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Baby Meets Guardian Angel Who Gave Him a Second Shot at Life
Sandy Flash selflessly donated a portion of her liver to save the life of one-year-old Sonny, whom she had never met. Facing a rare and life-threatening condition, Sonny received the life-saving transplant at Cleveland Clinic, thanks to Sandy's extraordinary decision to become a living organ donor. The successful procedure allowed Sonny to thrive and meet important milestones he had missed while battling end-stage liver disease.
Score (97)
NASA Spots ‘Jack-O'-Lantern Nebula’ — a Cosmic Pumpkin Glowing in Space
Just in time for spooky season, NASA has revealed a striking image of a distant cloud of gas and dust carved out by a powerful star, earning it the nickname the “Jack-o’-lantern Nebula.” Captured in infrared light by NASA’s now-retired Spitzer Space Telescope, the nebula resembles a glowing, hollowed-out pumpkin in space. At its heart is an O-type star — a rare, massive stellar powerhouse estimated to be 15 to 20 times heavier than our Sun. Its intense radiation and stellar winds have blown out large portions of the surrounding dust and gas, creating dramatic voids and gouges in the cloud. The eerie glow comes from infrared wavelengths, which are invisible to the human eye but can be detected by Spitzer. The nebula’s colors in the image are based on three infrared wavelengths: red and green highlight warm dust at different temperatures, while blue reveals stars and especially hot areas of the nebula. Areas that shine in all three wavelengths appear white, including the bright O-type star sitting in the center of the carved-out shell. NASA released multiple views of the nebula. In one (Figure 2), the red wavelength is enhanced to bring out the orange hues and emphasize the dense contours of the cloud — making the celestial "pumpkin" even more recognizable. A third image overlays a simple artist’s sketch to show why astronomers gave the nebula its festive nickname. The nebula is a vivid example of how massive stars can sculpt their environments — blowing bubbles, carving cavities, and shaping the structure of galaxies. The Spitzer Space Telescope mission was managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, with science operations based at the Spitzer Science Center at Caltech. Though Spitzer was retired in 2020, its observations continue to offer dazzling glimpses of the universe — and, occasionally, a cosmic jack-o’-lantern.
Score (98)
Entrepreneur Secures All Five Dragons' Backing for Disability App, Calls Response "Humbling"
An entrepreneur from Leicestershire who created an accessibility-focused app after becoming paralysed has said he’s been “humbled” by the overwhelming response following his appearance on Dragons’ Den. Simon Sansome, founder of the Snowball Community app, secured backing from all five Dragons during his pitch—a rare feat in the show’s 22-year history. He was offered £80,000 in investment and has seen tens of thousands of downloads within 24 hours of the episode airing. “The filming took place a year-and-a-half ago and keeping it a secret for so long has been absolutely killing me,” Sansome said. While formal agreements with the Dragons are still pending, he said the support from their teams, particularly Sara Davies’ PR and business consultants, has already been invaluable. Snowball Community allows users to rate and review restaurants, shops, and public spaces based on their accessibility—something Sansome became acutely aware of after a devastating injury in 2014 left him paralysed from the waist down. He had slipped a disc while playing rugby, and a chiropractor’s treatment worsened the injury, leading to Cauda Equina Syndrome—a rare condition caused by compression of the nerves at the base of the spine. He was misdiagnosed and did not receive the surgery needed within the critical 48-hour window. After months in hospital and a year in recovery, Sansome and his wife returned to their favourite restaurant in Leicester, where he encountered severe access issues. “I couldn't get through the door,” he said. “I ended up urinating in the restaurant because the toilet was upstairs and I couldn't get to it.” That moment sparked a shift. He started a Facebook page called Ability Access in 2016 to raise awareness of access issues in Leicester. “There wasn’t any grand scheme behind it,” he said. “It was just about raising the level of discussion.” The page quickly gained traction, and the idea for Snowball Community began to take shape. When he finally pitched the app to the Dragons, they immediately recognised its potential—particularly its possible integration with major services like Google Maps. “It’s been absolutely fantastic,” Sansome said. “But it has also been a humbling experience. We’ve had emails saying, ‘Thank you so much for creating this app. I have a stoma bag and need to find toilets quickly—this is going to really change my life.’” Looking ahead, Sansome has ambitious plans for expansion. His team has been working with Transport for London to create an accessible Tube map, and they’re now aiming to add a live navigation feed for users travelling through the capital. There’s also talk of developing a dedicated chatbot. For Sansome, the mission is personal—but it’s also universal. “Accessibility shouldn’t be an afterthought,” he said. “This app is about giving people the dignity and freedom to move through the world like everyone else.”
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'Dracula's Bride' Donates 100th Pint Of Blood
Carol Verney isn’t your typical blood donor. On Halloween, the 80-year-old from Blandford in Dorset walked into the NHS blood donor centre in Poole dressed as Dracula’s bride. At her side was her husband Malcolm, dressed as Dracula himself. The occasion? Her 100th pint of blood donation. “I just can't believe I've got here,” Verney told BBC Radio Solent. “It’s been such a fantastic journey and everyone’s been so helpful, including my husband.” She started giving blood 61 years ago and never imagined she’d make it to triple digits. “I keep giving, and they keep taking, and we got to 100 – it's only taken 61 years, but hey,” she said. Verney made her milestone donation at a donor centre inside a Boots shop in Poole, where she was met with smiles and cheers. “Everybody was smiling as I walked down [to the donor centre] and I said, ‘I'm giving my hundredth pint of blood, why don’t you come and join me?’” The fancy dress was her idea. She wanted to bring some fun to the milestone and encourage others to get involved. “We all need to give blood,” she said. “You’re helping somebody, you’re giving life to somebody, they might need it – you might need it yourself.” Despite her age, she’s not stopping any time soon. “I have no plans to stop,” she said. “I might get to 102, that’s about it,” she joked. For Verney, the appeal is simple: helping others feels good. “It’s such a nice feeling, knowing you're doing something that might save someone’s life,” she said. And after 100 pints, she’s still encouraging others to try it. “It doesn’t hurt,” she added, “and you never know when you or someone you love might need it.” As for Halloween? She says it was the perfect day to celebrate giving blood – with a costume to match.
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Scientists Discover "Living Fossil" Fish Hidden In Museums For 150 Years
Long-misidentified fossils sitting in British museum collections for more than 150 years have now been confirmed as ancient coelacanths—deep-sea fish often described as "living fossils" due to their remarkable evolutionary stability. In a new study published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, Jacob Quinn of the University of Bristol and colleagues from the University of Uruguay have reclassified dozens of fossils previously thought to belong to marine reptiles. The fossils date back roughly 200 million years to the late Triassic, a time when modern-day Britain sat in tropical latitudes. “During his Masters in Palaeobiology at Bristol, Jacob realized that many fossils previously assigned to the small marine reptile Pachystropheus actually came from coelacanth fishes,” said Professor Mike Benton, one of Quinn’s supervisors. “Jacob then went off to look at collections around the country, and he found the same mistake had been made many times.” The findings significantly expand the known fossil record of Triassic coelacanths in the UK. Previously, only four reports of coelacanths from that time and region existed. The new study identifies more than 50. “It is remarkable that some of these specimens had been sat in museum storage facilities, and even on public display, since the late 1800s,” Quinn said. “They’ve been variously mistaken for bones of lizards, mammals, and everything in between.” Quinn confirmed the fossils’ true identity using X-ray imaging, revealing that most belonged to an extinct family of coelacanths called Mawsoniidae—closely related to the species still living today. The modern coelacanth was famously rediscovered off the coast of South Africa in 1938, after being thought extinct for over 65 million years. The fossils were uncovered primarily in the Bristol and Mendip Hills area, which during the Triassic Period was a tropical island chain surrounded by shallow seas. Coelacanths likely patrolled these waters as opportunistic predators, preying on whatever they could find. “The material occurs as isolated specimens, but we can see they come from individuals of varying ages, sizes, and species,” said co-author Pablo Toriño, a coelacanth specialist based in Uruguay. “Some of them were up to a metre long, suggesting a complex underwater community at the time.” Dr. David Whiteside, a co-supervisor on the project, noted the irony of the find. “These large fishes were probably eating small marine reptiles like Pachystropheus—whose bones they’ve now been confused with for decades.” The study not only sheds new light on the diversity of prehistoric coelacanths in Britain but also highlights how reexamining old collections can lead to major scientific discoveries hiding in plain sight.
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Cake Artists' Creations Wow Exhibition Goers
Jim Carrey, Medusa, and Michael Jackson were among the edible stars on display as Cake International returned to the NEC in Birmingham for its annual three-day showcase. Bakers and cake artists from around the world gathered for what is widely billed as the largest cake decorating and baking event in the world. With this year’s show falling on Halloween weekend, many creators leaned into spooky and larger-than-life themes—some literally life-size. One of the standout creations came from 55-year-old artist Emma Morris of South Wales, who stunned visitors with a 6-foot (1.8m) tall edible sculpture of Michael Jackson. Inspired by the music video for his 1983 hit Thriller, Morris recreated Jackson in his iconic pose, impressing fans of the King of Pop with both scale and accuracy. The event regularly draws top talent from across the globe, including artists from the United States, Spain, Poland, India, and South Africa. Past editions have featured everything from sweet sculptures of Taylor Swift and Ozzy Osbourne to controversial interpretations of political figures like Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un. In addition to jaw-dropping cakes, the event features trade stalls, live demonstrations, and competitions. Thousands of visitors are expected to attend before the show wraps up on Sunday.
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Mum And Twins Graduate Together From Same University
A mother and her twin daughters from Cambridge have graduated on the same day, from the same university, after studying side by side while holding down full-time jobs. Sarah Chappell and her daughters Megan and Abbey Douglas-Chappell, both 23, all received their degrees from the Open University in Milton Keynes, marking a milestone they reached as a family. “It was amazing to graduate with my girls,” said Chappell. “We have come so far, and I am so proud of all they have achieved at such a young age.” Chappell, a senior project manager at a biotechnology organisation, completed a Master of Science in systems thinking in practice—a subject she says she uses every day in her role. She praised the flexibility of the Open University model, which allowed her family to continue working, stay at home, and pursue their education without the steep costs associated with traditional universities. “With the rising costs of brick universities this gave both my girls a chance to stay at home, work and complete their studies,” she said. “They have significantly less debt than many of their peers.” Megan earned a first-class degree in environmental studies while working in business continuity at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust. She’s now working as a business support assistant for a sustainable urban planning firm. She credited their weekly family study sessions as a key part of their success. “We pushed each other through tough days so it never felt lonely with the long days and nights at the books,” Megan said. Her twin, Abbey, completed a law degree and has been accepted onto a postgraduate solicitor apprenticeship at Mills & Reeve in Cambridge, where she already works as a paralegal. Abbey initially left home to attend a traditional university, but said the Covid-19 pandemic made the experience isolating. “Coming home to study at the Open University provided me with an opportunity to study flexibly whilst gaining work experience in a legal environment,” she said. “It helped me prepare to balance study and a career.” Together, the trio proved that with enough motivation—and a strong support system—it’s possible to juggle jobs, degrees, and daily life, all under the same roof.
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Can We Rewrite the Past? A Neuroscientist on Memory, Healing, and Altering What We Remember
For nearly a century, scientists have known that memory isn't fixed. It's fluid, fragile, and deeply shaped by how we feel in the present. Every time we recall an event, we’re not just retrieving a record of what happened—we’re reconstructing it, with all the imperfections and influence of the moment. This flexibility in memory has fueled both fear and fascination. It’s at the root of false confessions, moral panics, and wrongful convictions. But what if it could also be a tool for healing? That’s the question driving neuroscientist Steve Ramirez, whose new book, How to Change a Memory, explores the fast-evolving science of memory manipulation and the deeply personal story behind it. Speaking with Gizmodo, Ramirez reflected on his journey—both scientific and emotional—and why he believes this emerging field could one day offer powerful ways to treat trauma, depression, and other conditions tied to memory. A science memoir born of memory and loss Ramirez didn’t originally plan to write a deeply personal book. But as the writing process unfolded, he found that the only honest way to tell the story of memory science was to include his own. “I’m both a person and a scientist,” he said. “Usually, the world only sees the outcomes—papers, discoveries. But I wanted to show the human element, the messy and meaningful parts of doing science.” At the heart of the book is his friendship with Xu Liu, his mentor and research partner at MIT, who died unexpectedly at just 37. Their early collaboration helped pioneer the field of memory manipulation—and the book became, in part, a tribute to that shared work and friendship. From lab mice to real-world impact In 2012, Ramirez and Liu made headlines when they showed they could implant a false memory in the brain of a mouse using light to activate specific brain cells. At the time, it was a scientific breakthrough that seemed straight out of science fiction. Today, it’s the foundation of a thriving research field with serious clinical potential. “What started as one paper has exploded,” Ramirez said. “There’s now a whole generation of scientists exploring how to alter, activate, and even restore memories.” In the past decade, researchers have successfully reactivated lost memories in models of amnesia, Alzheimer’s, and addiction. They’ve even been able to enhance the recall of positive memories in models of depression and anxiety. “We’re not ‘Inception-ing’ people yet,” he said, “but this is our moment to talk openly about what’s coming—and how to use it ethically.” The ethics of editing memory As with any powerful technology, the idea of manipulating memories raises immediate concerns. Could it be abused? What happens when we start choosing what to remember—or forget? For Ramirez, the answer lies in keeping the conversation broad, open, and grounded in medical need. “Everyone has a stake in this. Everyone has memory,” he said. “We need to be transparent—scientists, the public, ethicists, everyone. And we need to define a clear purpose: human health.” He compares the future use of memory intervention to current medical treatments like antidepressants. “We wouldn’t give Prozac to the entire population of Boston,” he said. “But for someone suffering from debilitating depression, this kind of tool could be life-changing.” The aim, he insists, is not to erase mildly painful memories or fine-tune life experiences, but to offer real relief to people living with trauma, PTSD, and other severe conditions. A fragile mind, a hopeful outlook What’s surprising is how optimistic Ramirez remains about memory—even after a career studying its flaws. “I’ve seen what memory can do—the highs, the lows, the way it can transport us back or push us forward,” he said. “That’s powerful. That’s awe-inspiring.” He believes memory isn’t just a record of our past, but a tool for connection, empathy, and healing. “Think about any recovery group,” he said. “What brings people together is memory—shared stories of pain, of progress. That’s where connection happens. And I think we all have at least one memory that could connect us to anyone else in the world.” A final memory, and a message Ultimately, Ramirez hopes readers come away with a deeper appreciation of memory’s complexity—and its beauty. “Memory is the language we use to tell the story of our life,” he said. “And one day, we all become memory.” In honoring his friend Xu Liu through the book, Ramirez shows how memory can also be a form of tribute. “That’s how I came to terms with grief,” he said. “By using memory to honour a life that mattered.” His hope? That readers don’t just learn something about the brain, but feel something, too. “Maybe they’ll connect with some of the memories I’ve shared,” he said. “Maybe they’ll see a little bit of themselves in it. And maybe that’s how real understanding begins.”
Score (98)
White Rhino Calf Born At Cotswold Wildlife Park Thrills Visitors And Boosts Conservation Efforts
A rare white rhinoceros calf has been born at the Cotswold Wildlife Park in England, marking a celebrated moment for rhino conservation in Europe. The male calf, named Markus, is one of only five white rhinos born across the continent this year. His arrival is being seen as a major win for conservation breeding programmes, which aim to bolster populations of a species increasingly under threat in the wild. Even more unusually, Markus’s birth was captured on camera by a park keeper—an extraordinary event, since rhinos typically give birth at night or in secluded areas. His mother, Nancy, carried him for 16 months, one of the longest gestation periods of any land mammal. A spokesperson for the park described her as “exceptional,” noting this is her seventh calf and that the two are bonding well. Markus was named in memory of the late Markus Borner, a key figure in African wildlife conservation who played a central role in restoring Tanzania’s black rhino population. While white rhinos are the most numerous of the five rhino species, they remain under intense threat from poaching. The birth offers a moment of hope in what conservationists say continues to be a precarious battle to protect the species from extinction.
Score (98)
Dubai Students Design Innovative Chair To Aid Neurodivergent Classmates In Staying Focused
A group of high school students in Dubai has created a custom-designed chair to help children with ADHD and sensory processing issues stay focused in the classroom—earning praise from educators and neurodiversity specialists alike. The “CareChair,” designed by four final-year IB students at Gems Wellington International School, features an extended base for flexible seating, built-in fidget toys, and tactile elements made entirely from recycled materials. The chair took two years to develop and is already being trialled by pupils with autism and ADHD at the school. Seventeen-year-olds Yuvaan Sawlani, Ayaan Mohammed, Moulik Savla and Atharva Mehra began the project after volunteering at a sports event for students with additional learning needs. That experience sparked an idea that would grow into a full-scale design and engineering project. “I remembered a friend I had in Year 4 who used fidget toys and soft cushions to stay focused,” said Ayaan, who led the design process. “That’s the main premise on which we built the product we have today.” Unlike traditional classroom furniture, which often takes a one-size-fits-all approach, the CareChair is built with neurodivergent students in mind. Sensory tools are embedded in the chair itself—meaning they can’t be lost, forgotten, or borrowed by other students, which is a common issue in inclusive classrooms. “Many people see fidgeting or movement as a distraction,” said Yuvaan. “But research has shown these behaviours can enhance focus when supported correctly. We want to challenge that perception and design something that recognises movement and sensory engagement as positive learning tools.” The school’s inclusion team has already seen results. One student diagnosed with ADHD and autism showed improved focus and emotional regulation after using the CareChair, particularly during less structured lessons, they said. Each member of the team brought their own strengths to the project. Yuvaan handled budgeting and business planning to keep the chair affordable. Ayaan led the design, creating hundreds of sketches to balance function with comfort. Moulik built 3D models and refined the engineering, while Atharva, who has ADHD himself, used his lived experience to fine-tune the chair’s materials and surfaces. “One version had a rougher surface that felt a bit pokey,” Atharva said. “I knew that could be a trigger for some kids. So we changed it to a smoother laminated veneer. Things like that came from personal experience.” Neurodiversity specialist Victoria McKeown called the chair a smart, practical solution. “It’s a really good idea for a whole number of reasons,” she said. “Having fidget tools built into the chair removes a lot of the distractions and disruptions that come from sharing or losing them.” The students were also committed to sustainability. Early prototypes included keyboard membranes and buttons from old devices—an idea sparked by a recycling competition organised by the Council of British International Schools. Even as the chair evolved, the use of recycled materials stayed central to the design. Navin Valrani, CEO of Arcadia Education and the team’s mentor, called the project “heartwarming” and said it has the potential to help schools globally. “The CareChair should appear in schools across the globe,” he said. All four students are planning to attend university abroad next year but say they will continue developing the CareChair between terms, with ongoing support from the school’s inclusion department. For Atharva, the real reward has come from watching classmates benefit. “Hearing from them that it helps them focus or feel more confident is the best feeling ever,” he said. “It’s really taught us that innovation doesn’t always have to come from big companies. Sometimes the best solutions come from a school project.”
Score (98)
Teen Innovator Honored For Creating Safety Whistles To Aid Stranded Mountaineers
A 14-year-old boy from South Shields has been recognised with a national award for creating and selling 3D-printed safety whistles to support mountain rescue teams. Luke, who also completed two half-marathons to raise funds, received the British Citizen Youth Award (BCYA) at the Palace of Westminster on Thursday. The award recognises young people making a meaningful impact in their communities through charity work and acts of kindness. “It was an amazing surprise, very humbling,” Luke said. “It was amazing to be at the palace… such a beautiful building.” Since January, Luke has raised £1,650 for the Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team by designing and selling safety whistles to outdoor groups. He’s also raised money for the Langdale and Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team in memory of a neighbour’s son. His efforts are inspired by his love of the outdoors and frequent mountain walks with his father, Sean, who volunteers as a ranger and winter mountain leader. “I spend a lot of time walking in the hills and mountains,” Luke said. Sean described his son as “a humble shy young man, who loves the outdoors.” He added, “We are immensely proud of Luke’s achievement, his selflessness in wanting to make a difference and help an important charity that puts their lives on the line to help and rescue others. They are the true heroes.” Luke, who aspires to be a marine biologist, is already an advanced open water scuba diver and a qualified marksman through the Army Cadets at Hebburn Detachment. He now hopes to find a sponsor to help fund the production of his whistles, since he’s been paying for materials using his own pocket money. He says he’s determined to keep going. “I want to make a bigger difference.” And there’s one extra perk he’s excited about: “I couldn’t wait to add BCYA to my passport and the school register.”