Hong Kong’s Newest Stars? Meet the Panda Cub Twins

Hong Kong residents are buzzing with excitement as they compete to name the territory's first locally-born giant panda cubs, who just turned six months old. The twin cubs were born on August 15 and reside at Ocean Park. Residents can submit name suggestions online, with the names set to be announced in the first half of this year. The pandas have already become a major attraction, drawing in visitors and boosting tourism in the city.

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Mars Rover's Unexpected Find: What's Hiding Inside That Mysterious Rock?

NASA's Curiosity rover, while exploring Mars, has stumbled upon an unexpected find in the Gediz Vallis Channel. In May last year, the rover inadvertently rolled over a rock that cracked open to reveal yellow crystals of elemental sulfur. This is the first time sulfur has been found on Mars in its pure form, making this discovery intriguing for scientists. Elemental sulfur shouldn't really be there. Typically, sulfates, salts formed when sulfur mixes with other minerals in water, are more common on Mars. When water evaporates, these minerals dry out and leave sulfates behind. Pure sulfur needs specific conditions to form, ones not known to exist, where Curiosity made this find. The area around Gediz Vallis appears rich in these sulfur rocks, raising questions about how they came to be there. "Finding a field of stones made of pure sulfur is like finding an oasis in the desert," said Ashwin Vasavada, Curiosity project scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. "It shouldn't be there, so now we have to explain it." Sulfur plays a significant role for life as it's used by organisms to create essential amino acids needed for proteins. While life's existence on Mars remains uncertain, the presence of elements useful to living beings continues to intrigue researchers. Curiosity's instruments managed to analyze and confirm the composition of these rocks—but only because one happened to break open under the rover’s weight. If not for this chance event, discovering this elemental treasure might have taken longer. Scientists now need to determine how such a large concentration of pure sulfur ended up on Mars' surface. This will require more research into the planet's geological history and could involve complex modeling. As Curiosity continues its mission through Gediz Vallis, a channel marked by ancient waterways, the rover collects valuable data along its path. It recently drilled into another rock within the channel for chemical analysis and continues deeper exploration of this historically rich area.

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Meet The Forest Guardians Saving Red Pandas Along The Nepal-India Border

In the rugged hills of eastern Nepal, Surya Bhattarai, a 48-year-old farmer, dedicates his days to tracking red pandas. These elusive creatures are native to the eastern Himalayas and are now an endangered species. Bhattarai is part of a dedicated group known as Forest Guardians who work in the Sudap Community Forest in Taplejung district. This area, near the border with India, offers challenging terrain and unpredictable wildlife encounters. Bhattarai is one of 128 Forest Guardians trained by the Red Panda Network to monitor these animals. They carry essential tools like GPS trackers and notebooks to document signs of red pandas, such as scat or claw marks. Within the Panchthar-Ilam-Taplejung Corridor, which spans 11,500 square kilometers and houses about 25 percent of Nepal’s red panda population, Bhattarai keeps a close watch on designated forest blocks. Monitoring occurs four times a year to coincide with key life stages of red pandas, such as breeding seasons. The summer patrols are particularly important for deterring poaching activities. Globally, fewer than 10,000 red pandas remain across India, Bhutan, China, and Nepal. In Nepal alone, there are between 500 and 1,000 people residing in bamboo forests across 25 districts. Rapid development and habitat degradation threaten their survival. The Red Panda Network launched its Forest Guardian program in 2010 with just 16 members. Today it stands as one of Nepal's most ambitious citizen-led wildlife monitoring initiatives. Ang Phuri Sherpa from the Red Panda Network explains that these guardians act as essential links between conservation efforts and local communities. "Our biggest challenge is building trust with local communities," he says. Drawn from economically marginalized groups, most Forest Guardians have only reached middle-school education levels but play a critical role in protecting their nearby forests. They collect valuable data that informs conservation strategies and guides anti-poaching measures. Arjun Thapa from the Institute of Zoology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences commends this grassroots effort but emphasizes that analyzing collected data is crucial for making informed decisions about conservation strategies. A national survey conducted in 2016 revealed that most red panda habitats lie outside protected areas. Since then, Forest Guardians focus on regions where these animals face significant threats due to poaching or encroachment by human activity.

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China's Bold Move: Unveiling the First Offshore Floating Solar Farm

China is stepping up its renewable energy game with the completion of its first floating solar power project in a seawater environment. This innovative venture is now operational in Qingdao City, Shandong Province. China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation, commonly known as Sinopec, announced this development on Wednesday. The project covers an area of about 60,000 square meters and boasts an installed capacity of 7.5 megawatts. It's expected to churn out around 16.7 million kilowatt-hours of green electricity each year. That’s a significant boost for clean energy efforts in the region. One standout feature of this project is its design. The photovoltaic panels can float and move with the tides, keeping the gap between the panels and the water surface minimal. This setup improves seawater cooling, which helps increase energy conversion efficiency by 5 to 8 percent compared to traditional setups. Challenges like marine corrosion, biofouling, and tidal fluctuations haven’t been ignored. The research and development team crafted special anti-corrosion floats and barnacle-resistant supports to tackle these issues head-on. They also engineered a strong underwater anchoring system capable of withstanding winds up to Force 13 while adapting to a tidal range of 3.5 meters. These technological advancements come with financial perks too. The innovations reduce capital investment by about 10 percent compared to conventional installations. This makes it not only a technical success but also an economically savvy choice. Sinopec sees this project as more than just a one-off achievement; they aim for it to be a standardized model for future solar developments in coastal and shallow marine environments across China. This aligns with China's broader push toward expanding low-cost renewable energy options.

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She Just Made History as the First Black African Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Angélique Kidjo has just made history. The Beninese singer became the first black African artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This latest accolade adds another feather to her cap, highlighting a career that has significantly reshaped global music. Kidjo is renowned for her dynamic voice and eclectic sound. Over four decades, she has successfully fused Afrobeat with jazz, R&B, funk, and Latin influences across 16 albums. Her musical journey includes collaborations with industry giants like Burna Boy, Alicia Keys, Carlos Santana, and Philip Glass. But it wasn't always smooth sailing for Kidjo. Born in Benin, she left for Paris in 1983 to escape political turmoil under the then-communist regime. In France, she found artistic freedom and began to carve out her international success. Throughout her career, Kidjo's influence has been far-reaching. She boasts five Grammy Awards and a devoted global fanbase. Her music not only entertains but also carries powerful messages that resonate across cultures. Receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame signifies more than personal recognition; it acknowledges African artistry in one of entertainment’s most prominent venues. As Kidjo continues to inspire audiences worldwide, this honor cements her legacy as a trailblazer in the music industry.

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Rare Purple Emperor Butterflies Make Stunning Comeback in UK’s Rewilding Haven

In West Sussex, nature enthusiasts are celebrating the return of a once-dwindling butterfly species. At Knepp estate, a conservation project has hit a milestone with the sighting of 283 purple emperor butterflies in just one day. This record-breaking number suggests that these vibrant insects are making a comeback across the UK. The purple emperor, known for its striking appearance and elusive behavior, saw significant population declines throughout the 20th century. However, since 2001, Isabella Tree and her husband Charlie Burrell have been turning their former farmland into a rewilding haven at Knepp. Their efforts seem to be paying off as these butterflies have begun to recolonize the area. Neil Hulme, an expert on purple emperors at Knepp, explains that butterfly populations can fluctuate rather than grow steadily each year. Yet, he credits Knepp's diverse environment for allowing these creatures to thrive again. The "mosaic" of sallow scrub at Knepp provides ideal spots for female emperors to lay eggs, contributing significantly to their resurgence. For centuries, people have been captivated by the purple emperor and its unusual habits. Despite their delicate appearance, these butterflies are drawn to cowpats and decaying animal carcasses for sustenance. Enthusiasts use anything from dirty nappies to blue cheese to tempt them out of treetops. Interestingly, they also feed on oak sap which can leave them looking intoxicated. While purple emperors might steal the spotlight at Knepp, they're not the only ones benefiting from rewilding efforts. Other butterfly species like purple hairstreaks and silver-washed fritillaries are also flourishing here. Bird species such as nightingales and swifts have seen increases too. Hulme describes "clouds of butterflies everywhere," adding that none want this fruitful summer to end. Isabella Tree emphasizes how quickly wildlife returns when given room to recover: "When nature is allowed to recover, wildlife will return soon after." With promising signs nationwide, it seems this approach could hold key insights into conservation practices elsewhere.

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The Secret Behind America’s Best Pizza: Meet the Mastermind Dominating NYC's Slice Scene

The best pizza in the United States has been named, and it comes from a small place on New York’s Lower East Side. According to the Naples-based guide 50 Top Pizza, Una Pizza Napoletana tops the list for Neapolitan-style pies. This is not just any pizza; it’s the kind that purists swear by—thin, round and meticulously prepared. Una Pizza Napoletana is no stranger to accolades. Last year, it was even rated as the number one pizzeria globally. The owner, Anthony Mangieri, grew up in New Jersey and opened his first pizza spot at the Jersey Shore in 1996. “One of the country’s most skilled practitioners of the Neapolitan style,” Food and Wine magazine once called him. His passion for perfecting pizza started at age 15, and he remains focused on his craft. Mangieri believes that good pizza can now be found worldwide because American diners are increasingly appreciating authentic Neapolitan pizzas. He keeps distractions at bay by focusing solely on his Orchard Street restaurant. "It is not a concept restaurant," he told CNN Travel. New York isn't just home to the best pizzeria; it also boasts the top individual slice at L’industrie Pizzeria run by Massimo Laveglia and Nick Baglivo. Other cities aren't lagging too far behind, though. Los Angeles and San Francisco follow closely with Pizzeria Sei and Tony's Pizza Napoletana securing second and third places respectively. William Joo runs Pizzeria Sei in LA and has been described as “very talented” by 50 Top Pizza. In San Francisco, Tony Gemignani operates Tony’s Pizza Napoletana; he's considered an American pizza legend. The ranking also highlights Zeneli in New Haven and various Californian spots like those in San Diego, San Luis Obispo, and Berkeley. Even cities like Louisville in Kentucky and Charlotte in North Carolina get a nod this year. The announcement took place at West Edge in Chelsea Market this Tuesday. If you’re keeping track of global rankings, mark your calendars; Italy's top pizzerias will be revealed on July 15 while global rankings will come out later this September. Here’s how the top ten list looks according to 50 Top Pizza: 1. Una Pizza Napoletana (New York) 2. Pizzeria Sei (Los Angeles) 3. Tony's Pizza Napoletana (San Francisco) 4. Jay’s (Kenmore, New York) 5. Ribalta (New York) 6. Robert’s (Chicago) 7. Don Antonio (New York) 8. Ken's Artisan Pizza (Portland, Oregon) 9. Truly Pizza (Dana Point, California) 10. La Leggenda (Miami)

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Paris Celebrates as the River Seine Welcomes Public Swimmers for the First Time in 100 Years

After a century-long ban, Parisians can now enjoy swimming in the River Seine. This historic move comes just a year after the Paris 2024 Olympics, where open water swimmers and triathletes competed in its newly cleaned waters. Dozens of eager swimmers were ready to make a splash in the iconic river as soon as the gates opened. There are three designated swimming spots for public enjoyment near landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and another site in eastern Paris. Each location is equipped with changing rooms, showers, and beach-style furniture for up to 300 people. Swimmers can enjoy these areas for free until the end of August. Depending on the location, you need to be at least 10 or 14 years old to join in. Lifeguards are present to ensure everyone's safety. The promise to reopen the Seine for swimming dates back to 1988 when Jacques Chirac, then mayor of Paris and later president of France, began advocating for reversing the ban. For many years, pollution levels had kept swimmers out due to health risks. However, significant improvements over the past two decades have greatly reduced harmful bacteria levels. Leading up to last summer's Olympics, more than €1.4 billion was invested into cleaning up the Seine. Yet there were still concerns about whether it would be ready for international athletes after failing water quality tests. Rainfall was blamed for increased pollution that affected training sessions for events like triathlon and marathon swimming. In July of last year, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo took a dip in the Seine alongside other Olympic officials to demonstrate its safety for swimming.

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Double Take: Scientists Stunned as Star Explodes—Twice

Astronomers have made an exciting discovery involving a supernova that detonated not once, but twice. This cosmic event was detected by researchers using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope (VLT), and it offers new insights into the mysterious workings of Type 1a supernovae. The particular supernova remnant in question is SNR 0509-67.5, located about 160,000 light-years away in the Large Magellanic Cloud. Type 1a supernovae typically involve a white dwarf star, which is essentially the leftover core of a star like our Sun after it has stopped fusing elements. In these systems, the white dwarf can accumulate material from a nearby companion star. Once it gathers enough mass, it can ignite and explode as a supernova. However, not all Type 1a supernovae are identical; some occur under different conditions than previously understood. The new research published in Nature Astronomy focuses on these variations and introduces what’s known as the "double-detonation" model. In this scenario, helium accretes onto the surface of a white dwarf until it causes an initial explosion that sends shockwaves through its carbon-oxygen core. If these shockwaves are strong enough, they trigger a second detonation within the core. Priyam Das, lead author and PhD student at the University of New South Wales Canberra, explained how important understanding these explosions is to astronomy: "The explosions of white dwarfs play a crucial role in astronomy." Despite their significance, he noted that "the long-standing puzzle of the exact mechanism triggering their explosion remains unsolved." Using VLT's Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE), researchers found evidence supporting this double-detonation model by identifying two distinct calcium shells around SNR 0509-67.5. This discovery suggests such explosions can indeed happen well before a white dwarf reaches what's known as the Chandrasekhar mass limit—a threshold traditionally thought necessary for triggering a supernova. Research co-author Ivo Seitenzahl commented on this breakthrough: "We find clear indication that white dwarfs can explode well before they reach the famous Chandrasekhar mass limit." These findings help explain some puzzling observations about Type 1a supernovae. They account for differences in brightness and spectral profiles previously seen but not fully understood. Moreover, they provide insights into how variations in white dwarf masses and companion types might affect these stellar explosions. Interestingly, simulations now suggest even more complex scenarios could occur during these events. When two white dwarfs merge and undergo double detonations simultaneously—what researchers refer to as "quadruple detonation"—this could further explain observed structures like those seen in SNR 0509-67.5. Understanding Type 1a supernovae is essential because they serve as standard candles for measuring cosmic distances—a critical tool for studying dark energy driving the universe's expansion. Additionally, these explosions produce much of our universe's iron content; Earth itself consists of approximately 32 percent iron by mass, an element vital for rocky planet formation and oxygen transport in our biology.

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How a Tiny Queensland Town Became Australia's Mud-Racing Mecca

In the small Queensland town of Kabra, hidden behind a local pub, lies one of Australia's premier racing tracks. This isn't about V8s or nimble go-karts; it's all about the thrill of mud racing. Once a year, this town with just a few hundred residents sees its population double as enthusiasts from across Australia gather for the annual Queensland twin-track mud-racing titles. Mud racing is an adrenaline-filled event where modified vehicles tackle a challenging track filled with deep water and thick mud. Drivers from different parts of Australia descend on Kabra, including veteran racer Roger Langley and his family. Langley, who started racing in 1995 after being captivated by the sport, describes it as something that has "just grown and grown over the years." Roger's passion for mud racing has turned into a family affair. His son Troy Langley and granddaughter Allira Weldon are also keen participants. The Langleys will compete against some of the best racers in the country at this year's event. Building a car for mud racing involves serious modifications. Vehicles need to be waterproofed to withstand the muddy conditions, and they often feature large tyres and powerful engines to navigate the terrain effectively. According to Troy Langley, preparing these cars requires significant effort because "a lot of electronics don't like getting wet." Cars are jacked up as high as regulations allow to achieve maximum ground clearance. The junior category is particularly popular, allowing young drivers aged 10 to 16 to get involved with cars equipped with booster seats and pedal extensions. It's this junior involvement that Roger credits for much of the sport's growth over recent years. For many participants, including race director Marlene Granshaw, it's also about earning bragging rights and securing that coveted Queensland champion sticker for their vehicle. As engines roar and mud flies through the air in Kabra each year, it's clear that this once-obscure sport has carved out its niche in Australian motorsport culture.

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SPOTLIGHT: Meet the 73-Year-Old Educator Revolutionizing STEM for Preschoolers

At 73 years old, Areulia Davis is showing no signs of slowing down in her mission to enhance education. The seasoned educator has launched a line of STEM Learning Cards for early childhood educators, aiming to introduce young children to science, technology, engineering and math in an approachable way. Her company, Areulia Davis LLC, provides coaching and consulting services to teachers who are looking for effective classroom strategies. Throughout her career as a third-grade teacher, Areulia was known for integrating creativity with test preparation. Her students consistently achieved top scores in district benchmarks. Beyond the classroom, she worked tirelessly in North Lawndale to improve educational opportunities. Her advocacy efforts helped secure a 40-million-dollar investment for a STEAM-focused school pathway. It was during this initiative that Areulia saw many preschool teachers feeling unprepared to teach STEM subjects. In response, she developed the STEM Learning Cards to fill this gap. Teachers have praised these cards for making STEM concepts accessible and natural within early learning environments. Today, Areulia continues mentoring educators and expanding her resources. She believes every child deserves a well-supported teacher and every teacher deserves guidance from someone experienced. Her work shows that true educators never stop teaching or leading.

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