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Senior Pup Insists on Helping Carry the Groceries
Pets bring so much joy and love into our lives. George, an 11-year-old yellow Labrador, may be getting older but still insists on helping carry groceries with all his heart and soul. His wagging tail shows his dedication to the task despite his slower pace. Aging dogs like George remind us of the unconditional love they give us throughout their lives. Give them extra love and appreciation for being our loyal companions till the end!
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Farmers are Embracing These Tiny, Adorable Hawks for Natural Pest Control in Cherry Orchards
A small falcon with striking plumage may be offering a big solution to cherry farmers. The American kestrel—rusty-backed, slate-winged, and fierce-eyed—is turning heads not just for its beauty, but for its ability to keep fruit crops safer and cleaner. New research out of Michigan State University has found that encouraging these birds to nest in cherry orchards can significantly reduce crop damage and even lower the risk of foodborne illness. “Kestrels are not very expensive to bring into orchards, but they work pretty well,” said Olivia Smith, lead author of the study and assistant professor of horticulture at Michigan State. “And people just like kestrels a lot, so I think it’s an attractive strategy.” The study, conducted in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, showed that orchards with kestrel nest boxes experienced 81 percent less visible crop damage—such as missing cherries or bite marks—and 66 percent less bird feces on trees. The presence of kestrels also correlated with lower levels of Campylobacter, a common pathogen spread by birds, on the orchard branches. That connection between kestrels and cleaner fruit wasn’t accidental. Smith and her team hypothesized that if kestrels kept smaller fruit-eating birds away, fewer droppings—and thus fewer pathogens—would end up on the fruit. The data backed that up. Just under 1 percent of branches in kestrel-guarded orchards tested positive for Campylobacter, compared to around 10 percent in orchards without kestrels. For Brad Thatcher, a farmer in Washington state, the difference is noticeable. He’s hosted kestrels on his April Joy Farm for over 13 years. “I’ve noticed a difference having the kestrels around, hovering over the spring crops,” Thatcher told Inside Climate News. “There’s very little fecal damage from small songbirds at that time of year versus the fall.” The research comes at a time when fruit farmers are battling everything from unpredictable weather to labor shortages. Perching birds alone are responsible for an estimated $85 million in annual losses across top cherry-producing states like Michigan and California. Traditional methods of deterring birds are costly and often controversial: shooting, trapping, netting, chemical repellents, and even cutting down nearby forest to eliminate roosting options. Compared to that, a nesting box for a raptor seems simple—and much more sustainable. It’s not the only example of birds of prey being used as natural pest control. Vineyards in California and South Africa have turned to nesting owls to protect grapes from rodents, and a famed flock of ducks has been defending South African vineyards for over 50 years. But kestrels may offer an especially elegant solution for orchard growers. They’re native, they’re efficient hunters of small birds and rodents, and they’re beloved by birdwatchers.
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12-Year-Old's Heartfelt Shout-Out to Mom at School Assembly Goes Viral
A proud mom’s simple shout-out at a school assembly has turned into a viral moment—and a lesson in expressing love out loud. Erica Carillo was filming her 12-year-old son Kyle receiving an Honor Roll certificate when she called out from the crowd, “Love you, son!” Without hesitation, Kyle shouted back, “Love you too, Mom!”—drawing a loud and collective “aww” from the gymnasium. Carillo, 39, captured the moment on video and posted it online with the caption, “When your son is not afraid to love you out loud.” The video quickly gained millions of views and likes, as viewers were struck by the boy’s openhearted response. “I was only expecting a smile or a wave,” Carillo told PEOPLE. “It was a genuine moment that caught me off guard in the best way.” While Carillo says “I love you” is common in their household, hearing Kyle say it so proudly in front of his peers wasn’t something she saw coming. “[Kyle] shouting it across a crowded room in front of his peers was not typical, which is what made it so special,” she said. “It reflected his genuine, openhearted nature.” The moment struck a chord online, where comments poured in celebrating both Kyle’s response and the parenting behind it. “He said: ‘Love you too mom,’ and set the bar for the other boys 😂,” one commenter wrote. Another added, “Both y’all are goals. I love it.” “Aww she raised him well 🥹 A true man indeed,” read another. Carillo said she originally shared the video just because it meant something to her as a mom. “I never expected it to resonate with so many people,” she said. Now, she hopes the clip encourages others to be more open with their emotions. “I hope it reminds people that expressing love openly is something to be celebrated,” she said. “You can’t get back lost time, so it’s important to say how you feel while you can.”
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A Magnetic Breakthrough Could Make EV Batteries Safer and Last 4x Longer
A research team in South Korea may have found a way to make electric vehicle batteries both safer and longer-lasting, potentially addressing two of the biggest hurdles facing EV adoption: fire risk and range anxiety. The breakthrough comes from POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology), where a team led by professor Won Bae Kim has developed a method to regulate lithium-ion movement in batteries using a magnetic field. The innovation tackles a well-known and dangerous issue in battery design—dendrites. Dendrites are tiny, needle-like structures that can grow inside lithium-metal batteries as they’re repeatedly charged. Over time, they can pierce the battery’s separator, causing short circuits that may lead to fires or explosions. It’s why the EV industry has long relied on graphite anodes, which are safer but have lower capacity. The POSTECH team’s solution could eliminate that trade-off. According to the research, applying an external magnetic field to a ferromagnetic manganese ferrite anode changes how lithium deposits form. The magnetic field creates nanoparticles that behave like miniature magnets, guiding lithium ions into a dense, even layer. This prevents the dangerous clumping that leads to dendrites. In lab testing, the new battery setup lasted for over 300 charge cycles while maintaining more than 99 percent Coulombic efficiency—the ratio of charge in versus charge out. It also offers up to four times the energy storage of conventional graphite-based systems. In a statement reported by Interesting Engineering, the team said the system “delivers significantly higher energy storage—enough to alleviate EV range concerns—while lowering the risk of thermal runaway and explosion.” That combination could make a significant difference, especially for EV owners who are hesitant to install at-home solar panels or who rely on traditional power grids. With longer-lasting batteries, drivers would spend less on charging and get more out of each charge—no matter the source. As for real-world application, it’s still early days. But Kim sees the development as a stepping stone. “It represents a new pathway toward safer and more reliable lithium-metal batteries,” he said. “We expect this technology to serve as a foundation for improving capacity, cycle life, and charging speed in next-generation batteries.” The work joins a growing push from researchers and manufacturers to create better EV batteries. Other efforts include StoreDot’s silicon-anode battery research, which could drastically increase energy density, and Raytron’s advanced imaging tools to detect and prevent battery fires. Together, these developments point to an EV future that’s not just more efficient, but safer and more affordable, too.
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This University Of Michigan Flint Police Officer Just Rescued a Man Buried In Snow
An anonymous tipster is being praised by police at the University of Michigan Flint after their early morning call likely saved a man’s life during dangerous subzero weather conditions. Shortly after midnight on Friday, as wind chills in Flint plunged well below freezing, the caller alerted dispatch about a person possibly lying on the ground near the intersection of Harrison and 2nd Street. Officers responded around 12:37 a.m., canvassing the area in the dark and snow. According to a report from the U of M Flint Department of Public Safety, Sergeant Thrower initially spotted what looked like a snow-covered traffic cone or discarded debris on the sidewalk. But when he approached, he realized it was a man, partially buried by snow and unable to move. The man told police he had suffered seizures and collapsed on the sidewalk. With wind chills far below zero, he had been unable to get up. Thrower and Officer Fray quickly coordinated with EMS. The man was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and is expected to recover. Police say that without the tip, the man might not have survived the night. “Given the extreme cold at the time,” the department said in a statement, “this caller may have saved a life.”
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Dad's Emotional Reaction Captured As He Sees Colors For First Time At Age 61
A South Carolina father was overcome with emotion after seeing the full spectrum of color for the first time in his life, thanks to a Christmas gift from his son. Jim Gogan, 61, has spent his entire life unable to distinguish between reds and greens. The colorblindness had real-world consequences—in the Air Force, he was ruled out from becoming a pilot because he couldn’t read radar screens. But this December, his son Kyle finally gave him the chance to see what he’d been missing. “He’s never been able to tell color,” said Kyle, 39. “He’ll say things like, ‘grab my blue shirt,’ and it’s green.” The family had talked for years about getting him special colorblindness-correcting glasses, but the price made it difficult. Then Kyle got a work bonus and decided to make it happen. Before giving his dad the glasses, Kyle had printed out color vision tests for the family to try. Jim got almost every answer wrong. But as soon as he put on the glasses and looked at a color drawing of a Christmas tree, the effect was immediate. He broke down in tears. “It was very emotional watching my dad react,” Kyle told SWNS. Once he composed himself, Jim took the test again. This time, he got every answer right. The color that struck him most? Red. “He kept commenting on how beautiful the bricks on houses were,” Kyle said. The following day, the family took Jim for a drive to soak in the colors of nature—trees, skies, houses, and landscapes he had never truly seen before. He was especially stunned by the green of the trees and the blue of the sky. Now, Jim wears the glasses often, including when he’s playing golf. “He’s seeing ‘the green’ better than ever,” Kyle said. The moment was caught on video and shared by the family, showing Jim’s emotional reaction as he took in the colors of the world for the first time.
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This 104-Year-Old Says Her Secret to a Long Life is Simple: Veggies (and Chocolate)
At 104 years old, Elizabeth Milner is still going strong—and she says the secret to her longevity might just be a mix of vegetables and chocolate. Milner, who was born in 1921 in Dundee, Scotland, celebrated her milestone birthday in December at Care UK's Kentford Manor in Newmarket, Suffolk, surrounded by family, tea, and plenty of bubbly. “Spending the day with my whole family and enjoying a lovely afternoon tea party with plenty of bubbles made it especially memorable,” she told the BBC. When asked how she’s managed to live such a long life, Milner didn’t hesitate. “Veggies and chocolate,” she said with a smile. She married her husband, Alfred, in 1944, and the couple had two children together. Decades later, she remains active in the care home, still enjoying baking, knitting, and tapestry-making. Staff at Kentford Manor said Milner is a beloved member of the community. “We were so excited to celebrate such a joyous day with Elizabeth,” said home manager Hannah Nurse. “It was wonderful to mark this tremendous milestone with her and her family.” After more than a century of living through world wars, cultural shifts, and technological revolutions, Milner’s advice for life is simple: eat your vegetables—and don’t forget to treat yourself.
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Biologists are Reviving Thousands Of American Chestnut Trees On Maine Land — Here's Why
In a surprising twist for American chestnut enthusiasts, wild trees once thought to be “functionally extinct” are showing signs of a resurgence in Maine, USA. This unexpected revival challenges the long-held belief that genetic engineering was the only path to saving this iconic species. The American chestnut tree, which was decimated by an Asian blight introduced in 1904, used to dominate forests along the U.S. East Coast and Canada. The devastation left noticeable gaps in these ecosystems, and many assumed the species could not recover naturally. However, new evidence suggests otherwise. Renowned biologist Dr. Bernd Heinrich has discovered thousands of robust chestnuts thriving on his Maine property. Over forty years ago, he purchased 25 saplings from a nursery for just $10. These trees flourished and multiplied as local wildlife spread their seeds across fields up to 1.6 kilometers away. Remarkably, none of them have shown signs of the fatal blight. “These chestnuts are really taking off,” said Heinrich, who is also a professor emeritus at the University of Vermont's Biology Department. At 85 years old, he still actively studies these trees and collected fruit samples for a recent documentary film crew. He speculates that these specimens might be resistant to the blight that devastated their ancestors. Heinrich's findings suggest natural regeneration is occurring on a larger scale than previously believed. His team has documented over a thousand healthy chestnut trees spanning three generations using GPS mapping in long-term field studies. The new short film "The Wild American Chestnut," produced by Global Justice Ecology Project, highlights Heinrich’s groundbreaking observations and discusses how climate change might be shifting the trees' viable range northward. This potential adaptation opens new possibilities for survival beyond traditional geographic limits. This development challenges efforts focused solely on genetic engineering as a solution to restoring the American chestnut population. In fact, in December 2023, The American Chestnut Foundation withdrew support for genetically engineered chestnuts after realizing the trees were genetically defective due to research errors and performed poorly in field tests. Anne Petermann, Executive Director of Global Justice Ecology Project, noted that seeing multiple generations of naturally growing robust trees contrasts with claims that biotechnology is necessary for restoration efforts. “It was stunning to see so many robust trees—three full generations growing naturally—while the efforts to engineer blight-resistant chestnuts have produced nothing but failures,” she said. As researchers continue exploring various methods for aiding this iconic tree’s recovery, Dr. Heinrich's discovery offers hope for those interested in ecological conservation through natural processes rather than relying solely on technological interventions.
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Mosques are Hosting Men's Pilates Classes, Promoting Fitness And Friendship
A TikTok video showing elderly men doing pilates in a Bradford mosque has racked up nearly two million views, drawing global attention and sparking calls for more community fitness classes like it. What started as a modest weekly workout at the Jamia Usmania mosque has quickly become something bigger. In a basement room below the main prayer hall, just after midday prayers, a group of older men swap the quiet stillness of worship for squats, glute bridges, and butterfly stretches. Some are in their 60s and 70s. A few are in their 80s. They’re not dressed in gym gear. Many wear traditional clothing. But they show up, week after week. “It’s a very unique thing for older Asian men,” said Zafar Kayani, 69, who leads the class. “They’re coming here for their spiritual health. Then getting that physical exercise and mental wellbeing, and they’re connecting with each other.” The idea for the sessions wasn’t meant to go viral. Mosque general secretary Mohammed Ilyas said the original TikTok video was just a casual upload to encourage more men to join. Instead, it exploded, drawing views from across the UK and beyond. Since then, Kayani and the mosque have been fielding messages from as far away as Malaysia and Canada from groups interested in replicating the idea. “It started from Bradford and if it goes worldwide, we believe it’s a positive thing and we’re making a change,” said Ilyas. Three mosques in Bradford now host sessions, with around 30 men attending each. The age range is wide – from 50 to 80 – and the abilities are varied. That’s the point. No special equipment. No pressure. Just movement, laughter, and community. “They feel comfortable in the environment,” Ilyas said. “They come to pray already at the mosque, and after the prayers they can just join in the class, [in] whatever they’re wearing.” Retired shopkeeper Mohammed Salim, 66, said the change in his health has been noticeable. “Before I used to feel ache[s] everywhere, all over [my] body,” he said. “But when I started walking and doing exercise, it’s much better. Recently I had the pacemaker fitted, but I don’t feel anything because I do the activity.” Tahir Butt, 74, a retired bus driver who has had both knees replaced, never imagined he’d be doing exercises like these. “I wouldn’t think of doing those exercises [before] because of my condition,” he said. “But it’s been very beneficial.” Kayani, who cracks jokes throughout the class and affectionately calls participants “men of steel,” believes the impact goes far beyond mobility. It’s about reducing social isolation, improving mental health, and even easing pressure on public services. According to UK government data published in 2024, physical activity levels among Asian men remain lower than the national average – 59.6% compared to 65.6%. Kayani sees these sessions as a small but meaningful step in reversing that. “When they start there will be aches and pains, there will be groans,” he said. “A few weeks along the line, you can see they’re doing [it] with ease. This is beneficial for the NHS. If there’s less people going to see the doctors, going to the hospital appointments, it’s less cost to them.” Still, it’s not all reps and stretches. Every session ends with a guided moment of calm. Eyes closed, deep breaths, and a bit of imagination. “Imagine you’re on holiday, somewhere hot,” Kayani tells the men. Then he snaps them out of it with a line that always gets a laugh: “Open your eyes and you’re back in wet Bradford.” But the impact lingers. It’s not just about exercise. It’s also about joy. Akhtar Malik, who manages the Bradford Youth Development Partnership, says the sessions are helping to tackle loneliness and build new friendships. “That’s the key thing – being happy, laughing – [it] gives you that motivation to keep coming, week in week out,” he said. “We provide a social platform where they can meet other people. It’s a friendship group.” The runaway success of the classes has sparked new ideas. Ilyas now wants the mosque to function as more than just a religious centre. He’s planning pilates sessions for women and new youth club offerings too. “As well as a mosque, a community hub where people can join in other activities, which were provided by the council 20 years ago but are nonexistent now – we want to make that happen again,” Ilyas said. “Make it as accessible as possible, not just for the elders, for the young generation as well, make the mosque welcoming.”
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It Looks Delicious, But Don’t Eat It: The Truth About Food in Movies
You’ve probably noticed it before: a breakfast table piled high with bacon, eggs, pancakes, fruit, muffins, and orange juice — and a kid who grabs a single piece of toast before running out the door. It’s a scene that plays out again and again in movies and TV shows, and social media users have had enough. “Never understood the American TV and movie cliché where the parents make a lavish breakfast, no one touches it,” one viewer wrote. “Maybe rich Hollywood people see this because they have employed cooks and are super-wasteful, but no normal people.” But according to people who actually work in film, it’s not laziness or a misunderstanding of family dynamics — it’s logistics. Dr. Travis Lee Clark, an art history professor at Utah Valley University, took to X (formerly Twitter) to break down the real reason behind these over-the-top, untouched feasts: it’s all movie magic. And it’s not about realism — it’s about what looks good on screen. “First, no director likes an empty table at a meal,” Clark explained. “It looks dull, and lacks visual interest. So the set dresser piles on food… often far more than would be rational at a regular meal because film is a visual medium and it’s easier to make something look good with more than less.” The result is an extravagant meal that’s not designed to be eaten. Most of it is fake or inedible after sitting under hot lights for hours, often coated in carnauba wax (yes, like the kind used on cars) to keep it looking glossy. Even the real food becomes cold, congealed, and unsafe to eat after a few takes. Then there’s the issue of continuity. Film scenes are shot multiple times and from various angles. If an actor takes a real bite of eggs or pancakes in one take, the script supervisor has to make sure they take that same bite in every take after — or risk ruining continuity. That’s hard to track, and even harder to edit around. Enter: toast. Toast is dry, shelf-stable, and visually consistent. It doesn’t wilt, leak, or change much from shot to shot. That makes it the go-to food prop for actors, who often prefer it to eating something greasy or soggy for hours. Crackers and breadsticks are other safe bets. “Toast is usually the part of the meal on set that someone can actually eat,” Clark wrote. “Also, every piece of toast looks pretty much the same, so it’s easy to restock the scene from take to take.” In some cases, actors do eat — but with help. Productions often provide spit buckets so performers can chew for the camera, then discreetly dispose of the food between takes. Actor Nick Offerman once explained, “Even if you’re eating one bite of cake, you may end up eating four pieces of cake by the time you add them all up. You learn: don’t swallow it.” There are other tricks too. On shows like Love Is Blind, shiny opaque wine glasses are used to disguise how much liquid is inside, so editors can cut scenes together out of order without giving away continuity mistakes. Chinese takeout containers are another favorite: they’re closed, opaque, and easy to reuse across multiple takes without anyone noticing the food level changing. But there are exceptions. The Sopranos, known for its lavish Italian meals, famously let the cast go all in on the food. “I was allowed to eat chicken cacciatore at 7 o’clock in the morning,” one actor said. “It was amazing. I ate a lot on the show.” In most productions though, the food is all show and no bite. The next time you see a character ignore their full plate of waffles and reach for toast instead, now you know: it’s not a snub to breakfast. It’s a survival tactic.
Score (97)
Japan Just Launched Its First Floating Offshore Wind Farm in a Push Toward a Clean Energy Future
Japan has officially entered a new phase of renewable energy production with the launch of its first-ever floating offshore wind farm. The 16.8-megawatt Goto Floating Wind Farm began commercial operations on January 5, according to a press release from Toda Corporation, the firm leading the project. Located off the coast of the Goto Islands in Nagasaki Prefecture, the wind farm is a milestone in Japan’s efforts to cut emissions and strengthen energy independence. “Through the long-term operation of the wind farm, [Goto Floating Wind Farm] aims to promote renewable energy and help improve the quality of life for local communities,” Toda stated. What makes the project especially notable is its use of hybrid spar-type floater technology — a world first in commercial deployment. Kei Ushigami, Toda’s head of marine renewable energy, told AFP that the floating structure offers a stability advantage well-suited to Japan’s geography, which is frequently affected by earthquakes and typhoons. The launch comes at a critical time. According to the International Energy Agency, Japan generated nearly two-thirds of its electricity in 2024 from fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. These sources not only contribute to climate change but also to global air pollution linked to millions of premature deaths annually. Japan has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, which means balancing its emissions with pollution-reducing technologies and renewable energy. Projects like the Goto wind farm are key steps toward that goal. In addition to its environmental impact, the wind farm has strong local ties. Toda said domestic companies played a major role in constructing the eight turbines, and will also oversee ongoing operations and maintenance. That’s a boost for local economies — and a shift away from Japan’s heavy reliance on imported energy. Floating wind farms offer another big advantage: they allow power to be generated in deep waters where fixed-bottom turbines aren't feasible. That opens up a wide range of opportunities for an island nation like Japan, with limited land space and deep coastal shelves. With the Goto wind farm now live, Japan joins a small but growing group of countries testing floating offshore wind at scale. It’s a modest start, but a powerful symbol — both of technological innovation and the country’s shifting energy future.