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Hubble Spies on Andromeda's Galaxy
The Andromeda galaxy, 2.5 million light-years away, is surrounded by nearly three dozen satellite galaxies that Hubble is studying in detail. This ambitious project reveals a dynamic galactic ecosystem unlike our Milky Way's. Andromeda's satellites offer clues about its evolution and past mergers with other galaxies. Surprisingly, many of these satellites orbit in the same plane, a mystery yet to be solved.
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Countdown to Darkness: What You Need to Know About the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse
Mark your calendars for August 12, 2026. That's when a total solar eclipse will sweep across parts of Spain, Iceland, and Greenland. This event is particularly special because it's the first total solar eclipse Europe has seen in 27 years. As the moon covers the sun completely, areas in the path of totality will experience a brief plunge into darkness. The path of totality begins in the Arctic, crosses Iceland, and reaches Spain by early evening. Cities like Valencia, Zaragoza, and Palma de Mallorca are prime spots to witness up to two minutes of this celestial spectacle. Spain's likely clear skies and warm weather make it a favorite for eclipse chasers. If you're planning to catch this event, now is a good time to start thinking about where you want to be. Spain offers not just favorable weather but also some incredible views with its medieval castles contrasting against the darkened sky. Meanwhile, Iceland provides dramatic landscapes that could serve as an unforgettable backdrop. Accommodation is already filling up fast in these hotspots, so early planning is essential. Whether flying into Mallorca or driving through rural parts of Spain, preparation will help ensure a smooth experience. Our guide on planning your eclipse trip includes tips on accommodation options, transportation methods, and packing essentials. For those looking for something different, consider viewing the eclipse from sea. Several cruise lines are offering voyages across the Atlantic and Mediterranean centered around this event. These cruises come with expert talks and stargazing nights that add value to your travel experience. Seasoned eclipse chasers have shared their top travel advice too. From keeping an eye on weather forecasts to remembering those all-important eclipse glasses, their insights can help enhance your viewing experience. So get ready for what promises to be an awe-inspiring event. Start making arrangements now because totality lasts only a couple of minutes at most; being prepared means you won't miss a moment of nature's grand display.
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De-Extinct Dire Wolves Meet for the First Time in a Historic Reunion
In an exciting milestone for genetic engineering, Colossal Biosciences has shared footage of its three de-extinct dire wolves meeting each other for the first time. These animals, revived from extinction through advanced DNA techniques, have been living separately until now. The clip shows Khaleesi, the female dire wolf, meeting her older and larger brothers, Romulus and Remus. Initially, Khaleesi was kept in a separate habitat from her two brothers to ensure a smooth introduction process. According to trainers at Colossal Biosciences, these gradual introductions are crucial for building a harmonious relationship among the wolves. As seen in the video released on August 12, Khaleesi meets Romulus first. She cleverly uses her small size to navigate under logs and create a safe distance when needed. "She's a really smart little dire wolf," comments one trainer featured in the footage. This behavior allowed her to control interactions with Romulus while keeping herself comfortable. After spending some time with Romulus, Khaleesi meets Remus next. The trainers noted that both wolves were visibly excited during this encounter and that Remus was gentler with his sister than Romulus had been. Following these individual meetings, all three dire wolves were brought together to play. Trainers plan to continue alternating Khaleesi's interactions between her brothers so she can build confidence over time. "We want her to feel like she's controlling all of her interactions with them," said the trainer in the video. Once Khaleesi increases in size and appears more confident around Romulus and Remus, Colossal Biosciences will consider housing them together permanently. However, this decision depends on whether the animals appear comfortable and unafraid in each other's company. Colossal Biosciences made headlines earlier this year when CEO Ben Lamm announced that his team had successfully revived these extinct creatures from ancient DNA samples taken from a tooth dated at 13,000 years old and a skull aged 72,000 years old. Lamm described their work as akin to magic due to its potential impact on conservation efforts. The company's ongoing project aims not only to bring back species but also to contribute valuable insights into biodiversity and ecological balance.
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Ancient Roman "Flip-Flops" Discovered in Sicily Look Surprisingly Modern
A recent archaeological find at the Villa Romana del Casale in Sicily has added a fascinating twist to our understanding of ancient Roman life. Researchers and students have discovered a mosaic that depicts sandals strikingly similar to modern flip-flops. These sandals, part of a larger mosaic on the villa's southern thermal area floor, feature two pale flip-flops with slightly elongated big toes and black thongs. In a statement by the autonomous region of Sicily, the sandals are described as "not simple decorations, but a refined work created by a mosaic craftsman of the 4th century AD." Alongside this depiction, archaeologists also found a mosaic inscription and three columns, although details about the inscription remain undisclosed. The project involved over 40 students and researchers from around the globe, who participated through the international Summer School of Archaeology ArchLabs. This discovery reaffirms the Villa's reputation for high-level artistry and architecture. Villa Romana del Casale is already known for its vibrant mosaics that capture glimpses of ancient life. One famous example is often called the "bikini girls" mosaic. Featuring women in bikini-like outfits engaged in activities such as ball games and weightlifting, this artwork offers insights into Roman athletic competitions. The scene is also referred to as "le Palestriti," highlighting its focus on physical exercise. Sandals were common footwear across ancient Rome, though their design differed from modern versions. Some historians suggest that Romans wore sandals with straps between their second and third toes, unlike their Greek counterparts. However, since the recently found flip-flop mosaic lacks feet, it's impossible to determine precisely how they were worn. This latest find serves as an intriguing reminder of how certain aspects of daily life remain unchanged over centuries.
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Postcards Are Making a Comeback, and Festivals Are Helping Lead the Charge
A century ago, they were everywhere. Today, they’re a novelty. But the humble postcard might be staging a quiet comeback — thanks in part to music festivals, retro charm, and a new generation eager for something more tangible than a text. “Three million of them a year,” said Graeme Wolford, who runs Judges Postcards in Hastings alongside his brother Trevor. That’s how many postcards the business still sells annually. While it’s a far cry from the 800 million sent at the height of postcard popularity in the early 1900s, it’s not nothing. “People do still buy postcards,” Wolford said. And they’re not all nostalgic pensioners. Younger people — the same ones who grew up with WhatsApp and Instagram — are helping to keep the format alive. “If you go to Glastonbury, there is actually a postcard, pop-up marquee where you can go and write a postcard, and it’s increasingly happening at more and more festivals,” he said. “The young people are saying, ‘Come on, I send enough texts, enough WhatsApp messages, let’s make someone’s day and send them a postcard.’” That retro appeal — something physical, personal, and slow — seems to be catching on in small but meaningful ways. The postcard’s original appeal was its simplicity. According to the UK’s Postal Museum, it was introduced in 1870 as a fast, cheap form of communication. No envelopes, no lengthy letters — just a few lines, a stamp, and a photograph from wherever you happened to be. Judges Postcards itself dates back to 1902, when founder Fred Judge, a photographer from Wakefield, moved his family to Hastings and began printing his images as postcards. At its peak, the company was one of many. Now, it’s the last of its kind. “In its heyday, there were around seven or eight companies around the UK — we are the last ones standing,” said Trevor Wolford. That staying power seems to come from a mix of tradition, niche interest, and slow-culture appeal. Postcards aren’t practical, and they’re not instant — but maybe that’s the point. Even with three million cards sold a year, it’s clear the industry isn’t what it once was. But it’s also not dead. Whether it’s a quick note from the seaside, or a message scribbled down at a muddy music festival, the postcard is still finding its way into people’s lives — and mailboxes. And for Judges Postcards, that’s more than enough reason to keep going.
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Oysters to the Rescue: How a Small Shellfish is Saving New Jersey's Shoreline
In Long Beach Township, New Jersey, a community-driven initiative is harnessing the power of oysters to combat erosion and improve water quality. This environmentally friendly project involves using discarded oyster shells to build a reef aimed at protecting bayside marshlands from erosion. This effort isn't just about saving land; it's also about enhancing the local environment. The recycled oyster shells will serve as a foundation for new colonies, where baby oysters will attach themselves and grow. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, one oyster can filter up to 190 liters of water per day, which helps maintain nutrient balance and prevents harmful algal blooms. Angela Andersen, the sustainability director for Long Beach Township who is managing the project, told Inside Climate News that "the concept is as old as the ages," highlighting the historical significance of oysters in coastal ecosystems. She described them as "magnificent" organisms that play a crucial role in environmental engineering. The American Littoral Society is also involved in this initiative. Its executive director, Tim Dillingham, pointed out that oysters act as natural barriers against rising sea levels and extreme weather events. Human activities have accelerated global warming, causing sea levels to rise at an unprecedented rate. In New Jersey alone, shore levels have increased by 46 centimeters since the early 1900s—over twice the global average. While discussions about transitioning to clean energy sources continue to gain traction among policymakers and individuals alike, projects like these offer practical solutions for mitigating some effects of climate change. Across the United States, from New York to California, similar initiatives are underway to restore oyster populations. New Jersey's shellfish industry alone generates approximately $790 million annually; volunteers play a key role in conservation efforts. Andersen remarked on how this resurgence offers hope: "Its resurgence is giving us an entirely new blueprint for the future." Community involvement has been essential to the project's success. Local residents participate actively by donating their used shells for recycling into reefs. Toby Eisenberg runs Delaware Avenue Oyster House and contributes her restaurant's leftover shells to support this cause. She told ICN she's witnessed changes along the shoreline during her lifetime: "Anything that I can do—even if it's tiny—it's I think my responsibility.
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Captive-Bred Frogs Thrive in the Wild, Offering New Hope for Conservation Efforts
Hundreds of bright green frogs, once thought to be on the brink of disappearing, are now thriving in the wilds of Victoria. In a rare win for conservation, scientists say spotted tree frogs released into the Kiewa River after the devastating 2019–2020 bushfires are not just surviving — they’re spreading out and making themselves at home. “Quite a large proportion of those animals are actually surviving,” said Matt West, Wild Research Director at Zoos Victoria, in an interview with The Guardian. “[It] brings us a huge amount of hope that we might be able to recover this population of spotted tree frogs.” At just six centimetres long, the frogs are easy to miss. But their importance to the region’s biodiversity is huge. They help control insect populations and play a key role in local ecosystems. Their numbers had plummeted in recent years due to a triple threat: habitat loss from bushfires, the spread of a deadly chytrid fungus, and invasive predators. With fewer than 250 adult frogs left in the wild at one point, the species was in trouble. That’s when Zoos Victoria stepped in, leading a conservation breeding program that has since released more than 600 frogs and tadpoles back into the wild. Now, the early signs are promising. More than half of the released frogs have been spotted again by researchers — no small feat, given how well the frogs camouflage against the moss-covered boulders and ferns of their mountain home. Some have already travelled up to a kilometre from their release site, showing they’re adapting well to their new environment. “They’re hopping off and exploring,” said West. “It’s a great indicator that they’re finding their way in the landscape.” Researchers and volunteers have spent long hours tracking the frogs, often scrambling across granite riverbeds and dense vegetation to get an accurate count. Every sighting adds to a growing sense of optimism. The effort reflects a broader trend in wildlife recovery, where collaboration between scientists, local communities, and government agencies is paying off. In recent years, the UK celebrated the return of white storks after centuries of absence, and in Western Australia, trail cameras captured images of the elusive quokka — another species once considered at risk. Deon Gilbert, a biologist with Zoos Victoria, said the team will keep monitoring the frogs’ progress long term. But for now, the news is good. “Fingers crossed things start looking up for them,” Gilbert told The Guardian. The spotted tree frog’s recovery may still be in its early stages, but it’s already proving that with time, effort, and the right support, even a species on the edge can bounce back.
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How AI Is Unlocking Hidden Treasures in Boston's Historic Archives
The Boston Public Library, one of the country’s oldest and largest public library systems, is embarking on an ambitious project this summer to make thousands of historically significant U.S. government documents more accessible — with the help of Harvard Law School and OpenAI. The effort focuses on digitizing a massive collection of primary source materials, some dating back to the early 1800s, including oral histories, congressional reports, and community surveys. Currently, these documents are only available to researchers who visit the library in person. “It really is an incredible repository of primary source materials covering the whole history of the United States as it has been expressed through government publications,” said Jessica Chapel, the library’s chief of digital and online services. By the end of this year, the library aims to scan and enhance the metadata of 5,000 documents, making them searchable and available to anyone, anywhere in the world. If successful, the project could scale up to include more of the library’s extensive collection. AI Steps In — and Pays Up The scanning work is slow and meticulous. Each document must be handled carefully, with staff manually scanning up to 400 pages per hour. That’s where the partnership with Harvard’s Law School Library and OpenAI comes in. Researchers from Harvard’s Institutional Data Initiative are training new AI models to enhance the searchability and usability of archival collections. Meanwhile, OpenAI is helping fund the project’s costs — including scanning and project management — in exchange for access to the digitized, public domain content. “Having information institutions like libraries involved in building a sustainable data ecosystem for AI is critical,” said Burton Davis, vice president of Microsoft’s intellectual property group. “It not just improves the amount of data we have available, it improves the quality of the data and our understanding of what's in it.” This kind of public-private partnership helps AI companies like OpenAI train their systems on high-quality, out-of-copyright data — a safer alternative amid growing legal scrutiny over the use of copyrighted material. However, Greg Leppert, executive director of Harvard’s Institutional Data Initiative, emphasized that AI firms aren’t being granted exclusive access. “It’s a two-way street,” he said. “We are improving data in a way that will help AI, but those improvements work their way back into the library. So it improves the patron experience as well.” OpenAI confirmed it won’t have exclusive rights to the materials. “We benefit, like others, from their efforts to digitize the public domain,” the company said in a statement to NPR. A Delicate Balance While many in the library world welcome these partnerships for their potential to expand public access, they also acknowledge the tension between the values of libraries and the pace of the tech industry. “The kind of ‘move fast and break things’ ethos of Silicon Valley is counter to the values of librarianship, which are about access and transparency,” said Michael Hanegan, co-author of Generative AI and Libraries. Chapel echoed this concern. “The technology is moving fast. The companies are moving fast,” she said. “And libraries work on a very different timescale. So there’s a little bit of a culture clash.” Still, she sees the project as a net positive. “I think this is a really worthwhile partnership out of which we are going to get more accessible collections.” And with librarians at the helm of curating and cataloging the information that enters the AI training pipeline, experts say the public can trust the process. “Having trained professionals with deep subject knowledge is crucial in this moment as we start to develop what the future will bring,” said Sam Helmick, president of the American Library Association. The collaboration reflects a growing trend: libraries shaping the data that will train the next generation of AI — not just for the benefit of machines, but for the people who rely on them.
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Born Without Fingers, This Student Is Helping Others with Limb Differences Live Limitless Lives
James Robert III was born without fingers on his left hand. Instead of letting that define his limits, he’s using it to define his mission. The recent Louisiana State University graduate is now pursuing a master’s degree in prosthetics and healthcare administration while serving as chief print technologist at Make Good NOLA, a New Orleans-based nonprofit that designs and builds custom prosthetics for children with limb differences. Robert’s journey hasn’t been easy. At age 2, he underwent a toe-to-hand transfer surgery in hopes of improving functionality in his left hand. It didn’t work out the way his family had hoped. But Robert refused to be limited by what he couldn’t do. With five fingers on his right hand only, he learned to play multiple sports, mastered the trumpet and even took up archery and marksmanship. “Putting a positive spin on it, it was hard,” he said. “Not impossible, but very, very, very, very, very hard. I had to take whatever anyone could throw at me and just keep kicking.” That included bullying, insults, and being left out. But he carried with him a piece of wisdom from his grandfather: “People with small minds hate dreamers. They can’t see the dream.” Now 24, Robert is turning his lived experience into real-world solutions for others like him. Working alongside his mentor Noam Platt, founder of Make Good NOLA, Robert has helped design and 3D-print a number of adaptive devices, including the first 3D-printed wheelchair developed by the organization. “We’ve found, with most of our staff who are disabled, that they’re the best problem-solvers, the smartest, hardest workers I’ve ever met,” Platt said. Robert agrees. For him, the work is deeply personal and profoundly purposeful. “Being here and doing the right thing at the right time, being in the right place,” he said. “It’s beautiful.” said Robert's mother, Deidre. “I want to say that I’m so proud of the man that you are, the man that you’ve become,” said Robert's mother, Deidre, as she fought back tears. “You burn the candle at both ends… you really are the change that we wanna see in the world. You’re our future. I’m so proud that you’re part of it.” Robert, visibly emotional, responded to his mother, saying, “That’s how you raised me to be.” From navigating a childhood of adversity to building tools that empower others, Robert’s story is a reminder that the best solutions often come from those who live the challenges firsthand.
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Tiny Goat Rejected by Her Mom Finds Unlikely Family with Two Loving Sheepdogs
A newborn goat rejected by her mother has defied the odds thanks to a couple of unlikely heroes with wagging tails. Lil, a tiny goat born at Studley Grange Farm Park near Swindon, Wiltshire, on June 3, weighed just 500 grams at birth, about a third the weight of a typical kid. Too weak to stand or feed, she was quickly overshadowed by her healthier triplet sisters. Farm manager Julia Stewart, 50, knew something had to be done. “You don’t take them away from their mom unless you really have to,” she said. “But she could hardly keep her head up.” Lil was cold, shivering, and failing fast. So Julia and her team stepped in, feeding her with milk expressed from her mother, wrapping her in towels, and even crafting a makeshift jacket out of an old sock to keep her warm. Then came an unexpected twist: the farm’s two border collies, Luna (14) and Nya (9 months), instantly took to her. “They stepped in as surrogate parents,” Julia said. “Washing her, playing with her, snuggling up next to her to sleep. She bonded with me straight away, too. I couldn’t leave her for days, and she wouldn’t let anyone else feed her.” For her first few weeks, Lil lived in the caravan-turned-staff room, where the dogs rarely left her side. She was fed 12 times a day, first with her mom’s milk, then a special formula. Sock suits, complete with tiny leg holes, were regularly rotated to keep her warm. “She’s utterly adorable,” Julia said. “Extremely cute — and she definitely thinks she’s a dog.” Now five weeks old, Lil is out of the woods. She’s running around, full of energy, and even picking up sheepdog skills from her canine companions. “She’s learning to round up the flock, just like the dogs,” said Julia. “Lil will always have that special bond with me and the team, and most importantly with the dogs. Nya is her best friend.” Despite being one of 14 goat kids born on the farm this year, Lil stands out, not just for her size (she was only five inches tall at birth), but for her big personality. The working farm, home to goats, Dexter cows, donkeys, and ex-battery chickens, also features a mini zoo with wallabies, emus, raccoons, meerkats, and even a reptile and butterfly house. But it’s Lil, the tiny goat who thinks she’s a border collie, who’s captured everyone’s heart. “She’ll always be special and different,” Julia said. “It’s been hard work, but worth every minute.”
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An Unexpected No-Show Sparked a Heartwarming Act Of Generosity at This Local Eatery
What began as a frustrating no-show for a huge lunch order at a local burger spot in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, ended up bringing out the very best in the community. Stackburger, a beloved local eatery, was all set for a major 1:30 p.m. pickup last Thursday: • 10 Double Stackburgers • 5 regular Stackburgers • 5 cheeseburgers • 5 chicken sandwiches • 5 poutines • 10 orders of fries • 20 milkshakes But when the customer failed to show up, and calls to the number on the order led to a dead line, the restaurant was left with over $400 worth of food and no one to eat it. Rather than let it go to waste, Stackburger staff made a quick decision. They donated the entire order to Pauline’s Place, a local women’s shelter. “We don’t want to jump to conclusions and we hope the person who made the order is okay,” the restaurant posted on Facebook. “It did end on a positive note though, as we were able to donate the food to a local women’s shelter. Thank you so much for accepting our donation!” What happened next surprised everyone. Later that same day, someone walked into the restaurant, having read the story online. Quietly and without fanfare, they asked for the cost of the unclaimed order. When told it totaled $439.20, they pulled out their card and paid it, insisting on remaining anonymous. “They had read that we had donated the order to a women’s shelter (Pauline’s Place) and wanted to pay for it,” Stackburger shared in a follow-up post. “As a small business, this amount of money is significant so we are forever grateful. We feel this act of kindness speaks volumes to our community.” The post quickly filled with messages of support and appreciation. “Kindness always brings more kindness,” one person wrote. “This is so heartwarming!! There is good in the world,” said another. And someone summed it up simply: “Sault Ste. Marie is full of wonderful amazing people. Let's celebrate the good ones.” The restaurant says it will be making changes to how it handles large call-in orders moving forward, but for now, they’re choosing to focus on the good that came out of a disappointing moment. What could have been a frustrating loss turned into a gesture of compassion, and a reminder that when people come together, a small town can show a big heart.