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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.
Score (97)
Dogs Can Sniff Out Parkinson’s Years Before Symptoms—with 98% Accuracy
A pair of trained dogs in the UK have demonstrated the ability to detect Parkinson’s disease with remarkable accuracy by sniffing skin swabs, offering hope for a faster, non-invasive diagnostic tool for one of the world’s most elusive neurodegenerative disorders. The study, conducted in collaboration with Medical Detection Dogs and researchers at the Universities of Bristol and Manchester, was published this week in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease. It found that two specially trained dogs — Bumper, a golden retriever, and Peanut, a black labrador — could identify people with Parkinson’s from sebum samples with up to 80% sensitivity and 98% specificity in double-blind trials. There is currently no definitive diagnostic test for Parkinson’s, which affects more than 10 million people globally. Diagnosis often relies on clinical symptoms — such as tremors and movement difficulties — which may not appear until years after disease onset. That delay can limit treatment options and quality of life. “These results are hugely exciting,” said Dr. Nicola Rooney, lead author and associate professor at the University of Bristol’s Veterinary School. “The dogs showed that there is an olfactory signature, a smell, associated with Parkinson’s. With training, they could consistently detect that signature, even when the person had other health conditions.” The idea behind the study was inspired by Joy Milne, a retired nurse in Scotland who noticed her husband’s scent had changed years before he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Researchers later confirmed that sebum, an oily substance secreted by the skin, carries distinct molecular markers in Parkinson’s patients. Those findings led to the launch of the “Nose2Diagnose” programme, which explores how scent detection could aid earlier diagnosis. In this latest study, over 200 sebum swabs were collected from individuals with and without Parkinson’s. The dogs were trained using a stand system and rewarded only for correctly identifying positive samples or correctly ignoring negative ones. In the double-blind testing phase, neither the dog handlers nor the researchers knew which samples were which; only a computer did. “This rigorous approach shows how science and canine abilities can work together,” said Claire Guest, Chief Scientific Officer of Medical Detection Dogs. “There is no early diagnostic test for Parkinson’s right now. But the dogs’ ability to detect the disease opens the door to a simple and affordable screening method.” While dogs themselves are unlikely to be deployed at scale as medical diagnostic tools, researchers say their noses may help identify the specific biomarkers responsible for the scent signature. That, in turn, could lead to the development of inexpensive tests — like a skin swab or patch — to screen for early-stage Parkinson’s. “Dogs are helping us zero in on the exact compounds we need to test for,” said Professor Perdita Barran of the University of Manchester. “That’s what’s truly exciting — the possibility of translating this into widespread access.” For now, the study’s four-legged researchers, Bumper and Peanut, are earning praise not only for their performance but for their potential to change how Parkinson’s is diagnosed. “Science,” Guest said, “just got a little help from man's best friend.”
Score (97)
One Word Unravels 130-Year Literary Mystery: Scholars Stunned
In a discovery that redefines a centuries-old literary puzzle, researchers at the University of Cambridge have revealed that a mysterious medieval tale, The Song of Wade, was never about monsters at all. Long believed to be an epic filled with elves and mythical creatures, The Song of Wade has puzzled scholars since the late 19th century. Now, two Cambridge academics say a single word—misread for over a hundred years—held the key to its true meaning. Instead of “elves,” the original text refers to “wolves,” reshaping the narrative into one of chivalric rivalry, not fantasy. “Changing elves to wolves makes a massive difference,” said Dr. Seb Falk of Girton College, Cambridge. “It shifts this legend away from monsters and giants into the human battles of chivalric rivals.” Falk and his colleague, Dr. James Wade, made the breakthrough while reexamining a medieval sermon discovered in 1896 by famed ghost story author and scholar M.R. James. The sermon, attributed to 12th-century theologian Alexander Neckam, contains the only known fragment of The Song of Wade. But its meaning remained opaque—until now. By identifying transcription errors in the original fragment, including confusion between the letters ‘y’ and ‘w’, Wade and Falk were able to reconstruct a more accurate translation. The revised passage describes dangerous creatures encountered by the legendary sailor-knight Wade, not as elves, but as wolves, snakes, and sea serpents. “Some are wolves and some are adders; some are sea-snakes that dwell by water,” reads the corrected line. This fresh interpretation aligns much more closely with how The Song of Wade was referenced by medieval writers like Geoffrey Chaucer, who alluded to it in Troilus and Criseyde and The Merchant’s Tale. For decades, scholars had been puzzled by Chaucer’s mentions of Wade in romantic or courtly contexts, seemingly at odds with the idea of a monster-filled epic. “It wasn’t clear why Chaucer mentioned Wade in the context of courtly intrigue,” Dr. Wade explained. “Our discovery makes much more sense of this.” The new findings also cast light on how popular secular stories were used in religious teaching. In the sermon, the Wade tale is invoked to warn churchgoers about betrayal and humility, drawing parallels between legendary knights and contemporary figures like Hugh of Gournay, a real-life nobleman known for switching political allegiances. “Here we have a late-12th-century sermon deploying a meme from the hit romantic story of the day,” said Dr. Falk. “Preachers knew their audiences. They didn’t just talk about saints, they referenced the pop culture of the time.” For the researchers, the story is as much about human nature as it is about historical texts. “This sermon still resonates today,” said Dr. Wade. “It warns that it’s us humans who pose the biggest threat, not monsters.” More than 700 years after it was first written, The Song of Wade is finally being heard clearly, for what it always was: a tale not of fantasy, but of flawed and fallible humanity.
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Score (97)
This New EV Charger Breakthrough Just Might Revolutionize Your Road Trips in the Future
Electric vehicle (EV) drivers in Europe have something to look forward to, thanks to Ionity's latest announcement. The EV charger company plans to roll out ultra-fast chargers across the continent starting in the latter half of 2025. This development promises a significant reduction in charging time, adding up to 300 kilometers of range in less than eight minutes. Although current European EVs aren't yet equipped to handle such high power levels, Ionity's move sets the stage for future-ready vehicles. The new system will also improve efficiency by distributing power between multiple vehicles when they are plugged into the same station. Faster charging translates to less waiting time at stations, which means more time on the road. Whether it's commuting, running errands, or taking weekend trips, shorter stops can ease scheduling stress and potentially reduce travel costs. On a larger scale, quicker turnover at charging stations could alleviate congestion and make EV ownership even more appealing. As a result, this could lead to reduced tailpipe emissions in urban areas and cut total pollution per kilometer driven by about half, according to research from MIT. Some automakers are incorporating charging infrastructure into their vehicles' software systems too. Audi's route planner is designed to simplify finding charging stations along your journey, as noted by The EV Report on LinkedIn. Additionally, pairing fast EV charging with solar power at home can enhance these benefits. By using energy from rooftop panels, EV owners can lower electricity bills while contributing positively to environmental sustainability. Platforms like EnergySage offer comparisons of quotes from trusted installers for potential solar savings. Ionity CEO Jeroen van Tilburg expressed enthusiasm for the rollout. He described it as "another key milestone in our mission to deliver ultra-fast, convenient charging at scale for EV drivers across Europe." The excitement isn't limited to Europe; some Reddit users on r/electricvehicles hope similar chargers will be installed in the United States soon. One user commented that such infrastructure represents what’s needed for near-instant "fill-ups."
Score (97)
From Birth to Prom: The Heartwarming Journey of a Police Officer and the Girl He Helped Deliver
A British police officer who helped deliver a baby girl on a street nearly two decades ago has now escorted her to one of the most anticipated nights of her teenage life — her school prom. Jonathan Burke was just 21 years old and newly serving as a Police Community Support Officer for Suffolk Police when a man rushed up to him on Ixworth High Street in Bury St Edmunds, asking for urgent help. His wife was in labour, and there was no time to get to the hospital. Moments later, in the backseat of the couple’s car, Burke helped deliver a baby girl, later named Evie. Seventeen years on, the pair reunited for a different kind of milestone. Evie, now a teenager preparing to leave school, asked if the officer who helped bring her into the world would escort her to prom. Burke said yes. “It was a lovely and special idea,” PC Burke said, adding that the reunion was emotional for everyone involved. “It’s not something you expect when you're called to help — to be a part of someone’s life this far down the line.” Evie’s parents, Sarah and David Fitt, had kept in touch with Burke over the years, maintaining a connection forged during one of the most intense moments of their lives. When prom season approached, the family reached out to ask if he would mark the occasion with them once more. Suffolk Police approved the request, allowing Burke to arrive in full uniform — lights flashing and sirens blaring — to escort Evie to her prom at Blackthorpe Barn, a historic venue on the Rougham Estate. “It was a bit nerve-wracking to say the least,” Evie said. “I’m not usually an outgoing person, so it was very strange to see me roll up in a police car with all the sirens going off. But it was fun — a lot of my friends were very surprised.” Burke still remembers the moment vividly. “I thought it was a wind-up at first,” he recalled. “But when I realised he was serious, I went into survival mode. I was only 21 at the time.” “The birth happened right there, in the back of Sarah and David’s car, in the middle of the high street,” he said. “It was too late for the hospital.” Now 17, Evie is considering a future in policing herself, inspired, in part, by the officer who helped start her journey. She plans to study criminology, psychology and biology at college. For Burke, the experience has left a lasting mark. “It’s rare in this line of work to be part of someone’s life in such a meaningful way — and then to see that journey come full circle,” he said. “It’s something I’ll never forget.”
Score (97)
The Science Behind Soup: How It Speeds Up Cold Recovery
For generations, chicken soup has been a go-to remedy for coughs, colds, and fevers. Across cultures, it’s more than just food — it’s comfort in a bowl. But does it actually help you recover when you're sick? A new review of scientific studies suggests there might be more than just nostalgia behind the tradition. Sandra Lucas, a senior lecturer at the University of the West of Scotland, led a systematic review into the effects of soup on acute respiratory tract infections — including the common cold, flu, and even COVID-19. Her team sifted through more than 10,000 scientific records and found four high-quality studies involving 342 participants that tested different types of soup, from chicken broth to herbal vegetable blends. The findings? Soup helped some people recover faster — up to 2.5 days sooner — and also eased symptoms like congestion, fatigue, and sore throat. Blood tests showed that those who ate soup had lower levels of inflammation markers like IL-6 and TNF-α, proteins that rise when the body is fighting infection. "This suggests that soup may help calm an overactive immune response," Lucas said, noting that this could help make recovery more comfortable. The studies didn’t explore whether soup led to fewer missed workdays or reduced hospital visits — something Lucas says should be investigated in future research. But the early signs are encouraging. Soup’s benefits may go beyond biology. Its warmth helps loosen mucus and soothe sore throats. Ingredients like garlic, onion, ginger, and leafy greens are known for anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. But it’s also a deeply cultural and emotional ritual. “In many households, food becomes medicine,” Lucas said. “Not just because of its ingredients, but because it symbolizes care, routine and reassurance.” In previous research, Lucas found that parents often turn to soup and other traditional remedies before seeking medical advice. It’s a form of “food-based self-care” — using meals not just to nourish, but to manage illness with something safe, familiar, and emotionally grounding. In an era of overstretched healthcare systems and growing concerns over antibiotic resistance, these home-based approaches may play a more important role. According to the UK’s Local Government Association, GPs deal with 57 million minor illnesses every year, costing the NHS over £2 billion. Even a simple text reminder that “most colds get better on their own” has been shown to reduce appointment demand by 21%. Lucas is careful to stress that soup isn’t a substitute for medical treatment. But for many, it could be a first line of defense — and a low-cost, accessible way to feel better at home. The review calls for more rigorous studies comparing different types of soup — from barley to broth to canned versus homemade — and tracking outcomes like sleep, comfort, and return to normal life. “Soup won’t cure a virus,” Lucas said, “but it just might help you get through it.”
Score (98)
Meet The Man Walking 1,200km Barefoot From Italy To the UK For A Year-Long Challenge
Bear Intentions, a 34-year-old well-being artist from the New Forest in the UK, has spent nearly a year living life without shoes or socks. He started this barefoot challenge back in October and is set to complete it with an ambitious walk of 1,200 kilometers from Italy to the UK. Bear plans to tackle this six-to-eight-week trek entirely barefoot, even as he navigates tough terrain. Throughout the year, Bear has faced numerous challenges. Social judgment and skepticism have been constant companions. "The hardest thing," Bear said, "has been getting over people's looks of disgust. Because that is the main reaction." He’s also had practical difficulties—being kicked out of supermarkets and nearly barred from flights due to his unconventional choice. Despite these hurdles, Bear remains optimistic. "The barefoot challenge is part of me challenging myself to live with intention," he explained. "It's been really liberating and helped with my confidence." The journey has not been without physical tolls either; Bear suffered trench foot from rain exposure and tendonitis due to muscle strain. His upcoming trek will start in Aosta Valley, northern Italy, ending in London. Accompanied by Thor, his four-year-old German Shepherd, Bear aims to cover about 25 kilometers each day. However, recent flare-ups of tendonitis after just a five-kilometer walk have made him cautious about these ambitions. Bear’s endeavor also serves a charitable purpose; he’s raising money for CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) and Medical Detection Dogs. "One charity for me, one charity for Thor," he noted. This isn’t Bear's first unique year-long commitment. From October 2021 to October 2022, he remained silent for an entire year—a challenge that became routine after six months but impacted his social interactions heavily. Following that silent year, he wore fancy dress costumes daily for another year and then dedicated a year to volunteering by offering help wherever needed. Reflecting on his silent year, Bear shared: "For the first six months, I had to wake up every day and remind myself 'Don't speak today.' Then it just became the norm." Despite enjoying the peacefulness of silence, it took its toll on his mental health. Bear's barefoot adventure is scheduled to conclude this October but only after completing his cross-country walk with Thor by his side.
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Speed Up Your Stroll: New Research Unveils Surprising Health Boost For Seniors
If you're looking for a way to keep moving as you age, it might be as simple as picking up the pace. New research suggests that just adding 14 steps per minute to your usual walking speed can have significant benefits for older adults, particularly those who are frail or at risk of becoming frail. The study, led by scientists from the University of Chicago Medicine and published in PLOS One, focused on people with an average age of 69. Participants were enrolled in structured walking programs within their retirement communities. Researchers found that those who increased their walking cadence to around 100 steps per minute saw substantial improvements in their ability to walk longer distances. This improvement is crucial because frailty often leads to a higher risk of falls, hospitalization, and loss of independence. Frailty is characterized by unintentional weight loss, slow movement, weakness, persistent tiredness, and low physical activity levels. Since these signs are directly linked to how active someone is, walking becomes an effective way to enhance health and maintain independence. Traditionally, the "talk test" has been used to measure how fast people should walk. This method encourages a pace where it's hard to sing but easy enough for conversation. However, researchers argue that this approach can be subjective and inconsistent. Dr. Daniel Rubin from the study team explained his interest in finding more objective metrics during his clinical experience with older surgical patients. "Older adults have a high risk of complications associated with surgery," he said. Instead of relying solely on physical questionnaires, Dr. Rubin aimed to find a better way to assess their fitness levels. Participants in the study were encouraged either to walk at their usual comfortable pace or as fast as safely possible while wearing devices that measured their steps per minute. Those who picked up their pace experienced meaningful improvements in functional capacity. To make it easier for older adults to track their progress, Dr. Rubin's team developed a smartphone app called Walk Test designed specifically for measuring walking cadence accurately. “We didn’t necessarily trust smartphones’ built-in analytics,” Rubin said about creating the app using open-source methods for data analysis. Validation tests showed that the Walk Test app matches the accuracy of specialized accelerometers closely when counting steps per minute. It's user-friendly and doesn't require additional equipment, making it accessible even for those less familiar with technology. While the Walk Test app isn't available yet publicly, Dr. Rubin recommends using metronome apps as an alternative tool until then; these apps help users maintain steady pacing by matching footsteps with consistent beats over time. So if you're aiming to stay active into your golden years without needing extra gear or gadgets beyond what’s already on hand (like your phone), consider increasing your walking speed just slightly—it could make all the difference, according Dr.Rubin: "People who haven’t experienced frailty can't imagine how big a difference it makes.
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From Rikers to Resilience: Inmate Valedictorian Inspires Hope with Graduation Triumph
Rikers Island is not known for moments of celebration, but recently, it played host to an emotional and uplifting event. Tylik Thomas, a young African American inmate, stood as valedictorian in a group of 63 high school graduates at the East River Academy located inside the prison. This rare graduation ceremony provided a glimpse of hope and achievement amidst the notoriously harsh conditions of Rikers. Thomas expressed his sentiments to ABC 7 New York, saying, “In some of the harshest and roughest living conditions known to man, we found light in a place where darkness and negativity reign supreme.” His words captured the spirit of resilience that defined this graduating class. East River Academy operates with support from New York Public Schools and the Department of Corrections to help inmates earn their high school diplomas. Principal Tonya Threadgill emphasized that the theme for this year's graduates was "resilience." She explained that incarceration does not have to be an endpoint; instead, it can be an opportunity for individuals like Thomas to restart and build better lives. Many incarcerated youth face significant challenges with reading and literacy. Glenda Esperance, Superintendent of District 79, highlighted these struggles during the ceremony. She noted that improving literacy skills is essential for giving these young people a real chance when they re-enter their communities. Research indicates that up to 75 percent of people in U.S. prisons have low literacy skills. The graduation ceremony was a family affair, with loved ones gathering to celebrate the achievements of their sons, nephews, and brothers. Thomas's uncle shared his pride by mentioning how he saw a reflection of himself in his nephew. Holding their diplomas high, Thomas urged others not to take their freedom for granted. “I should have done it way earlier,” he said about completing his education. “This is a long time coming it has finally come… don’t waste your time, wasting your freedom.” Thomas is set for release from Rikers Island in November. He’ll leave behind the bridge that once brought him into confinement but will cross it again with new purpose—and his diploma—in hand.
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An Unforgettable Exchange Between Kate Middleton And A Cancer Survivor at Wimbledon
It was a quiet, formal moment at the Wimbledon men’s final — until one voice broke through the silence. “I love you, Kate!” The shout came from Father Jim Sichko, a Catholic priest from Kentucky, seated in the stands with family and friends. In front of him, Princess Kate Middleton had stepped onto Centre Court to present the trophy — her first high-profile appearance since revealing her cancer diagnosis earlier this year. The Princess of Wales, known for her composure, burst into laughter. The spontaneous reaction — captured on video and quickly shared online — offered a rare, unguarded glimpse of joy from a royal whose return to public life has been cautious and deeply personal. “I didn’t know if anyone even heard me,” Father Sichko told PEOPLE in an exclusive interview. “Then I saw the stories and video later that night — I was so moved by her smile.” A cancer survivor himself, Sichko said he instantly recognized something deeper in Kate’s presence on court: strength beneath the surface. “I know what it takes to show up when you’re tired, or scared, or still healing,” he said. “And that’s what made the moment so powerful. She could have ignored me. But she didn’t. She laughed.” The moment happened during Sunday’s final match between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. The Princess of Wales was joined in the Royal Box by Prince William and their two eldest children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. It was a surprise appearance from the royal family, and Kate’s second outing at Wimbledon since beginning cancer treatment. Sichko, who speaks at events across the U.S. and serves as a Missionary of Mercy for the Pope, said he wasn’t trying to create a scene. He simply felt compelled in that quiet moment — a spontaneous expression of admiration and solidarity. “I just shouted it. There was joy in the air. And people around me laughed and clapped,” he said. “It was from the heart.” Princess Kate, 43, has been praised for the measured way she has returned to public life. Her announcement in March that she had begun treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer was met with global support. Her appearance at Wimbledon was both symbolic and personal — she is the royal patron of the All England Club. For Sichko, the moment meant more than a viral clip. It was, he said, a reminder of why visibility matters — especially in moments of vulnerability. “Kate didn’t have to share her cancer journey. But by doing so, she gave people strength,” he said. “She didn’t just show up at Wimbledon. She showed up for all of us who are still fighting.” “She radiates what the world needs right now,” he added. “Grace. Hope. Humanity.”
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Meet The Healthy Babies Born With DNA From Three People: A New Hope For Rare Disease Prevention
Eight babies in Britain were born using an experimental fertility technique that combines DNA from three individuals, marking a major step forward in efforts to prevent rare and often fatal mitochondrial diseases. The births, reported Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine by researchers at Newcastle University in the UK and Monash University in Australia, follow years of development of the mitochondrial donation procedure. It was first legalized in the UK in 2016 and remains restricted in most countries, including the United States. Known as mitochondrial donation or “three-parent IVF,” the method involves taking the nuclear DNA from a mother’s egg—which contains the majority of her genetic material—and inserting it into a donor egg that has healthy mitochondria but has had its own nucleus removed. The egg is then fertilized with sperm from the father. The resulting embryo contains DNA from three people: the mother, the father, and the donor—but the donor’s genetic contribution makes up less than 1% of the child’s DNA and does not influence physical or personal traits. “It’s a triumph of scientific innovation,” said Dr. Andy Greenfield, a reproductive health expert at the University of Oxford, who was not involved in the study. “This offers hope to families for whom conventional genetic screening or embryo testing isn’t an option.” Mitochondria are tiny structures outside the cell nucleus that act as the cell’s energy producers. When a mother carries faulty mitochondria, it can lead to devastating outcomes for her child—including seizures, organ failure, developmental delays, and early death. In most cases, genetic testing during in vitro fertilization (IVF) can detect these mutations. But for a small group of patients, the results are inconclusive, and mitochondrial replacement offers a potentially lifesaving path. Of the 22 women treated using this method, researchers reported that eight gave birth to apparently healthy babies. One woman remains pregnant. Only one of the babies showed slightly elevated levels of abnormal mitochondria, though still not enough to pose a known risk, experts said. “This marks an important milestone,” said Dr. Zev Williams, head of the Columbia University Fertility Center in New York. “Expanding the range of reproductive options will empower more couples to pursue safe and healthy pregnancies.” But the procedure is not without controversy. Because the resulting changes to an embryo are heritable, the U.S. currently bans federal funding for any research involving intentional genetic modification to human embryos. Critics warn that the long-term effects on future generations remain unknown. Despite these concerns, families affected by mitochondrial diseases have welcomed the development. Liz Curtis, whose daughter Lily died from mitochondrial disease in 2006, called the technique “super exciting” for families with limited options. “This diagnosis turned our world upside down,” said Curtis, who now runs the Lily Foundation to support affected families and research. “To know there’s now hope for other families is extraordinary.” According to UK authorities, 35 patients have been approved so far for mitochondrial donation under the country’s strict regulatory process.