,” Baci said of the unexpected recognition. She credited her team and business partner for helping make the moment possible. This marks Baci’s third entry into the record books. She first broke through in May 2023 when she cooked non-stop for over 93 hours, setting the record for the longest individual cooking marathon. She followed that with her jollof rice achievement in September 2025. Now, with a third title under her belt, Baci stands as one of the most decorated culinary figures in Nigeria — and a global ambassador for the country’s vibrant food culture.
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New Study Reveals Human Heart Tissue Can Regenerate After A Heart Attack
For decades, it’s been widely accepted that the human heart can’t repair itself after a heart attack. Unlike other tissues in the body, damaged heart muscle was believed to be lost for good—replaced with scar tissue that can’t beat or pump blood. But new research out of Australia is challenging that long-held assumption. Scientists at the University of Sydney have now found that human heart muscle cells, known as cardiomyocytes, do in fact show signs of regeneration after a heart attack. “Our research shows that while the heart is left scarred after a heart attack, it produces new muscle cells, which opens up new possibilities,” said cardiologist Robert Hume, the study’s first author. The study, published in Circulation Research, looked at living human heart tissue from two sources: an entire donated heart from a brain-dead individual, and tissue samples taken during bypass surgery from other patients. The team analyzed RNA (the molecules that help cells build proteins), as well as proteins and metabolic activity in the samples. They found clear signs that, even after damage from a heart attack, human cardiomyocytes can divide—something previously seen mostly in mice, which are known to have partial heart regeneration abilities. In humans, this cell division had been assumed to be too limited to make any meaningful difference. “This new discovery of regrowing muscle cells is exciting,” said Hume. “But it isn’t enough to prevent the devastating effects of a heart attack. Therefore, in time, we hope to develop therapies that can amplify the heart’s natural ability to produce new cells and regenerate the heart after an attack.” Currently, when oxygen flow is cut off during a heart attack, it kills parts of the heart muscle. The body responds by creating inelastic scar tissue. While that might keep the organ structurally intact, it also reduces its pumping efficiency—raising the risk of further heart damage and failure. Hume’s team also studied the cellular environment in the damaged areas of the heart, identifying specific genes, proteins, and metabolites that appear to trigger cell division. These findings line up with similar regenerative mechanisms observed in rodent models. The next step is finding ways to boost this natural response. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death globally, and any breakthrough in regenerative therapy could transform treatment for millions of people. While this study doesn’t offer an immediate solution, it suggests that the heart may be more capable of healing itself than previously thought—and that medicine may just need to give it a little extra push.
Score (96)
Medieval Treasure Found in School Library: Only Complete Copy of 14th-Century Spiritual Text Found
A quiet school library in England has been holding a literary treasure for more than 400 years—without anyone fully realizing its worth. Shrewsbury School recently confirmed that a manuscript in its Ancient Library is the only surviving complete version of Emendatio vitae (The Emending of Life), written by the influential 14th-century English hermit and theologian Richard Rolle. The revelation came after medieval literature specialist Dr. Timothy Glover, working at the University of Cambridge, identified the text as Rolle’s full original. Although more than 120 abridged versions of the work have circulated over the centuries, the Shrewsbury copy is now confirmed to be the only one preserving the complete, unedited manuscript. Glover, who described the discovery as “priceless,” said he was likely “the only person since the Middle Ages to have read [the book]” knowing it was Rolle’s original. The find offers rare insight into early Christian spirituality and English literary development. “This is important because it offers a direct connection with an author who deserves far greater recognition,” said Glover. Originally gifted to Shrewsbury School in 1607, the manuscript has remained in the school’s care ever since. According to the University of Cambridge, the text gives “unique insights into how Rolle worked, disseminated his writing and who his initial reader was.” Rolle, who lived in Yorkshire and died in 1349, was one of the most prolific English writers of the medieval period. Over 650 manuscripts of his works survive, but none until now had been confirmed to preserve Emendatio vitae in its entirety. The book outlines Rolle’s spiritual path in 12 stages, beginning with a turn away from worldly matters and towards divine contemplation. He also offers guidance on prayer, meditation, virtue, and resisting sin—typical of the Christian devotional literature of his time, but unusually personal in tone. Shrewsbury headmaster Leo Winkley called it an “extraordinary discovery.” “We are honoured to be the custodians of the original and only surviving complete version of Richard Rolle's Emendatio vitae,” he said. For a text that had quietly sat on a shelf for centuries, it’s a remarkable return to the spotlight for one of medieval England’s most significant voices.
Score (98)
This Figure Skating-STEM School Empowers Girls Of Color As Changemakers
In a neighborhood where ice rinks are few and figure skaters even fewer, one organization is making sure girls of color in Harlem get their shot at lacing up skates and taking to the ice — without having to break the bank. Figure Skating in Harlem (FSH) is a nonprofit that offers subsidized skating lessons to girls who are typically underrepresented in the sport. But this isn’t just about jumps and spins. The program also includes academic tutoring, leadership training, college and career prep, and a focus on social-emotional learning. And it's been doing it for nearly 30 years. “Our students live in the real world, and at FSH, they are changemakers,” said founder and CEO Sharon Cohen in an interview with Beyond Sport. “They are encouraged to use their voices effectively and to persuasively fight injustices; simply by participating in a predominantly white sport, they are on the vanguard of equity issues.” While the cost of gear, ice time, and coaching keeps many families out of figure skating, FSH is working to remove those barriers with a sliding scale for tuition. The group also creates space for activism and civic engagement, helping girls connect what they do on the ice with the world around them. For almost two decades, FSH has hosted competitive synchronized skating events, creating an environment where girls can compete, grow, and lead — all within a sport that hasn’t historically reflected their identities or experiences. The impact is measurable. According to the organization, 84 percent of students move up a skating test level, while 90 percent improve their STEM knowledge through the program. Beyond numbers, families say the transformation goes much deeper. “FHS is the best program for the young ladies of Harlem,” said Allison Neal Springett, a parent. “Self-esteem building, team building, and social awareness — the opportunity afforded [to] them is amazing.” The students' stories even made it to the screen in Harlem Ice, a five-part docuseries on Disney+, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at how the sport is being reimagined through the lens of equity and inclusion. In Harlem, skating isn’t just a sport. It’s a tool for empowerment — and a path toward leadership, confidence, and lasting change.
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How a Toronto Community Rallied to Save This Beloved Mall Cobbler’s Business
For more than two decades, Alazar Beyene has quietly mended soles and stitched zippers in the back corner of Toronto’s Dufferin Mall. His shop, Moneysworth and Best Quality Shoe Repair, isn’t flashy. But for many in the west-end neighborhood, it’s been a small haven of honesty and craftsmanship. Then, last month, it all nearly unraveled. Beyene’s industrial patching machine—a core piece of equipment in his cobbling business—broke down. At more than 50 years old, it was irreplaceable. The Montreal-based company that built it no longer services machines that old, and a new one would cost close to $10,000. “This (machine) is my right hand,” Beyene told CTV News Toronto. “If I have a broken strap on a bag, if I need to change zippers on boots, or put elastics on sandals, it all needs stitching.” Without it, the Eritrean-born immigrant couldn’t offer many of the repairs that kept his shop running. He pivoted to focus on key cutting instead. But loyal customers weren’t ready to let him go. Marsha Shandur was one of them. “I came in to get my zipper fixed and he told me he couldn’t,” said Shandur, who’s been bringing items to Beyene for years. “Then he told me it would cost $10,000 to fix. I told him I wished I had $10,000 to give him.” Instead, she launched a GoFundMe. “We’re in the Dufferin Mall, a sea of multi-billion dollar international companies,” she said. “So I thought, maybe the community might help.” And they did—fast. In less than a month, the online fundraiser brought in nearly the full amount needed to source a replacement. A new patching machine is already on order from Germany. The outpouring surprised even Beyene, who was initially skeptical of the whole thing. When Shandur first proposed the fundraiser, he asked her if it was even legal. What followed was a wave of generosity that extended far beyond Dufferin Mall. Donations came in from across Canada and even as far as Texas, California, and Thailand. “The love and support they showed me—I understand how much they appreciate my service,” Beyene said. For Shandur, the response has been a needed reminder of what community can look like. “It’s very easy to feel depressed right now,” she said. “Depressed about the way people are treating each other. But something like this shows that people are still willing to help a stranger because there is good. There’s still humanity left. There’s still empathy. We still care about each other.” Part of what’s made Beyene’s shop so valued is his honesty. Shandur recalled a time she brought in a pair of shoes for repair. Beyene wouldn’t take her money. “He told me he wouldn’t fix them because the mend wouldn’t last,” she said. “I took them somewhere else and they mended it for $30, but it broke in one week.” Now, with the new machine on its way, Beyene’s business is poised to return to full strength. And any donations raised above the goal won’t go to waste. He and Shandur plan to donate the extra funds to the Maquila Solidarity Network, a Canadian organization that supports workers’ rights in the global garment and footwear industries. For Beyene, it’s a way to give back—one stitch at a time.
Score (97)
Can Elephants Reveal The Secret To Amazing Coffee?
The secret behind the smooth, chocolatey flavor of Black Ivory coffee may lie in one unlikely place: elephant poop. A new study published in Scientific Reports suggests that the unique taste of Black Ivory coffee could be shaped by the gut bacteria of Asian elephants. Researchers in Japan found that specific microbes in the elephants’ digestive systems break down bitter compounds found in coffee beans—essentially pre-processing them before they’re ever roasted. Black Ivory coffee is among the rarest and most expensive coffees in the world. Produced exclusively at a sanctuary in Thailand, it’s made by feeding elephants unprocessed coffee cherries. The beans are later collected from their feces, cleaned, and roasted. It might sound unappetizing, but the flavor is renowned. Compared to kopi luwak—another high-end coffee produced using civets—Black Ivory is considered smoother and less bitter. And now scientists think they know why. “Our previous study revealed that Gluconobacter was the dominant genus in the gut of civet cats, and it may produce volatile compounds from the coffee beans, suggesting that microbial metabolism contributes to the coffee aroma,” said genomicist Takuji Yamada of the Institute of Science Tokyo. “These findings raised the question of whether the gut microbiome of elephants similarly influences the flavor of Black Ivory coffee.” To explore the idea, Yamada and his colleagues collected fecal samples from six elephants at the Thai sanctuary—three that had been fed the coffee cherries and three that hadn’t. Aside from the addition of bananas, rice bran, and coffee cherries to the “coffee group,” the animals’ diets were identical. When they analyzed the samples, the researchers found that the coffee-eating elephants had higher levels of gut microbes capable of breaking down cellulose and pectin—plant compounds that contribute to coffee’s bitterness when roasted. Some of these bacteria were completely absent from the control group. Coffee's bitterness partly comes from compounds released when pectin and cellulose break down during roasting. A 2018 study found that Black Ivory beans have significantly less of one of these bitter compounds, 2-furfuryl furan, than typical roasted beans. The new study suggests the microbes in elephant guts may be stripping away those bitterness-producing compounds before roasting ever begins. To test whether this microbial mix is unique to elephants, the researchers compared the samples with existing data from the gut microbiomes of cattle, pigs, and chickens. While some bacteria overlapped, only the elephants had the full set of microbes needed to break down both cellulose and pectin effectively. “Our findings may highlight a potential molecular mechanism by which the gut microbiota of Black Ivory coffee elephants contributes to the flavor of Black Ivory coffee,” Yamada said. The next step? Testing the beans themselves. Researchers want to conduct a biochemical analysis of the coffee beans before and after they pass through the elephant’s digestive tract to confirm the gut microbes’ exact role in shaping the final flavor. For now, the idea that the most luxurious cup of coffee on Earth may owe its rich, mellow taste to the digestive enzymes of an elephant is more than just a quirky fact—it could be a microbial marvel.
Score (97)
This Region Topped England’s Treasure Charts as a Record Number of Finds Were Unearthed
More treasure was discovered in Norfolk than anywhere else in England last year, according to new figures released by the British Museum. Metal detectorists in the county reported 138 items officially classed as treasure in 2024, putting Norfolk ahead of Hampshire (110) and North Yorkshire (109). When all archaeological finds are counted—not just treasure—Norfolk again topped the list with more than 7,120 discoveries. Dr Helen Geake, the county’s finds liaison officer, said Norfolk’s consistent success comes down to “a combination of factors.” “It’s the agricultural land, we’ve got a big treasure team in Norfolk, and we’ve got loads and loads of detectorists,” she explained. “It was also a rich county before the Industrial Revolution, going back years. We’ve been rich since the beginning, and a lot of rich people are careless; they’re less likely to look for the stuff they’ve lost.” Other counties with high find counts included Suffolk (5,410), Lincolnshire (5,133), and Gloucestershire (5,034). The British Museum said over 92% of objects were recovered from cultivated land, where archaeological materials are especially vulnerable to damage from farming. Among the standout items recorded through the Portable Antiquities Scheme in 2024 was a Roman copper-alloy vehicle fitting discovered near Harlow, Essex. Dating from between AD 43 and 200, the intricately designed artefact depicts a female panther with its paws on a severed head. Archaeologist Dr John Pearce from King's College London said “there is nothing quite like it in Romano-Britain.” “It was probably attached to the body of a carriage or to the yoke, which hitched draught animals to the vehicle,” added Lori Rogerson, Essex’s finds liaison officer. “The Harlow fitting will quickly become one of Essex’s most iconic archaeological objects.” The item was declared treasure under new rules introduced to the Treasure Act 1996, which now allows for historically significant items to qualify, even if they don’t meet traditional thresholds for age or material. Another rare discovery came near York, where a hoard of 179 silver pennies from the reign of Harold II was found. Experts believe the coins were buried just before the Battle of Fulford in 1066, when Norwegian forces briefly captured York. The museum described the hoard as “exceptional” because it only contains coins from Harold’s brief reign, which lasted from 6 January to 14 October that year. Wiltshire also yielded some early medieval finds that may be linked to a high-status burial. The objects include gold rings, ornate metalwork, and a bird’s-head terminal made from silver, gold, garnet, and elephant ivory. Cardiff University will lead a follow-up excavation with the Portable Antiquities Scheme in the coming months. One of Norfolk’s more unusual treasures was a pierced gold coin, thought to have been worn as a pendant. It’s an imitation of a coin struck for Louis the Pious, the Frankish king and Holy Roman Emperor between AD 814 and 840. Geake said researchers had assumed such coins were made by Frisians, but growing evidence suggests they may actually be Viking in origin. “We tend to feel Vikings are violent barbarians and not likely to imitate beautiful, civilised European coins,” she said. “But they are highly experienced in precious metals and have an eye for beautiful objects as they pillage them.” In total, 79,616 finds were recorded in 2024—a sharp rise from 74,506 the year before and 53,490 in 2022. Metal detectorists continue to account for 94% of all reported discoveries. Ian Richardson, acting head of portable antiquities and treasure at the British Museum, called the increase “a testament to the dedication of finders across the country.” “Their responsible reporting allows us to build a richer and more detailed picture of life in the past, while ensuring that important objects are preserved for public benefit,” he said. Culture Minister Baroness Twycross praised the network of finders, landowners, museums, and researchers involved in the process. “Thanks to the finders, landowners, museums and everyone involved in the treasure process, we have the rare opportunity to display these treasures to educate and inspire future generations to come,” she said.