How One Belgian City is Encouraging Residents to be Urban Gardeners

The Belgian city of Antwerp is giving away free trees to residents with gardens or unpaved spaces as part of the Neighbourhood in Bloom initiative. The city hopes this will cool things down in summer, improve air quality, and create more habitats for wildlife. Last year's project was a hit, inspiring over 200 facade gardens and 100 garlands. Urban gardening not only beautifies cities but also helps lower temperatures, reduce pollution, and boost mental wellbeing - all great reasons to get involved!

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Teenage Triathlete Rescued After 30-Mile Mountain Detour: 'I Forgot to Turn Around'

What was supposed to be a 5-mile run turned into a 31-mile ordeal for 17-year-old Bohdi Jackson, who went missing during a triathlon training camp in Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales. Jackson, from Sydney, was taking part in a group run on January 13 when he surged ahead and missed the turnaround point. Distracted by “very loud” rap music in his headphones, he didn’t realize he was off course until hours later. “I went a bit too far and forgot to turn around and kept on running,” he told ABC Australia. “At like 12 kilometres in, I realized I was lost — and I wasn’t going to turn around there, because then you have to do 24 kilometres. I just kept on going.” His friends, concerned when he failed to return to the Cascade Trail’s entrance, alerted authorities. NSW Police, the Rural Fire Service, and National Parks teams launched a multi-agency search that lasted seven hours. Meanwhile, Jackson pressed on through rugged terrain, taking breaks every couple of kilometers and occasionally cooling off in river water. “Apparently, it’s not drinkable water though,” he said. “I might have diarrhea.” Eventually, nearly 19 miles from where he started, he came across a mountain biker and used her phone to call for help. A rescue helicopter located him on a walking trail roughly 30 kilometers from his last known location. “They hooked me up and they pulled me up onto the helicopter,” Jackson said. “It was very cool — it was very loud.” Despite the ordeal, Jackson was in good spirits afterward. “My legs are very tired but I actually feel alright,” he told ABC. His post-rescue wish list? “A steak and a choccy milk.” Detective Inspector Ritchie Sim used the incident to remind bushwalkers of the dangers in alpine areas. “Kosciuszko National Park is a beautiful place to enjoy bushwalking, but it can be a dangerous place if you do not plan your trip carefully,” Sim said. He encouraged visitors to carry a personal locator beacon, check weather conditions, and always let someone know their plans. As for Jackson, he was already joking about a possible “long run tomorrow” — but maybe with a few more safety precautions in place.

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Osprey Soars Again After Successful Rehab at Healesville Sanctuary

After eight weeks of care and recovery, Alvey the osprey is soaring once more — and making the most of a unique 100-meter loop designed just for birds of prey. The striking raptor had recently been under close observation at Healesville Sanctuary in Australia after his keepers noticed his feathers weren’t in peak condition — a serious issue for a bird that relies on waterproofing to dive for fish. A swollen preening gland at the base of his tail was to blame. “Alvey was in care for eight weeks,” said Shaun Scott, a keeper at the sanctuary. “We found he was able to do long flights in the Raptor Centre, and his fitness improved along with his feather condition.” Veterinary staff applied topical treatments and kept Alvey dry during his recovery, using the Raptor Centre’s flight loop — a 100-meter circular track that allows birds to safely rebuild their stamina. Now, the impressive osprey is once again gliding effortlessly through the air. Alvey’s story goes back decades. Originally a wild bird, he was raised by a wildlife carer 27 years ago after being rescued as a chick. When he was released in the Northern Territory, he made a habit of hovering around fishing boats, quickly learning they offered an easy meal. Eventually, the decision was made to bring him into permanent care at Healesville Sanctuary, where he’s been thriving ever since. Now, after his latest recovery, Alvey is back in full flight — and his keepers are hopeful he’ll continue enjoying life on the wing for many more years to come.

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Couple Reunited With Wedding Ring Lost in Lake Five Years Ago Thanks to Freediving Team

A wedding ring lost in the depths of Lake Windermere five years ago is back where it belongs — and the emotional reunion has left an unforgettable mark on the couple who thought it was gone forever. Chef Richard and his wife Natalie were vacationing with their family at Wray Castle when a simple, well-intentioned moment turned into heartbreak. About to go for a swim with their daughters, Richard handed his wedding ring to Natalie for safekeeping. But when she slipped it onto her thumb, it quietly slid off — and disappeared into the water. “I’ve lost something that means the world to us and it’s hard,” Natalie said, still emotional about the moment. The ring wasn’t just a symbol of their 17-year marriage — it also carried a deeply personal inscription: My partner, my lover, my best friend. In a recent episode of Lost and Found in the Lakes, a team of freedivers — Angus, Renée, and Mike — took on the near-impossible task of finding the ring, armed only with a video clip filmed just five seconds before it was lost. The search, however, wasn’t easy. Between murky waters stirred up by a nearby tourist ferry and layers of trash and debris, the odds didn’t look good. “It’s a needle in the haystack, really,” Richard admitted. “I probably spent about three hours diving down. The silt was being moved up, and we couldn’t find it.” Natalie, meanwhile, said she carried “huge guilt” ever since that day. “He entrusted me with the ring, and then I go and drop it… If I were to get that ring back, it would mean the world. I think it would be a bit emotional.” To clear the lakebed, the divers used their fins to rapidly kick away the top layers of silt, pulling out old straws, spoons, and even some items they were later able to return to other owners. Finally, after hours of searching and a little help from a metal detector, Renée struck gold — literally. The ring was recovered. “It still fits after five years, so that’s a good thing,” Richard said, sliding the band back onto his finger as Natalie broke into tears. “That is literally unbelievable.” “It was a massive surprise,” he added. “I’ve probably not been that shocked before. It’s a bit worse for wear, but I think that tells the story… You think what’s happened to that in the last five years. Fingers crossed now, it stays with us.”

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A Biologist is Saving Endangered Frogs With Tiny 'Frog Saunas'

For decades, a mysterious fungal disease has been wiping out frogs and toads around the world. It’s now blamed for infecting over 500 species and completely eradicating at least 90. But thanks to a quirky invention and some breakthrough research, scientists are finally finding ways to fight back. At the center of it is Australian biologist Dr. Anthony Waddle, whose unconventional tools — including frog-sized saunas made from bricks — are giving endangered species a second chance. “In the 25 years since chytridiomycosis was identified as a major cause of the global collapse of amphibian populations, our results are the first to provide a simple, inexpensive and widely applicable strategy to buffer frogs against this disease,” Waddle told Macquarie University’s Lighthouse journal. The disease, chytridiomycosis, is caused by a chytrid fungus that attacks the skin of amphibians — their most vital organ — disrupting their ability to absorb water and electrolytes. It thrives in cool, damp conditions, which means winter is particularly deadly. So Waddle decided to use nature’s oldest remedy: heat. He began building sun-heated “frog saunas” — small bricks and PVC greenhouses designed with frog-sized openings. Inside, temperatures naturally rise just enough to kill the fungus without harming the animals. “The whole thing is like a mini med spa for frogs,” Waddle said. “In these simple little hotspots, frogs can go and heat up their bodies to a temperature that destroys the infections.” Waddle’s main focus is the green and golden bell frog, once common across eastern Australia. The species has lost over 90% of its natural habitat since chytridiomycosis arrived in the region in 1978. “They lived in letterboxes and backyards and really adapted to human settlements,” Waddle said. “Before chytridiomycosis came and hammered the population.” But since the saunas were installed, that trend is changing. Not only do infected frogs recover after spending time in the warm shelters, but many develop lasting resistance to the disease — even as winter returns. The research, published in Nature, suggests that simple changes to local habitats could be enough to tip the balance in favor of survival. “Habitat protection alone cannot protect species that are affected by invasive diseases,” the study said, “but simple manipulations to microhabitat structure could spell the difference between the extinction and the persistence of endangered amphibians.” Still, Waddle isn’t stopping there. With funding from the 2025 Future for Nature Award, he’s expanded his efforts to include gene editing and vaccine development. Over the past year, he’s led gene replacement trials and helped raise and vaccinate hundreds of green and golden bell frogs. When released into the wild, Waddle said it will be “probably the largest input of frogs in that population in a decade.” To support that effort, he’s also opened two “frog hospitals” in Greater Sydney — places where vulnerable frogs can be treated, vaccinated, and held safely ahead of seasonal outbreaks. His team is now delivering vaccines along Australia’s east coast while continuing lab work aimed at unlocking the genetic secrets behind long-term immunity. “We need to future proof our conservation efforts and genetic resistance will be key,” Waddle told Future for Nature. What started as a few bricks in a field is now part of a larger, coordinated campaign to stop a disease that’s devastated amphibian populations globally. It’s low-cost, it’s scalable, and so far, it’s working — one frog sauna at a time.

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Record Number of Critically Endangered Right Whales Spotted in Cape Cod Bay

In a rare and hopeful sighting, 33 North Atlantic right whales were observed in Cape Cod Bay during an aerial survey on January 10 — a number researchers say may be the highest ever documented in the bay on a single day in January. The discovery was made by the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS), which has been monitoring the critically endangered species as part of its 2025-2026 field season. With only an estimated 384 North Atlantic right whales left in the world, this one-day sighting represents more than 8% of the entire global population. “It may be the highest number of right whales documented in the bay in a single day in January,” said CCS aerial observer Ryan Schosberg in a press release. He also noted the whales were behaving differently than usual for this time of year. “Most of our sightings in December and early January have been of animals in what we call surface active groups, but almost all of the whales on Saturday’s flight were observed in shallow subsurface feeding.” Since the start of the current monitoring season in November, CCS has counted 54 individual whales in the bay — starting with 10 on December 5. Among the recently observed group was a 45-year-old whale that has only been seen once in the past 15 years, as well as a young calf first recorded during last year’s Cape Cod Bay surveys. The New England Aquarium also reported 23 right whale sightings during two aerial surveys just south of Nantucket, prompting the establishment of a “slow zone” for marine vessels in that area to help protect the animals. Ship strikes remain one of the leading threats to North Atlantic right whales, and new protections are in place this winter to address that. Since January 1, vessels 65 feet and longer have been required to reduce speeds to 10 knots or less in Cape Cod Bay. Additional restrictions for smaller vessels and fixed fishing gear are scheduled to take effect February 1. The CCS also reminded the public that approaching a North Atlantic right whale within 500 yards is illegal without a federal research permit. That includes boaters, kayakers, swimmers, drone pilots, and even light aircraft. The North Atlantic right whale has been listed as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act since 1970 and is currently classified as “Critically Endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). While the species faces serious challenges, there are signs of cautious optimism. The North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium reported a 2.1% population increase from 2023 to 2024 — small, but encouraging progress for one of the world’s most at-risk marine mammals. With sightings like this and protections in place, researchers hope the new year will bring more than just rare glimpses — but real momentum toward recovery.

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Viral Video Captures Texas Officers Helping Homeless Man on a Cold Morning

What started as a routine patrol on a chilly Texas morning turned into a widely shared moment of kindness — and a reminder that the most meaningful acts of service often go unnoticed. Two officers from the Brownsville Police Department, Gonzalo Rubio and Francisco Maldonado, were driving through downtown Brownsville when they spotted a homeless man shivering in the cold. Though he had a blanket, the man was visibly trembling. When they stopped to check on him, they discovered he wasn’t wearing pants. That changed their plans instantly. “My partner said, ‘Let’s go buy him some clothes,’” Rubio recalled. They feared the man might wander off, so they asked dispatch to monitor the area while they made a quick trip to buy sweatpants. When they returned, the man was still there. The moment they helped him put on the new clothes — a small gesture with big impact — was captured by a bystander and quickly went viral. The Brownsville Police Department later shared body-worn camera footage of the encounter on Facebook, calling it an act of “service and humanity.” “In an act of compassion, Officers Rubio and Maldonado purchased new sweatpants for the man to ensure he stayed warm and comfortable,” the department wrote. Rubio, who grew up in Brownsville, said the attention surprised him. “Sometimes it just goes away, like okay, whatever, that’s nice,” he said. “But this one kept happening.” He was quick to add that this wasn’t an extraordinary moment — just part of the job. “They’re not bothering anybody, they’re not doing anything wrong, and we just happen to be driving by,” he said, reflecting on how common it is to see people resting downtown. “It was a rainy day, we still had 12 hours to go,” he said. “So much other stuff happened that day that nobody knows about.” For the Brownsville Police Department, the video became a quiet example of their values in action. “The Brownsville Police Department is proud of our compassionate officers who continue to embody our commitment to serving our community with dignity, empathy, and respect,” the department said. What made this moment resonate beyond the kind gesture was its simplicity: two officers, a quick trip to the store, and one man kept warm. No spotlight, no ceremony. Just a little help when it was needed most.

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Harvey Milk Terminal was Just Named the World’s Most Beautiful Airport — Here's Why

The most beautiful airport in the world isn’t in Singapore or Hong Kong — it’s in San Francisco. Harvey Milk Terminal 1 at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has won the 2025 Prix Versailles for the “World’s Most Beautiful Airport,” beating out terminals in China, Japan, and France. The award, which honors exceptional architecture around the world, was presented in December at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. The terminal, which opened in 2024, was recognized for its ambitious design, sustainability features, and strong connection to local culture. The jury praised it as “the fruit of an ambitious transformation” that offers “a soothing, restorative setting for travelers,” according to Travel + Leisure. Designed by architecture firm Gensler, the terminal achieved a 79% reduction in carbon emissions and a 59% drop in energy use. It’s also the first airport terminal in the world named after an LGBTQ+ leader. "We are truly honored to be named the top airport in the world by Prix Versailles," said SFO Airport Director Mike Nakornkhet in a press release. “Harvey Milk Terminal 1 was designed to establish a new benchmark for an extraordinary airport experience, bringing to life our mission to put people and planet first.” Other airports recognized this year included Terminal 2 at Yantai Penglai International Airport in China, the arrivals terminal at Roland Garros Airport on Réunion Island in France, and Terminal 1 at Kansai International Airport in Osaka, Japan. Portland International Airport in Oregon also received a special prize for the exterior of its main terminal, while Marseille Provence Airport in France was honored for its interior. Despite being fan favorites, Singapore’s Changi Airport and Hong Kong International Airport were not among this year’s winners. Changi, home to the world’s largest indoor waterfall, regularly tops traveler rankings for its design and amenities, while Hong Kong’s Sky Bridge is one of the most unique viewing platforms in the world. But SFO’s Harvey Milk Terminal stood out for more than just aesthetics. Natural light fills the space, and 30 pieces of local artwork are displayed throughout the terminal. Gender-neutral restrooms, quiet zones, wellness areas, and accessible signage were all designed with passenger comfort in mind. The terminal has also eliminated most overhead announcements, opting for a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere. A permanent exhibition, Harvey Milk: Messenger of Hope, features dozens of photographs that highlight the life and legacy of the late San Francisco supervisor and civil rights pioneer. “Each year, the Prix Versailles challenges us to look beyond aesthetics alone and to evaluate architecture and design as a force capable of shaping the world we inhabit,” said the jury chairperson in a statement. “It invites us to measure creativity not only by its boldness, but by its integrity – its ability to respond to cultural context, to uplift communities, and to contribute meaningfully to a sustainable future.” For travelers passing through Northern California, the recognition is a reminder that an airport can be more than just a stopover — it can be a reflection of the city it serves.

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Exercise is Emerging as a Powerful Treatment for Depression

For anyone struggling with depression, a new study suggests that lacing up your sneakers might be just as helpful as talking to a therapist or taking medication — at least for some people. A review led by researchers at the University of Lancashire in the UK analyzed 73 randomized controlled trials involving nearly 5,000 adults. The findings suggest that exercise offers clear mental health benefits, with results showing it can ease symptoms of depression as effectively as traditional treatments like therapy or antidepressants. "Exercise appears to be a safe and accessible option for helping to manage symptoms of depression," said Andrew Clegg, a professor of Health Services Research at the University of Lancashire. The analysis included a wide range of exercise routines and treatment combinations. On the whole, exercise proved to be moderately effective at reducing depressive symptoms compared to no treatment at all. Its effectiveness was found to be roughly on par with psychological therapy. The researchers also noted some evidence that exercise might work as well as antidepressants, though the certainty of that comparison was lower. But the impact of exercise wasn’t universal. Some people responded better than others, and not all types of exercise worked equally well. Light to moderate activities appeared more effective than intense workouts, and routines with 13 to 36 sessions delivered the most consistent results. That said, none of the trials tracked the long-term effects of exercise on depression. "There’s no one-size-fits-all approach," Clegg said. "Finding approaches that individuals are willing and able to maintain is important." The study didn’t identify a single best type of exercise, but there were hints that mixing different forms of physical activity could have added benefits. Tailoring workouts to individual preferences and abilities is likely key to making them sustainable. "For people with depression, the evidence indicates that exercise may offer similar short-term benefits to therapy or medication for some," said Brendon Stubbs, a neuroscientist at King's College London who wasn’t involved in the study. "Decisions on switching or combining approaches should be made collaboratively with healthcare providers, considering individual circumstances." The review focused on structured trials, which typically involve volunteers who are already motivated or inclined to be physically active. That raises questions about how well the results apply to those who might find it difficult to start exercising in the first place. It’s also a reminder that depression is complex. While exercise can help, it’s not a cure-all. Underlying causes can range from medical conditions like vitamin deficiencies to neurodevelopmental issues such as autism. Professional help remains an essential part of diagnosis and treatment. “Exercise can help people with depression, but if we want to find which types work best, for whom, and whether the benefits last over time, we still need larger, high-quality studies,” said Clegg. “One large, well-conducted trial is much better than numerous poor-quality small trials with limited numbers of participants in each.” The full study was published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

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This Mother Duck was Just Rescued From a 'Life-Threatening Situation' on a Frozen Lake

A duck trapped on a frozen lake in Romania has been rescued by military firefighters, after what officials described as a "life-threatening situation." Video footage released by Tulcea Emergency Situations Inspectorate (ISU Tulcea) on January 14 shows firefighters using a boat to carefully reach the distressed duck on Lake Ciuperca, which had frozen over. According to the agency, the duck was found immobilized and “without the strength to stand.” Officials said ice had built up on her feathers, posing a severe threat to her survival. “Because the ice caught by her fur was life-threatening, our colleagues decided to bring her to the inspector’s headquarters, where she was kept in a shelter until she regained her strength,” ISU Tulcea said in a statement. The duck’s duckling had already freed itself before firefighters arrived. The animal was safely transported to a warm shelter, where it was monitored as it recovered.

The Capital of Cyprus Was Just Named the Top Cultural Destination In Europe For 2026

Forget the beach. Travellers are trading sun loungers for city strolls, museum visits, and local cuisine. And according to European Best Destinations, there’s one spot you should have your eye on for 2026: Nicosia. The capital of Cyprus has just been named the number one cultural destination in Europe, topping a list that includes heavy hitters like Florence and Vienna. The shift reflects a broader trend as low-cost flights have made short city breaks more accessible, giving travellers more reasons to explore nearby European cities through weekend getaways focused on food, art, and heritage. Nicosia stood out for its “blend of heritage and contemporary creativity,” according to the travel site. Compact and walkable, the city offers a deep dive into centuries of history alongside a year-round arts calendar that rivals Europe’s cultural capitals. Its Old Town, continuously inhabited since 3000 BC, is still surrounded by Venetian walls built in the 16th century. Inside, travellers can wander from the Museum of Byzantine Art to the Leventis Municipal Museum, which traces the story of the city itself, and the Cyprus Museum, the oldest archaeological museum in the country. It’s not just about what’s behind glass, though. Nicosia’s cultural calendar is full, with music, film, dance, and art events happening all year long. The Faneromeni Arts Festival brings open-air performances each summer, while the Cyprus International Film Festival draws filmmakers from around the globe. In winter, the city turns festive with Christmas village pop-ups dotted across town. The rankings were created by European Best Destinations, which has been highlighting top spots around the continent since 2009. Their team starts with a longlist of 40 cities, taking into account factors like the number of museums, the variety of cultural experiences, and the city’s festival calendar. From there, a shortlist is created based on expert evaluation of each city’s heritage and creative scene. Then, more than 22,000 travellers from 131 countries weigh in, rating each city on its authenticity, cultural richness, and how much they’d like to visit. The final score is a blend of expert and traveller input. Florence, Italy, came in second place, celebrated for its wealth of Renaissance masterpieces and a thriving contemporary art scene. Works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci draw visitors to the Uffizi and Galleria dell’Accademia, while newer spaces like Centro Pecci and Aria Art Gallery showcase modern creativity. Florence’s food culture also got a nod, especially after being added to UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list. Dishes like ribollita, pappardelle al cinghiale, and pistachio gelato add another layer to the city’s cultural appeal. Vienna followed in third, thanks to its Museum Quarter, grand palaces, and rich musical heritage. Leuven in Belgium and Šibenik in Croatia rounded out the top five. Other cities in the top 10 include Verona (Italy), Tomar (Portugal), Rouen (France), Oxford (UK), and Graz (Austria). But in 2026, it’s Nicosia that takes the crown. With its mix of ancient history and modern art, all within a city that’s easy to explore on foot, it’s a standout pick for travellers seeking something beyond the usual stops.

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