Germany's Peatlands Making a Comeback, Absorbing Carbon Again

Henning Voigt, a farmer in Germany, is leading the way in reversing climate change by rewetting drained peatlands on his farmland. Peatlands store vast amounts of carbon and draining them releases CO2. Voigt's project with scientists involves turning grazing plots into wetlands to reduce emissions. This initiative, called paludiculture, aims to create sustainable income for farmers while combating climate change. Similar projects are emerging worldwide, showing promise in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating new economic opportunities.

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Could a Common Vitamin Cut Skin Cancer Risk In Half?

A common, inexpensive vitamin supplement may offer real protection against one of the most frequent forms of cancer. A new study involving more than 33,000 U.S. veterans has found that nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, can significantly reduce the risk of developing certain types of skin cancer — particularly when started early. Stronger evidence for a simple supplement Since 2015, dermatologists have occasionally recommended nicotinamide to patients with a history of skin cancer. That advice stemmed from a much smaller clinical trial that included just 386 participants, which found fewer new cancers among those taking the vitamin. The latest research, conducted using data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, strengthens that evidence on a far larger scale. Because nicotinamide is listed on the VA’s official formulary, researchers were able to track its use and compare outcomes among tens of thousands of patients. Significant drop in skin cancer risk The study analyzed the medical records of 33,833 veterans, of whom 12,287 took 500 milligrams of nicotinamide twice daily for more than 30 days. Compared with those who didn’t take the supplement, nicotinamide users saw a 14% overall reduction in skin cancer risk. For patients who began taking it after developing their first skin cancer, the protective effect was far greater — a 54% reduction in the risk of future cases. However, the benefit decreased for those who started the vitamin only after developing multiple cancers. The strongest effect was observed against cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, one of the two most common types of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Starting earlier may matter most “There are no guidelines for when to start treatment with nicotinamide for skin cancer prevention in the general population,” said Dr. Lee Wheless, the study’s corresponding author and an assistant professor of dermatology and medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. “These results would really shift our practice from starting it once patients have developed numerous skin cancers to starting it earlier,” he said, noting that better methods are still needed to identify who benefits most. “Roughly only half of patients will develop multiple skin cancers.” Mixed results in transplant patients The team also examined 1,334 transplant recipients, who face higher skin cancer risks due to immune suppression. In this group, nicotinamide’s overall effect wasn’t statistically significant, though early use appeared to reduce the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma. A low-cost option for prevention Nicotinamide is inexpensive, widely available over the counter, and generally well tolerated, making it an appealing preventive option for people at high risk of recurrent skin cancer. The study was supported by a Department of Veterans Affairs grant and conducted in collaboration with researchers from Vanderbilt University. For dermatologists, the findings could mark a shift in prevention strategies — from waiting until patients have several skin cancers to intervening after the first one. For patients, it suggests something simple and safe might make a measurable difference in keeping their skin healthy.

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70 Rare Horses Rescued in Major Animal Welfare Operation

Seventy rare Icelandic horses and foals have been rescued from poor conditions in a 15-month operation led by UK animal charities, following public concern about the welfare of semi-feral herds in Devon. The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, which coordinated the rescue alongside the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare, said the operation began in May 2024 after reports surfaced about unmanaged herds spread across several sites. Many of the animals were found in distressing conditions, including mares in foal sharing space with fighting stallions and colts. Some horses had life-threatening injuries. “There was unmanaged breeding among the herds,” the sanctuary said in a statement. “Our staff found in-foal mares living alongside fighting colts and stallions.” The rescue took place in stages, with injured and at-risk horses removed first. Healthier mares and foals were taken later. The process was vet-led throughout, and the sanctuary confirmed that the horses’ owner cooperated fully, signing over the animals voluntarily. Thirteen of the horses are still in the care of The Mare and Foal Sanctuary. The organization is now asking supporters to help name one of the rescued colts, a four-year-old with distinctive blue eyes and striking markings. “He’s a very handsome young colt,” said campaigns manager Pippa Quelch. “He came to us a few weeks after his birth in the summer, with his dam Mavis and another Icelandic mare and colt foal. They were completely unhandled on arrival... this little foal was quite reserved around people at first. He's now relaxed and confident and loves to be groomed and scratched.” Quelch said the care team has “fallen in love” with the young colt, and the winning name will be announced on 30 October. There are only about 1,000 registered Icelandic horses in the UK, according to the sanctuary, making the rescued group particularly rare. The breed is known for its hardiness, gentle temperament, and unique “tölt” gait — a smooth four-beat stride not seen in most other horses. The sanctuary is now focused on preparing the animals for future rehoming where appropriate, while ensuring their long-term health and welfare. The RSPCA called the operation “one of the most complex and sensitive horse welfare cases in recent years.”

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Scientists Develop Breakthrough Vaccine to Protect Elephants From Deadly Virus

Veterinary scientists in the UK have developed a promising new vaccine that could protect young elephants from one of their deadliest viral threats, offering a lifeline to conservation efforts worldwide. Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus, or EEHV, is a fast-acting and often fatal disease that affects elephants both in the wild and in captivity. It’s particularly lethal to calves, and until now, there has been no vaccine or cure. But that may be changing. A team of researchers from the University of Surrey, Chester Zoo, and the UK’s Animal and Plant Health Agency have created a two-dose vaccine that has shown strong early results. Their study, published in Nature Communications, marks what scientists are calling a “landmark moment” in the fight to protect the species. “This is a landmark moment in our work to develop safe and efficacious vaccines,” said Professor Falko Steinbach, senior author of the study and a veterinary immunologist at the University of Surrey. “For the first time, we have shown in elephants that a vaccine can trigger the type of immune response needed to protect them against EEHV.” The vaccine works by delivering a first dose containing a harmless, inactivated version of the virus. A booster shot follows to enhance the animal’s immune response. Trials showed the vaccine was not only safe, with no side effects, but also triggered the type of strong immune reaction scientists hoped for. Chester Zoo, which has lost five elephants to EEHV in recent years, played a key role in the vaccine’s development. “EEHV has taken the lives of so many elephants, both in human care and in the wild, but this vaccine offers hope,” said Dr. Katie Edwards, lead conservation scientist at the zoo. “We can’t yet say this will be the end of EEHV deaths, but we have taken a massive step towards that goal.” Researchers tested the vaccine by comparing blood samples of vaccinated elephants against those who hadn’t received it. The results showed a marked increase in immune protection, suggesting the vaccine could be used to prevent further deaths and support the long-term health of conservation herds. EEHV is considered one of the leading causes of death for Asian elephant calves, and outbreaks often strike without warning. The virus targets blood vessels and organs, leading to sudden illness and, frequently, death within hours or days. Because it’s so difficult to detect early, prevention through vaccination is considered one of the most effective long-term solutions. While it’s still early days, conservationists say the new vaccine could be a gamechanger for breeding programs and elephant populations globally. Field trials and broader rollout will be key next steps, but the breakthrough offers a rare piece of good news for a species under significant pressure. For scientists and zoo staff who have watched young elephants die from EEHV, the development brings a renewed sense of hope. And for elephants themselves, it could be the protection they’ve long been waiting for.

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Germany Leads Europe In Plastic Packaging Recycling Efforts

Europe generated nearly 80 million tonnes of packaging waste last year — but some countries are already smashing future recycling targets. New figures released by Eurostat show that the European Union produced 79.7 million tonnes of packaging waste in 2023, the equivalent of 177.8 kilograms per person. That’s down slightly from 2022, but up more than 21 kilograms compared to 2013. Packaging waste includes anything used to contain or deliver goods — such as plastic bottles, glass jars, food wrappers, pallets, or cans. Of the total generated, the biggest share came from paper and cardboard, making up 40.4 percent. Plastic followed at 19.8 percent, glass at 18.8 percent, wood at 15.8 percent, metal at 4.9 percent, and the remaining 0.2 percent classified as “other packaging.” Despite the sheer volume, some EU countries are making faster progress than others. Seven countries have already hit the EU’s 2030 target of recycling at least 70 percent of packaging waste. Leading the pack is Belgium, with a recycling rate of 79.7 percent — thanks in part to its long-standing “pay-as-you-throw” waste system. First introduced in 1995, the scheme charges households based on how much unsorted waste they produce, with rates in Flanders averaging 23 cents per kilogram. The aim is to nudge residents toward better recycling habits. Belgium also offers a voluntary deposit-return system for certain types of reusable packaging, such as glass bottles and industrial containers, according to the European Environment Agency (EEA). Hot on Belgium’s heels are the Netherlands and Italy, recycling 75.8 and 75.6 percent of their packaging waste, respectively. Czechia (74.8 percent), Slovenia (73.6 percent), Slovakia (71.9 percent), and Spain (70.5 percent) round out the list of early achievers. At the other end of the spectrum, Romania lagged far behind, recycling just 37.3 percent of its packaging waste in 2023. The European Parliament has previously noted that countries with lower GDPs often struggle to build waste treatment infrastructure that is both cost-effective and environmentally sound. Plastic bags also under scrutiny The EU is also cracking down on single-use plastic bags. Under its Plastic Bags Directive, member states are expected to cut consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags to fewer than 40 per person by 2025. Belgium again came out on top, with just four plastic bags used per capita in 2023. Poland followed with seven, and Portugal with 14. But not everyone is on track. Latvia reported a whopping 209 plastic bags per person — more than five times the upcoming 2025 threshold. To encourage change, many retailers have stopped offering thin, single-use bags, replacing them with thicker, reusable versions. Why the push to reduce waste? The environmental and health costs of poor waste management are well documented. Burning waste has been linked to increased air pollution, while overflowing landfill sites can contaminate nearby water and soil. “Overall, the EU is slowly showing improvement toward recycling more and landfilling less,” according to the EEA. But it warns that meeting future waste goals “requires significant effort,” including phasing out non-recyclable products and improving separate waste collection systems. Although about 90 percent of the EU’s waste is processed within its borders, significant volumes are still exported — primarily for recycling. This practice has raised concerns about burdening lower-income countries with additional environmental risks. As the EU works toward its 2030 targets, the new data highlights the gap between leaders and laggards — and the growing urgency to move from managing waste to preventing it altogether.

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Scientists Hail Vitamin D As Potential Breakthrough In Anti-Aging Research

A new study suggests that vitamin D — best known for supporting strong bones — might also help slow the aging process by protecting telomeres, the tiny caps at the ends of our chromosomes that prevent DNA damage. Researchers at Augusta University in the United States found that adults who took 2,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily for five years maintained longer telomeres compared with those who took a placebo. The findings raise hopes that the “sunshine vitamin” could play a role in promoting healthier aging. Why telomeres matter Each of our 46 chromosomes is tipped with a telomere, a structure that keeps DNA intact when cells divide. Over time, these protective caps shorten — and when they get too short, cells stop dividing and begin to die. Shortened telomeres are linked to age-related illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and osteoarthritis. Chronic stress, smoking, and inflammation can speed up this shortening, while anti-inflammatory habits — including diet and exercise — may help preserve them. Because vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties, researchers believe it may indirectly slow telomere damage. Inside the research The study followed 1,031 adults, with an average age of 65, over five years. Half were given a daily vitamin D supplement of 2,000 IU, while the others received a placebo. Scientists measured participants’ telomere lengths at the start, after two years, and again after four. At the end of the trial, those taking vitamin D showed 140 base pairs more in preserved telomere length compared with the placebo group. Since telomeres typically shorten by about 460 base pairs every decade, that difference could represent years of additional cellular “youth.” “This may not sound huge,” the researchers noted, “but it could be meaningful in slowing age-related cellular decline.” More than bone health Vitamin D plays several roles in the body beyond bone maintenance. It helps the immune system function properly, reduces inflammation, and has been linked to a lower risk of respiratory infections and autoimmune diseases. The study builds on previous evidence that vitamin D and anti-inflammatory diets, like the Mediterranean diet, may contribute to longer telomeres. Questions that remain Despite the promising data, scientists urge caution. Longer isn’t always better — excessively long telomeres may increase the risk of some cancers. And while the trial used 2,000 IU per day, that’s well above the standard recommended amount: 600 IU for adults under 70 and 800 IU for those over 70. Experts say the right dosage likely varies by person, depending on diet, lifestyle, and current vitamin D levels. The takeaway For now, researchers agree that vitamin D alone isn’t a miracle anti-aging solution. The best way to support telomere health — and healthy aging in general — remains straightforward: eat well, exercise, get enough sleep, avoid smoking, and manage stress. Still, for those who are vitamin D deficient or at risk of bone problems, supplements remain a smart and proven choice. As scientists continue to uncover how our cells age, vitamin D may emerge as one small but significant piece of the longevity puzzle.

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Diabetic Camper Rescued After Surviving Nine Days in Australian Wilderness

A diabetic man who vanished in the Australian wilderness after a simple errand has been found alive, nine days later. Troy Milne, 61, disappeared earlier this month after leaving his campsite in Gippsland, Victoria, to pick up supplies. What began as a quick trip to the store turned into a harrowing fight for survival that left him stranded without food, medication, or cell service. “I thought I was a dead duck in the water,” Milne told 9News after his rescue. “My sugar level dropped. I would’ve gone into a coma. I just drank water from a creek.” Lost in the bush Surveillance footage showed Milne visiting a store on October 7, and later that morning, his Jeep Wrangler was spotted in a nearby town. By that afternoon, he appeared at a service station, confused and asking for directions — then vanished. Police said his Jeep had bottomed out on an unmarked dirt road, leaving him stranded deep in bushland. Milne, who relies on insulin to manage his diabetes, survived by drinking creek water but grew increasingly disoriented as his condition worsened. For more than a week, authorities searched a vast stretch of rural Victoria with little success. “We really feared the worst,” said Inspector Wayne Rothwell of the Wellington Police Service Area. “So to be able to contact Troy’s family and give them the fantastic news was a wonderful result.” A signal from smoke On October 16, Milne made a desperate move — he lit a fire hoping to attract attention. The smoke was spotted by emergency crews responding to reports of a blaze around 5 p.m. When they arrived, they found Milne near his disabled Jeep, weak but alive. “Once Troy lit the fire, it drew the attention of our fire crews who quickly responded and located him,” acting Inspector Kris Hamilton said. As he was airlifted to Melbourne for treatment, an emotional Milne thanked his rescuers. “Dave, you saved my life. You saved my life, mate,” he told paramedic Dave Jones as cameras rolled. A remarkable survival story Authorities called Milne’s rescue “nothing short of remarkable.” With no food, no medication, and freezing nighttime temperatures, his odds of survival were slim. But thanks to his quick thinking — and a lucky wisp of smoke — he made it home. “I didn’t think I was going to get out alive,” Milne said. “I just kept hoping someone would find me.”

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A Heroic Mom Just Rescued 22 Kids From a Burning School Bus

What began as a quiet afternoon in East Bethel, Minnesota, turned into a terrifying and ultimately heroic moment when a school bus burst into flames just after dropping off students. Kari Thorp had stepped outside her home to greet her daughter when she spotted smoke and fire coming from beneath the approaching bus. “Kids were crying. Kids were scared and freaking out,” Thorp said. “It was quite emotional and kind of frantic.” Without hesitation, she ran toward the bus to alert the driver, Rick Gratton. The two immediately began ushering the 22 children from East Bethel Elementary School to safety. Within minutes, the bus was fully engulfed. Thorp’s Ring doorbell camera later captured the dramatic scene — children standing together in front of her home as thick smoke filled the air and flames consumed the vehicle. “It moved pretty fast,” Thorp recalled. “It was probably within 15 minutes that thing was engulfed. It was crazy to see the tires and hear the tires explode.” Despite the destruction of the bus — and the loss of some backpacks and lunchboxes — every child made it out safely, thanks to Thorp’s quick action and Gratton’s composure. Parents and school officials have praised the pair as heroes. “Their calm and courage made all the difference,” one parent said. “It could have been so much worse.” For Thorp, the whole ordeal still feels surreal. “I just did what any mom would do,” she said. “I saw kids in danger — and I ran.”

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First Stegosaur Fossil Unveiled at New Jurassic Exhibition

The backbone of the world’s first scientifically discovered stegosaur is returning home — more than 150 years after it was first unearthed in Swindon. The fossilized vertebra, found in the town’s clay pits in the 1870s, has been acquired by the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery and will take pride of place in a new exhibition exploring the region’s Jurassic past. “This is the first stegosaur to be found anywhere in the world,” said Elaine Arthurs from the museum. “It was found in the 1870s, in one of the clay pits in Swindon, and it was quickly taken to the Natural History Museum in London where the majority of the remains are still on display now.” A fossil with a mysterious journey The bone’s history after its discovery is murky. Experts don’t know exactly how it left London’s collection, but when it came up for sale earlier this year, the Swindon museum moved quickly to buy it. Now, it’s being shown to the public for the first time in its hometown as part of the exhibit “Fossil Hunters: Unlocking Swindon’s Jurassic Past.” The exhibition, which runs until April 11, 2026, looks back roughly 150 million years, when the area around Swindon was submerged under a warm, subtropical sea teeming with life. “Beneath our feet we can find hundreds of fossils — ammonites, large marine reptiles — it’s so rich, it’s an amazing place,” Arthurs said. A window into Jurassic Swindon Alongside the stegosaur vertebra, the display features marine fossils from the same era, including parts of a massive pliosaur — a giant marine predator sometimes described as a “sea monster.” The exhibit also includes ammonites and a rare tiny bone from a pterosaur, the flying reptile, on loan from the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. But how did a land-dwelling dinosaur like a stegosaur end up buried in what was once an ancient seabed? Arthurs said fluctuating sea levels likely played a role. “Sea levels around Swindon would have risen and fallen over the years, and there would have been land relatively nearby,” she explained. “What we think is that there would have been land dinosaurs roaming on these small islands, and it’s probably died, washed out to sea, and then settled to the bottom.” Bringing history home In the 19th century, Swindon was a hotspot for fossil hunters drawn to its clay pits, which produced countless discoveries during the Victorian fossil boom. Now, the town’s newest exhibit aims to reconnect residents with that history — and showcase the prehistoric treasures found beneath their own streets. “It’s remarkable to think that the first stegosaur ever discovered came from here,” Arthurs said. “And even more exciting that it’s finally back where it all began.”

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Adventurers Aim To Break World Record Driving Three-Wheeled Car and Raise Money for Charity

Two adventurers are about to embark on an extraordinary road trip — driving a three-wheeled Reliant Robin from Devon to Cape Town in the UK in a bid to set a Guinness World Record and raise money for charity. Oliver Jenks, 34, from Newton Abbot, and Seth Scott, 31, from Canada, will cover roughly 10,000 miles (16,000 km) across two continents in their beloved three-wheeler, affectionately named Sheila. The pair aim to become the first to complete the journey in such a vehicle while raising funds for School in a Bag, a Yeovil-based charity that provides educational supplies to children in need around the world. “It will be interesting — and that’s what this trip is all about,” Jenks said. “Educating ourselves.” Three wheels, one big challenge The Reliant Robin isn’t exactly built for off-roading, so the pair have spent weeks preparing Sheila for the harsh terrain ahead. “First of all, the roof rack — that’s got all our spare gear, our tyres, our spare parts and everything else in between,” Jenks explained. “On the front of that we’ve got our light bar as well. We’ve got a spare spring. The thing is with three wheels, you’re likely to hit every pothole there has ever been.” They’ve also added USB ports and Starlink satellite internet, allowing them to stay connected as they cross remote regions. Despite these upgrades, comfort isn’t exactly guaranteed. “It’s still cramped and uncomfortable,” Scott admitted, “even with the new seats.” A journey with purpose Their chosen charity, School in a Bag, sends backpacks filled with educational resources to disadvantaged and disaster-affected children. Each bag typically includes notebooks, pens, pencils, eating utensils, and a water bottle — simple tools that can make a huge difference in a child’s education. “We hope to visit as many of those schools as possible and show our support in person,” Jenks said. The road ahead The pair plan to set off within days, charting a course through Europe and down the African continent — an unpredictable route that will test both their endurance and Sheila’s limits. Scott admitted there are still some mechanical quirks to contend with. “The car doesn’t like to idle sometimes and stalls in traffic,” he said. “Hopefully when we’re on the highway, it’ll run great.” If all goes to plan, the three-wheeled adventure will not only set a new record but also help equip thousands of children with the tools they need to learn. And for Jenks and Scott, the journey is as much about discovery as it is about the destination.

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This Foxhound Donated Blood To Save the Life Of a Sick Cocker Spaniel

A four-month-old puppy is alive today thanks to an unlikely hero: a blood donor dog named Cannock. The Old English Foxhound saved the life of Rosco, a Cocker Spaniel who was rushed to Henwick Vets in Worcester after suffering internal bleeding caused by a rare genetic condition. Veterinary nurse Kirsty Thompson, who was treating Rosco, said the situation was dire. “This was an absolute emergency,” she said. “Rosco’s life was hanging in the balance.” Knowing the puppy needed an urgent transfusion to survive, Thompson reached out to the Croome & West Warwickshire Hunt to see if one of their trail hounds could donate blood. Joint master Pippa Wilkinson quickly stepped in, volunteering Cannock for the life-saving role. Earlier this month, Cannock donated 200 millilitres of blood, which was immediately taken to Worcester for Rosco’s transfusion. Within hours, the puppy began to stabilize. “Adorable Cocker Spaniel puppy Rosco was desperately ill,” Thompson said. “I’m pleased to say he is now well on the road to recovery.” Working hounds like Cannock are particularly good donors, she explained, because they are athletic and have a higher red blood cell count than most other breeds — a crucial advantage in emergencies. “It’s a huge benefit to have the Hunt’s support when time is critical,” she said. For Cannock’s owner, the experience was emotional. “The vets at Henwick are amazing and look after our hounds so well all year round,” Wilkinson said. “We will always do what we can to help if another hound or a family pet is in need. Cannock did brilliantly, and I’m so proud of him for helping to save the life of another animal. He’s always been a hero in my eyes, but even more so now.” Thanks to Cannock’s calm temperament and his generous donation, Rosco is expected to make a full recovery.

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