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Guide Dog Granny Celebrates Special Day With Four Generations
In a cozy home in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, a former guide dog named Connie is preparing for a unique Mother's Day celebration. This Labrador retriever, once part of the Guide Dogs charity breeding program, has become a great-grandmother. Connie produced four litters before retiring in 2017, and her legacy continues as several of her offspring have followed in her paw prints to become guide dogs themselves. In the UK, Mother's Day is celebrated on March 30th. The family tree grew even more this February when Connie's granddaughter Coco welcomed eight puppies into the world with her first litter. Now, four generations live under one roof with Linda Atkins, a dedicated breeding dog volunteer for the charity since 2012. "Connie is truly the queen of the household," Atkins said. "She may be a little whiter in the face nowadays but she can still spring around the garden with the puppies." This Mother’s Day promises to be particularly special for Atkins and her canine companions. "With four generations under one roof, this Mother's Day is going to be a very special one indeed," she added. Guide dogs spend their first eight weeks bonding with their mothers before starting their training journey. Once they retire from service, volunteers like Atkins often adopt them officially. For Connie and her family, this holiday will be filled with wagging tails and joyful memories—a testament to love that spans generations.
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Here Are The Most Important Earth Day Facts Everyone Should Know
April 22 marks a special occasion dedicated to celebrating and preserving our planet's natural beauty: Earth Day. This annual event, first observed in 1970, has grown into a global movement with over 190 countries participating. The day serves as a reminder of the environmental challenges we face and encourages actions like tree planting, recycling efforts, and awareness campaigns. Earth Day was the brainchild of Wisconsin Governor Gaylord Nelson, who envisioned it as an environmental teach-in inspired by the youth movements of the 1960s. His idea quickly gained traction, leading to massive rallies across the United States that involved 20 million people—10% of the U.S. population at that time. The impact was immediate; by December 1970, President Richard Nixon had established the Environmental Protection Agency and passed significant legislation like the Clean Air Act. Over time, Earth Day went global in 1990 with participation from 200 million people in 141 countries. Each year brings a new theme for Earth Day; in 2025, it's "Our Power, Our Planet," urging unity behind renewable energy initiatives. The day also features unique elements such as an official flag designed by John McConnell and an anthem penned by Indian poet Abhay Kumar. Despite its growth into a worldwide phenomenon, Earth Day remains rooted in grassroots efforts. Local initiatives continue to demonstrate change on smaller scales while contributing to broader goals. As one of the largest secular observances globally, Earth Day underscores our collective responsibility toward environmental stewardship—a mission that continues to inspire action despite ongoing challenges from climate change deniers and corporate interests.
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Need Earth Day Optimism? Here are Some Awesome Environmental Do-Gooders
The theme of this year's Earth Day is "Our Power, Our Planet," emphasizing action through education, advocacy and community support. Despite challenges with climate change, grassroots movements are stepping up. Online communities are creating sustainable solutions and fostering connections worldwide. One group is Stick Nation, founded by Boone Hogg and Logan Jugler. This community celebrates nature by sharing videos of unique sticks found globally. For Earth Month, they aim to raise funds for nonprofits like One Tree Planted and World Wildlife Fund. "We're just trying to see how big of an impact Stick Nation can make," Hogg said. In Washington state, Liesl Clark and Rebecca Rockefeller launched the Buy Nothing Project after noticing plastic waste on Bainbridge Island's shores. Their initiative encourages people to share items instead of buying new ones, promoting a circular economy with millions participating globally. "If you had a good experience from giving something away or acquiring something... you'll post again," Clark said. DePhane Marcelle Weaver's Garden Exchange Stands Org empowers communities through gardening knowledge. Volunteers manage neighborhood stands where people exchange plants and seeds while learning about sustainable practices. "It's nice to just be able to bike down to your neighborhood stand...and then share what you have," Weaver said. These initiatives highlight how collective efforts can drive meaningful change in addressing environmental issues today.
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Today's Google Doodle Takes Us on a Trip Around the World for Earth Day
Google's latest Earth Day doodle offers a whirlwind tour of global environmental efforts, showcasing the beauty and sustainability initiatives across six continents. This year's doodle uses satellite imagery to highlight positive changes in conservation and climate action worldwide. The journey begins in the Turks and Caicos Islands with "G", where efforts are underway to protect natural resources like reefs and restore endangered species such as the rock iguana. Next, Google takes us to Scorpion Reef National Park in Mexico for "O", a UNESCO biosphere reserve home to diverse coral species and endangered birds and turtles. In Iceland, Vatnajökull National Park stands out with its unique landscapes formed by volcanoes and glaciers as "O". Established as a national park in 2008, it protects Europe's largest glacier and its surrounding ecosystem. Brazil's Jaú National Park is another stop on this virtual tour with "G". As one of South America's largest forest reserves located in the Amazon rainforest, it safeguards species like the Amazonian manatee, giant otter, jaguar, and margay. The Green Great Wall initiative in Nigeria showcases efforts to combat desertification by planting trees across Africa with "L". Since 2007, this project has improved economic opportunities, food security, and climate resilience for local communities. Finally, Google's doodle concludes at Australia's Pilbara Islands Nature Reserves with "E". These areas protect fragile ecosystems and threatened species such as marine turtles and seabirds.
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How Her Handmade Soccer Balls Took Her From TikTok Inspiration to Global Sales
Emily Hessell, known to many as Hess, has found a unique passion: crafting soccer balls from scratch. Her journey into ball-making was sparked by two cultural phenomena—TikTok and the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Emily stumbled upon a video by content creator Jon-Paul Wheatley that piqued her interest. However, it wasn't until she became an avid fan of women's soccer during the 2023 World Cup that she decided to try her hand at making balls herself. "The Women's World Cup turned me into a real fan," Emily said. She and her wife Blair attended games in Perth and even plan their vacations around European Championships now. When Jon-Paul's videos resurfaced on her feed in 2024, Emily thought, "I reckon I can do that." Since then, she's been creating about one ball per week. Her background in window installation and drafting aids her in designing intricate patterns and selecting color combinations for each ball. Using kangaroo leather offcuts and a laser cutter, Emily shapes up to 100 pieces per ball. The process involves hours of stitching but offers a meditative escape for her. "It's quite therapeutic," she noted. Blair encouraged Emily to share her creations online, leading to a viral video with over 30,000 views. This exposure boosted sales on Emily's Etsy store significantly. Despite the newfound attention, Emily remains focused on enjoying her craft. "I'm doing this because I'm having fun," she said. For more stories about women in sports or to share your own ideas, contact ABC Sport at abcsport5050@your.abc.net.au.
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These Students Created a Fridge That Doesn't Needs Power, Win a Global Eco Award
Three high school students from Madhya Pradesh, India, have taken a significant step toward sustainable innovation with their invention of a salt-powered refrigerator called the Thermavault. This device, which requires no electricity, has the potential to transform life in communities lacking reliable power access. Dhruv Chaudhary, Mithran Ladhania, and Mridul Jain recently received the prestigious 2025 Earth Prize and a $12,500 award for their creation. They plan to use the funds to build 200 units and distribute them to 120 hospitals for real-world testing. The Thermavault operates using ionocaloric cooling—a method that leverages the heat-absorbing reaction of salts dissolving in water. The primary cooling agent is ammonium chloride, which can lower water temperature by up to 28°C. For deeper cooling down to -10°C, they employed a chemical reaction between barium hydroxide octahydrate and ammonium chloride. The unit features a copper box insulated with fiberglass wool and nitrile rubber to maintain cool temperatures over extended periods. Users simply add salt and water into the box and stir or shake it using a gyroscope for efficient cooling—ideal for preserving food and medicine without electricity. The team refined their design through extensive testing under the guidance of Professor Mobin Shaikh from IIT Indore. They experimented with 15 different salts while applying principles like enthalpy and specific heat to optimize performance. Beyond its scientific merits, the Thermavault offers promise for off-grid living, disaster relief, and rural healthcare—areas where reliable electricity is scarce. These young inventors are making an impactful contribution by providing an environmentally friendly way to preserve essentials.
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NASA's Earth Day celebration: Exploring the cosmos and beyond
NASA has been offering us a unique perspective of our planet for over 60 years, and this Earth Day, the agency is highlighting its groundbreaking work in observing Earth from space. From the iconic "Earthrise" photo taken by Apollo 8 to the "Pale Blue Dot" image captured by Voyager I, NASA's satellite technology continues to revolutionize our understanding of Earth. “NASA Science delivers every second of every day for the benefit all, and it begins with how we observe our home planet from the unique vantage point of space,” said Nicky Fox, associate administrator at NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. The data collected by NASA's satellites are crucial for various sectors. They help farmers improve crop production, monitor air quality, and study atmospheric layers that protect life on Earth. This information is vital for governments worldwide to manage land, air, and water resources effectively. Karen St. Germain, director of NASA’s Earth Science Division, emphasized the importance of this data: “Another way NASA celebrates Earth Day is by sharing information about how our science benefits the entire nation.” Looking ahead, NASA plans to launch NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) later this year in collaboration with India’s Space Research Organization. This mission will track land changes due to natural disasters like earthquakes and volcanoes and provide critical data for disaster response efforts. From mapping ocean floors to predicting wildfires and monitoring ice sheet melt rates tied to sea level rise, NASA's work enhances our understanding of Earth's dynamic systems.
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New Study Shows Being Proud of Your Children Can Boost Your Health
Parental pride and awe are more than just fleeting emotions; they are vital to the well-being of parents, according to a new study. Researchers from the University of Rochester have found that these feelings can significantly enhance life satisfaction and strengthen parent-child bonds. The study, published in Social Psychological and Personality Science, involved over 850 parents. It revealed that while both pride and awe positively impact well-being, awe has a more profound effect. "Parental pride and awe are common and beneficial feelings parents can have with their children," said Princeton Chee, the study leader. Chee explained that pride often arises when children achieve something through hard work, while awe is felt during unexpected or extraordinary moments. "Awe can actually strengthen parental well-being more broadly and holistically," he noted. The research suggests that awe connects parents to something larger than themselves, enhancing their sense of purpose and meaning. This distinction helps explain why awe has stronger associations with psychological richness in parents' lives. One intriguing finding was how awe alters parents' perception of time. "Awe in particular can help parents fully immerse themselves by making time feel like it's slowing down during extraordinary moments," Chee said. Amid growing concerns about parental mental health, this research offers hope. "Parents everywhere are struggling with mental health and well-being," Chee stated. He emphasized that experiencing parental awe doesn't require rare circumstances: "Awe may be easier to find and cultivate than you might think."
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It Was Just a Smartwatch — Until It Saved Her Life
Smartwatches are evolving from simple timekeepers to vital health monitors, offering users insights into their well-being. These devices track heart rates, sleep patterns, and even blood oxygen levels, providing early warnings for potential health issues. Amanda Faulkner, a consultant psychiatrist from New Zealand, experienced firsthand the life-saving potential of wearable technology. Feeling unusually tired and attributing it to summer heat or perimenopause, she was surprised when her Apple Watch alerted her to an elevated resting heart rate. Initially skeptical due to her active lifestyle, Amanda eventually consulted her doctor after persistent notifications. This decision led to a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia—a rare and aggressive blood cancer—just in time. Doctors informed her that delaying medical attention by 48 hours could have been fatal. Amanda's story underscores the role of smartwatches as early warning systems rather than diagnostic tools. While companies like Apple emphasize that these features should not replace professional medical advice, they can prompt timely medical consultations. Elevated heart rates can indicate various conditions such as infections or allergic reactions. Her husband Mike noted the broader impact: "The positive press from this story has also led to many friends and family members deciding to act on health concerns and/or buy an Apple Watch." Amanda remains in treatment but is optimistic about the future. Despite their benefits, smartwatches have limitations; they are not substitutes for medical-grade equipment and may produce false positives or miss critical issues. Users should view them as supplementary tools that encourage seeking professional advice. As technology continues to transform healthcare monitoring, Amanda’s experience serves as a reminder of its potential impact on our lives.
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A Shattered Record and Brothers Make History at the Boston Marathon
Sharon Lokedi and John Korir made history at the Boston Marathon on Monday, marking a memorable day for Kenyan runners. Lokedi shattered the course record, finishing in an unofficial 2 hours, 17 minutes, and 22 seconds. She outpaced two-time defending champion Hellen Obiri by 19 seconds in a thrilling final mile showdown. Obiri had aimed to become the first female triple winner since 1999. Korir crossed the finish line with a time of 2:04:45, securing the second-fastest winning time in race history. This victory comes just six months after his triumph in Chicago. His older brother, Wesley Korir, who won Boston in 2012, was there to celebrate his win. The Korirs are now the first brothers to both claim victories at this prestigious event. "It’s an incredible feeling," John Korir said after his win. "To share this moment with my brother is something I’ll cherish forever." Kenyan dominance continues as all women's winners since 2021 have hailed from Kenya. In the men's category, Kenyans have claimed victory every year since 2019 except for Sisay Lemma from Ethiopia in 2024. As Boston celebrated its rich history on Patriots' Day and marked the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War's start, these athletes added their own chapter to marathon lore with performances that will be remembered for years to come.
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Early Trials Show Promise for Parkinson’s Treatment Without Risks
A groundbreaking approach to treating Parkinson’s disease is showing promise, as two small clinical trials report no major negative reactions from stem cell transplants. These early-stage studies suggest that replacing lost brain cells could alleviate symptoms of the degenerative condition. The trials, published in Nature, involved injecting stem cell-derived neurons into the brains of Parkinson’s patients to assess safety. Though limited in size—one study included 12 participants and the other seven—the results are encouraging. “These cell products are safe and show signs of cell survival,” Malin Parmar, a stem cell biologist at Lund University in Sweden who was not involved with the research, told Nature. Parkinson’s affects about 1 percent of people over age 60 globally, causing slow movements, tremors, stiffness, and walking difficulties due to dopamine deficiency in the brain. Current treatments aim to boost dopamine levels but do not cure the disease. Stem cell therapy offers a new avenue by potentially repairing damaged brain circuits. “The idea is to place these neuron progenitors right where you need them,” said Viviane Tabar of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. In one trial involving U.S. and Canadian patients, researchers used embryonic stem cells; another study in Japan used adult stem cells. The larger trial showed significant improvement: high-dose recipients improved by about 20 points on a standard scale measuring Parkinson’s progression. Both studies noted symptom improvements without adverse effects like tumor development or bleeding. Jun Takahashi of Kyoto University confirmed the safety of their approach. While past attempts faced challenges, these findings offer renewed hope for effective treatment options as larger trials are planned. Mya Schiess from the University of Texas Health Science Center remarked on this potential breakthrough: “Now we have the potential to really halt this disease in its tracks.”