World's Oldest Runestone May Have Feminine Touch

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers in Norway have found evidence suggesting that a woman may have signed her name on the world's oldest dated runestone. The inscription, dating back 2,000 years, indicates the writer's name and verb for writing. A Runestone is typically an inscription found on boulders and on bedrock. This finding sheds light on the evolution of the Germanic alphabetic script and its use in Scandinavia. The fragments were part of a single slab buried with cremated human remains, providing crucial archaeological context.

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Meet the Man Who Received a Double Hand Transplant After 17 Years

Luka Kriszanac, a 29-year-old from Switzerland, recently returned to the University of Pennsylvania Medicine with smiles and handshakes for his surgical team—a testament to the success of his life-changing procedure. Kriszanac underwent a double hand transplant, known scientifically as vascularized composite allotransplantation. He's one of only five people to have this surgery at Penn Medicine, a leader in hand transplantation. Kriszanac's medical journey began at age 12 when an undiagnosed strep throat infection led to sepsis, resulting in the amputation of both his legs and hands. After years without hands, he expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to regain them. "Regaining hands after 17 years, I don’t think there is a bigger dream than that," he shared with CBS News. He also extended heartfelt thanks to the donor's family for transforming his life. In 2018, Kriszanac learned about U. Penn’s hand transplant program and started working with a team to assess his eligibility for the procedure. L. Scott Levin and Benjamin Chang led the surgery team after years of waiting for a suitable donor match. Levin highlighted the everyday importance of hands, noting prosthetics can't fully replace their function. He proudly mentioned their team's pioneering work in several areas: "The first child; the first transatlantic vascularized composite allotransplantation; the first in a patient with no lower extremities; the first woman to have hand transplants who later gave birth." The pandemic delayed procedures due to government restrictions on hospital activities, but in 2024, Kriszanac finally received good news through the Gift of Life program about finding a matching donor. Finding compatible donors is complex since requirements go beyond genetic and blood compatibility—the donor's hands must also match in muscle and bone density, skin color, and age. Last autumn, a 10-hour surgery took place overnight involving two teams: one preparing Kriszanac and another focusing on the deceased donor present in the operating theater. When Kriszanac awoke around lunchtime post-surgery, he was amazed by what had been achieved. Through extensive rehabilitation, he's now able to perform tasks like propping his head on his hands or typing on a smartphone. Despite these advancements, ongoing contact with U. Penn will be necessary throughout his life due to potential complications.

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How Vitamin C Could Be Your Skin's Secret Weapon Against Aging

A team of Japanese researchers has found a way that humble vitamin C might just be more powerful than we thought. In a study using a 3D human skin model, scientists have shown that vitamin C can regenerate skin cells and potentially counteract the thinning of the epidermis that comes with age. As we grow older, our skin naturally becomes thinner and more fragile due to a slowdown in cell production. The outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis, is particularly susceptible to this thinning. Since it serves as our primary defense against pathogens, its loss of strength can pose significant problems. The research, led by Dr. Akihito Ishigami from Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, indicates that vitamin C helps thicken the skin by activating specific genes responsible for cell growth and development. "C seems to influence the structure and function of the epidermis, especially by controlling the growth of epidermal cells," said Dr. Ishigami. Using laboratory-grown models that closely mimic real human skin, called human epidermal equivalents, they observed how vitamin C interacts with these cells. Over 14 days, they noticed an increase in thickness in the inner layer of the epidermis while the outer layer thinned slightly. This change suggests that vitamin C promotes keratinocyte formation and division—keratinocytes make up about 90 percent of epidermal cells. One key finding was that vitamin C aids in cell growth by promoting DNA demethylation—a process where methyl groups are removed from DNA. These methyl groups generally suppress gene activity when attached to DNA's cytosine bases. By removing them, vitamin C enhances gene expression necessary for cell proliferation. Vitamin C isn't just any nutrient; it's a hot topic among nutrition enthusiasts for its notable role in skin health and antioxidant properties. But there's concern over declining nutrient levels in modern produce compared to decades past. For example, an orange today contains significantly less vitamin A than one grown in the 1950s. Similar trends might apply to vitamin C content. Other studies suggest American produce contains about 30 percent less vitamin C than it did 70 years ago. Plus, there are nine types of vitamin C; foods rich in one type might not be rich in others. While current recommendations suggest around 90 milligrams per day for men and up to 120 milligrams for breastfeeding mothers are enough to prevent deficiencies like scurvy, optimal doses could be higher if aiming for benefits like those observed in this study. Interestingly, bell peppers contain some of the highest amounts of vitamin C per calorie among commonly consumed produce, not oranges or lemons as many might assume. This research sheds light on how even something as simple as adjusting dietary intake could help maintain healthier skin as we age.

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Can Sound Waves Shape Your Body? New Study Suggests Surprising Benefits

It seems your body might be more responsive to sounds than you'd think. Recent research from Kyoto University has uncovered a surprising link between audible sound and gene activity in mouse cells. This finding could lead to exciting new medical applications, according to the study published in Communications Biology. Scientists have long known that ultrasound can influence biological processes, but this study shifts the focus to sounds within the range of human hearing. Masahiro Kumeta, a biologist at Kyoto University, and his team experimented with cultured mouse myoblast cells by exposing them to different sound frequencies. They used a low frequency of 440 hertz (the A above middle C), a high frequency of 14 kilohertz, and white noise for either two or 24 hours. The researchers discovered that over 100 genes showed changes in activity due to these acoustic waves. Many of these genes are involved in essential processes such as cell adhesion and migration, which respond to mechanical forces. Sound increased the size of attachment sites where cells connect to surrounding tissues. This effect is likely due to an enzyme known as focal adhesion kinase (FAK). FAK senses mechanical forces and plays a role in tissue development by influencing other genes' activity. Interestingly, sound also affected fat-cell precursors called preadipocytes. The exposure suppressed their differentiation into mature fat cells, leading to a reduction in fat accumulation by around 13 to 15 percent. Kumeta highlights that audible sound is noninvasive and probably safer than drugs. While it lacks the precise focus of ultrasound, it's easy to generate and could potentially cover large areas of the body with sonic waves. His team is already investigating how this approach might suppress fat tissue development in living mice. Looking ahead, Kumeta sees possibilities for using this method on humans if results continue positively with mice: "If it works well in mice I think this could be achieved in five or ten years," he says. Other potential applications might include advancing regenerative medicine and tackling cancer growth. As research progresses, scientists like Kumeta remain optimistic about moving from cellular studies to human organoids that model diseases—and eventually clinical studies—to explore the full potential of sound-based treatments.

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Why 1,500 Bikers Showed Up to Escort a Teen to Prom

In a heartwarming show of support, over 1,500 bikers came together to escort 16-year-old Josh Duff to his prom after learning about the bullying he faced at school. Josh, who hails from Swindon, Wiltshire, received an unforgettable entrance on Friday evening when the convoy of bikers accompanied him. Josh’s father, Craig, also a motorcycle enthusiast, turned to a local biker group for help in lifting his son's spirits. The response was beyond anything the family expected. Originally anticipating about 50 bikers, the sheer number of participants left them overwhelmed. The spectacle drew people of all ages eager to capture the moment with photographs and extend kind words to Josh. Some even handed him cards in anticipation of his 16th birthday the following day. Josh's mother, Frances, expressed her gratitude: "The last three years were very difficult for Josh, but he kept going and did his exams." She emphasized how emotional she felt witnessing such solidarity from their community and beyond. "We can't thank Swindon enough," she said. Frances also highlighted the challenges faced by children with special educational needs (SEN) in schools. "Bullying is prevalent in all schools," she noted, adding that SEN children often endure more due to a lack of understanding about their needs. Frances hopes this event brings attention to these issues. Craig shared how deeply moved he was by the support: "The love and support from this community [and] the stories we have heard from people reaching out to us because they or their children were bullied as well; it's overwhelming." For Josh, motorcycles have always been a passion shared with his father. Reflecting on his experience with bullies, he advised: "With the bullies, if you just ignore them and power through, you can expect a great result."

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Street Art is Transforming this Abandoned Italian Town Into a Viral Tourist Hotspot

In the heart of Italy's Puglia region, Stornara is defying the odds and breathing new life into its community. Once teetering on the brink of becoming a ghost town, Stornara now welcomes thousands of tourists each year, drawn by its vibrant street art scene. Local artist Lino Lombardi spearheaded this transformation when he launched Stramurales in 2017, an annual festival that invites artists from around the world to paint murals across the town. The initiative took off in 2018 with six murals and has since expanded to over 140 pieces that celebrate local culture and history. Themes for these artworks range from Stornara’s agricultural heritage to migration stories and are selected by resident votes. Stornara, like many small Italian towns, faced population decline as younger generations moved to urban areas for better opportunities. However, thanks to Stramurales, tourism revenue has surged by 25 percent since 2020. Eight new businesses have opened their doors, including restaurants and bed-and-breakfasts, providing a boost to the local economy. Antonio Maglione owns a café in Stornara and was considering closing before the festival revitalized his business. "Suddenly, there were loads of people turning up with cameras and guidebooks," he said. "The murals saved my business, but more than that, they saved our community." Rita Gensano returned to Stornara in 2017 after living in Turin for two decades. Initially disheartened by what she saw as a dying town, she is now thrilled with how it has transformed. “When I first returned it felt like a sacrifice,” Gensano explained. “But actually it has become something extraordinary which I have been fortunate to be a part of.” Stramurales has even caught the attention of other struggling towns looking for similar rejuvenation strategies. Lombardi reflects on this unexpected role: "Our community has painted itself back to life, one wall at a time," he said. “At first, people thought I was crazy, but I couldn’t just watch the town fade away.” This year's Stramurales will include artists from across Europe and is set to take place throughout July. As young families begin moving back into Stornara and its population starts growing again, it's clear that art can indeed inspire change, one mural at a time.

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This AI Can Recognize Every Monkey by Face—And It's Saving an Entire Species

In the heart of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, researchers have turned to artificial intelligence to give endangered species a fighting chance. At a research station in the Qinling Mountains, AI technology is helping conservationists monitor golden snub-nosed monkeys and other wildlife more effectively. June marks the peak time for observing newborn golden snub-nosed monkeys, which are under national first-class protection. For around 100 of these primates spread across eight families, researchers from Northwest University's College of Life Sciences are busy collecting data. Led by Professor Guo Songtao, the team has harnessed AI to keep tabs on these elusive creatures. The AI system they developed is trained using single frames extracted from hours of video footage. "We have several hours of video data for each of the golden snub-nosed monkeys here," said Guo. "Through these videos together with image processing, we had hundreds of thousands of single frames which were used to train the algorithm model to identify each of the monkeys." One monkey stands out in this high-tech environment: Xiaoxiaoqing. Thanks to AI, her entire genetic profile and group structure information can be easily accessed. "Like for this female monkey, whose name is Xiaoxiaoqing, our AI system is able to show its individual information," noted Guo. Graduate students at Northwest University are also involved in this groundbreaking work. Zhang Jinbang explained that they weigh the monkeys each season and plan to analyze how factors like nutrition affect their weight over time. Fellow student Liu Hongying added that these efforts will inform future studies aimed at better understanding and preserving the species. The benefits of AI extend beyond just monkeys; it's also being used to observe takins and possibly other wildlife in the region. The Qinling Mountains cover over 50,000 square kilometers and serve as a natural boundary between China's north and south. They boast an impressive array of plants and animals, including giant pandas, crested ibises, takins, and golden snub-nosed monkeys—all listed as national first-class protected species. As researchers continue their work in Foping County's observation station, AI remains a promising tool in conservation efforts within China's vast gene bank of wild biology.

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Unlikely Bond: Grieving Pony Becomes Surrogate Mom to Endangered Wild Foal

An endangered Przewalski's horse foal at the Minnesota Zoo has found an unexpected second chance, thanks to a domestic pony named Alice. Marat, the foal in question, faced a rocky start in life after falling critically ill shortly after birth. When his mother rejected him upon his recovery, zoo staff had to think fast to secure his future. Named for bravery, Marat survived with help from the University of Minnesota's equine intensive care unit. Dr. Annie Rivas, director of animal health at the zoo, explained that Marat was born with limb issues that made it difficult for him to stand upright. This condition left him vulnerable and led to bacterial sepsis as he spent too much time lying down. Despite recovering from pneumonia and other health issues, Marat’s first-time mother refused to take him back into the herd. The team at the zoo knew hand-rearing him wasn't ideal because they couldn't teach him how to be a wild horse. That's where Alice came into play. Alice, a Pony of the Americas who had recently lost her own foal, stepped in as Marat’s surrogate mother. According to veterinarians at the zoo, this kind of surrogacy is rare among Asian wild horses. Alice began nurturing Marat immediately and allowed him to nurse, creating what Dr. Rivas described as a "perfect fairy-tale ending." The Przewalski's horse holds significant importance as it's considered the only remaining truly wild horse species globally. Declared extinct in the wild during the 1960s, small populations have since been reestablished across Mongolia and China with some also residing in Russia and Ukraine. With fewer than 2,000 existing today, each new foal plays an essential role in conserving this endangered species. Kurt Heizmann, director of animal care at the Minnesota Zoo, noted that Przewalski's horses have never been truly domesticated and differ physically from more familiar breeds by being shorter and stockier. Integrating Marat into a wild herd poses its own set of challenges but Alice is helping prepare him by teaching social behavior typical of horses. The goal is for Marat to join the adult Przewalski's herd before he gets too old; they will likely remain together for several more months.

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Can This Odd-Looking 'Bubble Wrap' Turn Desert Air Into Drinkable Water?

In one of the driest places on Earth, scientists have pulled off something remarkable: turning air into water, using what looks like black bubble wrap—and no power source at all. Engineers from MIT tested a new hydrogel-based atmospheric water harvester in California’s Death Valley and successfully pulled over 50 milliliters of clean drinking water out of the air per day. That may not sound like much, but it's a huge leap forward in solving one of the world’s most urgent problems: access to safe drinking water. “Our atmospheric water harvesting window sets a benchmark in daily water production and climate adaptability,” says MIT engineer Chang Liu. The team’s invention could offer a sustainable, low-cost solution for the 4.5 billion people worldwide who lack reliable access to clean water. The secret? A special gel made of polyvinyl alcohol, water-attracting lithium chloride, glycerol, and black ink, shaped like bubble wrap to boost surface area. At night, it soaks up moisture from the air. During the day, sunlight warms the gel, releasing the water, which condenses on glass and is collected by gravity-fed channels. Importantly, it works with no electricity, solar panels, or complex tech—just clever design and smart materials. The next step is scaling up the invention so it can make a difference in communities where clean water is scarce. As MIT’s Xuanhe Zhao explains, “Now people can build it even larger, or make it into parallel panels, to supply drinking water to people and achieve real impact.”

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Lego Man in Space: How a UK School’s Two-Year Dream Becomes an Epic Reality

What started as a dream from one curious student at Gobowen Primary School in Shropshire has turned into a real-life space mission, with a Lego man on board. On June 18, students and staff launched a weather balloon carrying “Dan the Lego man” into the stratosphere as part of a two-year science project. The balloon was packed with a small camera to document Dan’s epic journey and tools to record temperature, humidity, wind, and pressure. Shortly after takeoff, the team lost contact. “We had some very sad children asking lots of questions we couldn’t answer,” said Year 4 teacher Margaret Cameron. But the following day, hope returned: the tracker pinged back to life, revealing Dan had landed safely in a quarry nearly 100 miles away. Recovered by the quarry’s site manager, the balloon and camera were intact, and the footage showed Dan’s spectacular ride into near-space, reaching an estimated 70,000 feet and enduring temperatures as low as -54°C. The idea began two years ago when a student named Daniel asked if the class could send a balloon into space. With permission from the headteacher, aviation authorities, and a generous helium donation, the team made three attempts, finally succeeding just before Daniel’s final term at the school. The flight was a hit with students, who cheered the launch and later watched the dramatic 13-minute video, set to music, of Dan soaring above the Earth. “It’s so important to let kids dream big,” said Cameron. “All the children and staff will remember this forever.”

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From War Zone to a Wild Sanctuary: This Abandoned White Tiger is Set to Find New Home

A white tiger rescued from the frontlines of war-torn Ukraine is getting a fresh start—complete with underfloor heating and his own pool—at Lincolnshire Wildlife Park. The tiger, named Aleks, was discovered last year by medics and army volunteers, abandoned, dehydrated, and riddled with parasites. At the time, rescuers feared he was dead. Now, after months of recovery, Aleks is preparing to make the journey to his new forever home in the UK—thanks in part to delivery company DPD, which has stepped in to assist. “We’re buzzing,” said park chief executive Steve Nichols. “When they found him, he couldn’t walk or eat. Now he’s pulled through, and we’re just so excited to see him.” Aleks will be the first white tiger ever on public display in Lincolnshire. The park launched a fundraiser to help cover the £100,000 cost of his brand-new enclosure, which will include a medical ward, a swimming pool, a play frame—and yes, underfloor heating. “I just hope someone’s in to sign for him,” joked Nichols. “If they leave him by the bins, it might give the neighbours a bit of a shock.” Park officials hope Aleks will arrive before the school summer holidays. Once he does, he’ll join three Bengal tigers already living at the sanctuary.

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