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Group Activities Boost Well-Being in Seniors, Study Shows
A study led by Queen Mary University of London shows that group arts interventions can significantly reduce depression and anxiety in older adults. The research involved over 3,360 participants and found that creating art together can have effects comparable to traditional treatments. The benefits were consistent across different types of art and populations. This study has important implications for mental health care for older adults, suggesting that group arts interventions should be taken seriously by healthcare providers and policymakers.
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Record-Breaking Whale Sightings: How Citizen Scientists Are Changing Our Understanding
Whale watching along Australia’s east coast has hit a high note this year. Humpback whales are migrating north in record numbers, much to the delight of locals and scientists alike. In New South Wales alone, more than 5,000 sightings have been logged as these ocean giants move with their calves from the cold southern waters. The Organization for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans (ORRCA) recently conducted its 26th annual whale census. This year, over 600 citizen scientists joined the effort. Armed with binoculars and hot drinks, participants gathered at 159 coastal spots hoping to catch sight of these majestic creatures. "It's a wild species coming right on our doorstep and they're just magnificent creatures," Caroline Jones, an ORRCA volunteer for over three years, told ABC News AU. Back in the 1960s, humpback populations were far from thriving. With only a few hundred passing by Australia's east coast during migration season, their numbers had been severely reduced due to extensive whaling practices. It wasn’t until the international whaling moratorium took effect in the 1980s that things began to change. Today, humpbacks face fewer threats from human activity compared to decades past. Their main risks now include illness, ship strikes, and auditory trauma rather than hunting. Since protections were put in place, populations have rebounded impressively. Experts expect around 40,000 humpbacks will make their way north from Antarctica this year. The annual ORRCA census does more than count whales; it helps track various species' health and size too. This ongoing data collection is crucial because it provides insights into whale population trends and conservation needs. According to ABC News reports, while this year’s count is still underway, spanning until August, the early results are promising signs for conservationists who have worked tirelessly to protect these marine giants.
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How We Brought The Stars Indoors: A Century Of Planetarium Magic
Imagine walking into a dark room, only to be greeted by a stunning night sky that seems to stretch on forever. This spectacle isn't a view from outside but an ingenious projection inside a planetarium. The first public audience experienced such a marvel at the Deutsches Museum in Munich on May 7, 1925. This marked the debut of the opto-mechanical planetarium, transforming our understanding and visualization of the cosmos. For centuries, people have used stars to comprehend their surroundings and locate themselves in the universe. Attempts to recreate celestial movements date back to antiquity, with devices like orreries—mechanical models of the Solar System—leading the charge by the 1700s. One notable orrery built by Eise Eisinga in Franeker, Netherlands, remains operational today. These mechanical models offered views from perspectives no human could actually see. However, as urban light pollution worsened in the early 20th century, there was a growing desire for realistic depictions of stars and planets from an earthly viewpoint. Oskar von Miller, director of the Deutsches Museum, aimed to bring this celestial vision back to people. An innovative solution emerged: instead of static star maps like those used in Chicago’s Atwood Sphere in 1913, why not project moving planets? Carl Zeiss AG took on this challenge and completed their first planetarium projector in 1923. It debuted at the Deutsches Museum two years later, setting off a global trend. Planetariums quickly became popular worldwide. By 1930, Chicago opened its first planetarium; Asia followed suit with Osaka's opening in 1937. The space race of the 1960s further accelerated interest in these astronomical theaters in places like Melbourne and Montevideo. Technological advancements have continually shaped planetariums. Originally relying on opto-mechanical projectors with thousands of pinholes illuminated by central lights, they later incorporated digital technology by the late 1990s. Melbourne Planetarium was among the pioneers when it introduced Digistar II in 1999—a system using a fisheye lens for sweeping dome projections. Today’s planetariums often use fulldome video projection systems that blend multiple images into seamless displays across domes. This evolution allows audiences to explore not just stars but also galaxies far beyond our own Milky Way. As astronomy has advanced since Edwin Hubble's discovery of other galaxies around Zeiss’ time, so have planetariums embraced digital data from global telescopes and space agencies. Visitors can now virtually orbit planets or venture through billions of galaxies right from their seats.
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Rescued From Rubble: How a 2-Year-Old Earthquake Survivor Reunited With His Heroes
In 2010, a devastating earthquake rocked Haiti and left many children orphaned. Among them was two-year-old Jamesly Jesse. Rescued from rubble after five days and taken to a hospital in Milot, he caught the attention of Mary Jesse, an American physical therapist volunteering there. Mary's encounter with Jamesly changed both their lives forever. Jamesly, now 16, has not only adapted to his new life in Illinois but has also embraced the values of service and community. His journey from being a toddler left behind in a hospital to becoming an Eagle Scout is remarkable. Recently, Jamesly led a campaign that raised around $35,000 for Hôpital Sacré Coeur in Haiti, the very place that had once provided him refuge and care. The funds were used to pack and send 100,000 meals back to the hospital. "It’s about making sure people know there are other people out there who need food," Jamesly said about his motivation for the campaign. This project earned him the prestigious Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award for 2025. Mary Jesse recalls how she first met Jamesly at the Haitian hospital where he was left with a sign instructing staff not to pick him up due to his popularity among caregivers. She and her husband, Nathan, initially sought a medical visa for him but decided on adoption instead when they realized he had no home to return to. Arriving in Moweaqua, Illinois at four years old, Jamesly quickly integrated into his new environment by participating in local activities like tee-ball. Nathan remembers how warmly the community welcomed him: "Everyone took him in." Scouting introduced Jamesly to fundraising efforts; he initially aimed to raise $17,500 for 50,000 meals but ended up doubling both figures thanks to community support. An October 2023 event at his school gym drew about 430 volunteers who helped pack meals destined for Haiti. Tim Traynor from Hôpital Sacré Coeur praised Jamesly as "a bright and wonderful young man." Dr. Bill Guyol shared similar sentiments after seeing Jamesly grow from a beloved child into an assured teen dedicated to helping others. Though he hasn’t returned to Haiti due to ongoing political instability there, Jamesly remains connected through efforts like this one that honor where he came from while looking ahead toward future goals such as studying food planning in college.
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The 90-Second Rule: How a Simple Trick Can Transform Your Mood and Boost Happiness
In 2014, Mo Gawdat faced an unimaginable loss when his 21-year-old son, Ali, died due to medical negligence during a routine surgery. Overcome with grief and confusion, Gawdat began writing about happiness in honor of his son just 17 days after the tragedy. With over two decades of research into the science of happiness from both logical and philosophical perspectives, Gawdat developed techniques to address unhappiness. One method he advocates is the "90-second rule," which he discussed on the "High Performance" podcast on June 17. When confronted with something upsetting, he suggests allowing yourself to feel the emotion for exactly 90 seconds before choosing to redirect your focus elsewhere. This practice draws from insights by Harvard-trained neuroscientist Jill Bolte Taylor, who discovered that it takes only 90 seconds for stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline to dissipate. Gawdat explains that many people unknowingly renew their distress by replaying negative thoughts in their minds. Instead, after those initial 90 seconds pass, individuals can decide what action to take next. Everyday annoyances, such as being cut off in traffic, can be handled using this approach. Rather than dwelling on anger or frustration by recounting the incident repeatedly to others, one might instead relax with a favorite song or another positive activity. To further manage emotional responses, Gawdat proposes three questions: Is it true? Can I do something about it? Can I accept it and act despite its presence? He suggests dropping issues found untrue and addressing those that are actionable. When neither option is possible, he recommends adopting "committed acceptance," acknowledging the reality of the situation while moving forward. Building new habits around emotional resilience isn't easy. A study led by psychology researcher Phillippa Lally in 2009 found habit formation can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days depending on individual circumstances. Nevertheless, according to Gawdat, becoming aware of how you respond is a crucial step toward greater happiness and fulfillment. Speaking on Simon Sinek’s “A Bit of Optimism” podcast on June 24, he noted life doesn't cater specifically to anyone but instead presents situations for individuals to navigate based on their reactions and expectations.
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Nostalgia Alert: Why 90s Football Figurines Are Sparking Joy and Connection in 2025
In Chelmsford, England, a group of 200 enthusiasts gathered at the Essex County Cricket Club to celebrate their shared passion: Big Heads. These figures, often called Bobbleheads, were produced by Corinthian between 1995 and 2011 and remain beloved among collectors despite the company's closure. The attendees, mostly men in their mid-30s and older, came from across the country for the first Corinthian Convention in nearly two decades. The event was part of the Essex Retro Football Show and marked the 30th anniversary of the debut of these collectible figures. For many present, this wasn't just about toys but reliving cherished childhood memories. David Cook, a marketing lecturer from Burton upon Trent, exemplifies this sentiment. His collection journey began with a Warren Barton figure and grew from there. "It just takes you back to those fond childhood memories," he says, highlighting how collecting offers a sense of control amidst life's uncertainties. Cook sees his collection as an investment but admits he'd never sell it. Craig Robinson from Scunthorpe never stopped collecting. He created the Corinthian Archive website and even authored a book on Big Heads titled "Football Crazy Corinthians Mad." With more than 10,000 figures in his collection, including unique master models like Niall Quinn's unreleased figure due to Sunderland's relegation, Robinson believes that helping others complete their collections is now his greatest joy. The COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in reigniting interest in these collectibles. Dave Rule, a toy dealer and Corinthian specialist from Epsom in Surrey, noted that lockdowns prompted many to rediscover old collections stored away in lofts. As people had more time and disposable income during this period, they were eager to complete their sets. For some collectors like Blain Smith from Stockton, selling parts of their collection during the pandemic allowed them to reconnect with their nostalgia for the hobby. He remembers buying his first figure—England's Rob Jones—and creating games with his brother using these figures on an old Subbuteo pitch. At the convention auction hosted by Dave Rule, rare items fetched high prices; someone paid £300 for an ultra-rare Norwegian national team pack while another joked about selling a kidney due to their spending spree. As collectors exchanged stories and purchases discreetly hid them from spouses' knowledge—a tradition dating back to past conventions—the camaraderie was palpable. James Pomeroy's story adds another layer to this community spirit. Now an economist in London's banking sector, he reminisces about winning a personalized figure of himself at age 13 after triumphing at a Microstars World Club League game in 2003. This achievement remains one of his proudest moments. Advancements in technology have breathed new life into customized figures thanks largely due skilled painters like Andrew Flack, who repaints original pieces into iconic kits representing memorable moments for fans worldwide.
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The Unexpected Impact of a Prison Book Program on Inmate Lives
Maria Montalvo's eyes light up as she discusses her favorite authors. She loves works by Isabel Allende, Octavia Butler, Toni Morrison, Erika L. Sánchez, and John Grisham. For her, reading is a window to the world, offering insights into lives and places far removed from her own. "Reading makes you wiser," she says, adding that it transports your mind to places you can't physically visit. Montalvo isn't just any reader. She's part of Freedom Reads at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility in New Jersey. This nonprofit organization has been promoting reading in U.S. prisons since 2020. The initiative aims to transform prison environments through literature. "Books change the prison climate; they change the way people think about themselves," says Montalvo. The idea for Freedom Reads came from Reginald Dwayne Betts. At 16, Betts was sentenced to nine years in prison for car theft, where he found solace in books and emerged as a poet and communicator. Books gave him perspective on life outside the cell walls. He later earned a law degree from Yale University and garnered prestigious fellowships before founding Freedom Reads in 2020 to bring books into prisons nationwide. Betts notes the scarcity of reading materials in prisons, often limited to a single library with restricted hours and access requirements. In response, he conceptualized the "Library of Freedom," a collection of 500 books designed for easy access within correctional facilities. The libraries are thoughtfully crafted with help from Mass Design architects and former inmates who build curved bookcases from maple, walnut, or cherry wood. These structures fit seamlessly into prison cells without obstructing visibility for guards while offering an aesthetic break from harsh prison architecture. Freedom Reads includes Spanish-language titles due to the significant Hispanic inmate population—over 46,000 according to federal data—ensuring broader accessibility and engagement. David Pérez coordinates these bilingual efforts: “We have a list of more than 100 books in Spanish.” Titles include "The House of Spirits" by Isabel Allende and "I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter" by Sánchez. Maria Montalvo serves a life sentence following her conviction for the deaths of her children in what she claimed was an accidental car fire—a tragic incident acknowledged by prosecutors as coming during emotional distress that spared her a death sentence. In prison, she's dedicated herself to understanding mass incarceration issues through literature; reading circles engage inmates with stories available in both English and Spanish versions for shared discussions. Efforts like Freedom Reads contribute positively outside too; research suggests prison-based education programs reduce recidivism by nearly fifteen percent while increasing employment chances post-release by almost seven percent. Despite installing nearly five hundred libraries across fifty adult and youth prisons throughout America—distributing around two hundred eighty thousand books—Betts believes much remains undone: “We’ve probably reached less than one percent...of the prisons.” Adding another dimension is their Inside Literary Prize judged entirely by incarcerated individuals; last year saw Imani Perry’s work recognized among numerous submissions evaluated across multiple states, including Puerto Rico.
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From Fine Dining to the Savannah: Why This Photographer Is Now Capturing African Wildlife
Nathan Myhrvold, a man with many hats—author, chef, former Microsoft CTO, and photographer—has ventured into new territory with his first collection of safari photographs. Known for his detailed food photography, Myhrvold now captures the raw beauty of African wildlife. His images offer a vivid glimpse into animal life in one of the last bastions of untouched ecosystems. In an interview about this new direction, Myhrvold explained how wildlife has fascinated humans throughout history. "People have been fascinated with wildlife throughout human history," he said. He believes that seeing animals in their natural habitat helps people reconnect with nature and put their own lives into perspective. Africa's vast wilderness areas provide the perfect setting for this form of connection. Myhrvold’s transition from studio-based food photography to capturing unpredictable wildlife comes with its own set of challenges and surprises. In the studio, Myhrvold controls every aspect of a photograph—from lighting to timing. This control disappears in the wild, where he must rely on natural light and seize moments as they happen. "You’re working with natural light and subjects that don’t take direction very well," he noted. A key highlight in his current collection is a series of contrasting lion portraits. One image features a young male lion exuding confidence, while another showcases an older lion bearing battle scars from a recent fight. These images not only capture the majestic nature but also hint at the harsh realities faced by these creatures. Looking ahead, Myhrvold is working on an ambitious project to photograph every species of wild cat and dog worldwide—a task made more daunting by their elusive nature. Despite some species being hard to find, he's already completed 60 percent of this project. The endeavor keeps him exploring new places and habitats, which leads to unexpected discoveries even when specific species remain unseen.
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Galapagos Tomatoes are Surprising Scientists by Rewinding Evolution in Real Time
Evolution might not always be a one-way street. New research from the University of California, Riverside, and the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel showcases a fresh example of this on the Galapagos Islands. Wild tomatoes there are seemingly retracing their evolutionary steps, adapting by reverting genetic changes made millions of years ago. The study focused on two species of tomatoes: Solanum cheesmaniae and Solanum galapagense. Researchers gathered 56 samples from different parts of the islands to analyze the alkaloids produced by these plants. Alkaloids are toxic chemicals that serve as a defense mechanism against predators. In an interesting twist, tomatoes on the eastern side of the islands produced alkaloids similar to those found in cultivated varieties worldwide. However, on the western side, researchers discovered an older form of alkaloid that aligns with those found in ancient relatives like eggplants. Adam Jozwiak, a molecular biochemist at UC Riverside, highlights the significance of this find. "It's not something we usually expect," he says. "But here it is, happening in real time, on a volcanic island." The team pinpointed a particular enzyme responsible for this production change and confirmed its ancient origins through lab tests and modeling. Genetic atavisms, where organisms revert to ancestral traits due to mutation, aren’t entirely unheard of. For instance, experiments have shown that chickens can be genetically modified to grow teeth like their distant ancestors. But what's remarkable about these Galapagos tomatoes is that entire populations exhibit this shift rather than isolated cases. The newer parts of the islands—formed less than half a million years ago—are more barren compared to other areas. It appears that environmental pressures might be pushing these plants back toward their evolutionary past. This discovery doesn’t just add another layer to our understanding of evolution; it may pave the way for advanced genetic engineering, too. Altering plant chemistry could lead to new medicines or crops with enhanced pest resistance and reduced toxicity. "If you change just a few amino acids, you can get a completely different molecule," explains Jozwiak. "That knowledge could help us engineer new medicines, design better pest resistance, or even make less toxic produce."
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Unveiling the Past: Nebraska Town Opens World's Largest Time Capsule After 50 Years
Seward, Nebraska, recently marked an unusual anniversary. Residents gathered on the Fourth of July not only to celebrate the nation’s independence but also to revisit a piece of their local history—a time capsule sealed fifty years ago. Back in 1975, townsfolk packed away thousands of items including pet rocks, a Chevy Vega, and personal letters to loved ones. NBC News’ Maya Eaglin was there to witness these treasures on display and captured the emotional moments as people reconnected with artifacts from decades past. The town's decision to open the time capsule on such a significant day brought together generations who were eager to see what had been preserved for half a century. The contents were a snapshot of life in 1975. Pet rocks, which became an unexpected fad back then, served as a quirky reminder of simpler times. The Chevy Vega represented the automotive style and technology of its era. However, it was the letters that truly resonated with those present. Many attendees found themselves deeply moved by reading messages penned by long-gone relatives or their younger selves. This event was more than just a trip down memory lane for Seward’s residents; it sparked conversations about how much has changed over the decades and what remains constant in human nature. The gathering reaffirmed community bonds and highlighted shared histories that often lay dormant until such occasions bring them back into focus. As residents looked at these relics from another era, they reflected on how far both technology and society have come since 1975. Yet amidst all this change, the fundamental human connection—evident through personal notes and nostalgic items—remained unchanged. The celebration ended with discussions about what might go into a new time capsule for future generations to explore in another fifty years. As one resident remarked amid laughter and tears, “It’s amazing what we choose to remember—and what surprises us when we look back.”
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Meet The Entrepreneur Honored By Royalty For Revolutionizing Braille Access
Brandon Hulcoop, a blind entrepreneur from Devon, is feeling like royalty after being honored by King Charles himself. The 23-year-old from Plymouth was awarded the NatWest/King’s Trust Enterprise award at a Buckingham Palace reception. Brandon shared his excitement with the BBC, describing the recognition as feeling like "a lion raised its head and roared on his chest." Brandon's success story began at his mum's kitchen table, where he started All Things Dotty, a business that creates braille greetings cards. His journey was sparked by his personal frustration with not being able to read birthday and Christmas cards. “I got frustrated... people would get me birthday and Christmas cards and I couldn't read them,” he recalled. His determination led him to find a solution: tactile artwork in the form of braille cards. What started as "big A4 things folded in half" has grown into a flourishing business offering personalized braille greetings cards, coloring books, artwork, menus, and even braille tuition. The journey wasn't easy. Brandon faced unemployment for an extended period until he reached out to the job center for assistance. All he needed was one piece of equipment to kickstart his venture. With the help of an advisor from the King's Trust (formerly known as the Prince’s Trust), he managed to set up his business. This support opened new opportunities for visually impaired individuals who can now "see with their fingers," according to Brandon. He emphasizes that having access to tools like braille menus promotes independence for people with visual impairments. Brandon reflects on how far he has come since starting out five years ago. He’s proud of completing a business diploma at a college designed for visually impaired students and now operates from an office instead of home. Mentor Mike Hogan praises Brandon’s resilience. “If he comes up against an obstacle,” Hogan says, “he will always try to find ways around it.” He describes Brandon as someone who treats his disability as an ability rather than a setback. Brandon hopes to raise awareness about the significance of braille in fostering inclusivity and accessibility. Thanking supporters in Plymouth who backed him during the early days of his venture, he acknowledges that continued support is invaluable.