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Score (97)
Taipei Zoo's Veteran Giant Panda Celebrates Her 20th Birthday
Well-wishers celebrated the Taipei Zoo's senior panda Yuanyuan's 20th birthday with a special cake-shaped like the number 20. Yuanyuan, who arrived in Taiwan from China in 2008, is now living happily with her two daughters at the zoo after her partner Tuantuan passed away in 2022. Visitors enjoyed taking photos of the adorable pandas, including Brazilian student Danielle Shu who finds them funny and cute. Giant pandas are cherished symbols of political friendship between China and Taiwan despite their declining population in the wild.
Score (97)
New Feathered Fossil Discovery Sheds Light on Early Bird Evolution Secrets
A remarkable fossil discovery at the Field Museum of Chicago is shedding new light on the ancient Archaeopteryx, a creature that bridges the gap between dinosaurs and birds. This pigeon-sized specimen, one of the best-preserved among 14 known fossils since 1861, offers fresh insights into its anatomy and lifestyle. Using ultraviolet light and CT scans, scientists have uncovered soft tissues in the fossil, revealing details previously hidden within rock. These findings suggest that while Archaeopteryx could fly, it likely spent much of its time on the ground and may have been adept at climbing trees. Notably, this fossil displays specialized feathers called tertials on both wings. "To generate lift, the aerodynamic surface must be continuous with the body," said Jingmai O'Connor, a paleontologist at the Field Museum. "So, in order for flight using feathered wings to evolve, dinosaurs had to fill this gap." The presence of these tertials supports theories that Archaeopteryx was indeed capable of flight. The fossil also shows soft tissue on its hands and toe pads, indicating mobility for climbing and limited flight capability. Another intriguing feature is its immobile palate—unlike modern birds—but hints at early evolutionary stages allowing beak movement independent of the braincase. This Chicago specimen includes a complete vertebral column with two tiny vertebrae at its tail tip—one more than previously thought—bringing new understanding to this ancient species. "This specimen is arguably the best Archaeopteryx ever found," O'Connor noted. Acquired by the museum last year after being held by private collectors since before 1990, it continues to reveal secrets about life 150 million years ago during the Jurassic period.
Score (97)
From Desk Job To Ocean Waves: His Epic Oregon-Hawaii Sail is Captivating Social Media
Oliver Widger, a 29-year-old former tire shop manager, has captured the hearts of over a million followers on TikTok and Instagram as he sails from Oregon to Hawaii with his cat, Phoenix. Widger left behind his conventional job and cashed in his retirement savings to pursue a life at sea. "The world kind of sucks and, like, I don’t think I’m alone in how I felt with my work," Widger said via Zoom. "You can be making $150,000 a year and you still feel like you’re just making ends meet." Diagnosed four years ago with a syndrome that risked paralysis, Widger realized he was unhappy managing a tire company. Inspired by stories of others sailing from California to Hawaii, he decided to follow suit. With no plan and $10,000 in debt, he quit his job and bought a sailboat. Widger taught himself to sail through YouTube tutorials and spent months refitting his $50,000 boat on the Oregon coast. Since setting sail in April, he's been sharing videos of life at sea under the banner “Sailing with Phoenix,” showcasing everything from stunning sunsets to challenging repairs. Despite being relatively inexperienced as a sailor, Widger has taken safety precautions including carrying an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB). Lt. Cmdr. Jesse Harms of the U.S. Coast Guard emphasized the importance of such tools for anyone inspired by Widger's journey. As he nears Honolulu, Widger is ensuring Phoenix avoids Hawaii's animal quarantine requirements by arranging for a mobile vet check upon arrival. He also manages social media content creation while navigating oceanic challenges. Reflecting on his journey so far, he says, "Everything I’ve done I thought was impossible," Widger said. "Whatever your dream is, just go, just do it.
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Score (98)
Stowaway Cat Ushuaia's 1,200-Mile Adventure: From France to the UK and Back
A curious cat from France has captured hearts across Europe with his unexpected adventure. The black and white feline, known as Ushuaia but nicknamed Pierre by Telford veterinarians, vanished from his French home only to embark on a 1,200-mile journey that took him through Italy and across the English Channel to the UK. Pierre's escapade began when he sneaked into a haulage lorry, eventually arriving in Shropshire on April 7. His arrival puzzled staff at Southwater Veterinary Group in Telford until they discovered his microchip linked him to a French database. "It was quite a surprise to have Pierre brought into reception," said Rachel Harvey, practice manager. "Fortunately, he was microchipped and we learned he was registered to a French database." After some detective work using Google Translate, the team contacted Nicole Souillard, Pierre's relieved owner. Eager for their reunion, she arranged for her pet’s return after he completed necessary quarantine periods in both Telford and Dover. "This is the happiest ending we could have hoped for," Harvey remarked. "Pierre is safely back home in France with his family." The story underscores the importance of microchipping pets and keeping contact details current. While Pierre enjoyed plenty of attention during his stay at the vet clinic, there was "a hint of sadness among the team" when it came time for him to leave. Now back in France with tales of adventure under his collar, Pierre has settled comfortably into life at home once more.
Score (95)
1,300-Year-Old Gold Was Just Discovered Beneath an Ancient Buddha Statue
In a remarkable discovery, archaeologists in Thailand have unearthed 33 ancient treasures beneath a 1,300-year-old reclining Buddha statue at the Wat Thammachak Sema Ram temple complex. The find includes gold, silver, and bronze artifacts that highlight the craftsmanship of the Dvaravati era. While working on a drainage system under the sandstone statue, crews stumbled upon a ceramic container over four feet below ground. Inside were gold rings, silver earrings, and unique bronze hoop earrings reminiscent of those from the Dvaravati period. The team continued their excavation around what is considered Thailand's longest and oldest reclining Buddha statue—measuring 43 feet long and dating back to around 657 A.D.—and made three additional discoveries. Among these were repoussé metal sheets featuring intricate artistry. One notable piece is a rectangular gold sheet depicting a seated Buddha with spiral curls and elongated earlobes. It likely served as decoration or was worn as an ornament. Another repoussé sheet made of lead-tin alloy shows a standing Buddha within an arched frame accompanied by two attendants. Although one attendant was damaged beyond recognition, experts suggest the other might represent Brahma, reflecting Thai interpretations of Hindu deities. A third artifact consists of stacked metal sheets encased in packed clay with cement layers between them. Despite damage obscuring details, its placement suggests it was intended as a ritual offering. The Phimai National Museum is now preserving these historic finds for further study and conservation efforts.
Score (99)
A Miracle Gene-Editing Breakthrough Just Saved This Baby with a Rare Disorder
A groundbreaking medical breakthrough at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has given new hope to families affected by rare genetic disorders. Just six months after a newborn was diagnosed with carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase 1 deficiency, a life-threatening metabolic disorder, doctors developed a personalized gene-editing treatment that could change his life and potentially benefit others in the future. This rare condition disrupts the urea cycle, causing dangerous ammonia levels in the blood that can lead to severe brain damage. Affecting about 1 in 1.3 million people, it is fatal for half of those diagnosed in infancy. The baby had "the most severe variant," according to Dr. Ahrens-Nicklas, lead author of the study published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Traditional treatments like liver transplants often come too late due to early neurological complications. However, using CRISPR technology—a precise gene-editing tool—doctors tailored a treatment specific to the baby's genetic mutation. They employed base-editing therapy and delivered altered DNA directly to liver cells via lipid nanoparticles. Dr. Kiran Musunuru likened this approach to a GPS system: "You can change where the GPS is going depending on what specific sequence of genes you want to change." This method promises faster personalized therapies for various rare diseases and can be administered again if needed. Remarkably, within seven weeks post-treatment, the child could consume more dietary protein and reduce medication by half without adverse effects. Dr. Musunuru emphasized that this development offers hope for patients lacking other treatment options and envisions genomic centers providing real-time custom therapies.
Score (96)
Explore The Parthenon Like Never Before: A Stunning 3D Restoration
A researcher has unveiled a new perspective on the Parthenon, revealing how ancient Greeks might have experienced its interior. Juan de Lara, an archaeologist at the University of Oxford, used cutting-edge technology to create a virtual model of the iconic temple, challenging long-held beliefs about its lighting. For centuries, historians believed that the Parthenon's interior was brightly lit by sunlight. However, de Lara's research suggests it was "quite dark and dim," enhancing its religious atmosphere. "Imagine entering the Parthenon—your eyes still weary from the bright sun outside, slowly adjusting to the gradual darkness within," de Lara said in a statement. The sunlight would strike Athena's golden robes with a luminous beam—a magical effect intended by architect Phidias. De Lara spent four years meticulously reconstructing how light interacted with elements inside the temple using 3D modeling and physical simulations. His work accounted for roof openings, windows, water reflections and polished marble surfaces. The reconstructions reveal that architects designed the space to evoke awe and fear as visitors encountered Athena emerging from darkness. De Lara told IFLScience’s Russell Moul that they were “working with special effects in a sense.” His project also simulated different times of day and night when torches illuminated gatherings inside. During summer mornings of the Panathenaea festival celebrations, sunlight likely transformed Athena into a shining beacon. Each Greek temple offered unique visual experiences based on location and the deity worshipped. From the fifth century B.C., there was an increase in staging religious experiences consciously. Despite these insights, much remains unknown about rituals performed inside or who could enter when. Temples acted as museums, safeguarding valuable objects; ancient inventories suggest incense burners enhanced sensory experiences. De Lara emphasized offering visitors richer visions enhances their encounters with such monuments: “If visitors can carry a richer, more accurate vision in their minds,” he told IFL Science,
Score (98)
How An NYPD Officer's Heroic Rescue Led To A New Furry Family Member
A New York City police officer has given a new leash on life to a dog he rescued from the East River. The Maltese mix, now named Hudson, was spotted swimming near South Street Seaport in Lower Manhattan on the morning of March 30, 2025. Officer Jared Desalvo of the NYPD Harbor Unit pulled Hudson from the water and took her to the Animal Care Center of New York City (ACC), where she received treatment for a respiratory infection. Despite efforts by NYPD officers to locate Hudson's original owner, no one came forward. After a six-week search, Desalvo decided to adopt Hudson himself. "About five or six weeks ago, Hudson wound up in the water by South Street Seaport, where myself and my two partners recovered her," Desalvo said. "She was brought to the first precinct, who brought her to the ACC, who took great care of her." Hudson was placed in foster care while waiting for an owner to claim her. When no one did, it opened up an opportunity for Desalvo and his family. "Unfortunately, nobody came forward," he said. "But it presents a unique opportunity for me and my family. We'll be adopting Hudson, and she'll be in good care."
Score (100)
This Lost Hiker Was Just Found Alive After 3 Weeks in the Sierra Nevada
A Georgia woman missing for weeks in California's Sierra Nevada mountains has been found alive, thanks to a stroke of luck and the kindness of strangers. Tiffany Slaton, 27, from Jeffersonville, Georgia, was reported missing by her family on April 29 after they lost contact with her for nine days. Authorities confirmed sightings of Slaton on April 20 at Huntington Lake and four days later at Cressman's General Store. Despite an extensive search covering nearly 600 square miles, including areas from Mono Hot Spring to Wishon Reservoir and Pine Flat Lake to Auberry, snowpack hindered efforts over Kaiser Pass. The breakthrough came when Christopher Gutierrez, owner of Vermilion Valley Resort, accessed his property after snowplows cleared the pass. Aware of the search for Slaton, Gutierrez discovered her in a rental cabin. "We see the door open... here comes Tiffany," he said during a media briefing. "She pops out... all she wanted was a hug." Slaton was dehydrated but otherwise healthy when deputies and medics met her at the pass. She was taken to a hospital for further evaluation. Her parents were overwhelmed with relief upon hearing their daughter was safe. "To get a phone call that Tiffany is doing fine... It's hard to contain your tears," her father said. The Fresno County Sheriff's Office noted that surviving such conditions in the Sierra Nevada is rare. "Three weeks, it's unheard of," spokesperson Tony Botti stated. Gutierrez leaves cabins unlocked for emergencies like this one and called Slaton's survival "miraculous."
Score (98)
How Harley-Davidson Bikers Helped a 5-Year-Old With Autism Find His Voice
Motorcycles have always fascinated Nathan Archibeque, a 5-year-old autistic boy from Washington state. His passion for the roaring engines and speed has become a unique way to practice social skills, thanks to his mother, Shelbie. Shelbie, a single mom and Nathan's biggest supporter, shares their journey on social media under the handle @mamadontbreak. Whenever they spot motorcyclists, it becomes an opportunity for Nathan to engage with others. "My five-year-old son has autism and used to not talk to people. He gives out stickers to bikes he likes and Harley Davidson made him some custom ones to hand out and help him socialize," Shelbie wrote in one post. In a video shared online, Nathan approaches two bikers with stickers. The bikers remove their helmets, thank him for the gesture, and let him help place the stickers on their bikes. "Now, when I do wheelies, everybody will see it!" one biker says. These interactions have significantly improved Nathan's communication skills. "If you have a bike, he’ll talk to you," Shelbie told Fox6 in 2024. "A year ago, he barely talked to anyone – now it’s like if you have a bike, he’ll talk your ear off." Shelbie documents these moments as they restore her faith in humanity. "Small acts of kindness go so far," she wrote in another post. Harley-Davidson noticed their story and invited them to its museum in Milwaukee after seeing Shelbie's video about Nathan's sticker project. To fund the trip, Nathan sold lemonade and experienced his first airplane ride. During their visit, Harley-Davidson gifted them custom stickers featuring their username alongside the company logo, a gesture that inspired Nathan’s own motorcycle merchandise line called Moto Monsters Awesometism, aimed at raising autism awareness.
Score (98)
How Does Hubble Uncover Young Stars Twinkling in a Distant Spiral Galaxy?
The Hubble Space Telescope has captured a stunning image of the spiral galaxy NGC 1317, nestled in the constellation Fornax over 50 million light-years away. This celestial snapshot reveals a vibrant blue ring filled with hot, young stars. While its larger and more boisterous neighbor, NGC 1316, is out of view, NGC 1317 shares the frame with two intriguing cosmic companions: a star from our own galaxy marked by diffraction spikes and a distant red-hued galaxy. This image is part of an extensive observing campaign utilizing Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3 and Advanced Camera for Surveys. The data collected are complemented by observations from the ALMA array in Chile's Atacama Desert. Together, these instruments help astronomers explore the relationship between cold gas clouds and the formation of young stars within them. ALMA's sensitivity at long wavelengths uncovers vast cold gas reservoirs across the universe, while Hubble’s precision identifies star clusters and measures their ages and masses. Such collaborative efforts between cutting-edge telescopes are crucial for groundbreaking astronomical discoveries. These observations also pave the way for future research with tools like the James Webb Space Telescope.