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Antarctica's White Christmas: Sun Never Sets on Festive Researchers
In Antarctica, the British Antarctic Survey team is gearing up for a unique Christmas experience with 24 hours of sunlight. Despite being away from home, nearly 300 staff members across five research stations and on board the RRS Sir David Attenborough are getting into the festive spirit with decorations and secret Santas. While some will enjoy mince pies and Christmas films, others will continue their important work collecting specimens or conducting fieldwork in extreme conditions.
Score (95)
New Gel Regrows Tooth Enamel And Could Transform Dentistry
Tooth enamel, once damaged, doesn’t grow back — until now. Scientists at the University of Nottingham have created a fluoride-free gel that can repair and regenerate tooth enamel, offering a potential breakthrough in dental care. The bioinspired material, published this week in Nature Communications, mimics the proteins that naturally form enamel during early development, helping to rebuild the tooth’s outer layer from the ground up. The gel works by forming a thin, durable layer over the tooth, which seeps into microscopic cracks and holes. It then acts as a scaffold, drawing in calcium and phosphate ions from saliva. Those minerals are reorganized into new enamel crystals through a process called epitaxial mineralization — essentially regrowing enamel in a way that blends seamlessly with the natural structure. And it’s not just for repair. The gel can also be applied to healthy teeth to prevent future decay or to exposed dentine, reducing sensitivity and improving the bonding of dental restorations like fillings or veneers. Dr. Abshar Hasan, the study’s lead author, says the new material performs under real-world conditions. “We have tested the mechanical properties of these regenerated tissues under conditions simulating ‘real-life situations’ such as tooth brushing, chewing, and exposure to acidic foods,” Hasan said. “We found that the regenerated enamel behaves just like healthy enamel.” That’s a big deal for a problem that affects billions of people. Enamel erosion plays a major role in tooth decay — which impacts nearly half of the global population. Once enamel is gone, the teeth become more vulnerable to cavities, infections, and even loss. And the consequences don’t stop at the mouth; poor dental health has been linked to broader conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Until now, treatments have focused mostly on prevention or symptom relief. Fluoride varnishes and remineralizing pastes can strengthen teeth, but they don’t actually rebuild enamel. This new gel may be the first to do just that. Professor Alvaro Mata, Chair in Biomedical Engineering & Biomaterials at Nottingham and lead investigator on the project, said the team designed the technology to be safe, fast-acting, and practical for everyday use. “It is safe, can be easily and rapidly applied, and it is scalable,” Mata said. “The technology is versatile, which opens the opportunity to be translated into multiple types of products to help patients of all ages suffering from a variety of dental problems.” Mata’s team has already launched a spin-off company, Mintech-Bio, to begin commercializing the gel. The hope is to have a product on the market by next year. If it succeeds, the gel could reshape the way dentists and patients think about enamel — from something that can only be protected to something that can be truly restored.
Score (96)
"They Told us They Wouldn’t Live Past 14” — Now This Mum is Planning Her Twins’ 21st Birthdays
When Sarah Finney's identical twin boys lost their sight at age three, doctors told her they might not live past 14. This September, Freddie and Louie Dawkins turned 20. Diagnosed with the CLN5 variant of Batten disease — a rare and degenerative condition that affects the nervous system — the twins from Nottingham have defied every expectation. And for their mother, it’s meant making every moment count. “They’ve been so amazing and brave and resilient,” said Finney, 52, who left her nursing job to care for them full-time. The early years were harrowing. Both boys went blind at the same time, and the diagnosis followed soon after. “It was horrendous,” she said. But over time, they found joy again through music, online classes, and drumming lessons provided by the charity Sense. Finney says caring for two sons with complex health needs is a constant juggling act. “If one gets ill, I whizz between hospital and home to get the other to college,” she said. “I have to make sure one doesn’t miss out because the other is unwell.” “Normally, all my focus is on the lads and I do this and that — and then I’m shattered,” she added. That strength and devotion haven’t gone unnoticed. Finney has been nominated for Family Carer of the Year by Sense, the charity that’s supported the family over the years. The nomination, she says, is a chance to shed light on the everyday realities of family carers. “The thing about being a family carer [is] you find strength you never knew you had,” she said. Despite the challenges, Finney says the boys continue to thrive. “They’ve had close shaves,” she admitted, “but we’re still here.” When Freddie and Louie turned 18 — a milestone she was once told they’d never reach — the family celebrated with a Bob Marley-themed cake. “It was very emotional,” she said. “Now I’ve even started to think about their 21st.” Pamela Fitton, a consultant from Sense who works closely with the family, called Finney “an absolute superstar.” “Her dedication to looking after Louie and Freddie and advocating for their unique needs is unwavering,” she said. “She always puts her boys first, even though that means having no time left for her own needs.” Finney’s focus, as always, is on the future. “I’m just proud of them,” she said. “And I’m hopeful.”
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Score (96)
Family Stranded During a Hurricane Say They “Made Friends For Life” while Sheltering With Strangers
When Nikki Davies flew to Jamaica for a relaxing family holiday, she didn’t expect to spend two nights sleeping on a sunbed mattress inside a hotel conference room, surrounded by strangers, while a hurricane tore across the island. But that’s exactly what happened after Hurricane Melissa made landfall on the Caribbean island, just as Davies, her husband, and their daughter were due to fly home to Shropshire, England. “It was quite unnerving because you didn’t know what was going on,” Davies said, recalling how she first learned about the storm’s approach through social media. At the time, guests were still enjoying their vacations in the resort town of Negril. But by Sunday 26 October, hotel staff called a meeting to prepare everyone for what was coming. That’s when the family found out they’d be bunking down in the safest part of the hotel — a windowless conference room deep inside the building — along with about 200 other guests. “It was in the inner-most part of the hotel, with no windows,” she said. “You just start talking to people around you — what brought people there, and what they were up to. You make friends, chatting about anything and everything.” As the storm raged outside, those conversations became a lifeline. Guests swapped stories, passed the time, and found ways to keep their spirits up. Davies says the hotel staff played a huge role in that. “They were amazing,” she said, noting that staff made sure guests had access to internet and power throughout the lockdown. That allowed the family to stay in touch with loved ones back in the UK, something she said “kept everyone going.” The group finally emerged from their shelter on 29 October, after the worst of the hurricane had passed. What they found was sobering. “There were bits of building that had come down on the main reception area of the hotel,” Davies said. “There was debris on all the beaches. The area was completely trashed.” Seeing the damage firsthand gave her a sense of perspective. “You start to realise, ‘My goodness, how lucky were we?’” The family has since returned to Much Wenlock, shaken but safe — and carrying memories of a holiday that took an unexpected turn. Mrs Davies said the experience will “stay with [her]” for a long time. Despite the fear and uncertainty, she says the bonds formed during those sleepless nights were real. “We made new friends,” she said. “It brought people together.”
Score (63)
Amy Poehler And Maya Hawke Celebrate 'Inside Out 2' As A Billion-Dollar Hit With Positive Impact
Inside Out 2 wasn’t just a box office hit — it was a lifeline. In a new episode of Amy Poehler’s podcast Good Hang, the comedian sat down with co-star Maya Hawke to talk about their shared experience on the Pixar sequel, which has now earned more than a billion dollars globally. But for both actors, the film’s biggest impact wasn’t financial. Hawke, who voiced the emotion Anxiety in the film, described the movie’s resonance as a rare kind of win. “For something that makes a billion dollars and is good for the world; I don’t think there’s anything that does that,” she said. Poehler, who returned as the voice of Joy, chimed in: “The word ‘billion’ and ‘good for the world’ [don’t] go together.” Inside Out 2 reintroduces viewers to Riley, the girl at the center of the first film, now grappling with adolescence. As new emotions like Anxiety emerge, the older ones — Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear — must adjust to a more complex emotional world. The sequel struck a nerve with audiences of all ages, many of whom found themselves tearing up during scenes that felt just a little too real. According to Poehler, the film’s creative team captured something deeply relatable. “When the time is very scary, like these times, you want to find a way to tune in, check out, help yourself, and help other people,” she said. “But when you’re just going, like, ‘toxic positivity,’ like, ‘this is great,’ it’s like, ‘Babe, things are bad. Things are real bad.’” Hawke agreed, emphasizing the importance of making room for all feelings. “You’re not helping anybody if you shut out joy completely,” she said. She spoke candidly about how voicing Anxiety affected her personally. “The Joy-Anxiety relationship taught me a lot about showing love to that part of myself and allowing other people to see it so they can show it love,” Hawke said. Instead of pushing away anxiety, she said, she’s learning to invite it in. “A way to calm [your anxiety] down is inviting it into the conversation, looking at what it thinks and is worried about, and kind of addressing each point,” she explained. “And then offering it a comfortable chair and saying, ‘OK, you’re invited. I’m not trying to shut you out behind a door.’ Because that just works it up even more.” She added, “The biggest thing I learned from doing this and being allowed to be welcomed into the beautiful world of this movie is to give my anxiety a comfy chair. I mean, anxiety might be the defining emotion of our time.” Poehler agreed, calling the work on their characters “so fun,” even in heavy emotional territory. “Because that is whatever we can do, babe — to make room for each other.” She also pointed to a small moment in the film that landed with her. In one of the final scenes, Riley regains her confidence and begins skating again. Joy starts to re-emerge, and Anxiety gestures to guide her back in. “It made me cry so hard,” Poehler said. “And I just thought, ‘Oh, like the tiny gesture of that is like what we must try to do during this bananas foster time we’re living in.’” With all the chaos in the world, Inside Out 2 struck a rare balance — offering a story that’s deeply emotional, culturally relevant, and somehow comforting all at once. Or, as Hawke put it: “You still need to welcome in some joy.”
Score (96)
'Vibe Coding' Named Word Of The Year By Collins Dictionary
The rise of AI-generated software development has officially entered the cultural mainstream — and now it has a name. Collins Dictionary has chosen “vibe coding” as its Word of the Year for 2025, marking a milestone in how people are using artificial intelligence to write software using everyday language instead of traditional computer code. Lexicographers at Collins monitor a 24-billion-word database called the Collins Corpus, analyzing trends in global media and usage. Their annual Word of the Year aims to reflect not just evolving language, but the issues and ideas people are talking about most. This year, that spotlight landed on “vibe coding,” a phrase that only entered popular usage in February. According to Collins, the term refers to “the use of artificial intelligence prompted by a natural language to assist with the writing of computer code.” It describes a new form of software creation where someone can describe an idea in plain language — and watch AI turn it into a functioning app or platform, with no need to manually write the underlying code. The term was coined by Andrej Karpathy, a former AI director at Tesla and one of OpenAI’s founding engineers. He used it to describe how people can now “vibe” their way through building software, telling an AI what they want and skipping straight to results. As Karpathy described it, it’s a process where “you forget that the code even exists.” "Vibe coding" beat out nine other contenders on Collins’ shortlist, including buzzwords related to health, politics, productivity, and climate. While technically two words, “vibe coding” was selected for how well it captures the fusion of AI and language — and the shift in how people think about programming itself. “The selection of ‘vibe coding’ as Collins’ Word of the Year perfectly captures how language is evolving alongside technology,” said Collins managing director Alex Beecroft. “It signals a major shift in software development, where AI is making coding more accessible.” He added, “The seamless integration of human creativity and machine intelligence demonstrates how natural language is fundamentally changing our interaction with computers.” It’s not the first time that AI has dominated Collins’ list. Just last year, “AI” itself took the top spot, showing how quickly the technology has gone from niche interest to global influence. In 2020, it was “lockdown.” In 2021, “NFT.” In 2022, “permacrisis.” And in 2024, it was “brat” — a pop-culture term associated with British singer Charli XCX and her confident, self-indulgent fanbase. This year’s shortlist included a mix of tech, finance, climate, and slang terms: • Aura farming: building a charismatic or distinctive public persona • Biohacking: modifying the body to improve health or longevity • Broligarchy: a powerful clique of wealthy men influencing politics • Clanker: a derogatory term for AI or robots, made popular by Star Wars: The Clone Wars • Coolcation: choosing travel destinations for cooler climates • Glaze: excessively praising or flattering someone • HENRY: acronym for “high earner, not rich yet” • Micro-retirement: taking short breaks between jobs to focus on personal goals • Taskmasking: pretending to be productive at work without doing real tasks While only one word (or phrase) takes the annual title, the rest of the list offers a snapshot of the broader cultural conversations happening around the world — from AI anxiety and work-life shifts to online performance and climate-conscious travel. For now, “vibe coding” stands out as a sign of where we’re headed: a future where anyone can build a digital product, no computer science degree required — just the right words.
Score (97)
Scientists are Revolutionizing The Future Of Vegan Meat... with Sunflowers?
Researchers in Brazil and Germany have developed a meat substitute from sunflower flour that could meet the growing demand for sustainable, plant-based proteins. The project, a collaboration between the Institute of Food Technology (ITAL) and the University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil, alongside Germany's Fraunhofer IVV Institute, aims to utilize sunflower seeds as an alternative protein source. The process starts by extracting oil from sunflower seeds. To make the resulting flour suitable for consumption, researchers remove the outer husks and certain phenolic compounds. These components typically darken the flour and impact nutrient absorption. Two versions of sunflower-based burgers emerged from this research. One uses flour from roasted sunflower grains, while the other employs textured sunflower protein. Both types are enhanced with tomato powder, spices, and a mix of oils—sunflower, olive, and linseed—to boost flavor and nutritional value. After shaping these mixtures into burger patties, researchers baked them for testing. Sensory and physicochemical evaluations followed to assess texture and taste. Findings showed that burgers made with textured sunflower protein had superior consistency and nutrition. They boasted high protein content along with healthy fats like monounsaturated fatty acids. Additionally, these patties deliver significant portions of essential minerals: 49 percent of daily iron needs, 68 percent of zinc, 95 percent of magnesium, and 89 percent of manganese. Sunflower cultivation is on the rise in Brazil as its oil gains popularity in Europe. Sunflowers also offer a non-genetically modified option for consumers concerned about GMOs. Maria Teresa Bertoldo Pacheco from ITAL's Center for Food Science and Quality led the study published in Food Research International. She explained that removing husks and phenolic compounds results in a neutral flavor and aroma for the flour. "It should also be noted that...the flour has a very neutral taste," she said. Pacheco highlighted the balanced amino acid profile as another nutritional benefit. Technologically speaking, creating a fibrous structure through extrusion helps achieve a meat-like texture. She emphasized how this research maximizes sunflower cultivar use while showcasing their nutritional benefits. Pacheco praised collaborations with German researchers which enabled technical exchanges and shared learning opportunities among students and scientists alike. This development reflects ongoing efforts to find new plant-based food solutions amid global shifts towards more sustainable eating habits.
Score (96)
Engineers Invent Custom Leash To Help Woman With ALS Walk Her Dog
Three years ago, Brooke Eby was diagnosed with ALS, a degenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Doctors told her she likely had two to five years to live. Now 36, Eby navigates the world in a wheelchair. Despite the difficult progression of the disease, she shares her life online with humor and honesty — often with a smile. But there’s one thing she’s missed more than anything: walking her dog, Dray. She adopted Dray, a small senior rescue dog, when she was 26. Through the ups and downs of her diagnosis, he’s been her constant companion. “We’ve learned to adapt but lately with this big chair, it’s just been impossible to walk him by myself,” she said in a video produced by Chewy. This year, Chewy’s annual Chewy Claus campaign stepped in to help. The campaign invites pet owners to send virtual letters to Chewy’s version of Santa. Each letter helps provide five meals to pets in need, with a goal of delivering up to 16 million meals through Greater Good Charities. But some wishes — like Eby’s — are granted in a more personal way. “As her condition has progressed, Brooke can no longer walk her senior rescue dog, Dray,” Chewy said in a press release. “Although Brooke has tried several adaptive leashes, they often tangle in her wheelchair and aren’t designed for Dray’s small size.” So Chewy teamed up with Bold Lead Designs to create a custom leash just for them. The design attaches directly to Eby’s wheelchair and features a fastener-free collar for Dray — no buckles or tricky clips, just slip it over his head and go. “Hands-free control is really important for people that have disabilities because it gives them a sense of independence,” said Katrina Boldry, the leash designer. “We made what I call a fastener-free collar, so all you have to do is clip [the leash] onto the chair, slip [the collar] over his head, and off she goes.” It worked perfectly. Dray adapted right away. “He caught on so well,” Eby said. “He doesn’t seem to notice a difference.” More than just a practical fix, the new leash gave Eby back something she’d lost — the ability to do one of her favorite things on her own. “This is one less time I have to ask someone to help me do something I used to do by myself multiple times a day in my normal life,” she said. “Dray is seeing me be less and less active, and it’s just showing him that I’m still there, still the same leash holder I’ve always been.” In addition to the leash, Chewy Claus donated $10,000 to Team Gleason, an ALS advocacy group that helps people live full lives with the disease. “Brooke and Dray’s story is a touching reminder of how pets transform our lives,” said Orlena Yeung, chief brand officer at Chewy. “Chewy is profoundly grateful to provide support throughout the highs and lows of pet parenting.” Pet owners can still participate in the Chewy Claus campaign through December 24. Along with sending a holiday wish, people can choose to forgo receiving a gift and instead donate five extra meals to shelter pets in need. For Eby and Dray, it’s a reminder that even as life changes, some things — like the bond between a dog and their person — stay the same.
Score (98)
Two of the World’s Rarest Cheetahs Arrive at Chester Zoo to Help Save Their Species
Two Northeast African cheetah brothers have just moved into Chester Zoo as part of a major conservation effort to protect one of the world’s most endangered big cats. Kendi and Tafari, both 18 months old, arrived from Yorkshire Wildlife Park last week and are settling into the zoo’s new Heart of Africa enclosure — the largest zoo habitat ever built in the UK. The move is part of a specialist breeding program aimed at creating a “safety net” population to prevent the species from vanishing completely. Their arrival was met with some lighthearted drama, though. Comical footage captured one of the brothers slipping out of a tree during his first attempts at exploring the new space on Friday, October 31. But clumsiness aside, conservationists are calling their arrival a critical moment. “Northeast African cheetahs are one of the rarest big cats on the planet,” said Dayna Thain, a carnivore keeper at Chester Zoo. “In time, we’ll be looking to introduce genetically matched females to them as part of the endangered species breeding program. Every successful pairing and every cub born represents a crucial step in the right direction for their ongoing survival.” The cheetahs are currently classified as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with fewer than 500 estimated to remain in the wild. Once found widely across the Horn of Africa, they’re now largely restricted to small pockets in countries like Uganda, South Sudan, and Ethiopia. They’ve become virtually extinct in Somalia, Kenya, and Sudan. “In the wild, their range is now reduced to just a fraction of what it once was only three decades ago,” Thain said. “A stark reminder of how quickly species can disappear when habitats are lost or fragmented.” The cheetahs face a number of threats in the wild — including habitat destruction, conflict with humans as they prey on livestock, and poaching for the illegal wildlife trade. At Chester Zoo, the hope is that a combination of zoo-based conservation and fieldwork can turn the tide. The zoo also supports cheetah conservation projects in places like Uganda, where experts work directly with communities to protect both animals and the environments they rely on. For now, Kendi and Tafari are doing exactly what young cheetahs should be doing — playing, exploring, and sticking close together. “They’re already making themselves at home,” said Thain. “It’s great to see that they share such a close bond as they’ve been inseparable since the moment they arrived.” Adorable photos show the pair curiously sniffing around the enclosure and soaking in the new sights. If all goes well, their next big step will be meeting female cheetahs and helping to grow the population. With fewer and fewer cheetahs left in the wild, every new cub could be vital. And these two brothers — one tree slip and all — are helping lead the charge.
Score (98)
This Single Mom of 4 Just Received a New Home After Years of Struggle
After years of moving from place to place, Taleah Mitchell finally has a place to call home. The Cincinnati mother of four received the keys to her new house on Thursday during a dedication ceremony in the city’s Lower Price Hill neighborhood. The home, built through Habitat for Humanity’s Women’s Build program, marks the end of what Mitchell describes as a long, difficult journey. “I broke down crying because I’m like God is really making it happen,” Mitchell told the Cincinnati Enquirer. Mitchell, who is African American, has spent years juggling two jobs in healthcare, raising four children, and attending nursing school — all while constantly relocating to meet her family’s needs. Two of her sons require special care: one is two years old and has autism, while another has ADHD. The nighttime routines of her children, including stimming behaviors, made it hard to find housing that worked for the whole family. “They stim at a certain time of night,” she said. “So when I got this opportunity, it was like okay I’m gonna go ahead and move forward, I’m gonna go on with it.” The house was built with help from Bank of America and several community sponsors. Mitchell also pitched in herself, working on tasks like painting, hanging doors, and drywall. The Women’s Build program, which organized the construction, brings together teams of women to build homes for single mothers. A Habitat for Humanity representative called it “a place where hopes, dreams, and desires come true,” and said they hope Mitchell’s family will continue reaching new milestones in their new space. For Mitchell, that future starts with something simple — celebrating holidays at home. She’s looking forward to her son’s upcoming birthday and Christmas, milestones that once felt impossible without a stable place to live. Now, with her own keys in hand, that future is finally within reach.
Score (98)
Innovative Backpack Helps Homeless Charge Devices and Secure Belongings in California
Zac Clark was a college freshman when the pandemic upended his plans — and ended up reshaping them entirely. When COVID-19 hit, Clark moved out of his dorm at the University of San Francisco and into an apartment overlooking the Tenderloin, one of the Bay Area’s most economically challenged neighborhoods. From his window, he could see the growing number of people living in homeless encampments on the street below. Then he started talking to them. “I began starting conversations with the very people who lived outside of my building,” Clark told New Atlas. He had originally planned to launch a transitional housing program. But after listening to the stories and day-to-day struggles of his unhoused neighbors, a more immediate idea took hold. That idea became the Makeshift Traveler — a hard-shell backpack built specifically for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. It includes a 4-watt solar panel to power an internal 10,000-mAh battery pack, providing enough energy to charge a phone two to three times. For many, that’s a lifeline. “I … started the Makeshift Traveler program based on feedback I had received from people I spoke with who kept saying they had phones but couldn't charge them, and their belongings were constantly being stolen or damaged,” Clark said. But the backpack does more than charge devices. It’s packed with essential gear: a tent, sleeping bag, rain poncho, radio, flashlight, hygiene kit, socks, and a water bottle. It also includes a nylon pillow that can be filled with a T-shirt, a lockbox for valuables, and an ID card. Each one comes with a brochure listing 15 local services that offer help, support, or shelter. Clark launched the project in October 2022. Since then, more than 1,200 backpacks have been distributed for free across 25 cities in California. His nonprofit, The HomeMore Project, runs entirely on donations and partnerships. “As we continue delivering Makeshift Travelers throughout California, we remain grateful to every funder, faith-based group, outreach worker, and service provider who makes this work possible,” Clark wrote in a blog post. “Together, we’re not only handing out backpacks, we’re building relationships, restoring dignity, and showing up for people who are too often overlooked.” The project is growing. Clark says they plan to give away another 2,000 backpacks soon, expanding beyond California. The current version is the third iteration of the backpack, and a fourth version is already in the works. It will include upgrades based on feedback from people who use them. “This is a really cool resource,” Steve Colunga told the San Bernardino Sun. Colunga, who currently sleeps in a park, had been carrying a worn drawstring backpack and said he was excited about the upgraded gear — especially the sleeping bag. For Clark, the point isn’t just about handing out supplies. “To me, there’s nothing more important than ending homelessness,” he told the Sun. “It doesn’t take a lot for someone to get their basic needs.” “These are to provide these needs — and a way for us to meet and build trust with people, to have them open up and share their stories. Because they are people, not problems to solve.” People experiencing homelessness can request a backpack through The HomeMore Project’s website. Supporters can also donate online — either to fund more backpacks or to help Clark launch his original dream: a transitional housing program. What started as a window view turned into a lifeline — powered by sunlight, shaped by empathy, and built from listening.