A New Study Could Help Detect Lung Cancer Faster Than Ever

Researchers at the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania have found a way to identify lung cancer at the cellular level in real time during a biopsy. Based on the more easily identifiable presence of fluorescent cancer cells generated by the new imaging approach, five non-expert raters diagnosed the malignant or non-malignant tissue biopsies with 96 percent accuracy. The researchers hope this approach can be used to help with earlier diagnosis of other cancer types.

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This Miracle Berry Is Helping Cancer Patients Enjoy Food Again By Transforming Taste

For many people undergoing chemotherapy, one of the most frustrating side effects is losing the ability to enjoy food. But a small red fruit known as the miracle berry may be helping some patients rediscover the taste of their meals. The fruit, scientifically called Synsepalum dulcificum, is native to West Africa, where it is traditionally known as àgbáyun. It has a remarkable property: after eating the berry, sour foods can taste sweet. That unusual effect comes from a compound inside the fruit called miraculin. Researchers have found that when miraculin interacts with acidic foods, it activates the tongue’s sweet taste receptors. The result is an immediate shift in flavor perception, making sour foods taste sugary or mild. Scientists say this reaction can last about 30 to 40 minutes. While the berry itself does not treat cancer, it may help patients cope with a common chemotherapy side effect known as “chemo mouth.” Chemotherapy can alter taste in ways that make food unpleasant or even unbearable. Many patients report a persistent metallic or bitter flavor that makes eating difficult. “What patients report with chemotherapy is that they may develop a bothersome taste that could be described as metallic, rotten food,” said Mike Cusnir. Cusnir, who works at Mount Sinai Medical Center, has led early studies examining whether miracle berries can make food more palatable for chemotherapy patients. He explained that the berry does not prevent chemotherapy side effects or fight cancer directly. Instead, it helps restore the enjoyment of eating during treatment. For some patients, that can make a meaningful difference in daily life. Julie Ascen, who has been battling lymphoma, said the fruit has helped her reclaim something simple but important. “It is one of those miracles that, if you have this disease, you want to live your life and not have it control you,” she said. “And this lets it not control me; I can control myself.” Because miraculin breaks down quickly once the fruit is picked, miracle berries are often sold in freeze-dried form to preserve their effect. The plant can also be grown in certain warm climates. According to growers, parts of Florida provide conditions similar to the berry’s native West African forests, allowing it to thrive there. Outside of medical use, the fruit has also become popular as a novelty experience. People sometimes eat a miracle berry before tasting lemons or other sour foods, transforming their flavor into something surprisingly sweet. For cancer patients struggling with chemotherapy-related taste changes, however, the tiny fruit may offer something more meaningful: the ability to enjoy a meal again.

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Scientists Discover Hedgehogs Hear Ultrasound, Paving Way for Road Safety Innovations

Hedgehogs may soon get some unexpected help avoiding cars thanks to a surprising discovery about their hearing. Scientists have found that hedgehogs can hear very high-frequency ultrasound, a finding that could lead to new technology designed to warn the animals away from roads and other dangers. The research, led by Sophie Lund Rasmussen and colleagues in Denmark, suggests that ultrasonic deterrents could one day help reduce the number of hedgehogs killed by vehicles. Across Europe, road traffic is believed to kill up to one in three hedgehogs. Those losses have contributed significantly to the animal’s steep population decline in recent decades. To understand the animals’ hearing abilities, researchers worked with 20 rehabilitated hedgehogs housed in wildlife rescue centres in Denmark. Using a technique called auditory brainstem response testing, scientists placed tiny electrodes on the animals to measure electrical signals travelling between the inner ear and the brain. They then played bursts of sound through a loudspeaker at different frequencies. The results were striking. The hedgehogs’ brains responded to sounds ranging from 4 to 85 kilohertz. That means the animals can detect ultrasound frequencies far beyond what humans can hear. Humans typically hear sounds only up to about 20 kilohertz, while dogs can hear frequencies up to roughly 45 kilohertz. To better understand why hedgehogs can detect such high pitches, the researchers also conducted micro-CT scans of a hedgehog ear. The scans allowed them to build a detailed three-dimensional model of the animal’s hearing structures. The model revealed several previously unknown features. Hedgehogs have unusually small and dense middle-ear bones, along with a partially fused joint connecting the eardrum to the first bone in the chain. This structure makes the ear’s mechanism stiffer, helping it transmit high-frequency sounds more efficiently. Similar traits are found in animals such as echolocating bats that rely on ultrasound to detect prey. The findings could lead to new safety tools. Researchers say it may be possible to develop ultrasonic repellers for cars, lawn mowers and garden equipment that would warn hedgehogs and encourage them to move away before danger approaches. Because hedgehogs can hear extremely high frequencies, engineers might be able to design signals that remain above the hearing range of most pets. “Having discovered that hedgehogs can hear in ultrasound, the next stage will be to find collaborators within the car industry to fund and design sound repellents for cars,” Rasmussen said. “If our future research shows that it proves possible to design an effective device to keep hedgehogs away from cars, this could have a significant impact in reducing the threat of road traffic to the declining European hedgehog.” The study was published in Biology Letters. If the technology proves successful, scientists say it could become an important tool in protecting one of Europe’s most beloved small mammals.

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This Mom Named Her Baby After the Police Officer Who Helped Her During Delivery

Sometimes the trip to the hospital does not go as planned. For Kashanna Legette, it turned into a moment she says she will never forget and neither will the police officers who helped bring her baby into the world. The New York City mother went into labor on February 13 before she could reach the hospital. Her daughter, Zanovia, was determined to arrive early. “I have to go downstairs to try to get to the hospital. Then I didn’t make it to the hospital,” Legette recalled. Instead, the birth happened just outside her building. After calling for help, several officers arrived within minutes. Among them was Katerin Villar, who quickly checked Legette’s contractions and realized there was no time to wait for an ambulance. The baby was coming right away. Other officers stayed beside Legette, holding her hand and encouraging her to breathe while the delivery unfolded. Keanu Phillip, who is expecting a child himself, said he reacted the same way he would if a member of his own family needed help. Meanwhile, Roddmy Remy stepped in with a simple but meaningful gesture. He removed his jacket and wrapped the newborn to keep her warm. Legette was deeply moved by the officers’ kindness. “That was beautiful,” she said. The moment meant so much to her that she decided to honor Remy in a lasting way. She gave her daughter his name as a middle name. When Remy later returned to the hospital to pick up the jacket, Legette shared the news. “When I went back to the hospital to pick up my jacket and the mom told me the name, and I was, I was in shock,” Remy said. “And the first thing I did, I’m like, ‘Can I take a picture with you because this is probably the coolest thing that’s gonna happen in my career.’” The officers had originally been stationed nearby for crime prevention duties, but their quick response meant they reached Legette before other first responders could arrive. What could have been a frightening situation instead became a safe delivery and a memorable beginning for baby Zanovia. And thanks to one officer’s jacket and a mother’s gratitude, the story will now live on in her name.

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A Veteran is Raising Thousands To Get a Service Dog For This Teen With Disabilities

When Shawn Wintermote heard that a teenager in his community needed a service dog, he immediately understood how life-changing that support could be. Wintermote, a military veteran, relies on a service dog himself. The animal helps monitor his health and alert him to dangerous changes in his blood pressure. “I have a service dog, and she goes everywhere with me and detects my blood pressure and any signs of a heart attack. I couldn’t get away from the fact that we needed to do something,” Wintermote told The Argus-Press. The teenager he wanted to help was 14-year-old Zachary Cook, who lives with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. A trained service dog could assist with safety, independence and daily support. Wintermote decided to launch a fundraiser to help Zachary get one. He initially set a goal of $13,000, hoping to cover both the cost of the dog and the specialized training required. “In my mind, if we can raise enough money to pay for the dog, we’ll work on the training, so we set a goal for $13,000. It kind of felt we were shooting for the moon,” Wintermote told Mid-Michigan Now. “And shoot, I think we hit that number, I think in three weeks.” The fundraiser quickly exceeded expectations. Soon, Zachary would have a service dog named Kobe joining the family. Zachary’s father, Greg Cook, said the teenager is known for his kindness and positive spirit. “Everybody loves him and he has one of the biggest hearts. The kids at school love him. I mean, they just, are really good friends for him and they keep an eye out for him,” Greg Cook said. For Wintermote, helping Zachary was deeply personal. He said the teenager’s resilience and outlook have left a lasting impression. “His heart and his attitude have made me rethink my own attitude. so for him to go through what he’s going through, he’s a good kid,” Wintermote said. The community’s generosity did more than fund one service dog. Organizers say any extra money raised will be used to help another person receive a service dog as well. Meanwhile, Zachary’s family has also launched a separate fundraiser to assist with additional care and related expenses. For Wintermote, the effort shows how powerful a community can be when people come together to help someone in need.

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Sports Teams Worldwide Rally to Save Endangered Mascots Through New Conservation Initiative

From roaring lions to prowling tigers, wild animals dominate the logos, mascots and nicknames of sports teams around the world. But many of those same species are struggling to survive in the wild. A new study published in BioScience found that 727 professional sports teams across 50 countries use wild animals in their branding. The research covered 10 different sports and identified 161 animal species used in team names, logos or fan nicknames. Many of the most common mascots are animals facing real conservation challenges. Lions, tigers, grey wolves, leopards and brown bears appeared most frequently among teams, according to the study. All five species are currently threatened or declining in the wild. The research was led by Ugo Arbieu, who says the findings reveal a powerful opportunity for conservation. “Animal imagery is everywhere,” Arbieu told Mongabay. “Across the five continents and across all sports, and both for men and women teams.” Arbieu first began thinking about the issue while playing the football video game Madden NFL. He noticed how often wildlife symbols appeared in sports branding, from jerseys to stadium banners. At the same time, many of those species were declining in the wild. That paradox inspired years of research and eventually led to a new initiative called The Wild League. The project aims to encourage sports clubs, sponsors and fans to support conservation efforts tied to the animals that represent their teams. “If each of these clubs would contribute 0.01% of what they earn on their match days at home, it would be so significant for conservation,” Arbieu said. The idea is simple: teams that profit from wildlife imagery could also help protect the species they celebrate. With sports clubs collectively attracting more than a billion followers on social media, the authors say the potential reach is enormous. The emotional connection fans feel toward mascots could help drive awareness, education and fundraising for wildlife protection. Although the Wild League initiative is still in its early stages, a similar model already exists in the United States. At Clemson University, the program Tigers United connects universities with tiger mascots to support conservation efforts in India. “We are using athletics as the megaphone for conservation,” said Greg Yarrow, who directs the program. The idea grew from a 2017 visit by Clemson and Auburn University representatives to New Delhi, where they met with conservation leaders and the Global Tiger Forum. Since then, the initiative has supported technology such as AI-powered camera traps that can quickly identify tigers and alert wildlife managers, helping prevent dangerous encounters between people and animals. Hrishita Negi said programs like this show how sports communities can mobilize support for conservation. “A lot of our traditional conservation approaches have truly struggled to mobilize that public support or a sustained kind of support that’s needed for any transformative changes,” Negi said. “This is why we reimagine organized sports as a vehicle for conservation impact.” Researchers say partnerships like Tigers United remain rare for now. The Wild League hopes to change that by offering a framework any sports team can adopt. For Arbieu, the connection between sports fans and their teams’ symbols may hold the key. “I really, sincerely believe that the community of fans around professional sports clubs, their identity is developed through attachment to these symbols,” he said. “And these symbols are the colors, the jersey and the emblem and the mascot. It’s really a rallying point.” If that passion could be directed toward protecting wildlife, scientists say, the world of sports might become one of conservation’s most powerful allies.

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Love Is Blind Contestant Sparks CPAP Conversation, Breaking Sleep Health Taboos

A CPAP machine is not exactly a romantic accessory. But a moment on the reality show Love Is Blind recently sparked a conversation about something millions of people deal with every night: sleep apnea. In an early episode, one contestant casually mentioned that he uses a CPAP machine to manage the condition. Instead of awkwardness, the moment landed as refreshingly normal. The couple simply accepted it as part of everyday life. That kind of openness reflects a growing shift around sleep health. Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders in the world, yet many people who have it do not realize it. The condition causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start during sleep, often leading to snoring, fatigue and restless nights. Left untreated, it can contribute to headaches, mood changes and an increased risk of cardiovascular problems. The good news is that diagnosis and treatment have become much easier in recent years. Instead of spending the night in a sleep laboratory, many people can now take an at-home test that monitors breathing patterns, oxygen levels and other key indicators while they sleep in their own bed. These tests typically begin with a short online questionnaire to determine whether someone’s symptoms match obstructive sleep apnea. If approved, the testing kit arrives by mail along with instructions through a companion smartphone app. The user then places small adhesive sensors on the body before going to sleep. The sensors track breathing pauses, airflow and oxygen changes overnight. After the test, the data is reviewed by a clinician who analyzes the results and determines whether treatment is needed. For many people, that treatment involves a CPAP machine, short for continuous positive airway pressure. The device gently delivers air through a mask worn during sleep, helping keep the airway open and preventing breathing interruptions. By maintaining steady airflow, the machine allows users to reach deeper, more restorative stages of sleep. People who begin CPAP therapy often describe a dramatic change. Many say they finally wake up feeling rested after years of fatigue and poor sleep quality. Modern CPAP machines have also evolved significantly. Newer models are smaller, quieter and far more customizable than earlier versions, with different mask styles and comfort features designed to help users adjust more easily. It may take a few nights to get used to sleeping with a mask, but most users adapt quickly once they begin experiencing the benefits. Better sleep can also affect relationships. Many couples find that treating sleep apnea reduces snoring and nighttime disruptions, improving mood and energy levels during the day. That is why health experts increasingly emphasize addressing sleep apnea early. At-home testing has become one of the most accessible ways to start that process. By allowing people to collect clinical-grade data from home, these tests can help identify whether snoring, fatigue or restless nights might signal a deeper issue. Once diagnosed, treatment options such as CPAP therapy can begin quickly. The result for many people is a simple but powerful change: better sleep, better health and more energy for daily life. In other words, the least glamorous sleep device may also be one of the most effective.

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Scientists Say They've Discovered a Molecule That Halts Aggressive Breast Cancer

A new experimental molecule developed by scientists at Oregon Health & Science University may offer a potential path toward treating one of the most difficult forms of breast cancer. Researchers say the compound could help tackle triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive type of the disease that currently has limited treatment options. The findings, published in Cell Reports Medicine, describe how the molecule — known as SU212 — targets an enzyme that cancer cells rely on to grow and spread. “It’s an important step forward to treat triple-negative breast cancer,” said Sanjay V. Malhotra, the study’s senior author and co-director of the Center for Experimental Therapeutics at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute. “Triple-negative breast cancer is an aggressive form of cancer and there are no effective drugs available right now.” Triple-negative breast cancer accounts for about 15% of all breast cancer cases. It is often harder to treat because it lacks the receptors that many standard therapies target. To test the new compound, researchers used a humanized mouse model designed to closely replicate how the disease behaves in people. The molecule SU212 works by attaching to an enzyme called enolase 1, or ENO1. This enzyme helps regulate glucose levels inside cells and is produced in unusually high amounts by many cancer cells. Once SU212 binds to ENO1, the enzyme begins to break down. That disruption interferes with a key metabolic pathway that cancer cells depend on for energy and growth. In the study, the process reduced tumour growth and limited the spread of cancer in the mice. Under normal conditions, ENO1 plays a role in helping cells convert glucose into energy. But because cancer cells often rely heavily on glucose metabolism, interfering with this process may weaken their ability to survive and spread. Malhotra noted the approach may be particularly relevant for people who also have metabolic conditions such as diabetes, which is linked to high blood sugar levels. The researchers also believe the strategy could eventually be applied to other cancers. ENO1 has been linked to the progression of several other malignancies, including glioma, pancreatic cancer and thyroid carcinoma. “A drug that targets enolase 1 could help improve the treatment of these cancers too,” Malhotra said. The next step for the research team would be to move the molecule toward human clinical trials. That process involves securing regulatory approval and the resources needed to launch studies involving patients. Malhotra joined Oregon Health & Science University in 2020 after previously working at Stanford University. The molecule itself was originally developed during earlier research at the National Cancer Institute in Maryland. At OHSU, Malhotra and his colleagues focus on turning laboratory discoveries into potential treatments that could benefit patients in hospitals and clinics. “There is definitely great science going on here, and we want to translate that science for the benefit of people,” he said. The research was supported by several organizations, including the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Defense.

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He Built A Boat In His Garage. Then Sailed It Around The World Alone

When Dan Turner sailed into Antigua this week, the welcome waiting for him was loud, emotional and well deserved. Boats filled the harbour. Horns sounded. Champagne flowed. After 16 months at sea and roughly 28,000 nautical miles travelled, the South Australian had completed a remarkable journey: sailing solo around the world in a boat he built himself. Turner was one of 15 sailors competing in the Mini Globe Race, a demanding global sailing competition that begins and ends in Antigua. The race is sailed in small 5.8-metre yachts known as Class Globe boats. Crossing the finish line on March 8 marked the end of a voyage many sailors only dream about. “The welcoming was just insane,” Turner said as he reflected on the final stretch of the race. “There were boats everywhere and people honking horns; it's something that I couldn't have even imagined.” What makes Turner’s accomplishment even more unusual is the boat itself. Named The Immortal Game, the yacht was built by Turner in his own garage back home in Adelaide. From that modest starting point, it eventually carried him across oceans and through some of the planet’s most remote waters. The adventure, however, came with real challenges. Turner said the emotional toll of being away from his family for more than a year was one of the hardest parts of the journey. “I felt selfish being away from my family, so it was very difficult at times,” he said. “It was really my family, my friends and supporters that pushed me to dig deep.” The ocean brought its own tests. Early in the race, Turner nearly lost his mast when the forestay — a wire that stabilizes the mast at the front of the boat — suddenly snapped. “That took some quick thinking to get some of the other ropes to attach the mast to the front of the boat to keep it from falling down,” he said. Storms were another constant threat. “I had big storms … there were 70 knots of breeze near Tahiti and a 12-hour storm cell that was just crazy windy.” Despite the danger, Turner says the journey also delivered unforgettable moments. Sailing through remote parts of the Pacific allowed him to visit places few travelers ever see. “We got to see some amazing places and cultures around the world,” he said. “You can't really get to some of these islands, like the Marquesas Islands, unless you've got a boat. Meeting some of these people and eating food with the locals was just amazing.” Back home, his wife Nikki Turner followed every stage of the voyage from Australia. She admitted that when the project first began — with her husband building a plywood boat in the driveway — she had some doubts. “From the moment that he started building a plywood boat in our driveway, I think there was some scepticism initially that he would be able to sail around the world,” she said. That uncertainty turned into relief when the long-awaited call finally came. “But we took a really big, deep breath when he rang through and he said that he crossed the finish line in Antigua.” She said announcing the voyage had brought a “certain level of fear,” but supporting her husband’s ambitions had always been part of their life together. “Anything he puts his mind to, he gives 110 per cent,” she said. “I'm very happy to have him back on land.” As for The Immortal Game, its story is not finished yet. Turner has already sold the boat to another Australian sailor who plans to compete in the Mini Globe Race in 2029. “I've actually sold it to another Australian, and I'm bringing it back to Australia to hand it over to him,” Turner said. “He's going to do the Mini Globe Race in 2029, so it'll be good to see the boat continuing its legacy.” For Turner himself, the next chapter is far less dramatic. After more than a year crossing oceans alone, he is simply looking forward to being home again. “I was lucky enough that my wife got to meet me in a few places, but I haven't seen the kids now for many months,” he said. “I hope I've inspired them and that we can spend a lot of time [together] in the next couple of years before they move out and do their own things.” His wife already has an idea for what might come next. She would still like to see him on the water — just closer to home. “And just keeping that passion for dreams and adventure alive,” she said.

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A Police Officer And Bystanders Pulled a 78-Year-Old Man From a Burning Truck In Massachusetts

A late-night crash on a Massachusetts road could have ended very differently if not for a police officer and a few strangers who stopped to help. Francis Leverone, 78, is alive today after being rescued from a burning truck following a collision on Route 138 in Easton, Massachusetts. The crash happened around 2 a.m. on Feb. 27 as Leverone was driving home after finishing a late shift at a restaurant in nearby Brockton, Massachusetts. According to reports from WHDH and WCVB, Leverone’s truck collided with a parked dump truck that was filled with snow. Moments later, another vehicle struck Leverone’s truck from behind. Both vehicles quickly caught fire. Leverone was trapped inside his truck and badly injured. The crash had dislocated his leg, leaving him unable to get out on his own. Help arrived quickly. Dean Soucie rushed to the scene and, with the help of two brothers who had stopped nearby, worked to pull Leverone out before the flames spread. Body camera footage released by Easton Police Department shows Soucie breaking into the vehicle and reaching inside as bystanders helped lift Leverone through a shattered window. “I see them getting under my arms, and I guess one of the brothers got inside the truck, trying to get my leg untangled, so I could stretch it, then they pulled me straight out,” Leverone said, according to WCVB. The rescue happened just in time. Leverone suffered multiple injuries in the crash, including a dislocated leg, a dislocated hip, a broken wrist and cuts to his face. He is currently recovering at Boston Medical Center. His wife, Dee Leverone, said she is grateful to the people who stepped in to help. “I'm just thankful for the people that got him out,” she said. “Very thankful.” Officer Soucie later praised the two brothers who assisted with the rescue, telling WBZ they acted without hesitation. “They jumped into action like it was nothing,” Soucie said, calling them “absolutely awesome.” Keith Boone also commended the officer and the bystanders for their quick response. “He saved a life last night,” Boone said. “He is an exemplary police officer and this is just one example. I think he's a hero.” For Leverone and his family, the bravery of strangers made all the difference in the middle of a terrifying moment.

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Leeds Castle Unveils Interactive A.I. Avatar of Eleanor of Castile in New Exhibition

What would you ask a queen from the 1200s? At Leeds Castle, visitors are getting the chance to find out. A new exhibition at the historic castle features an interactive A.I. avatar of Eleanor of Castile, the influential medieval queen and wife of Edward I of England. Instead of simply reading about her life, visitors can now ask questions and hear responses from a digital recreation designed to simulate how Eleanor might have spoken about her experiences. The project is part of an exhibition titled “Pilgrimage of Love: Eleanor of Castile,” which explores the queen’s life, her political influence, and her legacy in England. The A.I. experience, called “An Audience with a Queen,” appears at the end of the exhibition and invites visitors to interact directly with the digital figure. The avatar can respond to questions and is programmed to recognize when people approach the display. The technology was developed in partnership with SKC Studios, which helped create the digital version of Eleanor. “This new avatar gives visitors a unique chance to meet Eleanor of Castile as a person with depth and personality,” said Dominique Bouchard, engagement director at Leeds Castle. “It brings people into a more human relationship with the past.” The exhibit also explores the real history behind the queen. Eleanor married Edward in 1253 in a political alliance meant to settle disputes over Gascony. Over their three-decade marriage, the pair became known for their close relationship. Eleanor gave birth to 16 children, though only six survived into adulthood. She also traveled with Edward during his crusade to the Middle East in the early 1270s, a journey that later inspired legends about her devotion to him. Back in England, Eleanor gained a reputation as a shrewd businesswoman who acquired estates and land across the country. One of her most notable projects was the transformation of Leeds Castle itself. After acquiring the property in 1278, Eleanor oversaw renovations that turned what had been a Norman stronghold into a royal residence. The castle’s Gloriette complex, which includes a multi-level keep and gardens influenced by Spanish design, dates to that period. The new A.I. display visually references Eleanor’s famous bronze effigy at Westminster Abbey, considered one of the finest works of medieval English sculpture. The digital queen appears wearing an apple-green cloak and is framed within a screen designed to resemble a Gothic lancet window. Museums around the world have been experimenting with similar technology in recent years, allowing visitors to interact with digital versions of historical figures. SKC Studios has previously created an A.I. version of Alan Turing for Bletchley Park and is developing another featuring William Gladstone for the Museum of the Prime Minister. Other institutions have experimented with similar approaches, including interactive displays at the Palace of Versailles and the Salvador Dalí Museum. At Leeds Castle, the difference is that the digital Eleanor can recognize when visitors approach and respond as if she were aware of the space around her. For museum staff, the goal is to make history feel less distant. The exhibition “Pilgrimage of Love: Eleanor of Castile” opened March 9 and runs through November 1 at Leeds Castle.

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