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Breakthrough Antibody Shows Promise in Cancer Treatment
Scientists at Uppsala University and KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a groundbreaking antibody that could revolutionize cancer treatment. This unique antibody not only targets and delivers drugs to tumors but also activates the immune system for personalized immunotherapy. The study, published in Nature Communications, shows promising results in activating immune cells and improving survival rates in animal models. Researchers hope this new method will lead to faster, safer, and more effective treatments for cancer patients worldwide.
Score (97)
Meet the Middle Schooler Who Aced Two State Tests with a Perfect Score
Keng-Kenneth Smith, a seventh grader at the Academy of Innovation in Vicksburg, Mississippi, has achieved what many students only dream of—perfect scores on both the English Language Arts and math sections of the MAAP State Exam. His impressive 699 scores in each subject were confirmed at the start of the school year, earning him accolades from teachers and family alike. This isn't Keng's first brush with academic excellence. As a fifth grader, he also scored a perfect 599 in math. Beyond academics, Keng shines as an all-around talent. He is part of the WCJH Little Blue Band and recently joined the WCJH Basketball Team. Outside school, he plays travel baseball and boasts two state championships and MVP titles across two states. During MAAP Exam Week last April, students across Vicksburg Warren School District took their assessments. On August 8, Keng’s math teacher, Mr. Ratliff, handed him his scores with pride: “There was only one perfect score in that math class, and that score belongs to Mr. Keng.” Beechwood Elementary Principal Mr. Adams confirmed his achievement: “Yes, he did in fact make a perfect score of 699 on Math and 699 on ELA.” A graduate of Beechwood Elementary’s G.A.T.E.S program, Keng finished sixth grade with numerous honors, including highest averages in core subjects and a Top Ten finish in chess. “Keng is a leader! We are truly proud of Keng and his many accomplishments at such a young age,” said his mother, Lowanda Smith.
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61-Year-Old Defies Terminal Cancer Prognosis to Complete Her Third Great Run
Angela Summers, a resilient 61-year-old from Fallowfield, has defied the odds by completing her third Great Manchester Run after being diagnosed with incurable spine and lung cancer in 2021. Initially given just six months to live, Summers thought she would never tackle a 10K again. "Every time I go across that line, I just think, 'that's another year I've been here,'" she said. Summers' journey began shortly after the 2021 race when back pain revealed a spinal tumor—secondary cancer from her lungs. Doctors warned she might never walk again and gave her a grim prognosis of six to 18 months. But Summers embarked on intensive chemotherapy and started walking short distances with Nordic hiking poles. "It was freezing, it was painful, but it gave me something to work towards," she shared. In 2022, believing herself too ill for the run, her daughter Josie organized friends and family to participate in her honor. Inspired by their support, Summers joined them at the last minute and has participated every year since. Their running group now boasts over 30 members and raises funds for Maggie's cancer charity, which supported Summers through her diagnosis. Having undergone 36 rounds of chemotherapy with stable tumors allowing a break from treatment for the past year, Summers continues to train daily using sticks for support. "I can't run anymore; the pain's too much," she admitted. "But I can still walk. I take painkillers, lean on my poles, and get it done." Summers hopes her story inspires others facing serious illness: "Even if you're told the worst, never say never."
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Score (98)
Lost to Time: The Astonishing Return of a Long-Forgotten Creature
A remarkable event has unfolded in southern Spain, sparking hope among conservationists. For the first time in over three decades, a bearded vulture chick has hatched in the wild in Andalusia, marking a significant milestone for wildlife conservation efforts. The bearded vulture, once absent from Andalusian skies since the 1980s, is making a gradual return thanks to dedicated efforts by scientists and local officials. In 2006, the Junta de Andalucía and the Gypaetus Foundation initiated a reintroduction program that has since released approximately 90 bearded vultures into their natural habitat. This recent hatching signifies nature's resilience and progress toward recovery. This chick's birth in the wild rather than in captivity underscores the species' slow but promising resurgence. According to Sur in English, there have been 16 chicks born recently due to initiatives like those at the Guadalentín Breeding Centre in Jaén. Here, experts nurture vultures before releasing them into the wild. Bearded vultures play a crucial ecological role as scavengers that primarily consume bones. By cleaning up animal remains, they help prevent disease spread and maintain ecosystem health. The return of these birds also benefits local communities by attracting birdwatchers and hikers, boosting tourism and supporting local businesses while fostering greater appreciation for natural spaces. Globally, similar conservation successes are emerging—bison returning to European grasslands and backyard gardens aiding pollinators' survival. "The breeding program in the wild is progressing favourably," reports Sur in English. "Nature works miracles and if human hands can contribute ... the result is much more than feasible." These achievements remind us that when we support nature's recovery, it reciprocates with renewed hope for our planet's future.
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Kermit the Frog's Surprising Graduation Speech: What He Told University of Maryland Grads
The University of Maryland's class of 2025 had a unique commencement speaker this year: Kermit the Frog. As graduates prepared to step into the world amid economic and political challenges, they received advice from the iconic Muppet. "As you prepare to take this big leap into real life, here's a little advice — if you're willing to listen to a frog," Kermit said. "Rather than jumping over someone to get what you want, consider reaching out your hand and taking the leap side by side, because life is better when we leap together." Kermit's connection to the university runs deep. Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets and a 1960 Maryland graduate, crafted Kermit from his mother's coat and Ping-Pong balls during his time as a home economics major. A bronze statue of Henson with Kermit is a beloved landmark on campus. The university announced in March that Kermit would be this year's commencement speaker. In a video introduction, he was described as an environmental advocate, a bestselling author, an international superstar and champion of creativity and kindness. University President Darryll J. Pines expressed excitement about Kermit's participation: "I am thrilled that our graduates and their families will experience the optimism and insight of the world-renowned Kermit the Frog at such a meaningful time in their lives." Kermit said his mission remains simple: "to sing and dance and make people happy."
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NFL Coach's Grad Speech: The Four Words Every Graduate Needs to Hear
Dan Quinn, head coach of the Washington Commanders, delivered an inspiring commencement speech to Salisbury University's 100th graduating class on Thursday. Known for his motivational prowess on the field, Quinn shared insights from his own journey and encouraged graduates to embrace life's challenges with vigor. Quinn, who received an honorary doctorate alongside his wife Stacey, emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities and maintaining a positive mindset. Drawing from his experience working with a mental skills coach, he urged students to transform nerves into positive energy. "Embrace all of it," Quinn told the audience. "I want to be really clear about this: The entire world is open to you. My wish and my hope for every single one of you is to not let the world change you. You go and change the world." His speech echoed advice he often gives his players, wishing graduates both success and "some really hard-ass fights because that's where the growth is." He stressed that these challenges are where individuals discover their true potential. Quinn recounted how, after graduating from Salisbury where he played on the defensive line, he applied for 115 Division-I football jobs without landing a single interview. Despite setbacks, he maintained his belief in himself. "It may have changed my course, but I didn't let it change my belief," Quinn said. Concluding with a powerful message that resonated throughout the auditorium, Quinn left graduates with four memorable words: "Let it rip!" His call to action was met with enthusiastic applause as he exited the podium.
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Diving Into Art: This 7-Mile Underwater Sculpture Park is Helping Save Coral Reefs
Miami Beach is set to become a beacon of hope for marine conservation with the introduction of The Reefline, a unique blend of art and environmental science. Just 600 feet offshore lies the Great Florida Reef, the only living coral barrier reef in the continental U.S., which has been declining since the 1980s due to threats like bleaching and disease. The Reefline aims to reverse this trend by combining public art installations with artificial reefs. This seven-mile underwater sculpture park will not only attract tourists but also provide shelter for marine life, aiding coral recovery. "Mother Nature is the ultimate artist," said Ximena Caminos, founder and artistic director of The Reefline. "What we’re doing is giving nature and amplifying that marine habitat." Colin Foord, a coral expert involved in the project, explained that sculptures will host climate-resilient corals grown in labs. “We are accelerating the development of a fully healthy coral reef by decades,” he said. Phase I includes Leandro Erlich's "Concrete Coral," featuring cars on the ocean floor as an emissions commentary, seeded with devices to plant baby corals. Another installation, Carlos Betancourt's "Miami Reef Star," will be visible from aircraft and act as a carbon sink. Future phases promise more awe-inspiring pieces like a blue whale heart sculpture and structures to prevent coastal erosion. Visitors can explore these installations through an “underwater art crawl,” experiencing Miami’s vibrant sea life firsthand. “The oceans are our heritage,” Caminos told The Guardian. “They need someone to stand up for them.” With its innovative approach, The Reefline hopes to inspire action for ocean preservation.
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How Humans Are Stepping Up to Save Amphibians from Climate Threats
On a damp March evening, John Bateman dons his boots and headlamp to embark on a mission through a wetland intersected by a busy road. His goal? To assist spring peepers, toads, salamanders, and newts in their annual migration across the pavement. These small creatures face significant challenges as they journey between habitats necessary for different life stages. Roads often stand in their way, posing deadly risks. Habitat loss due to development further complicates their survival, particularly affecting vernal pools—temporary springtime water bodies crucial for breeding. "Unfortunately, with urban sprawl and development, a lot of the forests are being cleared," said Bateman, an environmental conservation professor at Finger Lakes Community College. "Vernal pools are going to be buried and become new houses." Amphibian populations have been declining globally since the 1960s at nearly 4% annually in the U.S., according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Climate change exacerbates these declines as rising temperatures push species like Appalachian salamanders northward. Bateman isn't alone in his efforts. Margot Fass of A Frog House in Pittsford advocates for frogs by creating vernal pools with volunteers during Save the Frogs Day. She emphasizes chemical-free gardens: “One spray of pesticides can kill a frog within an hour.” The Genesee Land Trust also plays a role by preserving land like Cornwall Preserve near Lake Ontario, restoring wetlands that benefit both amphibians and birds. For Bateman, preserving these habitats is about more than conservation; it's about ensuring future generations experience nature's wonders firsthand. “I think that future generations are absolutely going to be at a loss not having those experiences,” he said.
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Animal Brains Are Inspiring the Next Wave of Tech and Conservation Breakthroughs
Animal brains might just be the secret ingredient to the next wave of technological innovation, according to a new study from Monash University in Australia. Researchers at the Melbourne-based institution have found that animal intelligence offers valuable insights into human cognition and could significantly influence the development of smarter artificial systems. The study highlights unexpected ways in which animal cognition is shaping technological and societal advancements. By examining creatures like dragonflies and bees, researchers are exploring how their flight mechanics and vision can inspire advanced bio-inspired technologies—designs that mimic animal behavior, movement, and perception. "Animals are emerging as powerful models for developing new technologies," said a researcher involved in the study. This is particularly true in fields such as robotics and artificial intelligence, where understanding how animals tackle unfamiliar tasks can lead to more accurate and adaptive technologies. Studying how animals respond to novel challenges may also help predict their ability to cope with human-driven environmental changes. The research underscores the potential of using animal cognition as a blueprint for innovation. As Experts continue to look toward nature for inspiration, these findings suggest that even the smallest creatures have much to teach us about creating a smarter future.
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Satellite Discovery: Unseen River Waves Were Just Captured for the First Time
NASA and Virginia Tech researchers have achieved a groundbreaking feat by using satellite data to measure the height and speed of potentially hazardous flood waves in U.S. rivers. This innovative study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, showcases the potential of space-based observations to assist hydrologists and engineers, particularly in areas lacking robust flood control infrastructure. Unlike ocean waves driven by wind and tides, river waves are temporary surges caused by rainfall or snowmelt. These waves can transport nutrients but also pose significant flood risks. "Ocean waves are well known from surfing and sailing, but rivers are the arteries of the planet," said Cedric David, a hydrologist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Hana Thurman, a doctoral researcher at Virginia Tech, utilized data from the SWOT (Surface Water and Ocean Topography) satellite to identify river wave anomalies. The satellite's Ka-band Radar Interferometer (KaRIn) maps water elevation with high precision. Thurman discovered three notable river waves: one on Montana's Yellowstone River likely caused by an ice jam break; another on Texas' Colorado River following heavy rainfall; and a third on Georgia's Ocmulgee River. "We’re learning more about the shape and speed of flow waves," Thurman noted. This knowledge could improve predictions about flood arrival times and infrastructure risks. Satellite data complements traditional stream gauges by filling observational gaps worldwide. "If we see something in the data, we can say something," David emphasized regarding SWOT’s potential to monitor global flood patterns.
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Tom Hanks Takes the Stage: The Hollywood Icon's New Role in Off-Broadway Play
Tom Hanks is set to bring his storytelling prowess to the stage with an off-Broadway play, "The World of Tomorrow," at the Shed’s Griffin Theatre in New York from October through December. The Oscar-winning actor will co-write and star in the production, which is based on his own short stories. Hanks will portray a futuristic scientist who repeatedly travels back to 1939 during the World’s Fair in Queens, all in pursuit of true love. “To explore the themes of love and yearning, and the struggles of today as we carry with us the eternal memories of the past, in such a place as the Shed, strikes me as a one-of-a-kind experience not unlike the World’s Fair of 1939,” Hanks said. Collaborating with James Glossman on writing duties, Hanks will be directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon. Leon expressed excitement about working with Hanks: “It will be a joy to experience Tom leading the cast on stage in this time-traveling adventure of the limitless power of love and the distance one is willing to go for it.” Hanks has previously been nominated for a Tony Award for his role in "Lucky Guy" (2013), written by Nora Ephron. Known for his Oscar-winning performances in "Philadelphia" and "Forrest Gump," Hanks was last seen on screen in Robert Zemeckis's film "Here." He is also set to appear in Wes Anderson’s upcoming movie "The Phoenician Scheme" and will reprise his role as Woody in "Toy Story 5.