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Revolutionary Water Treatment Plant Promises Cleaner Rivers
A leading European glass recycling company, Maltha, has invested €2.89 million in a polyvinyl butyral recycling program at its Belgium facility. This initiative will boost the site's recycling rate by 4.2 percent, inching closer to their goal of 100 percent recycling. The company's advanced processing techniques save energy and reduce carbon pollution. By investing in eco-friendly initiatives like this, companies can meet market demand for valuable secondary raw materials while helping the planet.
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Daring Rescue: Dog Survives 100-Foot Plunge Over Waterfall
A family outing near Loch Ness turned dramatic when a dog fell 30 metres (100 feet) from a cliff at the Falls of Foyers in Moray, Scotland. Volunteers from the Inverness, Cromarty and Burghead Coastguard Rescue Teams responded after reports of the dog, named Reggie, in trouble at the beauty spot, which features a gorge rising 42 metres in total. Reggie, who was visiting the area with his owner, had slipped from the cliff face but was rescued unharmed. “Our volunteers were able to recover Reggie from the gorge before returning him to his relieved owner,” HM Coastguard – Highland said. After a precautionary check-up at the vet, Reggie is expected to continue his holiday with, as the Coastguard put it, “no more excitement.”
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The Surprising Pancake Trick That Turns Vegan Eggs Into Breakfast Magic
Plant-based burgers and milks have taken off in recent years, but vegan eggs haven’t enjoyed the same surge in attention, from shoppers or scientists. Now, a new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Purdue University offers insight into what might get more people to crack open a plant-based option. Doctoral student Da Eun Kim and Purdue professor Brenna Ellison used an experimental “vignette” approach, asking participants to imagine breakfast scenarios at home or in a restaurant, with a choice between scrambled eggs or pancakes made with plant-based eggs. Contrary to expectations, where the meal was eaten didn’t have much impact. What mattered more was how the eggs were served. Consumers were more willing to try plant-based eggs when they were used as an ingredient, like in pancakes, rather than served on their own. When asked to compare plant-based eggs to traditional ones, respondents still favored classic eggs for taste and appearance, but rated the vegan version higher for environmental impact and animal welfare. Familiarity played a role, too. People who had tried plant-based eggs before were more likely to choose them again. Ellison says that introducing them subtly, in foods people already enjoy, could help overcome hesitation. “Introducing them as an ingredient, especially in a product that consumers are comfortable with, is a way to get people over any ‘mental hurdles,’” she said. Kim notes that taste and texture remain a barrier, but personal experience can shift perceptions. “The taste was different, but I was surprised that the texture was very similar to traditional eggs,” she said of her own trial. The takeaway for the industry? Don’t push a plain scramble just yet. Instead, fold plant-based eggs into familiar dishes and let consumers warm up to them, one pancake at a time.
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Score (80)
Unearthed: Ancient Roman Hat Stuns Historians With Its Remarkable Condition
Bolton Museum has unveiled a rare piece of Roman history: a 2,000-year-old wool hat that was used by soldiers to shield themselves from the harsh desert sun. This well-preserved artifact is now considered the best example of its kind in existence. The hat likely dates back to around 30 B.C., shortly after the Romans took control of Egypt following Queen Cleopatra's demise. While it resembles other headgear from the Roman Empire circa 200 A.D., this particular hat seems specially adapted for Egyptian conditions, offering protection against intense sunlight and sandstorms. Cllr Nadeem Ayub from Bolton Council expressed excitement over the display, saying, "It’s an incredible moment for Bolton to display such a rare and well-preserved item from ancient Egypt. This remarkable object not only tells a global story, but it also reminds us of the power our museums have to inspire future generations." The artifact came into Bolton's possession thanks to Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie, a prominent archaeologist who donated it to The Chadwick Museum in 1911. Jacqui Hyman, an expert textile conservator with nearly five decades of experience, led the conservation efforts on this delicate piece. Hyman described her work on the hat as both challenging and rewarding: "I had the unique privilege to handle and investigate the construction and conserve this very rare felt hat. Planning the appropriate and sensitive treatment was paramount due to its fragility." She noted that moth damage had left areas of missing felt but managed to restore its original shape using similar hand-dyed fabric. Funding for this intricate restoration came courtesy of Ritherdon & Co. Ltd., an electrical enclosure manufacturer. Ben Ritherdon, Director of Ritherdon & Co., expressed his enthusiasm about supporting local cultural heritage: “It was so exciting to learn that we had such a rare and fascinating object right here on our doorstep in Bolton Museum.”
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A Revolutionary 'Off-the-Shelf' Cancer Vaccine is Showing Promise in Extending Lives
An experimental vaccine, ELI-002, is gaining attention for its potential to extend the lives of people with recurring pancreatic and colorectal cancer. Scientists from UCLA, the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and other institutions are working on this promising therapy that targets cancer-linked mutations. In early trials, ELI-002 demonstrated safety and signs of prolonging life. The vaccine aims to boost the immune system against a specific mutation found in many solid tumors, particularly in pancreatic and colorectal cancers. This approach could impact up to 90 percent of pancreatic cancers and 50 percent of colon cancers with this mutation. "This could be utilized in 90 percent of pancreatic cancers and 50 percent of colon cancers who have this mutation," said Zev Wainberg, co-director of the Gastrointestinal Oncology program at UCLA. Cancer vaccines generally help the body's natural defenses prevent cancer from returning. ELI-002 is a peptide-based vaccine designed to train T cells to target cells carrying a mutated KRAS gene—a common driver in many solid tumors. The recent trial involved 25 patients—20 with pancreatic cancer and five with colorectal cancer—who had residual cancer cells after standard treatment. These patients received six doses aimed at their lymph nodes; half also got booster shots. Results showed about 85 percent of participants developed an immune response to two targeted mutated KRAS proteins. Additionally, two-thirds displayed a robust reaction. Some participants even showed responses to other KRAS proteins, indicating enhanced immunity. Pancreatic cancer patients vaccinated with ELI-002 survived for an average of 29 months and lived without recurrence for around 15 months. These numbers surpass historical averages for similar cases, according to researchers. Published findings appeared in Nature Medicine. While Phase I trials aren't definitive proof that a treatment works, these results are encouraging. Several new cancer vaccines are showing promise in human trials, potentially becoming available within years. Wainberg's team has already enrolled participants for a Phase II trial testing an updated version called ELI-002 7P, which may address more KRAS mutations. Results from this study are expected by 2026.
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How Elephant Conservation Efforts Are Turning the Tide: Inspiring Success Stories
In Bangladesh, Uganda, Nepal and India, new strategies are helping people and elephants coexist. It's a critical step in protecting the endangered giants. Bangladesh has around 270 resident Indian elephants, plus several herds that used to migrate from India’s Meghalaya state. But in 2019, a new border fence cut off their route. Trapped in Bangladesh’s northeast, the elephants began raiding farms and orchards, sparking dangerous conflict. After Mongabay reported on the situation in March, the Bangladeshi government announced plans for a new protected area. Zoology professor Mohammed Mostafa Feeroz called it “a good initiative” but warned that the only long-term fix is reopening the elephant corridor. Elsewhere, communities are experimenting with ways to keep elephants away from crops without harming them. In Uganda, nearly 23 kilometers of solar-powered electric fencing, reinforced with “porcupine” wire to foil tusk-wielding fence breakers, has dramatically reduced crop raids near Queen Elizabeth National Park. A survey found nearly 90 percent of locals reported the raids had stopped. Along Nepal’s eastern border with India, farmers shifted from maize to crops elephants dislike, such as tea, bay leaves, and lemons. Conservation groups also worked to ensure more residents receive government compensation for damage, reducing risky confrontations with elephants. In southern India’s tea-growing regions, authorities are testing a “virtual fence”: solar-powered sensors that trigger flashing lights and alarms when large animals approach. Residents say it makes them feel safer, though some elephants still push past or knock over the posts. From physical barriers to smarter farming, these projects show that when communities adapt, both people and elephants stand a better chance of thriving.
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Meet GEAIR: The AI Robot Revolutionizing Crop Breeding with Precision and Speed
Chinese scientists have developed the world’s first robot capable of carrying out the entire hybrid crop breeding process, combining artificial intelligence with biotechnology to boost agricultural precision. The robot, called GEAIR, was created by the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. In tests inside a greenhouse, it used AI-powered visual recognition to locate flowers, extend its robotic arms, and gently complete hybrid pollination — moving efficiently among plants to repeat the process. “AI and robots offer vast opportunities in shifting hybrid breeding toward precision agriculture to enhance crop yields, reduce costs and promote sustainable practices,” said Xu Cao, a researcher at the institute. Hybrid breeding, which focuses on producing superior crop varieties, is traditionally slow, repetitive, and labor-intensive. Compared with methods used for well-known hybrids like rice, GEAIR can integrate newer approaches such as speed breeding, enabling rapid, customized development of high-performing crops. The system’s visual recognition and precise positioning allow it to navigate crops and perform pollination more efficiently, potentially transforming breeding from an experience-driven craft into a data-driven science. Xu called the work a “successful pioneering effort” in creating a closed-loop system for intelligent, robotized hybrid breeding, a step that could help China advance food security, improve crop quality and meet sustainability goals.
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How AI Could Detect Cancer With Just Your Voice
Artificial intelligence might soon help detect a deadly form of cancer just by listening to a patient's voice, according to scientists. Researchers are optimistic that advanced machine learning technology could identify early signs of voice box cancer within a few years. In 2021, there were an estimated 1.1 million cases of this type of cancer worldwide, with around 100,000 resulting in death. Common risk factors for laryngeal cancer include smoking, heavy alcohol use, and human papillomavirus infection. Catching the disease early significantly improves survival rates, which can range from 35 percent to 78 percent over five years when treated based on the tumor's stage and location. Currently, doctors rely on video nasal endoscopy and biopsies to diagnose these cancers. These procedures are invasive and cumbersome. However, researchers have found that abnormalities in the vocal cords can be detected through voice analysis. Vocal fold lesions can be benign or indicate early stages of cancer. An American research team recently published their findings in Frontiers in Digital Health, showing AI's potential to recognize early signs of laryngeal cancer using voice recordings. Dr. Phillip Jenkins from Oregon Health & Science University explained that they used vocal biomarkers to differentiate between voices with and without vocal fold lesions. The researchers are part of the Bridge2AI-Voice project under the US National Institute of Health’s ‘Bridge to Artificial Intelligence’ initiative aimed at tackling complex biomedical issues with AI. The study analyzed changes in tone, pitch, volume, and clarity using the first version of the public Bridge2AI-Voice dataset, which includes 12,523 recordings from 306 participants across North America. The dataset included voices from individuals with known laryngeal cancer as well as other conditions like spasmodic dysphonia and unilateral vocal fold paralysis. By focusing on acoustic features such as pitch variability and harmonic-to-noise ratio (a measure comparing harmonic sounds to noise), they identified significant differences among men without any disorder, those with benign lesions, and those with laryngeal cancer. Interestingly, no informative acoustic features were found among women in this study. Researchers suggest that a larger dataset may reveal such differences in the future. They concluded that variations in the harmonic-to-noise ratio could be useful for monitoring vocal fold lesions' progression and detecting early-stage laryngeal cancer in men. Dr. Jenkins stated: "Our results suggest that ethically sourced, large datasets like Bridge2AI‑Voice could soon help make our voice a practical biomarker for cancer risk." The next step involves training AI models on more extensive datasets labeled by professionals and testing their effectiveness across genders. He added, “To move from this study to an AI tool that recognizes vocal fold lesions, we would train models using an even larger dataset of voice recordings.” Voice-based health tools are already being tested; with further data collection and clinical validation efforts underway, similar detection tools might enter pilot testing within a couple of years.
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China Unveils Revolutionary Plant That Turns Trash Into Treasure Without Sorting
A new facility in Jieyang, in China’s Guangdong province, is taking on one of the toughest challenges in the fight against plastic pollution: recycling lower-grade plastics without sorting them first. The plant, which can process 200,000 tons of plastic annually, uses a “one-step” deep catalytic cracking process to turn mixed scrap plastics directly into high-value chemical raw materials. That means complex or contaminated plastics that typically can’t be recycled through traditional methods can now be broken down and reused. “Through deep catalytic cracking, low-value mixed scrap plastics are directly converted into high value-added chemical raw materials… which will effectively solve the problem of plastic pollution and achieve high-value recycling and utilization,” Wang Shaole, deputy Party secretary of Jieyang, told China Daily. The government has pledged full support for the project, with future phases aiming to recycle more than three million tons of scrap plastic each year. Officials say the plant will also help reduce China’s dependence on imported crude oil by creating a domestic source of chemical feedstocks. The breakthrough could be significant in a world where traditional recycling leaves much plastic behind. In the United States, for example, only about 21 percent of household plastics are recycled, with the rest going to landfills. Sorting is expensive and time-consuming, and many plastics, especially multi-layer packaging and certain consumer goods, are nearly impossible to recycle with current technology. Plastic pollution is more than just a waste problem. Microplastics have been found in oceans, soil, food, and drinking water, and have been linked to health issues including reproductive problems, dementia, and cancer. Wang said the project represents “Guangdong’s wisdom and Chinese solutions” for building a global green circular economy. While large-scale recycling is key, experts stress that reducing everyday plastic use remains just as important, from switching to reusable containers to choosing plastic-free packaging. If the Jieyang plant’s model proves successful, it could provide a template for tackling the 44 million metric tons of plastic waste generated annually by the U.S., and the far larger total produced worldwide.
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A Stranger's Heroic Act Sparked a Viral Hunt: Family Reunites with 'Angel' Who Saved Their Son
In late July, a family vacation to Kalaloch Beach in Olympic National Park turned into a dramatic rescue operation for the Borngrebe family from Nebraska. Ethan Borngrebe, 18, was climbing a rock face when he fell more than two meters and became trapped under a 68-kilogram piece of boulder. Ethan's parents, Kristina and Kurt Borngrebe, faced the harrowing sight of their son injured on the rocks. They had no cell service to call for help. "My first thought was, I'd rather have a paralyzed son who is alive than a dead one," Kurt told NBC affiliate KING. As panic loomed, Jacob, a stranger with perfect timing, appeared on the scene. According to Kristina's Facebook post, Jacob advised them not to move Ethan and provided ice for his finger while they waited for emergency responders. He stayed with them for two hours until help arrived. Photos from that day show Ethan strapped onto a stretcher with his head stabilized before being airlifted by helicopter to Seattle, more than 320 kilometers away. "I just reached out with tears in my eyes and said, 'Thank you,'" Kurt recalled saying to Jacob as they parted ways. Kristina later shared updates on social media about Ethan's recovery. Remarkably, he suffered no internal injuries despite the severity of the accident. While he underwent reconstructive surgery on his hand due to broken fingers and received stitches for a thigh laceration, doctors expect him to make a full recovery. The Borngrebes wanted to thank Jacob personally but only knew his first name and that he was from the Czech Republic. Kristina posted an appeal on Facebook seeking information about him. "My family and I can't decide if you are an angel or not," she wrote in gratitude for his assistance. After their story went viral online, Kristina announced they successfully found Jacob through social media connections and spoke with him over the phone; she described feeling "so blessed" by this resolution.
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Hubble Captures Breathtaking Image of Cosmic 'Spider' Weaving Stars 160,000 Light-Years Away
The Hubble Space Telescope has released a vivid new image of the Tarantula Nebula, the largest and brightest stellar nursery in the Large Magellanic Cloud — a dwarf galaxy orbiting the Milky Way. Located about 160,000 light-years away in the constellations Dorado and Mensa, the nebula is home to some of the most massive known stars, with some tipping the scales at up to 200 times the mass of our Sun. Hubble’s latest snapshot focuses on the nebula’s fringes, near the super star cluster R136. This region hosts rare Wolf–Rayet stars — massive, hot stars that have blown away their hydrogen envelopes and are blasting their surroundings with intense stellar winds, reshaping the dusty clouds around them. Astronomers are studying these processes using an observing program called Scylla, named after the monster from Greek mythology. Scylla examines how dust and gas behave around these stars, and works in tandem with ULLYSES, another Hubble project building a vast ultraviolet library of young stars in both the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds.