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Kindness Stays High Post-Covid, Says Happiness Report
Generosity levels surged during the COVID-19 pandemic and have remained high, with acts of kindness up by more than 10 percent globally. The World Happiness Report shows a significant increase in helping strangers and volunteering. Prof Lara Aknin believes people are more willing to help others now, leading to a positive trend of benevolence. Sharing meals and trusting others are key factors in well-being, according to the report. Despite challenges, there is hope for a kinder and happier world ahead.
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How India's Female Skaters Are Flipping Patriarchy on Its Head
and in hand, skateboards under their arms, Asha Gond and Puti walk toward the park not just as skaters, but as symbols of a quiet revolution rolling across India. In a country where public space and freedom of movement are still contested for many women, Gond and her peers are carving out room for something new—on four wheels. Their story, and the wider rise of female skateboarding in India, is at the heart of Shred the Patriarchy, a photo series by Italian photographer Chantal Pinzi that just won the Sports category at the 2025 Sony World Photography Awards. “Against prejudice and threats, some women have rebelled, balancing on a board and transforming skateboarding into a form of resistance against the patriarchy,” said Pinzi. The series captures a community that’s defying expectations in a country where female skaters remain a rarity, and in many areas, a novelty. But Gond, now one of the most recognisable faces in India’s skateboarding scene, has never let that stop her. In 2018, she was the only woman to represent India at the World Skateboarding Championship in Nanjing, China. Her journey began in the rural village of Janwaar, Madhya Pradesh—an unlikely birthplace for a skating movement. But it was there that the construction of a skatepark transformed the community. What started as a patch of concrete quickly became a place of freedom and possibility, especially for girls like Gond. Pinzi's images document that transformation. More than just snapshots of ollies and kickflips, they show women taking up space, falling and getting back up, pushing back—literally—against deeply entrenched social norms. “Through the art of falling and getting back up, these women challenge stereotypes, fight marginalisation and reclaim public spaces in both urban and rural areas,” said Pinzi. The project is as much about resistance as it is about celebration. In a sport still male-dominated even in the West, Indian female skaters are pushing through extra layers of stigma, tradition, and limitation. And they're doing it together. The movement is still young, but it’s growing. From small villages to city corners, girls are skating through barriers one ride at a time—led by pioneers like Gond, captured in images that speak louder than words ever could.
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No Kid Hungry: New York City Public Schools Are Distributing Free Summer Meals Across All 5 Boroughs
This summer, New York City Public Schools are making sure no child goes hungry. Teaming up with No Kid Hungry New York, they’re serving free meals throughout the city's five boroughs. From parks to pools, libraries to food trucks, these meals will be available at around 1,000 locations. Rachel Sabella, director of No Kid Hungry New York, explained the initiative's focus on both nutrition and taste. “One of the things the New York City public school does is they taste test items. So if kids don't like it, it doesn't go on the menu,” she said. This means offerings range from cheese sandwiches to chicken pasta. Haffen Park in the Baychester section of the Bronx is one such location where a food truck will provide breakfast and lunch seven days a week. The aim is simple: make sure kids have access to nutritious meals that help them grow stronger and perform better academically. “When kids have access to nutritious meals, they grow up stronger. They have higher attendance rates. They do better in school,” Sabella stated. She emphasized No Kid Hungry’s excitement about partnering with NYC schools to bring this program to every community.
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Helsinki Achieves Traffic Safety Milestone: Zero Fatalities in a Year
For the first time in modern memory, Helsinki has completed 12 consecutive months without a single traffic fatality—a milestone being credited to a long-term, community-wide effort to reimagine how people move through the city. From July 2023 to July 2024, not a single person died on Helsinki's roads. The last recorded fatality occurred more than a year ago, when a man was killed in the city’s Kontula district. Since then, nothing. No grieving phone calls to families. No lives cut short on the way to work, school, or the grocery store. In the 1980s, the Finnish capital saw around 30 traffic deaths per year, alongside hundreds of injury-causing collisions. But over the past four decades, Helsinki has transformed its streets—and the results are now undeniable. “A lot of factors contributed to this, but speed limits are one of the most important,” said Roni Utriainen, a traffic engineer with Helsinki’s Urban Environment Division, in an interview with Yle. The city gradually reduced speed limits across urban streets, lowering many from 30 mph (50 km/h) to just 18 mph (30 km/h). Paired with that, planners redesigned intersections and roadways with pedestrians and cyclists in mind, focusing on protected lanes, safer crossings, and more intuitive street layouts. Public transit upgrades—like expanded tram and bus service—helped reduce car dependency, while traffic cameras and automated enforcement tools cracked down on speeding. Importantly, the city has taken a data-driven approach. Engineers used traffic patterns, crash histories, and emerging trends to adjust planning in real time. That includes adapting to newer challenges like electric scooters, which surged in popularity and brought fresh safety concerns. While 2023–2024 marks the first full year without any traffic deaths, Helsinki previously recorded zero pedestrian deaths in 2019, another sign that its long-term strategy has been working. “The direction has been positive for years,” Utriainen said. And it’s not just Helsinki. Globally, road deaths have fallen by as much as 50% in some countries since 2010, according to traffic safety data. But Helsinki's achievement offers a model of what’s possible when cities prioritize people over cars. It’s a stark contrast to the norm in many urban areas, where traffic deaths are still treated as an unfortunate but unavoidable part of life. Helsinki’s data tells a different story: with slower streets, better design, and smarter enforcement, zero is not only possible—it’s sustainable.
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This Mystery Plant Bought 50 Years Ago Just Surprised Its Owner by Reaching 20 Feet
Hilary Chappin is experiencing a botanical surprise decades in the making. A rare agave plant she purchased 50 years ago has finally bloomed and now stands a towering 6 meters tall over her garden. This unusual event has left Hilary thrilled, as she never expected to witness such a sight in her own backyard. The story of this remarkable plant began when Hilary bought it as a small specimen in London. Over time, the agave outgrew its original pot and required several repottings. Hilary's dedication to nurturing the plant meant it accompanied her through three house moves. Initially, she kept it indoors during winter to shield it from frost damage. "I cannot tell you how excited I was when I realized it was going to happen; I was jumping up and down," said Hilary. The first signs of blooming appeared in April. Since then, the plant has rapidly grown upward, reaching its impressive height. Agave plants are known for their long lifespan before flowering; some can take up to 60 years to bloom. Their nickname "the century plant" reflects the belief that they only flower once every hundred years. The rarity of this occurrence is heightened by the geographical location of Telford; these plants typically flower on England's south coast or within controlled environments like botanical gardens. For half a century, Hilary has been meticulous about caring for her agave. When moving it inside became impractical due to its size, she took precautions against frost by wrapping it in fleece during the winter months. "Every winter for the last 23 years I have wrapped it in fleece to protect it from the frost," she explained. Now that the plant has blossomed so spectacularly, its striking flower spike will last several months before eventually dying off—a natural part of an agave’s life cycle after blooming. Despite having another smaller 'baby' agave growing nearby, Hilary is realistic about future prospects: "I am 82 years of age, so I don't think I will get to see the baby flower," she reflected with acceptance.
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A Hidden Sixth Sense? Gut Microbes Directly Influence Your Brain and Behavior
Your gut microbes may be shaping your behavior in real time. Now, scientists are starting to decode how. Scientists have discovered a previously unknown “neurobiotic sense”—a direct neural pathway that allows the brain to respond almost instantly to signals from gut microbes. The study, led by Duke University neuroscientists Diego Bohórquez, PhD, and M. Maya Kaelberer, PhD, and published in Nature, identifies how specific microbial proteins can curb appetite by triggering a fast-acting signal from the gut to the brain. At the center of this discovery are neuropods—tiny sensor cells embedded in the lining of the colon. These cells don’t just react to nutrients or inflammation, but can detect microbial proteins and fire messages to the brain via the vagus nerve, a key communication superhighway between the gut and central nervous system. “We were curious whether the body could sense microbial patterns in real time and not just as an immune or inflammatory response, but as a neural response that guides behavior in real time,” said Bohórquez. The researchers focused on flagellin, a protein found in the whip-like tails that help bacteria move. When we eat, certain bacteria release flagellin in the gut. The study found that neuropods detect this protein using a receptor called TLR5. Once detected, the neuropods send a message to the brain: stop eating. To test the theory, the team gave a small dose of flagellin directly into the colons of mice that had fasted overnight. Those mice ate less afterward. But when they repeated the experiment in mice lacking the TLR5 receptor, nothing changed. The mice kept eating and gained weight. Without TLR5, the flagellin signal doesn’t register—and appetite isn’t curbed. “These findings suggest that flagellin sends a 'we’ve had enough' signal to the brain, helping regulate eating behavior,” said co-lead author Winston Liu, MD, PhD, a graduate student in Duke’s Medical Scientist Training Program. The discovery of this gut-to-brain communication channel could have wide-reaching implications—not just for understanding eating habits, but also for mood, decision-making, and mental health. The gut is already known to influence brain function via the so-called gut-brain axis, but this study identifies a direct, fast, and specific microbial input that shapes behavior. “Looking ahead, I think this work will be especially helpful for the broader scientific community to explain how our behavior is influenced by microbes,” said Bohórquez. The next phase, researchers say, is to explore how different diets alter the gut’s microbial landscape, and in turn how those changes affect this neurobiotic pathway. That could be crucial for better understanding conditions like obesity, eating disorders, and even psychiatric illnesses linked to the gut microbiome. Your gut microbes may be shaping your behavior in real time. Now, scientists are starting to decode how.
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Accidental Powerhouse: How Laura Hollywood Lifted Her Way to Europe's Strongest Woman Title
Laura Hollywood didn’t set out to become Europe’s Strongest Woman—but after a weekend of lifting nearly triple her bodyweight, that’s exactly what she’s done. The 36-year-old personal trainer from Sheffield claimed gold in the under 73kg (11st 7lb) category at the Official Strongman European Championship, held at the Barbican in York. The win came after two gruelling days of competition across five events, where points were tallied to determine the overall champion. “I was not expecting it,” Hollywood said. “But I deserve it because I work hard.” Hard work is an understatement. Leading up to the event, she was training more than 12 hours a week and eating roughly 3,000 calories a day to fuel her sessions. “It becomes a job in itself just eating enough,” she said. Her diet isn’t rigid—lots of steak for protein, some fibre, and, refreshingly, cake and biscuits too. “I don’t particularly enjoy cooking, but I enjoy eating,” she laughed. The competition itself was intense, both physically and emotionally. Over the course of the weekend, athletes were asked to lift close to three times their own bodyweight. “There was a two-hour gap between events, and it was emotionally draining,” Hollywood said. “Lots of adrenaline and getting hyped-up, then after the event you have to calm down and then get ready for the next one.” Her journey into strength sports wasn’t exactly planned. She stumbled into weightlifting by accident after attending a class and quickly discovered she had a knack for it. “I did some local competitions in Rotherham, and it just grew from there,” she said. Among her inspirations is Chloe Brennan, last year’s champion in the same category. “I was in awe of her and thought, ‘I can never do that, but it’d be great if I could,’” she said. “Then there I was holding the trophy—and I’m over the moon.” Hollywood’s next stop? The Official Strongman Games world finals in Texas this November, where she’ll go up against the best in the world. For now, she’s letting the win sink in—and maybe treating herself to a biscuit or two.
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Gone From the Wild, Reborn in Captivity — These Lion Cubs are Offering Hope for a Vanished Species
Four Barbary lion cubs, a species extinct in the wild, were recently born at a safari park in the Czech Republic, offering a small but significant boost to one of the world’s rarest big cat populations. The three females and one male, born at Dvůr Králové Safari Park, were seen playing outside under the watchful eyes of their parents, Khalila and Bart. With fewer than 200 Barbary lions remaining in captivity worldwide, the births are considered a vital contribution to the survival of the species. The cubs won’t be staying long. As part of an international endangered species program, they’ll soon be transferred to other participating zoos—including the Beersheba Zoo in Israel—to help maintain genetic diversity and strengthen the global breeding network. But the ultimate goal is even bigger. Jaroslav Hyjánek, deputy director of the safari park, said early discussions are underway about the possibility of eventually reintroducing Barbary lions to their native habitat in North Africa. “It’s still a far distant future,” he said, “but it’s important to have such a vision for any animal. Without it, the existence of zoos wouldn’t make sense.” Barbary lions once roamed across northern Africa, particularly the Atlas Mountains, and were celebrated as symbols of strength and majesty. But centuries of hunting, habitat loss, and exploitation led to their gradual disappearance. Many were slaughtered in Roman arenas; others were wiped out by colonial-era hunting. The last confirmed wild sighting was photographed in 1925, and the final known individual was killed in 1942. By the mid-1960s, Barbary lions were believed to be fully extinct in the wild. Now, with just a few hundred individuals surviving in captivity—descendants of lions once kept in royal menageries—the species' future rests on careful breeding, research, and the long-term possibility of reintroduction. Hyjánek confirmed that preliminary talks with Moroccan officials have been promising. While nothing is finalized, the idea of reintroducing Barbary lions to a national park in the Atlas Mountains is on the table. A conference of experts is scheduled to be held in Morocco either later this year or in early 2026 to examine whether such a plan is feasible. Any attempt to return the lions to the wild would face significant challenges: reestablishing prey populations, ensuring safe and suitable habitats, and securing the support of local communities. But for conservationists, the effort is worth exploring. “These are enormous hurdles,” Hyjánek said. “But if it turns out to be sustainable, it’s worth trying.” For now, the four cubs in Dvůr Králové are thriving; a small, playful reminder that even extinct-in-the-wild species may still have a future, if the world is willing to invest in it.
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China's Ambitious Plan: Building the First Space Hospital for Astronauts
China is taking a bold step toward the future of space medicine. The Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology and the Shanghai Engineering Center for Microsatellites have signed a cooperation agreement to jointly establish a "space hospital" aimed at improving astronaut health and preparing for the medical challenges of long-term space travel. According to China Science Daily, the project will focus on in-orbit medical monitoring, life support systems, and developing new technologies for deep space and interstellar exploration. It also aims to support research for potential future non-astronaut space travelers. The partnership will combine both institutions’ strengths in medical devices, bio-pharmaceuticals, aerospace science, and advanced medical technologies. The space hospital will work on validating next-generation space medical equipment, developing space-adapted drugs and therapies, and designing innovative life support systems tailored for zero-gravity and deep-space environments. Beyond astronaut care, the collaboration will also research key technologies needed for deep-space missions, including the concept of a "deep-space hospital" and health systems for potential interstellar migration. The project is positioned at the intersection of aerospace, biology, and medicine, marking another milestone in China’s fast-growing ambitions in human spaceflight and space infrastructure.
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How Raising Cattle is Turning These Rugby Players Into Unexpected Champions
Rugby and farming might seem like two different worlds, but for some athletes, they go hand in hand. Ellie Rugman from Gloucester Hartpury and her teammates are living proof of this unique combination. When she's not on the rugby field, Rugman is hard at work on her farm in the Forest of Dean, looking after 145 cattle. Rugman believes that farming significantly contributes to her strength and performance in rugby. “A lot of my strength definitely comes from loading calves onto a trailer," she said. "They're tougher than they look.” She also finds that the physical demands of farm work help her tackle challenges on the rugby pitch with ease. Arthur Clark from Gloucester Rugby shares a similar experience. He will be the fourth generation to manage his family farm in Stow-on-the-Wold once his rugby career ends. Growing up on a farm has shaped his work ethic and resilience. “From the age I could walk, I was at the farm helping dad,” Clark recalled. His father, Barry Clark, who played for Gloucester in the 1980s, agrees that farming has been beneficial for developing a strong work ethic. For Pip Hendy, another Gloucester Hartpury player who grew up on a farm near Bath, balancing rugby with rearing over 100 calves is all part of daily life. She starts her day by feeding the calves before heading to training sessions. Having Rugman as a fellow farmer in the squad offers support and camaraderie. “I'm like, 'Ellie, smell me today,' and she says 'You smell like the cows,’” Hendy shared with a laugh. Both Rugman and Hendy find joy in their farming routines despite its challenges. Rugman enjoys how working with cattle offers a mental escape from rugby pressures while maintaining physical fitness through labor-intensive tasks like tractor driving or calf handling. Farming isn’t just about building muscle or endurance; it’s an integral part of these players’ lives that fosters community ties and personal fulfillment. Whether it’s early mornings feeding livestock or long hours during harvest season, these athletes embrace their dual roles with enthusiasm. As these stories show, farming provides more than just physical benefits for these athletes. It shapes their character and outlook, too. For now though, you can bet they’ll continue juggling both passions successfully: thriving amid mud-covered boots by morning, then dominating scrums by afternoon until further notice!
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Time Capsule Surprise: 1979 Mementos Discovered in Ancient Walls During Construction
decades-old time capsule tucked away by a teenage apprentice has resurfaced during restoration work on one of York’s historic gateways, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the lives of those who once worked on the city’s ancient walls. Inside the roof of Bootham Bar—a centuries-old gate on York’s city walls—workers recently uncovered a 1979 cigarette packet, a deck of playing cards, and a 10p coin. The items were stashed away by then-16-year-old Mick Colley, who was working on drainage repairs at the time. Now 62 and employed by Network Rail, Colley said it wasn’t unusual to leave such tokens behind. “It was a nod to the future,” he said. “Seeing it again after all these years brings back memories I hadn't thought about in decades.” Colley and his friend Jack Summerville had written their names on the cigarette packet, hoping one day it might be rediscovered. “The cards and note were in a really good condition so it shows we did a good job,” he added. Fittingly, the discovery was made by another apprentice—this time a stonemason—carrying out conservation work as part of a broader project to preserve York’s iconic city walls. City officials have praised the find as a meaningful link in the long chain of craftsmanship and care that has preserved York’s heritage. “This is a tribute to the generations of skilled workers who've cared for our city's heritage,” said Pete Kilbane, deputy leader of City of York Council. “We're proud of the craftsmanship that's kept York's walls standing, and grateful to those who continue that legacy today.” Liam Dennis, the council’s ancient monuments manager, described the city walls as his “happy place” and said moments like this highlight the importance of long-term preservation. “The connection I can have to heritage and being able to say that we're caring for this for future generations is just fantastic.” Continuing the tradition, the current stonemasons plan to leave their own memento behind when the conservation work wraps up. Alongside Colley’s coin and cigarette packet, they intend to place a team photo with names on the back, ready for the next set of hands who might uncover it, decades down the line.