Affordable Clean Power on the Horizon? Fusion Energy Breakthrough Achieved

A Richmond-based company, General Fusion, achieved a major milestone in fusion research by successfully compressing plasmas to produce significant neutron yield using Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) technology. The results of their groundbreaking experiment have been published in an IAEA-backed journal. This achievement marks a crucial step towards developing a practical and economical fusion power plant that could potentially be operational by the early to mid-2030s.

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This UK Town Just Unveiled a Sculpture Honoring a Heroic Parachuting War Dog, Bing

When a family in wartime England could no longer feed their pet dog due to rationing, they handed him over to the army. That simple act led to an extraordinary chapter in military history. The dog, an Alsatian-collie mix named Bing — originally Brian — was trained as a war dog and went on to parachute into Nazi-occupied Europe during World War Two. This week, the people of Loughborough, Leicestershire, paid tribute to him with a newly unveiled metal sculpture in Queen’s Park, just in time for Remembrance Sunday. Installed near the Carillon Tower, the statue sits beside a wire mesh sculpture of a war horse named Songster, which was unveiled in 2018. Bing’s addition marks another nod to the often-overlooked animals that served alongside soldiers in wartime. David Northage, the Mayor of Charnwood, called Bing’s story “truly remarkable” and said it was a reminder of the town’s rich military heritage. “Bing is part of that, along with all the other animals that helped servicemen and women during the Second World War,” he said. “I am pleased that Bing has been installed in front of the Carillon Tower ahead of Sunday’s Remembrance service.” Bing was awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal in 1947, the highest award for animal bravery — often described as the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross. His wartime service began after the Fetch family from Loughborough donated him to the military in 1944, no longer able to keep him due to food shortages. He trained at the Army War Dog Training School in Hertfordshire before joining the 13th Parachute Battalion, part of the 6th Airborne Division. His first combat jump was into the town of Ranville, Normandy, on D-Day in June 1944. The operation did not go smoothly. According to the PDSA, Bing became stuck in a tree and had to be cut down under enemy fire by his handler, Sgt Ken Bailey. The pair went on to serve together for months as Allied forces advanced toward Berlin. Despite sustaining minor injuries, Bing continued his work as a sniffer and sentry dog. In March 1945, he made his final jump during Operation Varsity and Operation Plunder — part of the Allied push across the Rhine into Germany. All told, Bing parachuted into combat seven times. After the war, Bing returned home to the Fetch family, where he lived out his days. He died in 1955 and was buried with other Dickin Medal recipients at the PDSA Animal Cemetery in Ilford, Essex. The new sculpture was designed and built by artist Duncan Thurlby as part of a project led by Loughborough in Bloom, with support from Charnwood Borough Council and its waste and recycling partner, Serco. Pat Cook, chair of Loughborough in Bloom, said the group had long been looking for ways to honour the town’s military connections. “We wanted to recognise Bing for the amazing work he did during the Second World War and his fascinating story,” she said. While many Remembrance events focus on soldiers who served, the addition of Bing’s statue is a reminder of the vital roles animals played in war — from carrying messages to detecting danger — and the risks they shared alongside human troops.

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Dodgers Fans Flood Toronto Children’s Hospital With Donations After World Series Win

The Los Angeles Dodgers may have broken Toronto hearts with their dramatic World Series win, but their fans have turned the sting into something unexpected — kindness. In a show of unexpected sportsmanship, Dodgers fans have donated over $30,000 to Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), transforming a fierce championship rivalry into a cross-border act of compassion. The wave of generosity began with a simple idea. After the Dodgers beat the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 to claim back-to-back titles, Jays fan Marcus Kim took to Reddit’s r/baseball community with a suggestion: the winning team’s supporters should donate to the losing city’s children’s hospital. “Let’s offset the negativity generated by gamblers and enjoy the ride,” Kim wrote, referencing the online hostility and betting backlash that often follows major sporting events. He then posted a $60 donation receipt to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles — the Blue Jays’ traditional pick when they win — and encouraged Dodgers fans to pay it forward in Toronto. The response was immediate. Hundreds of Dodgers fans followed through, directing their money to SickKids and sharing receipts and messages of support. “Sending love from Los Angeles,” one donor wrote. Another added: “In the name of Alex Vesia. We are rivals, not enemies. Good health to you and yours. Go Dodgers.” SickKids confirmed they received more than 400 donations from U.S.-based contributors, many with direct references to the Blue Jays, baseball, or even specific players. “It has been a sweet surprise to see these U.S. donations come in,” said Sandra Chiovitti, director of public relations at SickKids. “So many reasons for us to smile after some tears last Saturday night.” Some Dodgers fans donated symbolic amounts — $51, a nod to relief pitcher Alex Vesia, who stepped away from the series citing “deeply personal family matters.” The Blue Jays wore the number 51 on their hats during the series in solidarity. Vesia later revealed he was grieving the loss of his baby daughter. The outpouring of support now marks a growing tradition. Just weeks earlier, after Toronto beat Seattle in the American League Championship, Jays fans sent donations to Seattle Children’s Hospital. Dodgers fans have now taken up the baton. “Baseball fans turned a World Series rivalry — and heartbreaking loss — into hope for children’s health,” SickKids wrote in a post on X. “This will advance care, research and education for patients and families.” The donations will go toward new technologies, equipment, and research at SickKids, which was recently named Newsweek’s No. 1 specialized pediatric hospital in the world for 2026. Helen Cumberbatch, a Dodgers fan who contributed to the fundraiser, told the Toronto Star she hopes this becomes something bigger than a one-off. “I hope this movement becomes a lasting tradition,” she said. If so, a tough loss for one city could continue to spark something far more meaningful: a win for kids everywhere.

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Dolphins Dazzle With Sea Sponge Hats In Western Australia To Woo Mates

Male dolphins off the coast of Western Australia are making waves with a surprising new look — sea sponge hats. Researchers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) recently captured images of Australian humpback dolphins (Sousa sahulensis) cruising through the Dampier Archipelago, each sporting a sponge perched on its head. But this isn’t just underwater accessorizing — it’s part of a flirtation ritual. “Male humpback dolphins wear sea sponges on their heads as offerings to 'woo' females, a bit like offering a bunch of flowers,” the DBCA explained in a social media post. The behavior has been spotted in a few specific areas along Western Australia’s coast — the Dampier Archipelago, Exmouth Gulf, and the Kimberley region further north. Dr. Hannah Raudino, a researcher involved in the study, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that the sponges come in “different shapes and sizes, different colours,” but all the sponge-wearing seems concentrated in this one corner of the world. It’s a behavior distinct from what’s been seen in other dolphin species. Bottlenose dolphins, for instance, have been known to use sponges as tools — wedging them on their snouts to protect themselves while foraging in rough seabeds. But this headwear-as-courtship display appears to be unique to the Australian humpback dolphin. These dolphins were only officially recognized as a distinct species in 2014 and are currently listed as vulnerable, with fewer than 10,000 adults estimated to remain in the wild. Habitat loss and coastal development — particularly tied to Western Australia’s mineral and petroleum industries — pose major threats to their survival. “In Western Australia, and particularly the Pilbara region, habitat loss and degradation are likely the major threats to dolphins using coastal waters,” Raudino and colleagues noted in a 2023 study. Which means that every bit of help these dolphins get in attracting a mate could be critical — even if it comes in the form of a sea sponge hat. Whether it’s fashion or flirtation, scientists say it’s a behavior worth watching closely. Because if dolphins want to impress with a bold accessory choice, who are we to argue?

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Listening To Music In Old Age Could Slash Dementia Risk By 40 Percent, Study Finds

Listening to music into old age may do more than lift your spirits — it could significantly reduce your risk of developing dementia. That’s the finding from a new study out of Australia, where researchers followed nearly 11,000 adults aged 70 and older for at least three years. None had been diagnosed with dementia at the start of the study, and all were living independently in retirement communities. Participants were asked about their music habits, including how often they listened and whether they played an instrument. Those who said they always listened to music were 39 percent less likely to develop dementia compared to those who rarely or never did. They also saw a 17 percent lower risk of developing milder cognitive impairments, and performed better on memory and general thinking tests. Playing music also showed benefits. Participants who regularly picked up an instrument were 35 percent less likely to develop dementia. And those who did both — listening and playing — saw a 33 percent reduced risk of dementia overall, along with a 22 percent reduced risk of other cognitive decline. “Music activities may be an accessible strategy for maintaining cognitive health in older adults,” said Emma Jaffa, a public health researcher at Monash University and lead author of the study. Still, she cautioned that the study shows a correlation, not direct causation. The study, published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, suggests that musical engagement could be a low-cost, widely accessible form of mental stimulation — especially as populations age. “Listening to music activates a whole range of regions across your brain,” said Joanne Ryan, the study’s senior author and a neuropsychiatric epidemiologist at Monash. “That cognitive stimulation is beneficial to help reduce your risk of dementia.” The effect appeared strongest in participants with more years of education, particularly those with 16 years or more. For those with 12 to 15 years of education, the results were less consistent. Even so, researchers say the message is clear: keeping music in your life — whether it’s through headphones or a piano bench — could help protect your brain as you age.

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Malin Akerman Overcomes 'People-Pleaser' Tendencies, Feels Powerful in Her 40s

Malin Akerman says turning 40 didn’t slow her down — it made her feel powerful. Speaking at Variety’s Power of Women event in Beverly Hills, the 47-year-old actress told PEOPLE she’s stepping into her current decade with confidence and clarity. “Being in my 40s makes me feel powerful,” she said. “Life lessons [and] wisdom that only comes with years of experience.” Akerman said one of the biggest shifts that’s come with age is learning how to stop being a people-pleaser. “Growing up, I was such a people pleaser and said yes to many, many things and didn't know how to set boundaries,” she explained. “Setting boundaries and standing in my own power and knowing that I'm worth it has really been a great lesson.” She also shared her advice for other women: show up for each other. “Support your fellow ladies, because if you do we can rule the whole freaking world — so you know, be an ally,” she said. Akerman credited her growth in part to the people she surrounds herself with, saying the right support system can boost self-confidence and bring out the best in everyone. That dynamic was on full display during her time filming The Hunting Wives, where she and co-star Brittany Snow supported one another through a vulnerable scene. At the She Sees Me: The Power of Female Friendship event in October, Akerman recalled the moment before shooting their first intimate scene. Both actors, she said, were feeling the pressure of unrealistic beauty standards. “We're so used to dissecting our own bodies and looking in the mirror and finding all the things that were wrong... and it's terrible,” Akerman said. She then turned to Snow and said, “Britt, you know what? We're beautiful. We've worked hard for these bodies. We've worked hard our whole lives and you're a beautiful person.” She told her co-star, “Let’s just go out there and have a great time — as much as you can with all these cameramen. It's a weird time, but let’s just be in it together and support each other right now.” Akerman described the moment as “beautiful” and credited the entire Hunting Wives cast and crew for creating a safe and encouraging atmosphere on set. “This set specifically has been so — it's been so important to have these relationships work [off screen] because of the intimacy of the relationships on screen,” she said. “There’s this support group between every take, and everyone just wants everyone to win.”

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Desert Plant Offers Clues for Heat-Resistant Crops in a Warming World

In the blistering heat of California’s Death Valley, where summer temperatures often soar past 49°C, most plants wither within hours. But one native species, Tidestromia oblongifolia, doesn’t just survive — it thrives. Now, scientists at Michigan State University believe this desert plant could hold the key to building crops that can withstand extreme heat in a warming world. In a study published in Current Biology, researchers found that T. oblongifolia not only resists high temperatures, it grows faster in them — tripling its biomass in just 10 days under Death Valley-like conditions. “This is the most heat-tolerant plant ever documented,” said Seung Yon “Sue” Rhee, a Research Foundation Professor at MSU’s Plant Resilience Institute. The study’s lead author, research specialist Karine Prado, said the team struggled at first to get the seeds to germinate. “When we first brought these seeds back to the lab, we were fighting just to get them to grow,” she said. But when they replicated the desert’s searing heat and intense light in custom-built growth chambers, the plants flourished. Unlike other species known for their heat tolerance — which stopped growing entirely under those same conditions — T. oblongifolia quickly adapted. In only two days, it recalibrated its photosynthetic “comfort zone,” efficiently producing energy even as temperatures hit 45°C. Using a mix of genomic analysis, physiological tests, and live imaging, the team discovered how the plant reorganizes its internal machinery to beat the heat. Mitochondria, which produce energy, reposition themselves closer to chloroplasts, the site of photosynthesis. Meanwhile, the chloroplasts morph into unusual cup-like shapes never before seen in higher plants, possibly helping the plant recycle carbon dioxide more efficiently. At the genetic level, thousands of genes rapidly adjust their activity within a day of exposure. These include genes responsible for protecting proteins, membranes, and photosynthetic systems from thermal damage. One key change is a surge in production of Rubisco activase, an enzyme that keeps photosynthesis running smoothly at high temperatures. That kind of adaptation is increasingly relevant. Global temperatures are expected to rise by up to 5°C by the end of the century. Even now, heatwaves are reducing yields of major food crops like wheat, maize, and soybeans. “T. oblongifolia shows us that plants have the capacity to adapt to extreme temperatures,” Rhee said. “If we can learn how to replicate those mechanisms in crops, it could transform agriculture in a hotter world.” Until recently, most plant biology research has focused on model organisms like rice, maize, and Arabidopsis — species chosen for their ease of cultivation, not their resilience. Rhee believes that approach is due for a change. “Desert plants have spent millions of years solving the challenges we’re only beginning to face,” she said. “We finally have the tools, such as genomics, high-resolution live imaging, and systems biology, to learn from them. What we need now is broader support to pursue this kind of research.” Her team is already working on applying the insights from T. oblongifolia to more common food crops, looking for ways to transfer its heat-tolerance at the genetic and cellular level. “This research doesn’t just tell us how one desert plant beats the heat,” said Prado. “It gives us a roadmap for how all plants might adapt to a changing climate.”

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This Stroke Survivor Found His Voice Through Singing After Losing His Speech – Here's How

When David Turner had a stroke, he couldn’t speak for two months. Now, he says, “I sing and sing and sing.” Turner is one of several stroke survivors in West Sussex who meet regularly in the small town of Cuckfield for group singing sessions — a routine that’s done more than lift spirits. For many of them, singing has literally brought their voices back. Roughly one in three people in the UK experience aphasia after a stroke, a condition that can impact their ability to speak, read, write, or understand language. But a growing body of research suggests that music may offer a path to recovery. That’s because speech and singing are handled by different parts of the brain — and in some cases, patients can sing clearly even when they can’t talk. “A third of stroke survivors were able to sing clearly before they could speak after their stroke,” said Tara Lakin of The Stroke Association. According to the charity’s own survey, two-thirds of survivors said singing or music had significantly improved their ability to communicate. For Turner, singing has been a lifeline. “When I worked through the stroke, I couldn’t speak for two months,” he said. “And I come to this, and I sing and sing and sing.” Another member of the group, Keith Denyer, said singing unlocks memories in ways everyday speech does not. “I can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday,” he said, “but I can remember the words from songs from three or four years ago.” Experts say that’s not unusual. Singing can activate neural pathways that aren't affected by a stroke, allowing the brain to “route around” damaged areas. It also offers other benefits — building confidence, improving mood, and creating a sense of connection in group settings. In the UK, someone has a stroke every five minutes. That adds up to around 100,000 strokes each year, and more than 1.4 million people living with the aftermath. For some, that aftermath includes aphasia and a long, uncertain road to recovery. But for survivors like Turner and Denyer, music is more than therapy. It’s a second chance — and a way to be heard.

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Notre Dame Cathedral Celebrates Successful Year After Reopening, Attracting Millions of Visitors

Notre Dame Cathedral is once again bustling with life. Less than a year out from its official reopening, the iconic Parisian landmark is drawing millions — and on pace to shatter attendance records. By August alone, the cathedral had already welcomed eight million people through its doors, and it’s projected to reach 12 million by the end of the year, with some forecasts reaching as high as 15 million. “We are certainly the most visited monument and cathedral in France,” said Michel Picaud, president of the Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris, the nonprofit spearheading global fundraising efforts for the restoration. “We are very happy [about] that.” The renewed energy comes in the wake of a tragedy that captured global attention. On April 15, 2019, a massive fire tore through Notre Dame’s roof and interior, causing parts of the structure to collapse and leaving one of the world’s most famous cathedrals badly scarred. The damage was extensive, requiring a years-long effort to rebuild not just the physical structure, but the spiritual and cultural center it represents. Originally built over nearly two centuries — starting in 1163 and completed in the 14th century — Notre Dame has undergone several transformations. It was modified in the 18th century, restored again in the 19th, and now, in the 21st, it's in the middle of one of its most ambitious rebuilds yet. Picaud, whose organization has been central to the international campaign to restore Notre Dame, said the work so far has focused on the interior. That meant replacing everything lost or damaged in the fire: a new altar, a new baptismal font, new seating, and a new reliquary for the Crown of Thorns — one of Christianity’s most revered relics. Next comes the outside. A four-year project is now underway to restore the cathedral’s striking gothic features, including the famous flying buttresses, gargoyles, grotesques, and other intricate stonework that give Notre Dame its unmistakable silhouette. New stained-glass windows will also be added during the exterior phase, Picaud said. Despite the ongoing restoration, Notre Dame has resumed its role as both a place of worship and a major tourist destination. Religious services are held daily, and the cathedral is open to visitors throughout the day — though the number of people allowed inside adjusts depending on whether a service is in progress. The tower visit, a favorite among tourists, reopened in September. Climbing its 424 steps brings visitors to the top of the 226-foot structure, offering what Picaud called a “wonderful view of Paris.” The new spire, now reaching 315 feet, adds to the breathtaking panorama. As it nears the one-year anniversary of its grand reopening, Notre Dame isn’t just rising from the ashes — it’s thriving. And the people are coming back.

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Six-Year-Old Girl Saves Harvard's Axolotl Research With a Heartfelt Donation

When Jessica Whited’s Harvard lab lost nearly all its government funding, the future of her groundbreaking axolotl research was suddenly in doubt. Her team at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute had been studying the salamander famous for its almost mythical ability to regrow limbs — a trait scientists hope could one day lead to breakthroughs in human limb regeneration. But months ago, federal funding cuts left the lab in a precarious position. Then came an unexpected lifeline — from a six-year-old in Springfield, Massachusetts. Marianne Cullen, a bright-eyed first-grader with a deep love for axolotls, learned about the lab’s work and decided she wasn’t going to sit idly by. “There’s more to them than just being cute,” she told CBS News. “They can grow back any limb… and there’s way other animals that need saving, but this one is my destiny to save.” Marianne took matters into her own hands. She created a PowerPoint presentation, launched a fundraiser, and raised $1,000 for Whited’s lab. Her parents, Kathleen and Robert Cullen, were floored — but not entirely surprised. “She said, ‘I want to raise money for axolotls,’” her dad recalled. “She took it kind of to the next level, honestly,” her mom added. For Whited and her team, it was more than a donation. It was a jolt of energy at a time when morale was low. “It definitely had a positive effect on everyone in the lab,” Whited said. “Everybody was just flabbergasted.” She wasn’t exaggerating. It wasn’t the amount that struck them — it was the source. “Sometimes you know who’s fighting for you in life, and sometimes you don’t,” Whited said. “And that’s always the time when you just pause and be like, ‘Wow.’” Since then, a federal court ruling reinstated the lab’s funding — though it’s still unclear whether that decision will hold. But whatever happens, Whited says Marianne’s gift will continue to motivate her team. Marianne, meanwhile, remains committed. When asked why she felt responsible for the axolotls, she replied simply: “Not a lot of people get how important it is to save this animal.” At six years old, she may be the youngest donor Harvard has ever had — but she just might be the one with the biggest heart.

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Community Raises $30K To Support Candy Vendor With Cerebral Palsy Working 6 Days A Week

For nearly ten years, Staten Island’s Andy has quietly become a local icon — not for what he sells, but for how he shows up. Six days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Andy pushes his candy cart up and down Hylan Boulevard, often in challenging weather, always with a smile. Living with cerebral palsy, a condition that affects his motor skills, speech, and coordination, he still logs more than 50 hours a week, treating the sidewalk like a full-time job — and his customers like old friends. Now, the community that Andy has inspired is giving back. Jennifer Remauro, a Staten Island resident who says Andy reminds her of her late brother who also had cerebral palsy, launched a GoFundMe campaign to show Andy just how much he’s appreciated. “This isn’t charity,” she wrote. “It’s an investment in someone who is truly spectacular.” Remauro’s words struck a chord. Within days, the fundraiser surged past $30,000. Andy has been a fixture at the intersection of Narrows Road South and Hylan Boulevard for nearly a decade. His day starts at 5:30 a.m. — loading his cart, heading to his corner, and setting up for a full day of work. It hasn’t always been easy. He’s faced robberies, bitter winters, and a pandemic that temporarily wiped out his commuter base. But he never stopped showing up. What started as a man selling snacks became something more. Over the years, he’s built a quiet web of community — commuters who wave, kids who stop for candy, and neighbors who simply admire his resolve. Now, Remauro wants Andy to receive something he rarely takes: a break. She hopes the money will allow him to enjoy a small vacation, treat himself, or just rest knowing how many people are rooting for him. She plans to deliver every dollar and every message of encouragement to Andy personally before Christmas. “Your contribution is more than just money,” she wrote. “It’s a message of respect and appreciation that he will be able to read and cherish.” After years of pushing through with quiet determination, Andy’s getting pushed forward by something else: gratitude.

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