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Indigenous Designed Oscar Dress Hits The Smithsonian Red Carpet
Lily Gladstone made history as the first Native American nominated for Best Actress at last year's Academy Awards. Though she didn't win, her stunning gowns by Joe Big Mountain, a talented porcupine quillwork artist, stole the spotlight. These unique dresses are now showcased at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian in "Making a Statement," highlighting Indigenous influence on luxury fashion. Gladstone continues to champion Native art and culture, ensuring Indigenous voices shine brightly in contemporary spaces.
Score (93)
Discover the World's Most Beautiful Shapes, As Explained by Mathematicians
Mathematicians often see beauty in shapes that go beyond the familiar triangles and rectangles. Their world is filled with intricate forms like loops, polytopes, and surfaces that challenge our understanding of dimensions. These shapes are not just abstract concepts; they have real-world connections and applications. Shintaro Fushida-Hardy from Stanford University shares his fascination with the loop, a simple yet profound one-dimensional shape central to topology. "There is still so much to be learned about loops," he says, highlighting their significance in mathematical theories. Henry Segerman of Oklahoma State University delves into the complement of a knot, describing it as a "geometric diamond" due to its unique hyperbolic properties. This concept was expanded by mathematician William Thurston, revealing that most knots have hyperbolic complements. Laura Monk from the University of Bristol finds inspiration in the hyperbolic pair of pants, a surface with three boundaries that serves as a building block for complex geometries. Meanwhile, Anastasia Chavez at Saint Mary's College explores polytopes—shapes that bridge various mathematical fields and offer insights into optimization problems. The permutahedron captivates Federico Ardila-Mantilla at San Francisco State University for its symmetry and role in combinatorics. He describes it as "the site of a beautiful dialogue among geometry, algebra and combinatorics."
Score (96)
Here's How Flowers Revolutionized Earth's Colorful Evolution
In a flash of color, the world transformed into a vibrant masterpiece, thanks to the sudden burst of bold hues from flowering plants. "It was a worldwide revolution of technique and delight," shared E. M. Teichman in an interview with our team. The once dull landscape exploded into a kaleidoscope of shades, captivating the eyes of all creatures. With this newfound ability to manufacture striking colors, flowering plants gained a competitive edge over their counterparts. They cleverly used these hues to attract animals for pollination, ultimately dominating the plant kingdom. Today, 90 percent of plant species are angiosperms, showcasing the power of visual communication in nature. Teichman emphasized that flowers are a relatively recent addition to Earth's history, appearing only in the last fraction of its existence. Despite their late arrival, they have left an indelible mark on our world and influenced how we perceive beauty. Following the aesthetic revolution sparked by flowers, small dinosaurs took notice and embraced these vibrant colors as well. They soared through the treetops adorned with nature's palette, embracing the newfound beauty around them. Teichman's insights shed light on how something as simple as color can spark a global transformation and shape the course of evolution. The legacy of flowers continues to bloom brightly across our planet today, reminding us of nature's enduring creativity and beauty.
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Score (97)
Scientists Just Developed This Never-Ending Battery Juice
In a breakthrough that could reshape the future of wearable technology, scientists at Linköping University in Sweden have developed a flexible battery capable of stretching to twice its length while maintaining performance. This innovation uses liquid electrodes, conductive plastics, and lignin—a byproduct of paper production—to create a sustainable alternative to traditional batteries. "The texture is a bit like toothpaste," said Aiman Rahmanudin, co-author of the study. "The material can, for instance, be used in a 3D printer to shape the battery as you please. This opens up for a new type of technology." This development comes at a crucial time as the world moves toward one trillion connected devices over the next decade. Traditional lithium-ion batteries are inflexible and can pose safety risks if bent too far. The new flexible battery offers an environmentally friendly solution without relying on rare earth materials. "Since the materials in the battery are conjugated polymers and lignin, the raw materials are abundant," said Mohsen Mohammadi, postdoctoral fellow and co-author. "By repurposing a byproduct like lignin into a high-value commodity such as a battery material, we contribute to a more circular model." While promising, this flexible battery currently operates at around 0.9 volts—less than typical lithium-ion batteries found in smartphones. Researchers aim to increase this voltage using abundant metals like zinc or manganese. As mobile technology continues to evolve from Martin Cooper's first cellphone call 50 years ago to today's advanced devices, innovations like these flexible batteries could power future advancements in wearables and other technologies needing adaptable energy solutions.
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How NASA Tech Is Improving Everyday Life Here On Earth
NASA's innovations are not just about exploring the cosmos; they have a profound impact on our daily lives here on Earth. The NASA Spinoff program, established over fifty years ago, has been instrumental in transforming space technology into practical applications for everyday use. This initiative has facilitated the licensing and development of NASA's technologies for commercial purposes, resulting in over 2,000 documented spinoff technologies. Some of the most notable examples include solar cells, advanced water purification systems, an anti-gravity treadmill and memory foam that enhances comfort in beds and chairs. Firefighting equipment has also benefited from NASA's research, with lightweight fireproof clothing and improved air filters now standard gear. Highway safety grooves provide better traction for vehicles navigating curves, while modern aircraft boast enhanced safety features like de-icing technologies and chemical detectors. Other innovations include image stabilization for binoculars and video cameras, the Dustbuster vacuum cleaner, and even healthier baby food options. These advancements underscore how NASA's work extends beyond space exploration to enrich our lives on Earth. It's important to note that some technologies commonly attributed to NASA were independently developed. For instance, Tang was created by General Foods in 1957 but gained fame through its association with NASA during food testing in the 1960s. Similarly, the microwave oven emerged post-World War II due to radar technicians' discoveries. NASA continues to share its progress through annual reports like the 2025 edition of the NASA Spinoff magazine. The entire archive is available online for those interested in exploring these groundbreaking contributions further.
Score (97)
Scooter Stunt Across Britain: His Epic Journey Raised Thousands For Charity
Harry Jones, a 25-year-old adventurer, recently embarked on an incredible journey across the UK - not by car or bike, but by stunt scooter! Covering a whopping 500 miles from Ness Point in Suffolk to Land's End in Cornwall, Harry faced challenges and triumphs along the way. Despite the physical toll of the journey, Harry remained determined and motivated by the support he received. "I severely underestimated the difficulty of the journey, but with the support from hundreds of people I kept going," he shared. Through his efforts, Harry raised over £2,300 for suicide prevention charity CALM. Documenting his adventure on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, Harry's story quickly gained attention and admiration. He encountered kind strangers who cheered him on and even had to navigate unexpected obstacles like jumping over a cattle grid in Cornwall! Reflecting on his childhood love for scootering and the joy it brought him at local skateparks, Harry expressed gratitude for his friends and family's unwavering support. "My friends and family are so proud and that warms my heart," he said. As he reached Land's End after an arduous 11-day journey filled with ups and downs, Harry says he looks forward to celebrating with a well-deserved spa break.
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She Saved a Man's Life with CPR, Just Days After First Aid Course
Just days after completing her first aid course, 21-year-old restaurant manager Ella McCauley found herself in a real-life emergency that tested her new skills. Working in Rugby, McCauley had been promoted and was required to complete the training for her new role. Little did she know how soon she'd need it. While at work, a woman from a nearby hair salon rushed in asking if anyone was trained in first aid. "Oh yeah, what a coincidence, me," McCauley recalled saying. She quickly responded to help David, who had suffered a cardiac arrest. Entering the scene, McCauley found David unresponsive and placed him in the recovery position while checking his breathing. "He was quite a tall guy... by this point he was blue and it was really terrifying," she said. With an ambulance on its way, the call handler instructed McCauley to perform CPR. "It felt like an out-of-body experience," she described. Despite feeling exhausted during training just days earlier, adrenaline took over as she performed chest compressions until paramedics arrived with a defibrillator. McCauley spoke aloud to reassure David and remind herself of the steps she'd learned only four days prior. Meeting David's family afterward was "such an emotional moment," she shared. Reflecting on the incident, McCauley emphasized the importance of first aid training: "I'm living proof of how important the training is." She added, "There's a family out there that now has their dad and husband; I think that's a very powerful message." In this unexpected test of courage and skill, Ella McCauley's quick actions made all the difference.
Score (98)
This Town Formed a Human Chain to Help a Bookstore Move 9,100 Books
The town of Chelsea, Michigan recently came together to help their beloved local bookstore, Serendipity Books, make a big move. When owner Michelle Tuplin needed to transfer over 9,100 books to a larger location without disrupting business operations for days, she turned to her community for support. "People really consider independent bookstores theirs," Tuplin shared. "It’s really a part of the community, and they have ownership." What started as a call for volunteers quickly turned into an impressive show of solidarity. Over 300 people, along with one very good dog, formed a human chain stretching 350 feet from the old stockroom to the new store. With neighbors, customers, and even strangers joining in, the books were passed along in alphabetical order in less than two hours. “It was just a joyful experience,” said volunteer Donna Zak. “We were passing the books and noticing and commenting to each other.” The new store will open later this month ahead of Independent Bookstore Day on April 26th. Tuplin expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support: “To see the community come out and put all those words that they usually say into action truly meant the world.” This heartwarming event showcased how a shared love of books can bring a community together in extraordinary ways.
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This Teen Just Found 1.5 Million Potential New Astronomical Objects—Here's How
A young astronomer from Pasadena, California, has made a significant contribution to space exploration by developing an artificial intelligence algorithm that identified over one million objects in space. Matteo Paz, 18, achieved this breakthrough by analyzing data from NASA's NEOWISE telescope, which had been largely understudied. Paz's work earned him the top prize of $250,000 at the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search. This prestigious competition recognizes high school seniors for their achievements in science and math. "I was just happy to have had the privilege," Paz told Forbes' Kevin Anderton. "Not only placing in the top ten but winning first place came as a visceral surprise." His journey began at Caltech's Planet Finder Academy in 2022, where he studied under Davy Kirkpatrick, an astronomer at the university’s Infrared Processing and Analysis Center (IPAC). Kirkpatrick had been working with NEOWISE data to find variable stars—objects that emit dynamic light like exploding stars. Instead of manually sifting through data, Paz developed an AI model to detect subtle changes in infrared radiation. The model flagged 1.5 million potential new celestial bodies, including supernovas and black holes. "Prior to Matteo’s work, no one had tried to use the entire (200-billion-row) table," Kirkpatrick said in an email to Business Insider’s Morgan McFall-Johnsen. Caltech researchers are now using Paz’s catalog of potential variable objects for further study. Paz believes his AI model could also be applied beyond astronomy, such as analyzing stock market trends or atmospheric effects like pollution. Maya Ajmera of the Society for Science praised these young scientists: “Driven by their ingenuity, these young scientists are developing groundbreaking solutions that have the potential to transform our world.”
Score (96)
Young Vicar Goes Viral, Sharing Church Life on TikTok with a Twist
At just 29 years old, Pippa White is not your average vicar. When she's not belting out Taylor Swift tunes or tackling opponents on the rugby field, you can find her creating engaging TikTok videos that offer a unique peek into her life as a clergywoman in Whitchurch, Shropshire. "It's been really, really positive," said Pippa about the response to her social media presence. With thousands of followers tuning in to see her behind-the-scenes glimpses, she hopes to bring a modern touch to how the church connects with the world. Raised in Norfolk without a religious background, White found comfort in her village church and eventually felt called to pursue a career as a vicar. Her journey led her to TikTok, where she goes by @not_a_priestess and shares lighthearted content that resonates with audiences, young and old. For White, representation matters. She believes it's crucial for young people to see themselves reflected in the Church of England and is proud to be breaking stereotypes with her inclusive approach. Her congregation at St Alkmund has embraced her social media success, finding inspiration in seeing a young woman reaching out to others through unconventional means. As Pippa continues to challenge norms and share her message of inclusivity and hope, she remains committed to keeping the Church of England relevant and vibrant in today's ever-changing world.
Score (96)
These Paraclimbers are Defying the Odds And Eyeing Paralympic Dreams Together
A passion for climbing has united a diverse group of individuals with impairments, setting them on a path toward potential Paralympic success. James Rudge, a Great Britain Paraclimber from Bristol, has created a supportive community where climbers—some registered blind and others born without forearms—can thrive. This initiative has inspired five members to aim for the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles. Rudge, who was born without a left forearm, started climbing in 2015 and quickly rose to join the GB squad. "We're all perfectly capable of functioning just fine in society as it is," he said. "But I learned how beneficial it can be to have people around you with that same mindset." The group meets monthly at various locations, including Redpoint in Bristol and Frome Boulder Rooms in Somerset. Among its members is Charly Andrew, who overcame Ewing Sarcoma and now co-owns Frome Boulder Rooms. "I don't think the me of 10 years ago would have believed this was possible at all," she shared. Zac Pomfrey, also born without a forearm, joined after seeing Rudge climb. He embraces a "why not?" attitude as he eyes the 2028 Games. Emily Wright, who lost vision due to cancer, finds empowerment through the community's support: "It's about showing people with additional needs and disabilities can do anything they want to." Mark Suerre appreciates witnessing fellow climbers adapt their techniques: "I find it inspiring to see other climbers with disabilities overcoming their strengths and weaknesses." As these athletes prepare for international competitions later this year, Para Team Manager Zoe Spriggins believes they have a credible chance at medals in Los Angeles.