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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Rare (and Tiny) Gecko Rediscovered: A Surprising Return in the Galápagos

Scientists have confirmed a conservation success story in the Galápagos: a tiny gecko species once believed extinct has been rediscovered on Rábida Island. The Leaf-toed gecko (Phyllodactylus maresi) was previously known only from 5,000-year-old fossils. Live specimens, collected by the nonprofit Island Conservation, have now been documented and described in the journal PLOS ONE. The discovery comes more than a decade after a major rewilding effort removed invasive rodents from the island. “This rediscovery highlights nature’s incredible power to heal itself when given the chance,” said Paula Castaño, Island Conservation’s Impact Program Manager. “When you rebalance an ecosystem, it can bounce back quickly and dramatically.” In 2011, Island Conservation, working with the Galapagos National Park, the Charles Darwin Foundation and The Raptor Center, led the eradication of non-native rodents that had been devastating Rábida’s wildlife. Within a year, biologists surveying the restored landscape spotted the small nocturnal lizard—proof that it had survived in hiding all along. Follow-up research by Island Conservation, the QCAZ Museum of Zoology at Ecuador’s Pontifical Catholic University, Re:wild, and the Galápagos National Park Directorate confirmed that the population on Rábida is genetically distinct, making it an important conservation unit. DNA sequencing and morphological analysis showed the geckos are closely related to their counterparts on nearby islands but have evolved as a separate lineage. The rediscovery underscores the potential of island restoration projects to bring species back from the brink. Similar programs elsewhere in the world have shown how quickly ecosystems can rebound once invasive species are removed. “This archipelago still holds hidden surprises, waiting to be discovered,” said Omar Torres-Carvajal, Curator of Reptiles at the QCAZ Museum of Zoology. The find also adds to a string of positive Galápagos conservation stories in recent years, from the reintroduction of 500 giant tortoises to the confirmation that a giant tortoise found on Fernandina Island belongs to a species once thought extinct. For conservationists, the little gecko is a reminder that with bold intervention and patience, biodiversity can recover in ways no one expects.

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How #PopScope Is Bringing the Cosmos to City Streets

Imagine heading out for ice cream and instead coming face to face with Saturn’s rings. That’s the kind of surprise thousands of people have experienced thanks to #PopScope, a grassroots astronomy project that just celebrated a major milestone: 500 pop-up telescope events. Now in its 11th year, the volunteer-run group has introduced 26,000 people to the night sky in cities across Canada, the United States, and as far away as Ireland, Malawi, and India. It all started in Ottawa in 2014 with a simple idea: set up a telescope in a public place, point it at the moon, Jupiter, or Saturn, and invite anyone walking by to take a look. The reactions are what keep the volunteers coming back. “Jaws drop, eyes widen, and whispers are uttered when they encounter our awesome universe,” co-founder Michael O’Shea told the Good News Network. “We’re motivated by the look of awe on a stranger’s face when they see Saturn’s rings for the first time, or hear cries of delight when someone views the Moon’s bumpy craters in vivid detail,” he said. What begins as a peek through a telescope often turns into a conversation—about the phases of the moon, neighborhood stories, or even the name of someone’s dog. Sometimes those conversations turn into friendships. Over the years, volunteers have collected plenty of memorable comments: “I am 55 years old and I’ve never seen anything like this before. Thank you for coming!” “Saturn rings! They look like an emoji! A Saturn emoji!” “You made my night…Best thing that happened to me all day.” “The Moon—It’s like cheese!” “I might be late for my train, but it was worth it to see the moon!” The project has been funded and equipped by donors like Celestron, the Awesome Foundation, and the Social Innovation Lab, allowing it to bring telescopes to communities that may not have easy access to science institutions. Chapters now operate in Montreal, Baltimore, New York City, Washington, D.C., Boston, Philadelphia, and Jacksonville, Florida. #PopScope doesn’t know if these encounters will lead kids to careers in space science. What they hope is simpler: that people, young and old, will keep looking up. For events, photos, or to volunteer, visit popscope.org.

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Cracking the Egg Myth: New Study Shows Eggs Are Healthier Than You Think

Eggs have been a breakfast staple for generations, but their reputation has been scrambled over the years. Are they good for you or not? A new study suggests they might be better than we thought. Researchers from the University of South Australia have investigated how eggs impact cholesterol levels, focusing on their saturated fat and cholesterol content. Jonathan Buckley, an exercise scientist from the university, notes that "eggs have long been unfairly cracked by outdated dietary advice." The study aimed to separate the effects of cholesterol and saturated fat on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as 'bad' cholesterol. The team recruited 61 adults with similar baseline LDL cholesterol levels and placed them on three different diets for five weeks each. Out of these, 48 participants completed all three diet phases. The first diet was high in cholesterol but low in saturated fat and included two eggs per day. The second diet was low in cholesterol but high in saturated fat without any eggs. The third combined high levels of both cholesterol and saturated fat, including one egg per week. The study's results were revealing. Diets high in saturated fat correlated with increased LDL cholesterol levels. In contrast, a diet rich in eggs but low in saturated fat actually reduced LDL cholesterol levels. This suggests that it's not the eggs themselves causing elevated bad cholesterol but rather the presence of saturated fats elsewhere in one's diet. "You could say we've delivered hard-boiled evidence in defense of the humble egg," says Buckley. He highlights that when it comes to a hearty breakfast, bacon or sausages are more likely to harm heart health than eggs. This research adds to growing evidence supporting the nutritional benefits of eggs when consumed as part of a balanced diet low in saturated fats. Eggs are packed with protein and other essential nutrients while having relatively low amounts of saturated fats compared to other animal-based foods. Still, this doesn't mean everyone should rush to eat more eggs without considering overall dietary habits and individual health needs. But for those who enjoy starting their day with an omelet or boiled egg, this study provides some reassurance about their health implications. Published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, these findings encourage a reevaluation of how we view popular dietary choices like eggs within broader nutritional contexts.

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This Daring Explorer is Embarking on a Solo Voyage to Circle the Globe

James Ketchell is gearing up for another ambitious adventure. He's about to set sail on a solo trip around the planet in his class 40 yacht, Mindset. This journey marks his third attempt at global circumnavigation, but it’s his first time doing it by sea. Ketchell has been preparing for this expedition over the past five years. His goal? To become the first person to circle the planet by air, land and sea. He previously completed these feats by cycling around the globe in 2013 and flying in a gyrocopter in 2019. The sailing route will cover approximately 48,280 kilometers over nine months. He plans stops at several key locations: the Canary Islands, Cape Town, Melbourne, Uruguay, Antigua, and New York before making his return to Gosport. This isn’t Ketchell's first attempt at circumnavigating by sea; he had to call off his initial try in 2024 due to a gearbox failure. As he prepares to set off from Premier's Gosport Marina at 14:00 BST today, he reflects on the challenge ahead. "Embarking on my third circumnavigation of the world," Ketchell said in a statement before departure, "this time upon a yacht that I love will be a significant challenge for me both physically and mentally." He credits his team for their support throughout his preparations. Jonathan Walcroft, marina manager at Premier's Gosport Marina, expressed pride in supporting Ketchell's venture. "Our team has worked closely with James," Walcroft said. "James' journey is a testament to the spirit of adventure that defines our marina." As part of this new challenge, Ketchell is also bringing young people along virtually. He plans to livestream videos of his experiences to classrooms around the globe. Through this initiative, students can follow along with his progress and learn about different parts of the planet as he visits them.

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This Hero Police Dog is Finding New Purpose in Retirement with his Former Handler

Quinta, a police dog with an impressive track record, is retiring after serving eight years in the Humberside Police's dog section. Known for her exceptional scent work and bravery, Quinta was instrumental in many operations, including taking down a machete-wielding man. Her talents have been described by officers as "second to none," especially when it came to finding vulnerable individuals. Throughout her career, Quinta lived with her first handler, PC Mick Tune. However, when PC Tune retired early to support his wife Sharon during her cancer battle, Quinta was assigned to another handler, PC Phil Lusby. Lusby had promised that once Quinta's service concluded, she would return to live with Mick and Sharon. Sadly, Sharon passed away earlier this year before seeing Quinta come home. Now reunited with PC Tune, Quinta is helping him cope with his loss. Mick expressed deep appreciation for being able to care for the dog once more. "To say I am honoured is an understatement as this little firecracker of a dog has over the past eight years been an immense asset to both the force and Phil and myself who have been fortunate to be considered her handlers," he said. The Humberside Police Department in England acknowledges the significant contributions made by both Quinta and PC Tune during their time together on the force. As Quinta transitions into retirement, she will enjoy a well-deserved rest at home with Mick Tune.

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Adorable Penguin Hatchlings Signal Hope in Conservation Win

Chester Zoo in England is celebrating a successful breeding season after hatching ten rare Humboldt penguin chicks. This marks what the zoo has described as a "bumper year for penguins." The hatchings took place in April, and all ten chicks are reportedly thriving. According to Zoe Sweetman, the zoo's penguin team manager, this achievement is significant for both the species and the international conservation breeding program. "It's fantastic news for the species and a brilliant success," she told the BBC. A notable aspect of this success story involves one breeding pair that laid two eggs. The zoo staff decided to give one egg to a same-sex penguin pair named Scampi and Flounder. This move was designed to boost each chick's chances of healthy development by providing them with individual parental attention. It proved effective, with both chicks emerging healthy and growing rapidly. "The fluffy new arrivals are all being looked after brilliantly by their parents," Sweetman noted, adding that they have nearly quadrupled in size since hatching. The team at Chester Zoo continues to monitor their health closely as they prepare for their first swim. The successful hatching of these Humboldt penguins is particularly important given the species' vulnerable status. They are considered the most threatened among the 17 penguin species worldwide due to various challenges, including disruptions in their food supply caused by warm El Niño currents. Rising global temperatures further exacerbate these issues, raising concerns among scientists about their future. Other animal species face similar threats from climate change, making conservation programs critical. Fortunately, many initiatives have shown positive results. For instance, targeted efforts have increased the population of golden lion tamarins by over 31 percent in Brazil. Additionally, a rare wild donkey has been successfully reintroduced into Saudi Arabia's deserts. Efforts like those at Chester Zoo offer hope amid ongoing environmental challenges facing many species around the globe.

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This 9-Year-Old Skips Turned His Birthday Party into a Special Day for Kids Who Never Get Invited

Birthdays are supposed to be all about you — the cake, the candles, the gifts. But when 9-year-old Grant Mullen of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, planned his last birthday party, he had a different idea. Grant’s father, Mark, had been volunteering at SNR, a recreation center for people with special needs. It wasn’t long before Grant started helping out too. And when Mark asked his son what he wanted to do for his birthday last September, the answer stopped him in his tracks. “We asked him, ‘What would you like to do for your birthday? Who do you want to invite? What do you want?’” Mark told CBS News. “It just couldn't have been better than what he said. The most perfect answer ever.” Instead of a guest list full of classmates, Grant said he wanted to invite everyone from SNR. “Because they don't get invited to birthdays,” Grant said. “Sometimes people don't get as much love. It's sad.” So that’s exactly what they did. The party turned into a big celebration with his new friends from the center. For many of them, it was a rare experience to be included. Their parents confirmed that birthday invitations are uncommon for their kids. But at Grant’s party, there was no mistaking that these invitations were genuine. Grant wasn’t just being polite; he wanted them there. “They are nicer, kinder,” he said. “And they don't get mad all the time.” The feeling was mutual. “He’s my best friend,” said Cade Johnson. “I just love him. He’s my brother,” added Sam McEnany. With friends like that, who needs presents?

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Why A Four-Day Workweek Is Making Employees Happier And More Productive Than Ever

It turns out that when companies give people an extra day off each week, almost everything gets better — for workers and for business. Over the past five years, hundreds of companies around the world have tested a four-day, 32-hour workweek without cutting pay. The trials involved roughly 8,700 employees, and the results were consistent: less burnout, less stress and anxiety, improved mental and physical health, better work-life balance — and in many cases, business profits actually rose. Juliet Schor, an economist, sociologist and the lead researcher tracking these experiments, says there are two main reasons for the boost in happiness. The obvious one is time. People suddenly have more of it — for family, friends, sleep, hobbies, and health. But there’s another factor that surprised even researchers: people feel better about their work while they’re doing it. Trial participants reported feeling more productive after shifting to a shorter week. Faced with the challenge of doing the same amount of work in less time, teams quickly found ways to cut unnecessary meetings, streamline processes and focus on what really matters. “People just feel so much better,” Schor told CNBC. “They feel on top of their work and their life, and they're not stressed out. They feel recovered when they come to work on Monday morning. They feel more eager to do work. They feel like they can get it done.” And that sense of accomplishment feeds into life outside of work. “That productivity bump they get, of feeling so good about their work quality, that has a big positive impact on their overall well-being, which we never expected,” she said. The four-day model also changes the dynamic between employers and employees. A company that cuts hours without cutting pay is signaling trust, Schor says, and putting well-being at the center of its priorities. That shift can bring teams closer. Jon Leland, who helped lead Kickstarter through a pilot, told Schor that a shorter workweek raises the stakes for everyone. Colleagues have to work smarter together, because everyone’s free time depends on it. “It makes everyone super motivated to implement [process] changes, which aren't easy,” Leland said. “It makes the stakes really high, because you're not only gaining these efficiency gains just for yourself, but you're doing it for everyone else around you.” As Schor writes in her book Four Days a Week, that collective accountability becomes a powerful motivator. “They develop more team spirit,” she notes — and in turn, more satisfaction on the job. A shorter week, the research shows, isn’t just about time off. It’s also about how people feel when they’re on the clock.

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The Ingenious Invention Transforming Grocery Shopping As We Know It

Researchers in Australia say they may have found a way to replace one of the most common single-use plastics in grocery stores: the clear plastic punnets used for berries and other small produce. A team at the University of Queensland has developed a biodegradable alternative made from a mix of bacteria-produced bioplastics known as PHAs and wood fibers taken from Radiata pine sawdust. Unlike petroleum-based plastics, which can linger in the environment for hundreds of years, this new material breaks down naturally in fresh water, seawater, soil and in industrial composting facilities. The project took three years and was led by the university’s School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering with backing from the Centre for Advanced Materials Processing and Manufacturing. It was designed to specifically tackle the environmental impact of single-use produce containers. The researchers tested their first batch with 200 strawberry punnets to see how the packaging would hold up in real-world conditions. The trials, done with input from the Queensland Strawberry Growers Association, packaging manufacturer SDI Plastics and biotech company Uluu, showed that the containers were strong enough for transport and storage and degraded as intended afterward. The scale of the problem they’re trying to solve is huge. In Australia, a country of just 27 million people, an estimated 580 million plastic punnets are used each year, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The United States, with a population of nearly 350 million, uses billions. Worldwide, about 430 million tons of plastic are manufactured annually, and much of it ends up as microplastics in waterways. Plastic punnets are popular with growers and retailers because they’re cheap, lightweight and durable. But they are made from fossil fuels, take centuries to break down and create an enormous waste problem. The Queensland team argues that if their biodegradable version replaced plastic punnets in Australia alone, more than 1 billion pieces of plastic packaging could be kept out of landfills in under two years. It’s one small example of how changes in packaging can ripple outward. Companies that have shifted to plastic-free options — such as Kouvolan Lakritsi with its candy packaging or Sea to Summit with camping gear — are showing that alternatives are possible when businesses choose sustainability over convenience.

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David Bowie's Unexpected Off-Stage Persona Revealed by Famed Photographer

Renowned rock photographer Denis O'Regan is releasing a new book, "David Bowie by Denis O'Regan," which provides an intimate glimpse into his three decades of touring with the legendary musician. From the 1970s through the 1990s, O'Regan captured Bowie during significant tours like Isolar II, Serious Moonlight, Glass Spider, Tin Machine, and Outside. In a conversation with PEOPLE, O'Regan shared his initial thoughts upon meeting Bowie. He anticipated that the enigmatic performer would maintain a professional distance. "I thought David would keep us at arm's length," he said. However, to O'Regan's surprise, Bowie offered him unrestricted access to his life both on and off stage. O'Regan noted Bowie's unexpected demeanor. The singer was approachable and down-to-earth, traits that differed from his on-stage persona. "He was very normal... this English lad who hid a cigarette in his hand behind his back like he was a naughty schoolboy," O'Regan recalled fondly. The experience allowed O'Regan to witness Bowie's interactions with other celebrities who admired him. At one notable event at Wembley Stadium, Princess Diana attended a show. She was accompanied by Army Major James Hewitt before their relationship became public knowledge. Despite usual royal protocols being set aside, Diana agreed to be photographed with Bowie after some persuasion from O'Regan. Another memorable meeting took place when Michael Jackson visited backstage during one of Bowie's shows. Initially hesitant about being photographed, Jackson eventually agreed to pose for pictures with Bowie. O'Regan remembered being surprised by Jackson's height: "He was coming across as this little boy... but he's as tall or taller than David." These encounters highlighted Bowie's wide-reaching influence across various social circles and celebrity friendships. Stars like Andy Warhol, Duran Duran members, and actor Gary Oldman were regular presences at Bowie's concerts. Even Mick Jagger made appearances alongside Bowie; one photograph taken by O'Regan later became Jagger's tribute to Bowie upon his passing. Reflecting on the diverse array of people drawn to Bowie’s charisma and talent, O'Regan observed how fans came from all walks of life. His book offers insights into these personal connections while celebrating the unique legacy of one of music's greatest icons. Denis O’Regan’s book release marks another chapter in documenting not just concerts but the life surrounding them, capturing moments that illustrate David Bowie's enduring appeal and impact throughout his career.

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