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Score (95)
Vitamin D Shines Bright in Multiple Sclerosis Study
A new study offers a surprising win for vitamin D, showing its benefits in early multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers found that high-dose vitamin D supplementation reduced disease activity by 14 percent compared to placebo. Participants with lower initial vitamin D levels saw the most benefit, especially those without severe symptoms. The trial involved 316 individuals with early MS signs and used a significant dose of 100,000 IU every two weeks. Importantly, the treatment appeared safe, with no severe side effects reported.
Score (94)
Astronauts Threw Surprise Cocktail Party in Space—Here’s What Happened
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) recently enjoyed an evening unlike any other, gathering for a high-altitude social event 420 kilometers above Earth. Although there were no cocktails involved, the crew managed to prepare a selection of delightful canapés, including shrimp cocktails and fajitas, turning their Thursday into a memorable occasion. NASA astronaut Jonny Kim shared his thoughts on the experience: "One of the most unforgettable evenings I’ve experienced on this mission was sharing a meal with new friends, Ax-4, aboard the International Space Station. We swapped stories and marveled at how people from diverse backgrounds and nations came together to represent humanity in space." For appetizers, they served rehydrated shrimp cocktails and crackers. The main course featured savory chicken and beef fajitas, while the cosmonauts completed the menu with a cake made from sweet bread, condensed milk, and walnuts. The current ISS crew is an international group consisting mainly of astronauts from the United States, Russia, and Japan. Representing the United States are Anne McClain, Nichole Ayers, Jonny Kim, and Peggy Whitson. Takuya Onishi represents Japan. The Russian contingent includes Kirill Peskov, Sergey Ryzhikov, and Alexey Zubritsky. Additionally, private astronauts have joined the station as part of SpaceX's Axiom-4 mission. This group includes Shubhanshu Shukla from India as well as Tibor Kapu and Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland.
Score (97)
A NASA Rover Set an Unbelievable Record for the Longest Journey on Another Planet
Perseverance just set a new record on Mars. On 19 June, NASA’s six-wheeled rover completed the longest single-day drive ever made by a robot on another planet, covering 411 metres across the rocky Martian surface. That may sound modest, but compared to its predecessors—Curiosity and Opportunity—Perseverance is moving at a sprint. Unlike earlier rovers that had to stop and assess terrain before proceeding, Perseverance can drive and think at the same time. Its autonomous navigation system processes images and plots paths on the fly, allowing for longer, uninterrupted journeys. That ability is starting to reshape how scientists conduct fieldwork on Mars. The rover, nicknamed “Percy,” landed in Jezero Crater in 2021 and has since traversed nearly 36 kilometres of terrain. Its early drives were cautious, starting with a short 6.5-metre test. But it has since climbed crater walls, crossed plateaus, and completed a 700-metre journey without human intervention—the longest “free drive” ever on another planet. The latest long-distance trek was part of a mission to revisit a promising location on the Krokodillen plateau, where the rover is collecting rock samples. The goal: find signs of clay minerals called phyllosilicates, which may point to past water activity and the potential for ancient life. “If we find a potential biosignature here, it would most likely be from an entirely different and much earlier epoch of Mars evolution than the one we found last year in the crater with ‘Cheyava Falls’,” said Ken Farley, Perseverance’s deputy project scientist. The plateau lies on the outer rim of Jezero Crater and is thought to contain some of the oldest rocks on the planet—dating back to Mars’ Noachian period, a time when liquid water may have been common on the surface. But not every rock is ideal for sampling. Some have fractured too easily when handled by the rover’s drill. “There are seven empty sample tubes remaining and a lot of open road in front of us,” said acting project scientist Katie Stack Morgan in May. That open road led NASA’s team to steer Perseverance back toward a previously visited site where stronger clay signals had been detected. The 411-metre journey marked the longest stretch it has driven in a single sol (Martian day), further demonstrating its ability to operate with minimal input from Earth. Perseverance is equipped with 43 sample tubes, and each one is reserved for materials considered most likely to contain evidence of past habitability or life. Scientists are betting that rocks on the Krokodillen plateau could offer insights from a time before the crater even existed. For now, the rover still trails Opportunity in total distance travelled—Opportunity logged over 40 kilometres before it lost contact in 2018. But at its current pace, Perseverance is closing in fast. With fewer tubes left to fill and more ancient terrain ahead, the mission team is in a race to gather Mars’ best evidence yet—before time, and terrain, run out.
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Score (96)
From Insulin to Pedals: How 'Social Prescriptions' are Transforming Lives
Frank Frost spent over three decades crisscrossing the United Kingdom as a long-distance truck driver. His job was demanding, with six-day workweeks and shifts lasting 12 to 15 hours. The only exercise he got was searching for fast-food outlets during his evening stops. This lifestyle took a toll on him, leading to weight gain and a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis in his 50s. "When I, like most people, failed, they made me feel weak and worthless," Frost recalled about previous attempts to manage his health. Then, he encountered a doctor who asked him what mattered most to him — something he'd never heard from a healthcare professional before. Frost wanted to see his grandkids grow up. Frost's new doctor took an innovative approach known as social prescribing. Instead of focusing solely on medication or traditional therapies, this method prescribes community activities that promote physical and mental well-being. For Frost, this came in the form of a cycling course called Pedal Ready. "I hadn't been on a bike for almost 50 years until I started cycling again," said Frost. The revival of an old hobby transformed his health; he lost nearly 45 kilograms, managed his diabetes without insulin, and formed new friendships with fellow cyclists in the "Chain Gang." Journalist Julia Hotz explores stories like Frost's in her book "The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging." She explains that social prescriptions include activities such as exercise, art, music, nature exposure, and volunteering. These activities are not meant to replace conventional treatments but complement them. Dr. Alan Siegel from Social Prescribing USA notes that social prescribing can change healthcare by integrating community-based interventions into treatment plans. The practice is gaining traction worldwide, with around 30 countries implementing it for managing conditions such as diabetes and depression. In the U.K., the National Health Service uses social prescriptions extensively and has seen both health improvements and cost reductions due to fewer emergency room visits. In North America, organizations are incorporating it into their healthcare systems. For instance, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield collaborates with New Jersey Performing Arts Center to link patients with arts programs. Social prescribing offers tangible benefits across various demographics, according to research from Canada, which highlights significant cost savings and improved outcomes among older adults and youth alike. Dr. Ardeshir Hashmi at the Cleveland Clinic finds this approach particularly effective for seniors grappling with loneliness or depression. By asking patients about their interests beyond medical symptoms, like hobbies or social connections, doctors can tailor activities that enhance overall life satisfaction.
Score (97)
Revolutionary Nanotech Breakthrough Supercharges Solar Power by Over 10%
A team of researchers from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science at the Chinese Academy of Sciences has made an exciting breakthrough in solar technology. Led by Professor Mingtai Wang, they've developed a novel method to grow titanium dioxide nanorod arrays with precise spacing control. This innovation is making waves for its potential impact on solar cell efficiency. Their findings, published in Small Methods, address a common challenge in the production of nanostructures used in clean energy and optoelectronics. Typically, when adjusting one parameter like rod density, other factors such as diameter or length also change, which can negatively impact device performance. However, this new technique breaks that mold. By fine-tuning the hydrolysis stage of a precursor film, the team found they could manipulate "gel chains" to form smaller anatase nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are essential because they convert into rutile ones under hydrothermal treatment, acting as seeds for nanorod growth. This process allows them to control rod density without affecting the size and shape of individual rods. Using their innovative approach, the research team created TiO2-NA films where rod density varied but diameter and height remained constant. When these films were used in low-temperature-processed CuInS2 solar cells, they achieved power conversion efficiencies above ten percent, peaking at 10.44 percent. To put it simply, controlling how closely packed these tiny rods are significantly affects how well they capture light and conduct electricity. Professor Wang's team introduced a Volume-Surface-Density model to explain why spacing is so important. This model helps clarify how varying densities influence light trapping and charge collection within the cells. This breakthrough overcomes previous limitations by establishing a comprehensive system that links macro-process regulation with microstructure evolution and device performance optimization. It’s a significant stride forward for those working on improving solar cell technologies.
Score (96)
Their Revolutionary Gel Treatment is Offering Hope for Parkinson's Tremors
A new weekly injectable treatment could soon revolutionize life for those with Parkinson's disease by replacing the need for multiple daily pills. Researchers at the University of South Australia have developed an innovative long-acting injectable that delivers a steady dose of levodopa and carbidopa, two critical medications for Parkinson's. Published in the journal Drug Delivery and Translational Research, their findings reveal a biodegradable formulation that provides consistent medication levels for an entire week. This is a significant improvement over the current need to take oral medications several times a day, which can be particularly burdensome for elderly patients or those with swallowing difficulties. Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurological disorder globally, affecting over 8.5 million people. While there is no cure yet, symptoms like tremors and rigidity are currently managed with frequent doses of oral medications. These frequent doses often result in inconsistent medication levels and more side effects. Professor Sanjay Garg, leading this research from UniSA’s Centre for Pharmaceutical Innovation, believes this injectable could significantly improve patient outcomes and adherence to treatment plans. "Our goal was to create a formulation that simplifies treatment," he says. "This weekly injection could be a game-changer for Parkinson's care." The new injectable gel combines FDA-approved biodegradable polymer PLGA with Eudragit L-100, facilitating controlled drug release through a fine needle injection under the skin or into muscle tissue. Extensive lab tests confirmed its effectiveness; over 90 percent of levodopa and more than 81 percent of carbidopa were released consistently over seven days. Deepa Nakmode, a UniSA PhD student involved in the research, mentions that after years of focused work on long-acting injectables for Parkinson’s disease, it is rewarding to reach this stage with their innovation now filed for an Australian patent. This groundbreaking system eliminates the need for surgical implants since it can be administered using a 22-gauge needle. The implant degrades by over 80 percent within a week, without significant toxicity observed in cell viability tests. "The implications of this research are profound," states Prof Garg. He highlights that reducing dosing frequency from multiple times daily to once weekly marks considerable progress in Parkinson’s therapy. Interestingly, this technology may extend beyond Parkinson's treatment; it has the potential to be adapted for other chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, pain management, and chronic infections requiring long-term drug delivery. UniSA scientists said they aim to begin clinical trials soon while also exploring commercial opportunities.
Score (98)
This Lost Backpacker Was Just Rescued After 11 Days in the Australian Wilderness
A 26-year-old backpacker, Carolina Wilga, is recovering in a Perth hospital after surviving nearly two weeks lost in the Western Australian bush. Her tale of endurance has captivated many. Carolina was discovered by Tania Henley, a local farmer, on Friday afternoon. She was found walking barefoot along a remote road, roughly 30 kilometers from where she had abandoned her van. The vehicle got stuck deep in the Karroun Hill Nature Reserve, about 150 kilometers from Beacon. After losing control of her van and crashing down a slope, Carolina suffered a significant head injury. Disoriented and confused, she left behind supplies of food and water and wandered into the bushland. In her first public statement since being rescued, Carolina expressed immense gratitude for the support she received during the ordeal. "The thought of all the people who believed in me, searched for me, and kept hoping for me gave me the strength to carry on during my darkest moments," she wrote. During her 11 days in the wild, Carolina faced freezing nighttime temperatures and relentless mosquito bites. She survived on limited resources by collecting water from puddles and rain. At night, she sought shelter wherever possible, including caves. Inspector Martin Glynn from WA Police praised Carolina’s resilience amidst harsh conditions. He described the area as extremely challenging due to its rugged terrain and wildlife. Glynn called Carolina's safe return "a great result for everyone involved." Authorities launched an extensive search operation after finding her abandoned van through aerial surveillance. Tracks around the vehicle indicated attempts to free it had been made before Carolina set off on foot. Tania Henley recounted how she found Wilga: "I was coming back from Beacon to pick up a trailer." Seeing someone waving on such a remote road was unexpected; Henley stopped to help immediately. Carolina now refers to Tania as her "rescuer and angel." In her message of thanks, Carolina expressed feeling deeply connected with Western Australia despite previously struggling to find her place while far from home. Her full statement highlighted appreciation for local authorities and medical staff involved in her recovery. She emphasized how community solidarity helped her survive: "Western Australia has taught me what it means to be part of a true community."
Score (98)
From Janitor to Graduate: Texas Mom of Four Earns Master’s After Cleaning Classrooms for a Decade
Jessica Caldwell spent more than a decade walking the halls of A&M Central Texas University at night—cleaning classrooms, emptying bins, and pushing a custodian's cart across two buildings. By morning, she became a student in those same rooms. A mother of four, Caldwell recently earned her fourth college degree, completing both bachelor’s and master’s programs while working full-time as a janitor and raising her children. “I was in charge of cleaning the classrooms and two of the buildings out of the three that we have at A&M Central Texas,” she said. “A couple of them actually have computers in them. So I was actually able to work on my homework or my assignments during my lunch break.” It wasn’t a smooth path. Caldwell’s overnight shifts ended at 5 a.m. She’d then head home to care for her children before attending classes during the day—often in the very same lecture halls she had scrubbed hours earlier. The schedule left little time for rest, and her demanding job made the idea of completing a traditional teaching degree feel out of reach. But with help from university staff and professors, she found a way. The school offered flexibility, and her determination did the rest. Caldwell’s story is not one of overnight success. It’s a reminder of how grit, support, and long-term commitment can break through barriers that stop many people cold. She credits persistence as the key. “Just be persistent as far as continuing on something that you want to achieve,” she said. “A lot of people that have a job that they think that they don’t matter in, they actually do really matter.” That perspective reflects her own journey. Cleaning classrooms isn’t typically viewed as a stepping stone to higher education. But for Caldwell, it became the backdrop to her transformation. She is now one step away from earning her teaching credentials and plans to enter the classroom as an educator. Her children, she says, were part of the motivation—and part of the reason she never gave up. Caldwell’s story has resonated widely. In a system where many working parents struggle to balance jobs, caregiving, and the cost of education, her achievement stands out. It’s also a case study in how universities can support non-traditional students. By allowing her to fit study into a tight, unpredictable schedule—and by creating space for her to work and learn in parallel—A&M Central Texas helped make what once seemed impossible, possible. For Caldwell, the journey isn’t quite over. But the toughest part is behind her.
Score (94)
Heartwarming Moment: Oasis Fans Lifted a Disabled Man for a Better View at a Concert
At an Oasis concert that drew 80,000 fans to Heaton Park in Manchester, one moment stood out: a group of fans lifted Daniel Tester, who has cerebral palsy, above the crowd so he could get a better view. This simple act of kindness came after Tester's sister, Jemma Tester, surprised him with tickets to see his favorite band. Daniel, a 37-year-old from Lincolnshire, was thrilled when he found out about the surprise on the morning of the gig. His sister had hoped to secure access for him to an area designated for fans with disabilities, but wasn't able to do so. Despite this setback, fellow concertgoers stepped in to make sure Daniel didn't miss out on seeing Noel and Liam Gallagher perform live. "I don't think that would have happened at any other concert but Oasis," Daniel reflected. The sense of camaraderie and shared enthusiasm among fans was evident throughout the day, culminating in this unforgettable moment as he was hoisted up by a group of men nearby. Jemma captured the touching scene on her phone and later posted it on TikTok, where it quickly went viral. While she works as a support worker for adults with disabilities and is used to advocating for inclusivity, she was moved by the spontaneous generosity of those around her brother. "The men who lifted my brother were incredible," she said. For Jemma, witnessing this act of kindness at her brother's favorite band's concert was deeply emotional. She shared how much it meant not only to Daniel but also to herself. "I kept tearing up thinking about what happened," she admitted. Daniel's experience highlights the power of community at live events like concerts. Fans often share more than just musical tastes; they create an environment where everyone feels included and valued. He left the event feeling grateful for both Oasis' performance and their fans' warm-heartedness.
Score (97)
This 53-Year-Old Air-Cushioned Lawnmower was Just Named the Oldest Surviving Model of Its Kind
A 53-year-old Flymo lawnmower has found a new home in the British Lawnmower Museum in Southport, earning its place in the lawnmower hall of fame. This rare blue Flymo electric 38A, owned by Peter Goddard from Northamptonshire, was celebrated as the oldest surviving model of its kind after a nationwide search. Goddard expressed his surprise and delight upon learning that his trusty old mower held such significance. "I feel honoured," he said. "I was just amazed I didn't expect anything like that." Prior to this recognition, Goddard had tried unsuccessfully to sell the mower at car boot sales, unaware of its historical value. The Flymo lawnmower, featuring blades on an air cushion for easier maneuverability, first hit the market in 1965. This year marked Flymo's 60th anniversary, prompting the company to look across the UK for their oldest remaining mower as part of their celebrations. Goddard was taken aback to discover that his machine was indeed the oldest in the nation. Despite previous failed attempts at selling it, he expressed satisfaction knowing it will now be on display for public viewing. Brian Radam, who owns the British Lawnmower Museum located on Shakespeare Street in Southport, described the addition as a welcome one. He noted that it would be showcased among other notable lawnmowers once owned by King Charles and celebrities like Brian May, Paul O'Grady, and Alan Titchmarsh.
Score (96)
Meet Pepper: The Florida Cat Who Discovered a New Virus—twice
In Gainesville, Florida, a cat named Pepper is making waves in the scientific community once again. Last year, this furry feline helped scientists identify a new viral strain, and now Pepper has done it again. This time, Pepper brought home an Everglades short-tailed shrew that led to the discovery of a previously unidentified orthoreovirus. Pepper's owner, John Lednicky, is a microbiologist at the University of Florida. He took the rodent into his lab for analysis and found something unexpected. The rodent carried a new strain of orthoreovirus, which can infect humans and other mammals. While scientists know little about their effects on humans, there have been rare cases linking these viruses to encephalitis, meningitis, and gastroenteritis in children. This newly identified virus has been named "Gainesville shrew mammalian orthoreovirus type 3 strain UF-1." Orthoreoviruses are known for mutating quickly. Similar to the flu virus, two different strains can mix their genetic material within a host cell to create a new virus. Lednicky emphasized the importance of keeping an eye on orthoreoviruses. "The bottom line is we need to pay attention to orthoreoviruses, and know how to rapidly detect them," he said. Pepper's previous scientific contribution was in May 2021 when he caught a cotton mouse carrying a type of jeilongvirus not seen before in the U.S. Unlike orthoreoviruses, jeilongviruses infect reptiles, fish, birds, and mammals but can occasionally cause serious illness in humans as well. Lednicky has been busy identifying other novel viruses since then. He believes finding new viral strains is not surprising given how fast viruses mutate. "I’m not the first one to say this," he noted, "but essentially if you look, you’ll find; that’s why we keep finding all these new viruses." The research team plans to study this exotic virus further to determine its potential threat level to humans and pets. Fortunately for Pepper, he remains healthy and continues his backyard explorations without any signs of illness. "This was an opportunistic study," Lednicky remarked. "If you come across a dead animal, why not test it instead of just burying it? There is a lot of information that can be gained.