NASA Just Uncovered Rock With Bizarre Pinholes And Strange Shapes

NASA's Perseverance rover has uncovered a fascinating find on Mars: A giant rock made of tiny spheres with pinholes. This discovery at Jezero crater's Broom Point has scientists buzzing as they work to unravel the mystery behind these formations. The rock, named St. Pauls Bay, isn't in its original spot, adding to the intrigue. These spherules could reveal new insights into Mars' geological history and evolution.

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Could Space Lasers Revolutionize Our Connection to the Cosmos?

In a remarkable breakthrough for space communication, scientists at the European Space Agency (ESA) successfully used a laser to communicate with NASA's Psyche spacecraft, which is 265 million kilometers away in deep space. This achievement marks a significant advancement in developing optical communication systems for future missions to the Moon and beyond. The experiment took place at the Kryoneri Observatory near Athens, Greece, where scientists shot a powerful laser at NASA's Psyche mission. The spacecraft then sent back a return signal to the Helmos Observatory, located about 37 kilometers from where the original signal was fired. "This is an amazing success," Mariella Spada, ESA’s head of Ground Systems Engineering and Innovation, said. She highlighted years of technological advancements and international collaboration as key factors in achieving what she termed "a cornerstone of the Solar System Internet." NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory played a crucial role by providing precise navigation tools to determine Psyche’s exact position. Experts designed the test with careful consideration of variables like air density and Earth's motion. Parts of Greece’s airspace were temporarily closed for safety during the test. Sinda Mejri, project manager of ESA’s Ground Laser Receiver system, explained that enabling this two-way optical handshake involved overcoming two major technical challenges: creating a laser powerful enough for accurate targeting over such a vast distance and building a receiver sensitive enough to detect even the faintest return signals. This successful signal relay is just one part of NASA's Deep Space Optical Communications experiment aboard Psyche. The mission aims to explore a metal-rich asteroid beyond Mars while testing long-distance communication systems for future space missions. In December 2023, DSOC achieved another milestone by transmitting a video from 31 million kilometers away back to Earth. While Psyche primarily uses radio waves for communication with Earth, lasers could offer much faster data transfer rates. Optical communication systems can encode messages into light waves' oscillations, beaming them via infrared at light speed. According to ESA, these beams can carry data up to 100 times faster than current radio frequency systems. Andrea Di Mira, project manager of ESA’s Ground Laser Transmitter system, noted that combining this technology with existing radio frequency systems is essential to handle our growing need for data transmission from space missions exploring further reaches of our solar system. Precision remains paramount in these experiments because laser beams are narrower than radio signals. The DCOS’s laser needs careful aiming that accounts for Earth's orbit so it can accurately reach its intended ground-based receiver. Rolf Densing, ESA's director of operations, described this experiment as "truly a leap step towards bringing terrestrial internet-like high-speed connectivity" to spacecraft operating in deep space.

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The Unlikely Hero: How a Stranger Turned a Kayaking Disaster into a Miraculous Rescue

In Giles County, Virginia, a kayaking trip on the New River Water Trail turned into an unexpected rescue mission for Tammy Rakes and her daughter, Brittney Doffin. The mother-daughter duo, both experienced kayakers, were enjoying a routine paddle when they encountered trouble at a series of challenging rapids halfway through their outing. Doffin's kayak started taking on water and eventually capsized. "I turned to kind of look back to see where Brittney was at, and at that point, I noticed her kayak upside down, which as a mom, terrified me," Rakes recalled. Her panic quickly subsided when she saw a stranger helping her daughter. "I saw her little head bob up beside him on his tube and I was like, oh, thank God, somebody’s helping her." That "somebody" was indeed a compassionate bystander who sprang into action upon seeing Doffin's predicament. "Everything was floating down the river," Doffin said. "He was there, grabbing my stuff, grabbing me, grabbing my kayak. I was holding on to his tube." The stranger’s assistance didn’t end with rescuing Doffin. When Rakes' own kayak began filling with water too, he offered his flotation device to help her reach safety. “At that point I was able to get on out and get to safety,” Rakes added. “But I’m just kind of like, I don’t know what I would have done.” Once safely ashore and relieved from their ordeal, Rakes and Doffin thanked the man before being picked up by family members. Eager to express further gratitude, Doffin later took to social media in search of this good Samaritan who had come to their aid. She managed to connect with him but respected his wish to remain anonymous. "Just for him to take the time out of his day and their family trip to help us means a whole lot," Rakes said. "Especially to save my daughter.”

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A Mystery Photograph in a Thrift Shop Ignited a Heartwarming Search for Its Owners

In a touching tale of modern-day detective work, Emily Morse, a student from Plymouth, England, took it upon herself to reunite a family with a lost photograph. While browsing through a second-hand book she purchased from a charity shop three years ago, Morse stumbled upon an old picture tucked between the pages. The photo captured a serene moment featuring a mother, father, and their baby on a seaside trip. Intrigued by the image and determined to return it to its owners, Morse turned to social media for assistance. She posted the snapshot on Facebook and soon after received a message from Nicola Hellem in Plympton. Hellem recognized the photograph as one of her own family during an outing in Cornwall. Nicola Hellem expressed her appreciation for Morse's efforts. "It takes a nice person to find it and want to do that," Hellem said. The photograph held special meaning for her; it was taken during their first family trip to Cornwall when her daughter Eve was only eight months old. Emily Morse shared her experience on BBC Radio Devon with John Acres at Breakfast. She revealed that she connected quickly with Nicola through social media and even had the chance to meet Eve, now five years old. "I think it was through the second comment that I found Nicola—it was very fast," Morse recounted. Nicola Hellem explained how she hadn't realized the photo was missing until alerted by colleagues who noticed the Facebook post. It turned out she had accidentally sent the photo along with some books donated during their move from Abingdon in Oxfordshire to Plymouth before the second Covid-19 lockdown. Now reunited with the sentimental snapshot thanks to Emily Morse’s initiative and social media savvy, Nicola can cherish this piece of family history once more.

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Her Alopecia Became Her Secret Weapon at the Singapore World Championships

When Tayla Martin lines up for her first race at the World Championships in Singapore, she’s bringing more than just stamina and strategy—she’s bringing what she calls her “little superpower.” The 26-year-old Australian open water swimmer plans to rip off her swim cap just a few strokes into the 5km race. Not as a statement, but as a calculated edge. Martin lives with alopecia, an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss. She’s completely bald—and in the 30-degree waters off Sentosa Island, that might just help her stay cool. “I obviously have that exposure of my head to release the heat a bit more,” she said. “I think it’s an advantage.” It’s Martin’s first time representing Australia on the international stage, a rare milestone for a swimmer her age. Most elite distance swimmers, like her teammates Chelsea Gubecka and Moesha Johnson, reach that level in their teens. Martin got there at 26—years after she almost gave up on open water swimming altogether. “I did not like it,” she recalled of her first ocean race as a teenager. “I was crying the whole way. The water was murky and dirty, and I just was like, ‘nope, never doing this again.’” But she stuck with it. After years of quietly training and competing, she began to rise under the guidance of coach Chris Nesbit at Sydney’s Carlile Club. Earlier this year, she placed 15th in the 10km event at the Open Water Swimming World Cup in Egypt—finishing ahead of several national teammates, including a Tokyo Olympian. “She’s had more challenges than the vast majority of people,” Nesbit said. “She probably would never have seen herself a few years ago as an Australian Dolphin. Now this has landed, she’s developing confidence with that.” Martin credits her late-blooming success to that resilience—and to learning to embrace what sets her apart. Diagnosed with alopecia before her first birthday, Martin spent years hiding her baldness, particularly during high school. “I would refer to princesses, and princesses all have hair,” she said. “Then you see everyone in school and you’re just like the only one with no hair. And it’s just like, ‘why am I different?’ But I’ve come to learn that difference isn’t always a bad thing.” She now sees it as part of her identity, and maybe even an edge. She’s been training for Singapore’s brutal heat with sauna sessions and wetsuit swims to build tolerance. But once in the water, she believes being bald will give her an edge in dissipating heat—especially with the cap off. Martin will compete in both the 5km and the 3km knockout event, where pacing, navigation, and mental strength are critical. She’s not expecting a podium finish, but that’s not the point. “I go in with just wanting to soak it all up and enjoy the moment,” she said. “And when I do that, I actually perform better.” After years of quietly chasing the dream, she’s finally where she belongs—head up, cap off, and ready.

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Rare Gharial Crocodiles Hatch Again at Fort Worth Zoo: A Three-Year Streak

The Fort Worth Zoo welcomed two new gharial crocodile hatchlings this summer. This footage shared by the Texas zoo shows the two new gharials, which they said hatched last month on June 5 and June 11. This is the Fort Worth Zoo’s third annual hatching of gharial crocodiles, making them the only institution in North America to have produced multiple offspring of this species. “To have continued success for a third year in a row means that in addition to having more of these beautiful and imperiled crocodiles for the future of the species, we are able to further refine our breeding, incubation, and hatchling husbandry techniques as each year informs us more and more,” Vicky Poole, associate curator of ectotherms at the Fort Worth Zoo, said in a statement. Gharials are currently listed as critically endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This is for a “variety of reasons including habitat destruction, pollution and river fragmentation, making it challenging for gharials to survive in their native habitats,” according to the Fort Worth Zoo. The zoo’s new hatchlings are unable to be viewed by the public yet, as they are remaining behind the scenes at the zoo for close monitoring. “The zoo hopes to create a safe and secure gharial hatchling habitat so that guests can eventually observe the tiny crocs on a visit,” they said.

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From Takeout to Turnaround: How Breaking a Chair Transformed Simon's Life

Simon Furness, a 57-year-old from Northwich, England, once weighed 158 kilograms and found himself in a cycle of unhealthy eating habits. His addiction to takeout food led him to consume Chinese takeout five times a week, along with half a loaf of bread, two cans of soup, a pizza, three bags of candy, and kebab meat on a regular basis. This lifestyle took its toll on his health; he developed type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea. Furness's turning point came in October 2024 when he broke a chair at his dentist’s office and injured his hand. "It made me feel terrible and disgusted," he said about the incident. This prompted him to reassess his eating habits and overall lifestyle. Despite having tried several diet programs like Slimming World and Weight Watchers without success, Furness decided to give it another shot by signing up for the meal delivery service Mindful Chef. This time was different for Furness. He adopted a new dietary routine that included apples and tangerines for breakfast, salad wraps for lunch, and nutritious dinners. "It's just been a total diet change," he noted, reflecting on how he previously ate anything he wanted without considering the consequences. In an impressive turnaround over eight months, Furness lost more than 110lbs. He now weighs around 240lbs and is aiming for about 220lbs as his target weight. The changes have not only improved his physical health but also allowed him to engage more actively with his family life. He takes joy in spending time with his seven grandchildren: "I'm loving it."

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Father-Son Dream Team: Cal Raleigh Makes Home Run Derby History with Family by His Side

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh had a night to remember, claiming victory in the MLB Home Run Derby on Monday. The event took place at Truist Park in Atlanta, where Raleigh outslugged Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero in the final round. This achievement marked Raleigh as the first switch-hitter and the first catcher to win the derby. The support from his family played a crucial role. His father, Todd Raleigh, pitched to him during the contest while his 15-year-old brother, Todd Jr., took up catching duties. “It means the world,” said Raleigh after his win, trophy in hand and flanked by his family. “I could’ve hit zero home runs and had just as much fun, so I just can’t believe we won.” Todd shared with ESPN baseball reporter Jeff Passan that watching his son achieve this feat was something special for any parent. “It’s just a great accomplishment,” he expressed. “As a dad you dream about it. To see it come true for your son is unbelievable.” Raleigh's performance has cemented him as MLB’s current home run leader with 38 homers by the All-Star break. He is just one short of Barry Bonds’ record of 39 home runs at this point in the season back in 2001. Monday night's success further highlighted why he's called “Big Dumper” within baseball circles. "Usually, the guy that's leading the league in homers doesn't win the whole thing," remarked Raleigh post-victory. "That's as surprising to me as anybody else." In an intense showdown, Raleigh demonstrated his prowess by hitting home runs from both sides of the plate during his initial round, tallying 17 homers and securing a tie with Athletics outfielder Brent Rooker for advancement spots. The deciding factor came down to who hit the longest homer; both players appeared tied with shots reaching 143 meters until MLB ruled that Raleigh’s drive went one inch further. “I guess I got lucky there,” Raleigh commented humorously afterward. From then on, he seemed unstoppable: hitting 19 homers in round two before smashing another 18 in the final round—bringing his total count for the evening to 54. Reflecting on this memorable experience, Raleigh told MLB.com how winning alongside family made it all surreal for him: “You don't think you're going to win it... Then you get invited,” he said. “The fact that you win it with your family — super special.”

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Loyal Companion: Retired Police Dog Becomes Lifeline for an Officer's Ailing Wife

A retired police dog named Donja has found a new purpose as a loyal companion to her former handler’s wife, Heidi Collins. The seven-year-old German Shepherd, who had to retire early due to spondylosis—a degenerative spine condition—now provides comfort and support to Heidi as she battles multiple chronic illnesses. Heidi, 40, describes Donja as a constant source of reassurance. “Donja has been such a comfort while I’ve been struggling with my own chronic illness,” says Heidi. “She always knows when I’m having a flare-up, sometimes even before I do! She won’t leave my side and insists on following me and lying by my side when I’m feeling unwell.” Donja served with the Ministry of Defence Police for three-and-a-half years, aiding Hampshire Police and Thames Valley Police before retiring from active service. Her handler during those years was PC Ash Collins, who recalls her intelligence and problem-solving skills. "She was wonderful at her job," Ash said. After retirement, Donja settled into a quieter life in Wiltshire with Ash and Heidi Collins, along with their four cats. Despite her own health issues, Donja transitioned seamlessly into her role as an emotional support dog for Heidi. Following Heidi’s recent surgery for stage three endometriosis, Donja stayed close by to offer comfort. “She knew something was wrong," says Heidi about that time after surgery. "She was so gentle and stayed with me." Even during everyday activities like bathing, Donja keeps watch over her owner. Once, she even attempted to pull Heidi out of the bath when she sensed dizziness—a major feat considering Donja's typical aversion to water. The Thin Blue Paw Foundation supports retired police dogs like Donja by covering medical expenses and providing essentials like food through partnerships with companies such as Barking Heads. This helps manage conditions like arthritis and allergies that affect many aging dogs. Kieran Stanbridge from the Thin Blue Paw Foundation recognizes the impact of these animals beyond their official duties: “Donja spent years working hard as a police dog, but even in retirement, she’s continued to do so much now for her owner." Heidi appreciates not just the companionship but also the protective nature that Donja exhibits towards her family members, including breaking up cat fights among the household pets. Despite facing daily health challenges herself, Heidi feels fortunate to have such devoted company at home. “Even on my hardest days," concludes Heidi Collins regarding life alongside this attentive canine friend, "I feel so lucky to have Donja with me.”

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Tortoise Turns Troublemaker: Mischief Leads to a Happy Firefighter Rescue

In London, a tortoise managed to start a fire by knocking over its heat lamp. The small blaze began when the lamp fell onto hay inside the tortoise's aquarium, situated on the fourth floor of a residential block. Firefighters from four nearby stations rushed to the scene after receiving the call at 11:40. They quickly brought the situation under control by 12:22. A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade (LFB) detailed that crews from Mitcham, Wimbledon, Tooting, and Wallington were involved in responding to the incident. Upon arrival, firefighters learned two pets were inside the home. Alongside rescuing the "naughty" tortoise responsible for starting the fire, they also saved a dog found hiding under the stairs. Fortunately, both animals emerged unharmed and were returned safely to their relieved owner. "The fire was caused by the tortoise knocking over his heat lamp," said an LFB spokesperson. The incident highlights how even household pets can cause unexpected mishaps. This isn't your average pet story; it's a reminder of how unpredictable life with animals can be. But thanks to quick action by firefighters, it all ended well without harm coming to any residents or their beloved pets.

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Meet The Adorable Red Panda Twins Bringing Hope To Their Endangered Species

A pair of Red panda cub twins have been born at the West Midlands Safari Park in England. The birth marks an important moment for the conservation of this endangered species, which has fewer than 10,000 individuals left in the wild. The excitement began on June 16 when park staff heard tiny squeaks from a nest box and suspected that Mei Lin, a resident red panda, had given birth to twins. A few days later, their suspicions were confirmed as keepers observed Mei Lin moving one cub to another nest box before returning for the second. Amy Sewell, head keeper at the safari park, expressed her enthusiasm about the births. "We are absolutely thrilled," she said. She emphasized how special these new additions are for both the park and red panda conservation efforts overall. Every successful birth is a step toward securing a future for these charming creatures. For now, the team will keep a watchful eye on Mei Lin and her cubs from afar to give them space as they settle into their new family dynamic. It will be several weeks before staff can determine if the cubs are male or female. Once they're old enough to start exploring outside their nest boxes—around 16 weeks—they'll also get their names. Visitors to the park have already been lucky enough to catch early glimpses of the cubs. Mari Mascarenhas, visiting from Perth in Western Australia with her daughter, described seeing them as "truly magical." This year has been quite eventful for births at West Midlands Safari Park. Besides these adorable red panda twins, there has been a flurry of arrivals, including tiger triplets, an Indian rhino calf, lion triplets, a barasingha fawn and blesbok calves. As these little ones grow and eventually make their public debut, Mei Lin's twins will undoubtedly become star attractions at the park while contributing significantly to awareness and conservation efforts surrounding red pandas.

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