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New Tool Helps Identify Vision Issues After Stroke
A new 15-minute screening tool called the Oxford Visual Perception Screen (OxVPS) could revolutionize the diagnosis of visual perception problems in stroke survivors. Developed by researchers at Durham and Oxford universities, the OxVPS consists of 10 tasks to identify issues like object recognition and reading difficulties. The tool aims to provide quick and standardized assessments, improving clinical practice compared to subjective methods currently used. A recent study showed promising results, with plans for further validation in over 200 stroke patients later this year.
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The Surprising Health Benefits of Sitting Around a Campfire You Never Knew About
Lighting a campfire can be more than just a pleasant way to spend an evening outdoors. It's an activity backed by science that may benefit your mental health. According to research published in Evolutionary Psychology, the sight and sound of a crackling fire can significantly reduce blood pressure. Experts also say that campfires can improve social interactions. M. David Rudd, Ph.D., from the University of Memphis, explains why this might be the case. He notes that sitting around a fire naturally disconnects people from digital distractions and daily demands. "The context is disarming and socially engaged by its very nature," Rudd told Fox News Digital. This setting can create an environment where people feel supported and less pressured, which encourages them to open up and engage with others. Jessica Cail, Ph.D., from Pepperdine University, echoes these sentiments. She describes fires as social hubs where people gather for warmth, light, food, and protection. "Many holiday celebrations tend to involve fire," she says, noting that fireplaces are often places where families come together. Nature itself plays a significant role in this relaxation process. According to Cail, being in nature allows for a "soft focus," giving our brains time to rest from the constant demands of modern life. This break can help reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. Campfires also have cultural significance tied to rituals and transitions. People often use fires in therapeutic practices like burning regretful thoughts written on paper as a symbolic release. Changing your surroundings can lead to changes in your mindset, too. Cail suggests that unless someone has experienced trauma in natural settings or around fires, camping offers an opportunity for a fresh perspective.
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How Playtime Keeps Edinburgh's Penguins Cool During a Surprising Heatwave at this Zoo
Penguins at Edinburgh Zoo have been enjoying icy playtime sessions to combat the rising temperatures. Thanks to generous donations from local fishmongers, the zoo's King, Gentoo and Rockhopper penguins are having a blast rolling around in heaps of ice. Edinburgh is currently experiencing a heatwave with temperatures reaching 24 degrees Celsius, and forecasts suggest things will only get hotter. By Saturday, highs could hit 30 degrees Celsius across parts of Scotland, making it warmer than Rio de Janeiro. To keep the penguins comfortable, zoo staff have been wheeling loads of ice into their enclosure. The sight of these birds frolicking in their chilly playground has become quite a spectacle. According to Edinburgh Zoo officials, they regularly provide ice deliveries for their penguins, but during hotter days like these, it’s especially appreciated. The cooling efforts come as part of the zoo’s ongoing commitment to animal welfare during extreme weather conditions. The playful atmosphere created by the ice not only helps regulate the penguins' body temperature but also provides enrichment through physical activity and stimulation.
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Surprising Stanford Study Reveals New Hope in Slowing Parkinson's Disease Progression
A recent study from Stanford Medicine has uncovered what might be a promising method to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. This research, published in Science Signaling, focused on the role of enzymes—proteins that speed up chemical reactions—in Parkinson's. Researchers at Stanford discovered that targeting a specific enzyme could restore neuron and cell communication in mice. Dr. Suzanne Pfeffer, lead author and professor at Stanford, shared her surprise with Fox News Digital, saying, "We saw as much improvement as we did." In about 25 percent of Parkinson’s cases, genetic mutations are to blame. One common mutation results in an overactive enzyme known as LRRK2. Excessive LRRK2 activity alters brain cell structures and disrupts neuron communication. This system is important for movement and decision-making. The study aimed to see if a molecule called MLi-2 LRRK2 kinase inhibitor could counteract overactive enzymes. Researchers used mice with the genetic mutation causing overactive LRRK2 and early Parkinson’s symptoms. They fed these mice the inhibitor for two weeks but initially observed no changes. However, after three months on the inhibitor, the neurons in mice affected by the enzyme resembled those without the mutation. "Findings from this study suggest that inhibiting the LRRK2 enzyme could stabilize the progression of symptoms," Pfeffer said. This research had some limitations. "This was in mice, not people," Pfeffer noted but added that similar pathways seem important in humans too. Though this study focused on a specific form of Parkinson’s, overactive LRRK2 appears in other cases as well. The treatment might aid various Parkinson's patients and others with neurodegenerative diseases. Future research will explore whether other forms of Parkinson’s can benefit from this approach. Nearly one million Americans live with Parkinson’s disease, according to the Parkinson's Foundation. Experts emphasize early intervention since symptoms may emerge years after onset. Identifying those at risk sooner could stop or reverse neuron loss. Pfeffer highlighted the importance of genetic testing for patients to assess their eligibility for clinical trials and future treatments. The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research funded the study alongside other organizations like Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s initiative and the United Kingdom Medical Research Council.
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D-Day Hero Celebrates 106th Birthday: A Journey Through Time
Colin Cole, a D-Day veteran from Oswestry, recently marked his 106th birthday. The celebration took place at the social cafe within the veterans' orthopaedic centre at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital. Despite his long life of service and adventure, Mr. Cole attributes his longevity to what he calls a "misspent youth." Mr. Cole's military career is nothing short of remarkable. He served five years in the Royal Air Force sea rescue starting in 1939, contributing significantly to key operations such as the Dunkirk evacuations, D-Day, and VE Day. Interestingly, despite spending numerous hours flying over the sea to rescue soldiers during World War II, Mr. Cole never learned to swim. After retiring from military service, he dedicated himself to education. He taught at Oswestry Church of England School with a focus on helping children with special educational needs improve their reading skills. Lt Col Carl Meyer, clinical lead for the veteran's orthopaedic service, expressed his admiration for Mr. Cole during the birthday celebration. "He's an incredible man with a remarkable story," Meyer said. "We were proud to host an event that brought together so many people to recognize his life and service."
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Soccer Wonderkid: Lamine Yamal Turns 18 and is Redefining Soccer Stardom
Most footballers turning 18 are still waiting for their professional debut. Lamine Yamal has already scored at a European Championship, broken dozens of records, and played in more matches than Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé had combined at the same age. Yamal celebrated his 18th birthday on Sunday with 127 senior appearances for Barcelona and Spain, 25 goals, and an honours list that includes a European Championship title, a domestic treble, and multiple individual awards. He’s not just playing at the highest level, he’s dominating it. It’s hard to predict the future for a player developing this quickly. But what’s already clear is that Yamal is not like most teenage stars. He’s playing regularly for Barcelona, helping lead Spain, and doing so with confidence far beyond his years. His story has some remarkable symmetry. In 2007, five-month-old Yamal appeared in a Barcelona charity calendar, photographed in a bath with a young Lionel Messi. “I didn’t before, but now I believe in destiny,” photographer Joan Monfort told ESPN. That photograph resurfaced in 2024 as Yamal lit up the European Championship. It wasn’t just symbolic—it seemed to mark the start of something generational. Off the pitch, Yamal regularly pays tribute to his roots. His goal celebration references 304, the postal code of Rocafonda, the working-class neighborhood north of Barcelona where he grew up. On his boots, the flags of Morocco and Equatorial Guinea appear alongside Spain’s. His father is Moroccan, his mother from Equatorial Guinea, and Yamal has made it clear he plays for all three. “Seeing the peace of mind my mum and dad have, it’s something I could never have imagined,” he said. “My grandma calling me and telling me how well she’s doing. It’s priceless.” Barcelona signed him at age 7, after a local scout tipped off then-football director Jordi Roura. The club offered a simple trade to his local team: they’d bring a youth side to a tournament in exchange for signing Yamal. He rose through La Masia at a dizzying pace, scoring 357 goals in 249 games for Barça’s youth teams. At 15 years and 9 months, Xavi gave him his first-team debut against Real Betis. The electronic board that day showed “30:41”—No. 30 for the outgoing Gavi, No. 41 for Yamal—incidentally echoing his now-famous “304” celebration. Yamal hasn’t stopped since. He became the youngest player to score in LaLiga, the youngest to score for Spain, and the youngest ever to play in and score at a European Championship. At Euro 2024, he played a central role in Spain’s run to the title. He scored a stunner against France in the semifinal—cutting inside to curl a left-footed shot into the top corner—just a day before his 17th birthday. Before the match, France’s Adrien Rabiot questioned whether Yamal had proven himself. Yamal responded on Instagram: “Move in silence. Only speak when it’s time to say checkmate.” After knocking out France, he walked past cameras and said: “Speak now.” Then posted: “Checkmate.” His four assists at the tournament led all players. He was named Young Player of the Tournament and included in the Team of the Tournament. The following day, he helped Spain beat England in the final. At Barcelona, he became a mainstay on the right wing after Ousmane Dembélé left for PSG. Comparisons to Messi inevitably followed. “There are flashes,” Xavi admitted in March, after Yamal scored the winner against Mallorca. That goal was just one part of a prolific campaign. In 2024–25, Yamal scored 18 goals and provided 25 assists across 55 games, helping Barcelona win LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Supercopa. Along the way, he popularised the “trivela”—an outside-of-the-boot pass—often with pinpoint accuracy. His 40-metre trivela assist for Raphinha against Villarreal made headlines, and similar efforts followed. When asked how he does it, Yamal joked: “I think the button on FIFA is L2.” His personality has drawn attention too. After showing up for El Clásico wearing custom braces with the Barça logo, he’s continued to blend performance with media savvy. He runs his social media with humour and directness, sometimes even changing his profile photo to fan art. At one point, he introduced himself to fans as “Ryan” just to troll them—and kept the joke going online. Yamal also led a dramatic Champions League semifinal comeback against Inter Milan, scoring in a 3-3 draw. Inter’s coach Simone Inzaghi said afterward, “This is a talent which comes along once every 50 years.” Barça eventually lost that tie 7-6 on aggregate, but Yamal’s stock only rose. He signed a new contract until 2031 and was handed the iconic No. 10 shirt—worn previously by Messi. He ended the season with the Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy awards and ranked eighth in the Ballon d’Or. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente later said: “Yamal made a statement tonight and shown that he should win the Ballon d’Or,” after a 5-4 Nations League win against France. This summer, Yamal visited Brazil to spend time with his idol Neymar, playing foot-volley and relaxing by the pool. Despite frequent comparisons to Messi, it’s Neymar whom Yamal has openly admired and emulated—from celebrations to hairstyles. Statistically, no teenage footballer has matched him. Neymar had 19 goals before turning 18. Haaland, Mbappé, Ronaldo and Messi had fewer combined senior appearances at that age than Yamal has alone. But football is full of stories that shift. Physical demands, pressure, and expectation can change a career path quickly. Yamal’s challenge now is to stay grounded. Still, if he keeps this up, the biggest prizes—Champions League, Ballon d’Or, World Cup—aren’t distant goals. They’re within reach. And at 18, Lamine Yamal has time on his side.
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Miraculous Rescue: Kayaker Rescued Drifting at Sea Saved by RNLI
A woman kayaking off the Norfolk coast was rescued by RNLI volunteers after being found drifting and unresponsive more than 800 metres from shore. The rescue began just after midday on Sunday, when the Happisburgh Lifeboat Station received a report of a missing kayaker. The D-class inshore lifeboat was launched at 12:25pm and quickly made its way toward the last known location. Within minutes, the crew spotted the kayak drifting, with the paddler slumped and unresponsive. Volunteers brought her aboard the lifeboat and immediately began medical checks and basic casualty care. The crew called for an ambulance and returned to shore, where a coastguard team was waiting. The woman, later identified as Maria, received treatment at the scene before being taken to the hospital. Maria has since recovered and returned to thank the RNLI volunteers who helped her. “They were absolutely wonderful, I couldn’t have wished for anything better,” she said. “I was well-prepared, had my lifejacket on but the wind turned, and everything culminated to a perfect storm. I would encourage everyone that no matter how calm it is, try thinking of the worst-case scenario.” Chris Risby, helm of the Happisburgh RNLI crew, credited Maria’s own preparations with helping save her life. “I was very pleased that the casualty had done all the right things by wearing a personal flotation device and having means of calling for help,” he said. “She had also notified someone ashore of where she was, so that they could call for help. We would encourage all members of the public to follow these steps before entering the water, and if you do see someone who needs help, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.” The RNLI says that the number of people using the UK’s coastline for recreational activities has increased in recent years, especially during periods of warm weather. That trend has led to a rise in water-related incidents and more demand on lifeboat crews. Maria had set out alone on a sea kayaking trip, a popular activity along the North Sea coast, where wind conditions can change quickly and tidal currents can be strong. Even short trips can turn dangerous without warning. Sunday’s incident could have ended very differently, Risby said, if not for a few small steps taken in advance. “If you are heading to the coast during the warm weather, choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags,” he added. The RNLI has also urged people heading out on kayaks or paddleboards to carry a means of calling for help, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch or a personal locator beacon, and to always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid. Volunteers at Happisburgh are part of a nationwide RNLI network that depends largely on donations to operate. Many crew members balance their lifeboat duties with full-time jobs and are trained to respond in a range of emergency scenarios at sea. Maria’s return to thank her rescuers is not unusual. RNLI crews often hear back from those they’ve helped, sometimes weeks or months later. But it’s not what drives them, they say. It’s the quick thinking, preparation, and teamwork that make the difference when time is tight. For this crew, it was one more callout, one more life saved. And for Maria, a stark reminder that even a calm sea can change in an instant.
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How The James Webb Telescope Is Unveiling Secrets Of Dying Stars
Astronomers are using the James Webb Space Telescope to explore the dusty cocoons surrounding dying stars. This effort aims to shed light on cosmic dust origins, which play a role in forming new stars. The focus is on Wolf-Rayet stars, massive aging stellar bodies that have exhausted their hydrogen and are close to supernova explosions. These spectacular events scatter elements across space, contributing to the birth of new stars. Noel Richardson from Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University explains, "Wolf-Rayet stars are essentially highly evolved massive stars that don't show hydrogen at all." The stars lose hydrogen in their outer layers and fuse helium in their cores as they near life's end. When these stars die, they release strong stellar winds. If another massive star is nearby, these winds condense into carbon dust shells. Until now, scientists had only observed such shells around WR-140. Richardson’s team expanded their study to four more Wolf-Rayet systems and found similar dust formations around each one. Richardson noted, "Not only did we find that the dust in these systems is long-lived and making its way out into space, we discovered this is not unique to just one system." By observing multiple Wolf-Rayet systems instead of just one, researchers can better understand these aging stars. Ryan Lau from NOIRLab added, "It confirmed that we are seeing the same pattern of surviving dust shells that we did around WR-140 in other systems." These findings suggest that the carbon dust created by Wolf-Rayet stars can withstand harsh conditions in space for centuries. This discovery might influence how astronomers view the materials that form new stars. Lau also raised an intriguing question: "Where does this dust go?" To answer this, scientists aim to examine spectra and identify specific grain compositions. Understanding chemical contributions to the interstellar medium could reveal much about star formation processes. This research was published in The Astrophysical Journal on July 7.
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Revolutionary One-Minute Scan Could Save Limbs By Detecting Hidden Artery Disease
Imagine having blocked arteries in your legs and not even realizing it. At first, you might just feel a bit tired or have some cramping, symptoms that are easy to dismiss as getting older or being out of shape. But as blood flow worsens, a small cut on your foot might not heal and could turn into an ulcer. In severe cases, this can lead to amputation. This condition is called peripheral artery disease (PAD), and it's more common than people think. In the UK, about one in five people over 60 has PAD. It's especially prevalent among those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease. PAD rarely occurs alone; it's usually a sign of widespread atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits narrow arteries in the heart and brain, too. This raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes significantly. Research indicates that many diagnosed with PAD may die within five to ten years due to these complications. Early detection of PAD can reduce its impact significantly. Christian Heiss, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Surrey, along with his colleagues, is working on a faster, simpler way to diagnose it. Currently, doctors can check circulation in the feet by comparing blood pressure in the toe with that in the arm—a method known as the toe–brachial index (TBI). However, this test requires special equipment and expertise that many GP surgeries lack. Moreover, in people with diabetes or stiff arteries, results aren’t always reliable. Heiss's research team asked themselves if they could use routine ultrasound scans to measure blood flow in the foot quickly and reliably. Most hospitals have handheld ultrasound probes that use Doppler sound to track how blood flows through vessels. As blood moves, it changes the pitch of sound waves: healthy blood flow creates a strong “swoosh,” while blocked arteries produce faint sounds. Doctors already use these sound patterns to spot circulation issues like PAD. But Heiss's team wondered if computers could convert these Doppler wave shapes into numbers mirroring TBI results. They scanned 150 feet of patients treated for PAD using Doppler ultrasound to measure how quickly blood surged with each heartbeat—the acceleration index—and compared these results to standard TBI tests. The findings were promising: The acceleration index predicted TBI results with 88 percent accuracy. This approach works with widely available equipment; even basic pocket Dopplers used by GPs showed strong results despite lacking hospital-grade precision. With software refinement, doctors could assess foot circulation accurately using existing tools without adding clinic time.
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Unveiling Secrets of the Deep: How Underwater Archaeology Is Rewriting History
Underwater archaeology might sound like it's all about shipwrecks and sunken treasures, but it has a lot more to offer. This field is opening up stories of long-lost civilizations and extinct species through submerged artifacts. One of the latest exhibitions bringing this fascinating subject to light is "Mysteries From the Deep: Exploring Underwater Archaeology" at New York City's Intrepid Museum. The show features a 3D-printed model of the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to reach American shores in 1860. This wooden vessel infamously smuggled 110 enslaved people from West Africa to Alabama, despite a nationwide ban on such practices since 1808. The ship’s captain, William Foster, tried to destroy evidence by burning and sinking it after unloading his human cargo. In 2019, researchers identified the wreck with assistance from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Jeremy Ellis, a descendant of two Clotilda survivors, played a role in shaping this exhibit. He reviewed exhibit language and shared insights about his ancestors' experiences. “I was able to proofread the language that you see in the exhibit around Clotilda,” he shared. But this exhibition isn't just about one ship; it's an exploration of underwater archaeology's potential to tell human history. Jay Brown from Flying Fish exhibition company explained that initially focused solely on artifacts, they've now expanded to highlight the science behind these discoveries. Sections of the exhibition mimic stages of archaeological dives, showcasing ancient cities like Pavlopetri in Greece and exploring Indigenous sites beneath water bodies. Stephanie Hanson from Flying Fish noted their goal was to emphasize the people making these discoveries happen: “These experts do amazing work.” Interactive elements throughout allow visitors hands-on engagement with replicas and tools used in underwater archaeology. There are even games simulating diving experiences, such as exploring Hoyo Negro cave in Mexico where Naia's skeleton provided insight into early Americans. The exhibition also shines a light on conservation efforts necessary for preserving artifacts brought up from underwater sites. Guest curator Megan Lickliter-Mundon highlighted how each item needs careful treatment due to saltwater exposure. Community-driven projects form another key part of this story. Diving With a Purpose (DWP) trains Black divers in maritime archaeology techniques. Founding board member Jay Haigler emphasized its significance beyond technical recovery: “It’s about awareness.” DWP helped authenticate Clotilda’s wreckage while connecting descendants like Ellis directly with their heritage.
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The Tiny Implant is Revolutionizing Diabetes Safety in Unexpected Ways
In a significant development for people with Type 1 diabetes, MIT engineers have crafted an implantable device that could offer a lifeline when blood sugar levels plummet to dangerous lows. This small reservoir, designed to sit under the skin, can release glucagon—a hormone that raises blood sugar—when glucose levels drop too low. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a major concern for those with Type 1 diabetes. It can cause confusion, seizures, and in severe cases, be fatal if not treated swiftly. Patients usually counteract this by injecting glucagon, but recognizing the onset of hypoglycemia isn't always easy. Some individuals may not notice their dropping blood sugar levels until it's too late. "This is a small, emergency-event device that can be placed under the skin where it is ready to act if the patient's blood sugar drops too low," said Daniel Anderson from MIT's Department of Chemical Engineering and senior author of the study. He emphasized that the goal was to create something always ready to protect patients from low blood sugar and alleviate fears associated with hypoglycemia. The device could also prove beneficial during sleep or for children unable to administer injections themselves. The team, led by Siddharth Krishnan, who is now at Stanford University, published their findings in Nature Biomedical Engineering on July 9. Here's how it works: The device resembles a quarter and contains a drug reservoir made from 3D-printed polymer. A shape-memory alloy seals this reservoir and is designed to open when heated to 40 degrees Celsius. Inside is powdered glucagon, which remains stable longer than its liquid counterpart. Each implant holds up to four doses and includes an antenna that responds to specific radio frequencies. This allows for remote activation via wireless signals or by connecting with existing glucose monitors when levels dip dangerously low. "One of the key features of this type of digital drug delivery system is that you can have it talk to sensors," Krishnan explained. During tests on diabetic mice, researchers saw promising results; glucagon release stabilized blood sugar within minutes. They also tested delivering epinephrine—used during heart attacks and allergic reactions—and noted quick increases in heart rate after its release. While currently effective for up to four weeks in testing, researchers aim to extend this duration up to a year before needing replacement due to potential scar tissue interference around implants over time.