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Library to Showcase World's Oldest Surviving Lawnmower in New Exhibit
The world's oldest surviving lawnmower, the Budding mower from 1830, is set to dazzle visitors at the British Library. Invented by Edwin Budding and John Ferrabee in Gloucestershire, this historic machine was a game-changer for gardening enthusiasts. Originally manufactured by J.R. & A Ransome and rediscovered in 1932, it will be featured in the 'Unearthed: The Power of Gardening' exhibition from May 2 to August 10, 2025. Afterward, it returns to the Museum of Gardening in Hassocks, Sussex.
Score (98)
Nine-Year-Old Tackles 100-Day Litter Challenge, Raises Over £1,200 for Environmental Charity
In Somerset, a nine-year-old boy named Theo is making waves with an impressive environmental challenge. He's on day 53 of his 100-day litter-picking quest and has already collected over 130 kilograms of rubbish. That's roughly equivalent to the weight of a female lion. Theo, who hails from Wiveliscombe, is passionate about protecting wildlife. His motivation? An obsession with animals and a desire to keep their habitats clean. "I find it horrible how people can just drop litter; it's not right," he said, expressing frustration at seeing discarded items like footballs and unopened jam jars. Theo doesn't work alone. Some of his friends join him in this litter-picking mission, which takes them around Wiveliscombe, Milverton, Wellington, and Taunton. They often focus on lay-bys, parks, and roads where trash accumulates. According to Theo's mother Molly, he's been incredibly determined. "He wanted to do this and he's made it happen," she proudly shared. What's remarkable is that Theo's efforts are also raising money for Surfers Against Sewage. This charity works to ensure clean oceans, rivers, and lakes to help protect wildlife—a cause dear to Theo's heart and backed by his hero Steve Backshall, a naturalist and explorer. Initially setting out to raise £100 for the charity, Theo has surpassed expectations by collecting £1,200 so far. His dedication isn't just making the environment cleaner but also contributing significantly to the charity's mission. As Theo continues his challenge for another 47 days, he remains committed to cleaning up his local environment while inspiring those around him with his dedication and love for animals.
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Spanish Photographer Captures World's First Ever White Iberian Lynx On Camera
In a surprising find deep within the mountainous terrain of Jaén, Spain, Ángel Hidalgo, an amateur nature photographer, captured images of a rare Iberian lynx with leucism. This genetic condition results in a partial or total lack of pigmentation in its skin, setting it apart from its typically spotted counterparts. However, unlike albinism, leucism doesn’t affect the eyes. Hidalgo discovered this unique feline while reviewing footage from his photo-trapping cameras on October 22. The sighting is significant as it highlights the ongoing conservation efforts for Lynx pardinus in the Iberian Peninsula. Despite these efforts, the species remains listed as "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The location where this leucistic lynx was spotted is being kept confidential to protect it from human interference. Notably, this lynx did not have a tracking collar, indicating it was likely born and thriving in the wild without direct human management. Since conservation releases began in 2011, when the species was teetering on extinction’s edge, there has been marked progress. As of 2023, Spain's Ministry of Ecological Transition reports that over 2,000 Iberian lynxes roam freely across various regions in Spain and Portugal. These include Sierra Morena and Montes de Toledo in Spain and areas along the Spanish-Portuguese Guadiana basin. The reintroduction efforts have also extended to other regions like Doñana and even new territories such as Sierra Palentina—places once considered unlikely habitats for these big cats. The expansion underscores successful efforts to provide suitable environments for their survival and reproduction. Iberian lynxes are crucial predators within Mediterranean ecosystems. They primarily prey on rabbits; without them controlling rabbit populations, ecological balance could be disrupted due to lack of competition at higher levels of the food chain. This recent sighting serves not only as an exciting moment for wildlife enthusiasts but also as tangible evidence of effective conservation strategies at work across both Spain and Portugal.
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Scientists Reverse Alzheimer's In Mice With Groundbreaking Nanotech
Scientists from the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia and West China Hospital Sichuan University have reported a breakthrough using nanotechnology to reverse symptoms in mouse models. This innovative approach involves bioactive nanoparticles designed to act as "supramolecular drugs," which aim to restore the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. The brain, accounting for 20 percent of an adult's energy consumption, relies heavily on a dense network of capillaries. Each neuron receives its nutrients through these tiny vessels, emphasizing the importance of vascular health in preventing neurological conditions like Alzheimer's. The blood-brain barrier is essential in this process; it acts as a protective filter that prevents harmful substances from entering the brain while allowing necessary molecules to pass through. The researchers targeted a specific mechanism that allows harmful "waste proteins" to be cleared from the brain into the bloodstream. In Alzheimer's, amyloid-β is the primary protein causing disruption. By focusing on this clearance process, they witnessed significant reductions in amyloid-β levels shortly after treatment. Junyang Chen, co-author and researcher at West China Hospital and University College London, noted, "Only 1h after the injection we observed a reduction of 50-60% in Aβ amount inside the brain." Their study involved mice engineered to overproduce amyloid-β, mimicking cognitive decline seen in Alzheimer's patients. Results showed not just decreased protein levels but also behavioral improvements. One mouse treated at twelve months old—equivalent to a sixty-year-old human—displayed behaviors akin to healthy mice by eighteen months. Giuseppe Battaglia from IBEC explained how restoring vasculature plays a critical role: "When toxic species such as amyloid-beta accumulate, disease progresses. But once the vasculature is able to function again, it starts clearing Aβ and other harmful molecules." The nanoparticles are designed to mimic natural processes within the body by imitating ligands that help transport waste proteins across cell membranes. These nanoparticles aren't just passive carriers; they're active agents engineered with precision. They engage receptors at cellular membranes effectively, helping recalibrate receptor activity so waste-clearing functions resume their normal roles. This method could pave new paths for clinical strategies combating Alzheimer's by addressing its vascular components directly. Lorena Ruiz Perez from IBEC highlighted their success: "Our study demonstrated remarkable efficacy in achieving rapid Aβ clearance." The collaboration involved multiple institutions including University College London and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences among others.
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New Study Finds Art Has Instant Health Benefits—Especially in Person
A new study out of the UK has confirmed something many people have long suspected: looking at art isn’t just emotionally moving—it’s good for your body, too. Researchers from King’s College London found that viewing original artworks in person significantly reduces stress and triggers a measurable boost in biological activity tied to better health. The study, which monitored everything from heart rate to hormone levels in real time, is the first to show how art impacts three key body systems at once: the immune, endocrine, and autonomic nervous systems. In short, art may be more than just a cultural experience—it might be a kind of workout for your health. “We were genuinely surprised to see such a strong impact on three different systems,” said Tony Woods, a researcher at King’s College London. “In essence, art doesn’t just move us emotionally—it calms the body too.” The experiment involved 50 participants who either viewed famous works of art at London’s Courtauld Gallery—including pieces by Van Gogh, Manet, Gauguin and Toulouse-Lautrec—or looked at high-quality reproductions elsewhere. While participants engaged with the art, scientists monitored their heart rate and skin temperature using wearable devices, and collected saliva samples to test for stress hormones like cortisol and immune markers known as cytokines. The results were clear: cortisol levels dropped by an average of 22 percent for those viewing original works in person. For those looking at reproductions, the drop was only 8 percent. Heart rates in the gallery group also showed more variation—an indicator of positive arousal or emotional engagement. These physiological changes matter. Elevated cortisol, along with inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-alpha, are linked to conditions ranging from heart disease and anxiety to chronic inflammation and depression. “The fact that viewing original art lowered these markers suggests that cultural experiences may play a real role in protecting both mind and body,” Woods said. The artworks used in the study weren’t random. Participants viewed some of the most iconic paintings in Western art history, including Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear and Manet’s A Bar at the Folies-Bergère. The study showed that the setting mattered just as much as the art itself. Being in a gallery created a stronger impact than looking at the same images elsewhere. That distinction is what makes the findings particularly relevant for public health and urban planning. In recent years, doctors in Switzerland have begun prescribing museum visits for mental wellness, and hospitals around the world have integrated art into their facilities. The new study provides a data-backed rationale for those efforts. The study, The Physiological Impact of Viewing Original Artworks vs. Reprints: A Comparative Study (2025), was led jointly by King’s College London, the Art Fund (the UK’s national charity for museums and galleries), and the Psychiatry Research Trust. While the research has not yet been peer-reviewed, it’s been published in full on the Art Fund’s website. “This study proves for the first time what we’ve long felt at Art Fund—that art really is good for you,” said Jenny Waldman, Art Fund’s director. “What’s particularly exciting is that the findings show these benefits are universal—they can be experienced by anyone.” The Art Fund hopes the study will encourage more people to take advantage of its National Art Pass, which offers free or reduced admission to hundreds of museums, galleries, and historic sites across the UK. As the debate continues over how to improve mental health and reduce stress in modern life, the researchers say this kind of evidence points to a simple, accessible intervention—one that doesn’t involve medication or therapy. “In short, our unique and original study provides compelling evidence that viewing art in a gallery is ‘good for you’ and helps to further our understanding of its fundamental benefits,” said Woods. So if you’ve been thinking about a trip to the gallery, you might want to bump it up your to-do list. Your body just might thank you for it.
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Researchers Just Discovered an Ancient ‘Frosty’ Rhino That Roamed The Canadian Arctic
When most people think of rhinoceroses, their minds go to African savannas or the jungles of Asia—not the icy expanse of the Canadian Arctic. But a newly identified extinct species is reshaping that perception. In a study published this week in Nature Ecology & Evolution, scientists introduced Epiaceratherium itjilik—nicknamed the “Arctic Rhino”—the northernmost rhino species ever discovered. The animal lived roughly 23 million years ago, during the Early Miocene, in what is now Canada’s High Arctic. “Today there are only five species of rhinos in Africa and Asia, but in the past they were found in Europe and North America,” said Danielle Fraser, lead author and head of palaeobiology at the Canadian Museum of Nature. “The addition of this Arctic species to the rhino family tree now offers new insights to our understanding of their evolutionary history.” The fossilized remains of E. itjilik were found at the Haughton Crater on Devon Island, Nunavut, a site that was once a temperate forest. Despite its current icy conditions, the region would have resembled a lush landscape similar to modern-day southern Ontario during the Miocene. The name itjilik—pronounced eet-jee-look—means “frosty” in Inuktitut, an Indigenous language spoken in the Canadian Arctic. The animal’s nickname, “Frosty the Rhino,” is fitting not just for its frozen surroundings, but for the unique clues it offers about ancient Arctic ecosystems. The nearly complete skeleton, around 75% intact, was remarkably well-preserved. “They are three-dimensionally preserved and have only been partially replaced by minerals,” said co-author Marisa Gilbert, a paleobiologist at the Canadian Museum of Nature. This Arctic rhino wasn’t the towering giant we associate with modern-day species. Standing about one meter tall—roughly the size of a muskox—it was hornless and likely a browser, feeding on twigs, shrubs, and leafy plants. Based on tooth wear, researchers estimate the individual was in early to mid-adulthood when it died. Its discovery is helping scientists revisit assumptions about how rhinos—and other mammals—spread across continents. The research team’s updated evolutionary family tree suggests that E. itjilik may have reached North America via the now-submerged North Atlantic Land Bridge, long after many thought it had ceased to serve as a migration route. “Our reconstructions of rhino evolution show that the North Atlantic played a much more important role in their evolution than previously thought,” said Fraser. “More broadly, this study reinforces that the Arctic continues to offer up new knowledge and discoveries that expand on our understanding of mammal diversification over time.”
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Experts Reveal Simple Mind Shift To Stop Comparing Yourself On Social Media
One of the toughest parts about using social media is that it rarely shows the full picture. No one’s posting about getting their car repossessed or their kid sent to the principal’s office. What you get instead is a curated feed of gym selfies, perfect families, and seemingly flawless lives. And when you’re scrolling through that day after day, it can be hard not to wonder, Why don’t I have that? “We’re all prone to comparing ourselves to others. But social media can heighten this tendency,” said Michael Torres, a clinical psychologist at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center. “You look at other people’s posts and think: ‘I should be doing that. I should be that happy. I should have that body. I should have that kind of family.’” Research backs this up: the more time people spend on platforms like Instagram, the more likely they are to struggle with body image. And while this affects everyone to some degree, studies show that women, in particular, are more likely to internalize those comparisons. But what if there’s a way to take that knee-jerk reaction—Why don’t I have what they have?—and use it for something better? Lucia Dramat, a motivational speaker and life coach, says the key is to replace comparison with curiosity. “When you are faced with comparison, ask yourself questions,” she explains. “Why is this bothering me? What does this awaken in me? Has it pointed me in a direction I need to stop moving into?” In other words, instead of spiraling into self-judgment, turn the moment into a chance to check in with yourself. What is it you really want? What do you think you're missing? And is that actually what you value? That’s where integrity comes in. Emma McAdam, a licensed marriage and family therapist, says comparison loses its power when you start grounding your life in your own values—not someone else’s highlight reel. “You are always worthwhile and valuable,” McAdam says. “And the goodness of your life depends on how closely you live your values.” So when that envy starts to creep in—when you’re watching someone else rack up likes or posting pictures of their spotless kitchen—use it as a prompt. What does this say about what you value? Is it popularity, or inner confidence? Do you care more about looking healthy, or being healthy? “Shift your focus away from competition as your goal,” McAdam says. Both McAdam and Dramat agree: quitting social media entirely isn’t realistic for most people. But they argue that how you engage with it is what matters most. If you use those moments of comparison to ask deeper questions, they say, you might find clarity instead of anxiety. So the next time you catch yourself scrolling and feeling less-than, take a breath. Ask yourself what you’re really feeling—and what it’s pointing you toward. Because underneath the comparison is often a clue about what matters most to you. And that’s not something you’ll find on anyone else’s feed.
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Train-Lover Builds Miniature Railway in His Backyard—and It's Already Selling Out Events
For James Ardin, building a miniature railway wasn’t just a quirky project—it was a lifelong dream. Now, that dream winds through his backyard in Holmpton, East Yorkshire. The Great Withernsea Railway, named after the nearby seaside town, stretches across three and a half acres and includes three working locomotives that visitors can ride. It’s already become such a hit with locals that this year’s Bonfire Night event on November 1 is completely sold out. “There isn’t anything like it for miles around,” said Ardin. “It’s a nice family day out and it’s been very well received.” Ardin, a dad of two, works full-time in the rail industry. Then he goes home—to run a fully functional narrow-gauge line from his garden. The passion for trains runs deep. Before he even bought the house, he had sketched out the layout. “I was looking for a nice little property, but equally I was looking for quite a lot of land and we struck it lucky with this one,” he said. “I’d started writing out, drawing the plans and mapping the railway before we’d even put a bid in.” The obsession began with his grandfather, Peter Milner, who took him around the country trainspotting. Now, James is passing it down to his own kids, aged 12 and 5. “My son drives the trains very well and my daughter is learning—so they’re doomed from the start,” he joked. “It’s actually my wife I feel sorry for... but I suppose it keeps us out of her hair.” He started building the line in 2020, and the family now opens their garden to the public a few times a year. The upcoming Bonfire Night event will welcome over 100 guests. “If it goes well this year, then we’ll be able to host it again the next, and hopefully it’ll become a bit of a tradition for the railway and the local community,” he said. The railway runs with the help of volunteers who travel from across the country to pitch in. And Ardin has big plans: he wants to expand into a second field, add more locomotives, and grow the rolling stock collection. Still, he’s mindful of the balance between hobby and home life. “You could call it a big boy’s train set around my house,” he said. “I’ve got to keep the wife happy as well, so I can’t do too much. And I’ve got to be courteous towards our neighbours. They’ve got a lot of patience with me running my trains next to their houses.” But for now, the little railway that could is chugging along just fine.
Score (96)
Beavers Return to Scottish Highlands After 400 Years in Landmark Reintroduction
For the first time in four centuries, beavers are once again swimming through the waters of a Highland glen. A family of five beavers and a pair of mates were released at two sites on Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhoin in Glen Affric National Nature Reserve, about 24 kilometers west of Loch Ness. The move marks the first beaver release by the government-run Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) and only the second legal release outside of the species' current recognized range in Scotland. The return of these once-native animals was carried out by FLS in partnership with Trees for Life, with support from the Beaver Trust. The goal: restore a species hunted to extinction in Scotland more than 400 years ago for its fur, meat, and musk oil. “Beavers being translocated to Glen Affric is the culmination of a long, exacting and thorough process for FLS and Trees for Life,” said Alex Macleod, FLS’ North Region Manager. FLS said the project followed a detailed three-phase consultation process, which helped ease concerns raised by local farmers. “Fully engaging with the local Affric communities… has been crucial in making sure that all voices were heard,” Macleod added. “We are establishing a group to oversee ongoing monitoring... and I would hope that the beavers eventually become an integral and unremarked part of Glen Affric.” NatureScot granted a licence for the release in August after FLS submitted an application late last year. The plan allows up to four beaver family groups to be released above the Beinn a’ Mheadhoin dam. Beavers are known for their ability to create wetlands that support biodiversity, purify water, and reduce flood risks. However, they can also cause localized problems when their dam-building disrupts land use or water systems. To address that, FLS and its partners are launching a Beaver Community Mitigation and Monitoring Group, which will serve as a liaison point for residents and visitors. The group will also explore educational opportunities with local schools and communities. “As we saw the beavers released into the loch, we were watching a moment of wildlife history,” said Steve Micklewright, CEO of Trees for Life. “FLS has shown real leadership in nature restoration by reintroducing this important habitat-creating, biodiversity-boosting, flood-preventing animal.” Dr. Roisin Campbell-Palmer, who led the release effort on behalf of Beaver Trust, called the reintroduction a key step in addressing Scotland’s biodiversity crisis. “Each new catchment we restore beavers to brings Scotland closer to its 2045 goal of a nature-rich, resilient future,” she said. Before arriving in Glen Affric, the beavers underwent health checks at a quarantine facility at Five Sisters Zoo. Local resident Malcolm Wield welcomed their return, noting the wide ecological benefits beavers bring. “This is a good result for us, our children, our grandchildren, and future generations,” he said. “Congratulations to all involved.” Once nearly wiped out from the Scottish landscape, the Eurasian beaver is now being seen as a potential ally in restoring it. With careful planning and community input, their return to Glen Affric could signal a turning point in Scotland’s nature recovery efforts.
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Couple Weds at Sanctuary Where They Met, Disabled Sheep Charms As Ring Bearer
When Jake and Rosie Ratcliffe got married this summer, they didn’t just share their big day with friends and family — they shared it with more than 100 rescued animals. The couple tied the knot on August 2 inside a converted cow barn at Millington’s Magical Barn, their animal sanctuary in Yorkshire. And in a moment that stole the hearts of all 60 guests, their disabled sheep, Bunny, wheeled down the aisle as the ring bearer. “You could hear the collective ‘aw’ as she walked down the aisle,” Jake said. Jake, 34, and Rosie, 28, met at the sanctuary five years ago while caring for rescued animals. He founded the sanctuary in 2018 with no prior experience in animal rescue, driven purely by a love for animals. Rosie, a veterinary nurse, started volunteering there in 2020. Three years later, Jake proposed while Rosie was bottle-feeding a lamb. The lamb wore a collar that read “turn around.” “We met at the sanctuary, we fell in love here, we even got engaged here,” Rosie told SWNS. “It only felt right to complete the full circle and get married here.” One of their most beloved animals is Bunny, a sheep born without use of her back legs. She’s often seen rolling around the sanctuary in a floral pet wheelchair. When the couple were choosing who would carry the rings, Jake said the answer became clear. “I always wanted Bunny — she’s always been a daddy’s girl,” he said. “She arrived at Millington’s just as we were turning the cow barn into a wedding venue, so she spent six weeks with me while we all set up.” Though they did a light rehearsal, Jake was ready with a bottle of milk to coax Bunny down the aisle if needed. In the end, their bond was enough — Bunny rolled her way straight to Jake without hesitation. Dressed in a blue harness and surrounded by flowers, Bunny delivered the rings and then helped herself to some milk and a few canapés in the garden afterward. “It proves you can’t put groomsmen in charge of anything,” Jake joked. The couple had briefly considered a destination wedding in France but quickly realized it wasn’t for them. “We spoke about it more and thought, we met here, fell in love here and proposed here so it was only right we got married here too,” Jake said. Converting the cow barn into a venue took serious work. “It took a village,” Rosie said. But with help from friends, volunteers, and the sanctuary’s loyal online community — which includes more than 170,000 Instagram followers — they pulled it off. “Everybody has their own idea of their dream wedding,” Rosie said. “For me, a big fancy French wedding just didn’t fit. I’m much more of a simple girl, and getting married at home in beautiful Yorkshire, surrounded by our rescued animals, our friends and our family was what truly mattered.” The sanctuary has faced criticism in the past for rescuing animals with disabilities, but the wedding content was met with overwhelming support. “On this occasion, the opinion was unanimous — everyone thought Bunny was amazing,” Jake said. And while Bunny may have stolen the spotlight, Jake and Rosie wouldn’t have it any other way.
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Heroic Rescue: Dog Reunites With Owner After Storm Drain Adventure
A routine walk in Wall Township, New Jersey, turned into a tense rescue mission on October 10 after a dog named Sandy slipped out of her collar and fell into a storm drain. Wall Township police officers responded quickly after receiving a call about the distressed pup. According to a post on the department’s Facebook page, officers Jerry Baker, Dan Grothues, Josh Wheeler, and Lt. Eric Jennings arrived on the scene to find Sandy trapped below ground — and her owner in visible distress. “There was no time to wait for the storm drain grate to be lifted by DPW,” the department wrote. “The officers quickly improvised.” They used a lockout tool to reach into the drain and carefully hook Sandy’s collar, slowly pulling her to safety. Video footage shared by the department shows the dog audibly crying as the officers worked to extract her. Once she was safely above ground, they quickly scooped her up and returned her to her shaken but grateful owner. “Oh my God,” the owner could be heard saying, clearly emotional. As an officer held Sandy and reassured her with “You got her,” the owner reached in to hold her pet close. Thanks to the officers’ quick thinking and compassion, Sandy was rescued without injury. The department praised the team’s fast response and added that the dog was “safely reunited with her very grateful owner.” What could have been a tragic outcome ended with tail wags and a heartfelt reunion.