The Solar Eclipse Gave Astronomers An Unprecedented Window Into What Drives Space Weather

Astronomers captured detailed images of the Sun during Monday's solar eclipse using the Goldstone Apple Valley Radio Telescope in California. The telescope revealed magnetic field details that could help predict dangerous solar flares heading towards Earth. This data is crucial for understanding and preparing for potential space weather disruptions caused by solar emissions. Scientists are excited about the new insights gained from studying the Sun during eclipses, as they work towards mapping its activity.

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How Prairie Farmers are Saving Our Most Threatened Ecosystem

A few months after wildfire tore across May Ranch in Lamar, Colorado, Dallas May spotted the first signs of recovery: thin shoots of grass poking through blackened soil. “It was a moonscape,” May said of the aftermath. “Everything was charred and gone.” The 2022 fire, driven by winds up to 113 km/h, killed livestock, burned 42 miles (68 km) of fencing, and wiped out vegetation along the creek. But soon, the land revealed its resilience. Needle-and-thread grass, a species May had barely noticed before, began to sprout. Over time, other grasses emerged from seeds stored in the soil. “We had an entire natural seed bank,” he said. For decades, May and his family have managed their ranch to allow native habitat to thrive alongside cattle. That balance is increasingly rare on the Great Plains, one of the most threatened ecosystems on Earth. Less than 40 percent of the region’s 550 million acres of historical grasslands remain, and about two million acres vanish each year to cropland or development. Ranching, when managed carefully, can help preserve what is left. Grazing cattle suppress woody plants and invasives, and mimic the ecological role bison once played. “Grazing is probably one of the most essential functions that you need to appropriately manage grassland,” said Rich Schultheis of Playa Lakes Joint Venture, a bird conservation group. Without ranchers, he added, “we would be in such a worse place.” The loss of prairie has been devastating for wildlife. Populations of grassland birds have plunged by 53 percent since 1970, a decline of 700 million birds. With only 21 percent of Great Plains grasslands never disturbed, protecting intact habitat is critical. Unlike farming, ranching typically leaves native vegetation untouched. That suits the grasses, which evolved with regular disturbance from fire and grazing. May’s family runs about 600 mother cows — roughly half the number the land could support. The smaller herd means less pressure on the grass, and more left over for wildlife. “If you allow the cattle to be part of the ecology, rather than dominating it, they are a benefit to it,” May said. But raising fewer cattle cuts into profits. May has filled the gap through conservation partnerships. He placed a conservation easement on the ranch, giving up rights to future development in exchange for tax credits. The decision, once controversial among ranchers, gave the family long-term security. “When the solution comes from a community, the solution is more durable,” said Maggie Hanna, who leads the Central Grasslands Roadmap Initiative. The ranch also participates in Ducks Unlimited’s carbon credit program and is certified bird-friendly by the National Audubon Society, which puts its label on beef from participating ranches. “We need to be able to keep ranchers ranching, and the only way to do that is through their finances,” said Audubon program manager Dusty Downey. Evidence suggests these approaches pay off. Grazed land retains more moisture, making it more drought resilient, Downey noted. Botanists have documented 248 plant species on May Ranch, including 50 types of grasses. Endangered black-footed ferrets have begun breeding there, and rare birds like the eastern black rail migrate through its wetlands. Still, challenges remain. May has worked on reintroducing lesser prairie chickens, but broader habitat loss has stymied success. And recovery from the fire has been difficult. The loss of fencing disrupted his breeding program for pure-bred Limousin cattle, costing the ranch income. Even so, signs of renewal encourage him. Beavers that vanished after the fire returned to rebuild dams once water flowed again. Grass now carpets fields that were once ash. “To me, that is the key to sustainability,” May said. “Keeping things there where they can recover on their own.”

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How the Mediterranean Diet Reduces Risk of Gum Disease and Dementia

Eating like a Mediterranean might be your ticket to healthier gums and, in turn, a healthier life. A new study has found that following the Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of gum disease, which is linked with inflammation and could lead to chronic diseases such as dementia. Dr. Andrew Freeman from National Jewish Health in Denver explains the connection: "Periodontal or gum health is associated with cardiovascular disease; they're interconnected." Inflammation plays a big role here. It can lead to vascular diseases where blood vessels narrow or get blocked, affecting organs like the brain, kidneys, and heart. Vascular dementia is one of the most common forms of cognitive decline after Alzheimer's disease. The Mediterranean diet helps keep inflammation down, says Freeman. But he cautions against adopting an Americanized version laden with lamb and feta cheese. Instead, it should be plant-heavy, focusing on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, seeds, nuts, and olive oil. This eating style has been praised for reducing risks associated with diabetes, high cholesterol, memory loss, depression, and breast cancer. It's less about strict restrictions and more about a lifestyle change that includes social eating experiences and exercise. The study published in the Journal of Periodontology examined 200 participants in the UK. Researchers conducted dental exams and took blood samples while participants completed dietary questionnaires. Dr. Luigi Nibali from King’s College London noted that those who consumed more red meat had more severe periodontal disease due to higher levels of inflammatory markers like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Nibali pointed out that people consuming more vegetables and legumes had lower levels of CRP. Additionally, chewing foods such as green leafy vegetables can contribute to healthy teeth by improving bacterial health in the mouth. Freeman emphasizes this point: “It’s certainly a good reminder to pay attention to your teeth.” By aligning your diet with overall body health through Mediterranean principles, you not only benefit your teeth but potentially every part of your body.

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Japan Celebrates Record-Breaking 100,000 Centenarians

Japan just hit a milestone in longevity, announcing that the number of people aged 100 or older has reached nearly 100,000. As of September, there are 99,763 centenarians living in Japan, marking the 55th consecutive year this record has been set. Women make up an overwhelming 88 percent of this group. Japan is known for having the longest life expectancy globally and frequently hosts the world's oldest living individuals. Currently, Shigeko Kagawa from Yamatokoriyama holds the title of Japan’s oldest person at 114 years old. Meanwhile, Kiyotaka Mizuno is recognized as the oldest man at age 111. Health Minister Takamaro Fukoka acknowledged these centenarians for their contributions to society over many years. "Gratitude for their many years of contributions to the development of society" was expressed by Fukoka during this announcement. This information comes just before Japan celebrates Elderly Day on September 15, a national holiday where new centenarians receive a congratulatory letter and silver cup from the prime minister. This year, 52,310 individuals are eligible for these honors. Back in the 1960s, Japan had the lowest proportion of people aged over 100 among G7 countries. That landscape has drastically changed over decades. In 1963, only 153 Japanese citizens were recorded as being aged 100 or older when government surveys began. By 1981, that number increased to 1,000 and surged to 10,000 by 1998. Experts attribute this impressive longevity primarily to lower rates of heart disease and common cancers like breast and prostate cancer. The traditional Japanese diet plays a significant role here; it’s low in red meat but rich in fish and vegetables. Obesity rates are particularly low among women in Japan compared to other nations. While sugar and salt consumption rose worldwide over recent decades, Japan moved in another direction thanks to successful public health campaigns encouraging reduced salt intake. But it isn’t all about diet; staying active also contributes significantly to longer lives in Japan. Older adults often walk more and use public transport more than their counterparts elsewhere. A cultural staple since 1928 is Radio Taiso—a daily three-minute group exercise routine broadcast nationwide—that helps keep people moving while fostering community spirit.

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The Incredible Story of How Two Kayakers Rescued a Stranded Beluga Whale

When Mateo Niclas set out for a fishing trip in Alaska, catching a stranded beluga whale wasn't on his agenda. But that's exactly what he found along the edge of Turnagain Arm, a notorious spot near Anchorage known for fast tides and treacherous mudflats. A large white shape caught his eye, half-buried in the muck. It was a beluga whale, stuck in glacial silt as the tide receded. The situation was dire. Belugas don't fare well when stranded; their massive bodies press down on their lungs and dehydration becomes an immediate threat. This particular whale weighed over 1,360 kilograms and was sinking deeper into the mud with each passing minute. Without waiting for help, Mateo and another kayaker paddled over to the animal. They knew time was not on their side. Armed with buckets and whatever gear they had on hand, they began pouring water over the whale to keep it cool, while trying not to scare it. Within about ten minutes, more kayakers and fishermen arrived to assist. Before long, eight men were gathered around the beleaguered beluga. They fashioned a small rope around its tail to help reposition it—careful not to cause harm—and coordinated their efforts to push and pull the whale toward safety. Slowly but surely, they managed to inch the animal forward until it started moving under its own power. Suddenly, as if sensing freedom within reach, the rope slipped off just as the water became deep enough for the beluga to swim away. In an instant, it disappeared into deeper waters without looking back. While this story ended well, experts later advised against attempting such rescues without professional guidance. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries in Alaska stressed that stranded marine mammals require trained care. Wildlife officials recommend reporting strandings immediately rather than intervening personally.

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This Teen is Marking 5 Years of Reading to Kids with Disabilities

What started as a way to bring joy during the pandemic has turned into something much bigger and much more lasting for Asher Rosenfeld and the children he reads with every week. In the fall of 2020, at just 12 years old, Asher launched Audibles with Asher, a weekly reading program over Zoom for children and young adults with special needs. He wanted to offer them routine, connection, and something to look forward to during the uncertainty of COVID lockdowns. Five years later, the now 17-year-old Upper West Side teen is still showing up — reading books, building friendships, and reminding everyone what consistency and kindness can do. “The same kids I started reading with at the start of seventh grade I am reading with again at the start of my senior year,” Asher said. “We grew up together and have developed incredibly meaningful relationships with each other throughout these years.” And while the sessions began with storybooks, it’s clear the real magic lies between the pages. “Over time, I’ve realized it’s not actually about the books,” he said. “It’s about the connection that happens while we’re reading and hanging out. That’s the part that’s stuck and the part that matters most to me.” Audibles with Asher is fully virtual, making it accessible to every participant — no matter their mobility, health condition, or location. Asher reads one-on-one to each child, then ships them their own copy of the book. Titles like I Broke My Trunk! by Mo Willems are particular favorites. Parents say the sessions have been nothing short of life-changing. “Asher is so kind and reads beautifully to my girls,” said one mom, Karen. “[They] ask if they can do it all the time!” This year, Asher partnered with the nonprofit Friendship Circle, which works to foster greater inclusion and awareness for individuals with special needs. The collaboration is helping expand the reach of the program and inspire more teens to get involved. “Reading brings the imagination to life; it takes us beyond our everyday world and brings us into someone else’s — which is so special and so cool,” Asher said. “I love to read and I’m thrilled to be able to share my passion reading one-on-one and connecting over stories that we can enjoy together.” For the kids he reads with, Asher is more than a reading buddy. He’s a friend who’s been there week after week, year after year. And for Asher, the experience has been a masterclass in empathy, connection, and what it means to show up for others. “It’s not just a project anymore,” he said. “It’s part of my life — and theirs.”

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He Completed an Epic 3,700-Mile UK Walk for Charity, Raising Over £15,000 — Here's Why

Two years, 3,714 miles, and countless steps later, Dickie Mackness has completed a monumental journey around the UK — all in memory of a young girl he never met. Mackness, from Lower Swell near Stow-on-the-Wold in Gloucestershire, crossed the finish line of The Big Coastal Walk in Hythe, Kent on 6 September, marking the end of an epic 5,977-kilometre trek that began in 2021. The walk raised more than £15,000 for The Evie Dove Foundation, a charity created in honour of 13-year-old Evie Dove, who died in 2022 after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. “This journey has been about so much more than miles – it’s been about courage, kindness, and community,” said Mackness. “Walking in Evie’s name has been an honour, and I’m so proud to have played a part in helping the foundation continue its vital work.” His route included the length of Hadrian’s Wall, the south coast of England, and remote stretches of Wales. Along the way, he received donations from strangers and through an online fundraising page — but the experience was far from easy. Wearing pink every day — Evie’s favourite colour — Mackness walked through storms and setbacks. At one point, he suffered a serious fall that left him concussed on a cliff edge. He also got stranded on the Isle of Skye and battled an Achilles tendon injury that nearly ended the trek. “I just said, ‘I’m going to complete this, even if it’s on my mother-in-law’s mobility scooter,’” he joked. The Evie Dove Foundation, which aims to improve outcomes for children with serious or long-term illnesses, said Mackness’s efforts will fund specialist training for children’s healthcare professionals across the UK. “His determination and resilience have been nothing short of inspiring,” said Kelly Terranova, the foundation’s marketing manager. “His efforts have made a huge difference to the foundation.” Since its launch, the charity has supported more than 180 healthcare workers. Now, thanks to one man’s long walk and one young girl’s legacy, that number is set to grow.

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Black Pudding vs. Yorkshire: This World Championship Throwdown Ignites a Centuries-Old Rivalry

Hundreds gathered in the village of Ramsbottom, Bury, to witness one of Britain’s most unusual sporting events: the Black Pudding Throwing World Championships. Outside The Oak pub in Greater Manchester, competitors from across the UK — and as far as Japan — took aim at a 20-foot-high ledge, attempting to knock down Yorkshire puddings using traditional black puddings. The rules are simple: throw three blood sausages, and see how many puds you can knock off. The results? Often hilarious, sometimes impressive, always messy. The event taps into a centuries-old Lancashire vs. Yorkshire rivalry, with roots stretching back to the 15th century. According to local legend, during the War of the Roses in 1455, rival soldiers who ran out of ammunition resorted to flinging food — notably black pudding and Yorkshire puddings — at one another. The modern-day contest has been running for over a century and was revived in the 1980s. It’s now a staple of the town’s calendar, drawing big crowds and even bigger throws. Among those hoping to defend their title this year was 19-year-old Harry Ogden of Salford, who won last year's competition by knocking down six Yorkshire puddings. “I’m hoping to retain my crown,” Ogden said. With sausage-lobbing precision and local pride on the line, Ramsbottom once again proved that when it comes to strange British traditions, it’s hard to top black pudding warfare.

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Stephen Curry Reveals Life Lessons Behind the Photos in His New Book, 'Shot Ready'

Stephen Curry has always been known for his shooting — the quick release, the deep range, the calm under pressure. But in his new photo book, Shot Ready, the four-time NBA champion offers something different: a quiet, personal look at the moments that shaped him. In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE, the Golden State Warriors star flips through old photos, many of them never seen by the public, and talks through the stories they carry — from his early college days at Davidson to draft night, championship runs, and quiet moments off the court. Some of the pictures make his kids laugh. “Oh Daddy, were you in high school here?” they tease, pointing to his baby-faced photos from college. At 37, with multiple MVP awards, Olympic gold, and a reputation as one of the greatest shooters of all time, the nickname “Baby-Faced Assassin” feels like a time capsule. But Shot Ready isn’t just nostalgia. It’s a window into the mindset that helped carry Curry through early-career injuries, championship pressure, and moments of deep doubt. “One hurdle early in my career was ankle injuries,” Curry recalls. “Back then, I didn’t really know the right strategy. I wasn’t healthy. I didn’t know if I’d even get another real chance to prove myself.” That stretch taught him something he still leans on: patience. “You can’t compare your journey to anyone else’s,” he says. “When something’s taken away, you realize how much it meant.” One photo shows Curry during pregame warmups with longtime trainer Bruce “Q” Frazier. It’s a routine they’ve shared for over a decade, but the image strikes a deeper chord. “We’re smiling like it’s our first time,” Curry says. “That’s the energy we’ve always brought.” Another captures him alongside Klay Thompson and Draymond Green — the trio that would go on to anchor the Warriors dynasty. Curry remembers the birth of the “Splash Bros” nickname, crediting broadcaster Bob Fitzgerald and then-coach Mark Jackson. “Coach Jackson called us the best shooting backcourt in the league. That was a big statement back then, because we hadn’t done much yet. But hearing that gave us real confidence — and I know Klay felt the same way,” he says. Not all memories are triumphant. Some, like the time his father Dell Curry told the Warriors not to draft him, are more complex — and now, a source of family jokes. “They asked him, ‘What do you think about drafting your son?’ And he said, ‘Don’t. You want the honest truth? Don’t,’” Curry recalls, laughing. “We joke about it because, honestly, you make decisions based on what you know at the time… But once they drafted me, there was no hesitation. I was all in on making the Bay my home.” Curry says the book is about more than basketball. It’s about the preparation, the setbacks, the people — and staying ready. “We say it all the time: ‘Do your work early,’” he says. “Be ready before the moment hits — even if you’re not the one with the ball. It’s not just about taking a shot on the court. It’s about facing whatever’s next — the challenge, the change, the opportunity. It’s about trusting the process, no matter the outcome.” Even as he begins to think, however vaguely, about life after basketball, that mindset remains. “I know at first I’m gonna be sad — whenever that point comes — because of how much I’ve poured into the game,” he says. “But I’ll also be glad, eventually, to create space to spend more time with my family and do the things I love off the court. I’ll get there down the road.” Until then, Curry’s staying focused — and, as always, Shot Ready. “I never imagined I’d be here when those pictures were taken,” he says. “But they tell the whole story — not just the basketball journey, but the life journey. And I hope they speak to anyone going through something of their own.”

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A Rare Gathering Of Giant Whale Sharks Was Just Discovered Off Australia's Great Barrier Reef

Off the far northern edge of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, something extraordinary is happening beneath the waves. At a remote site called Wreck Bay, scientists have confirmed the first known seasonal gathering of whale sharks in eastern Australia — and the entire southwest Pacific. The discovery, detailed in a new study published in Ecology and Evolution, gives researchers a rare chance to study the world's largest fish in a part of the ocean where their presence had long been a mystery. “These are massive animals, some the length of a city bus, yet they’ve remained hidden here for years,” said Ingo Miller of the Biopixel Oceans Foundation and lead author of the study, speaking to Mongabay. “In terms of regional and global population assessments and conservation management, this is going to be quite significant.” Whale sharks — slow-moving, spot-covered filter feeders — are usually solitary and travel vast distances across tropical oceans. But at Wreck Bay, researchers documented a recurring aggregation of mostly juvenile males, ranging from 3.5 to 8 meters long. Over four expeditions between 2019 and 2024, they identified 59 individual sharks. The animals gather at Wreck Bay primarily during November and December, coinciding with the monsoon season. At this time, nutrient-rich waters rise and create dense feeding patches, drawing in the sharks to feed—mostly at dusk and into the night. Researchers pieced together the pattern using a combination of satellite tagging, oceanographic data, and historical sighting records. One key clue came from a shark first spotted near Cooktown that led scientists to the secluded bay. “This study highlights the importance of using local ecological knowledge and citizen science to advance our understanding of enigmatic species, such as the whale shark,” said Gonzalo Araujo, founder of the U.K.-based Marine Research and Conservation Foundation. Whale sharks, despite their enormous size, are gentle and non-aggressive. Their signature spot patterns — unique to each individual — have led some scientists to refer to groups of them as “constellations.” Globally, these giants are listed as endangered. Their numbers are declining due to climate change, plastic pollution, ship strikes, and entanglement in industrial fishing nets. That makes protected areas like Wreck Bay — located inside a highly regulated zone of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park — all the more important. For now, Wreck Bay remains a quiet refuge. But with new eyes on the region, researchers hope it will become a critical site for understanding — and protecting — one of the ocean’s most awe-inspiring travelers.

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Scientists Discovered How To Extract Silver From E-Waste — Using Cooking Oil

Your used bottle of cooking oil might hold the key to greener tech—and a cleaner planet. In a breakthrough that blends kitchen chemistry with high-stakes sustainability, researchers in Finland have discovered a way to extract silver from electronic waste using everyday ingredients like vegetable oil and hydrogen peroxide. The method, developed by scientists at the University of Helsinki and the University of Jyväskylä, is safe, scalable, and surprisingly effective. It could help turn mountains of discarded electronics into a valuable resource—without the toxic mess of traditional recycling. How it works: salad dressing science meets silver recovery The technique starts with fatty acids found in common oils like sunflower or olive oil. When combined with hydrogen peroxide and gently heated, these acids dissolve silver from old circuit boards, wires, and keyboard connectors. Ethyl acetate—a much safer solvent than the acids or cyanide typically used in metal recovery—is then used to extract the silver in solid form. It’s cleaner, safer, and less polluting than anything currently used in large-scale electronic waste (e-waste) recycling. “You don’t need harsh chemicals, and there’s no toxic runoff,” the research team explained in the Chemical Engineering Journal. “It’s a controlled process that’s environmentally benign.” Why this matters now Silver is essential to nearly all modern electronics—from smartphones to solar panels to electric vehicles—but less than 20% of it is ever recycled. As natural reserves shrink and demand climbs, recovering silver from e-waste isn’t just efficient, it’s urgently needed. Over the past 25 years, silver prices have jumped sixfold. Meanwhile, electronics continue piling up in landfills. Old phones, laptops, and tablets contain hidden troves of silver that could be reused—if we can extract it without poisoning the environment or endangering workers. This method might be the answer. Powered by light, precision, and renewables To understand how the chemistry works at the molecular level, researchers turned to advanced computer modeling. They found that fatty acids from the cooking oil help stabilize silver ions, making it easier to recover them using just light and mild solvents. Even better, the ingredients are reusable, leaving behind no chemical waste. The process also has pinpoint precision—it isolates silver without disturbing other metals, a major leap forward for urban mining. In one test, researchers used it to recover silver from keyboard connectors, producing pure silver powder in return. A future for cleaner recycling—maybe even at home The implications are big. If refined further, this process could lead to small-scale or even home-use recycling kits—making it possible to extract silver from old gadgets safely and cheaply. For manufacturers and e-waste recyclers, it could mean lower costs, cleaner operations, and safer conditions for workers. Instead of sending precious metals to landfills or relying on energy-intensive mining, we could close the loop—recovering, reusing, and reimagining what waste can do. “We’ve long known that waste is a problem,” the researchers noted. “Now, it might also be the solution.”

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