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Score (97)
Astronaut captures stunning video of green auroras dancing over Earth from ISS
From high above, Earth's auroras put on a mesmerizing show for NASA astronaut Don Pettit. Last week, Pettit shared two incredible videos of these natural light displays from the International Space Station (ISS). In one video posted on April 4, the southern lights shimmered below the ISS as it glided over the frigid waters near Australia and Antarctica. The second video, shared on April 5, showcased what Pettit described as "green vaporous turbulence" swirling above an unidentified region of our planet. At 69 years old, Pettit is NASA's oldest active astronaut and a well-known figure in the space community for his captivating photography and experiments conducted off-world. His creativity knows no bounds; last October, he transformed a small sphere of water into a gas-giant planet using food coloring. Just a month later, he captured SpaceX's Starship megarocket streaking through Earth's atmosphere during its sixth test flight. Pettit embarked on his current mission to the ISS in September alongside two Russian cosmonauts. This marks his fourth journey to the orbiting lab since 2002. As their mission draws to a close this month, Pettit and his colleagues are preparing to return to Earth after another successful voyage in space.
Score (97)
A Homeless Man Just Won a $1M Lottery, Plans New Home and a Fresh Start
A man experiencing homelessness in San Luis Obispo, California, has won a $1 million prize from a scratch-off lottery ticket. The winner, who frequents Sandy’s Deli-Liquor, played the California Lottery's Triple Red 777 game and secured the jackpot. Store manager Wilson Samaan recounted the moment of disbelief when the man realized his fortune. "He came to the store, he scratched it and is like, 'Oh my god, is that real?'" Samaan said. “I grabbed the ticket out of his hand, went to the machine over there. He’s like, 'Man, I’m not homeless anymore!' I’m like, 'Man, you hit the jackpot.' He’s like, '$100,000.' And I’m like, 'No bro, that’s one million dollars. Congrats brother!'” The winner chose to remain anonymous but was visibly shocked by his newfound wealth. Concerned about mailing such a valuable ticket for redemption, Samaan offered to drive him personally to Fresno to claim his prize. "I told him, 'That’s a million-dollar ticket. No, I will drive you there,'" Samaan said. With plans for a fresh start in life, the winner intends to use his winnings for a home down payment and purchase a car while investing wisely in future ventures. "He said he’s not going to waste the second chance he got gifted," Samaan noted. Samaan has worked at Sandy's since 2013 and proudly displays a photo of the winning ticket behind the counter as a memento of this remarkable event. Though opting out of media appearances himself, the winner described his windfall as “life-changing” in an interview with local reporter Karson Wells.
Score (96)
This Teen Stunned Experts with a Plan to Shield Cities from Growing Threats
Isaque Carvalho Borges, a 16-year-old high school student from Brazil, is revolutionizing the fight against urban heat islands with his groundbreaking project that combines artificial intelligence and satellite technology to plant green spaces in overheated cities. Borges recently won the 2025 Earth Prize for Central and South America with his innovative idea. He believes that his project not only has the potential to cool down cities but also to "save the future" by addressing the pressing issue of urban heat islands. Urban heat islands are areas within cities that experience significantly higher temperatures due to factors like dense construction and a lack of greenery. These hotspots can worsen climate change, increase pollution, and pose health risks to vulnerable populations. Borges' project aims to use AI, satellite data, and urban planning to identify areas at risk of becoming urban heat islands in his city of Palmas. By strategically planting trees and creating green spaces, he hopes to mitigate the effects of rising temperatures and improve living conditions for residents. With a majority of people living in urban areas globally, Borges' project has the potential to make a significant impact on millions of lives. By harnessing technology and environmental awareness, he is paving the way for a cooler, greener future for cities around the world.
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Score (98)
Say Goodbye To Plastic: Meet The Compostable Paper Pill Bottle
A new pharmaceutical packaging innovation is offering patients a way to protect both their health and the environment. The Prescription Paper Pill Bottle, reported by D&AD, provides a fully compostable alternative to traditional plastic prescription containers. Developed through a partnership with TOM, a global collective of makers and innovators, this 100% compostable and biodegradable bottle meets all U.S. Food and Drug Administration requirements for child protection, labeling, light, and water resistance while eliminating harmful waste. Its open-source design uses eco-friendly paper, coating, and glue that any pharmacy can download and implement. This solution addresses the issue of billions of small plastic pill bottles ending up in landfills each year. By switching to paper bottles, patients can help reduce plastic pollution that contaminates oceans and harms marine life. The reduction in plastic production also means fewer microplastics in our water and food supply. Additionally, it reduces pollution from petroleum-based manufacturing that contributes to extreme weather patterns. Once used, the bottle can be composted to return nutrients to the soil rather than adding to waste. The paper bottle aims to make sustainability accessible for consumers by providing medication packaging as effective as its plastic counterparts but compostable at home when empty. "Now pharmacies can offer their patients compostable paper pill bottles," states the project's promotional materials. "Once emptied, the paper bottle can be composted to enrich soil." After launching, word spread through social media channels about this sustainable option within the pharmaceutical industry. This innovative packaging update benefits both medicine cabinets and the natural world outside your door.
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London's 'Most Boring Bridge" is Getting a Beautiful Makeover
London's bridges are getting a makeover, starting with Wandsworth Bridge shedding its title as "London's most boring bridge." The local council has given it a fresh new look with vibrant exterior lighting, transforming it into a sight to behold. Dating back to 1939, Wandsworth Bridge was originally painted in a dull blue/grey color for camouflage during World War Two. But now, it has received what the local authority calls a "major glow up" with its colorful new lights. With over 30 bridges spanning the Thames in London, each one tells a unique story of history and connectivity. From the iconic London Bridge to the modern Millennium Bridge, these structures play a vital role in linking different parts of the city. As Londoners enjoy the Easter weekend exploring their city, they can marvel at these architectural wonders that have stood the test of time. Whether admiring the classic beauty of central London's crossings or the charm of the south-west suburbs' bridges, there is something for everyone to appreciate.
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A New Device Is Offering Clues to Extraterrestrial Life on Hidden Exoplanets
A breakthrough in astronomical technology could soon allow scientists to directly observe distant exoplanets, potentially uncovering signs of life beyond Earth. Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a new coronagraph, an optical device designed to block out light from bright sources like stars, making it possible to see planets that are otherwise obscured. "Earth-like planets in the habitable zone can be up to a billion times dimmer than their host star," said Nico Deshler, the research team leader. "Our new coronagraph design siphons away starlight that might obscure exoplanet light before capturing an image." Published in Optica, the study demonstrates that this innovative coronagraph can theoretically reach the fundamental limits of exoplanet detection set by quantum optics. The researchers successfully used it to capture images and estimate positions of artificial exoplanets at distances previously unresolvable by traditional telescopes. "Compared to other designs, ours promises more information about sub-diffraction exoplanets," Deshler added. "This could allow us to potentially detect biosignatures and discover life among the stars." The development comes as NASA's Habitable Worlds Observatory focuses on exoplanet science. Traditional telescope resolution limits are being challenged with optical pre-processing techniques like those used in this study. The researchers employed a spatial mode sorter to separate and eliminate starlight while preserving light from off-axis exoplanets. This method allowed them to capture direct images of these celestial bodies without interference from their parent stars. "Our coronagraph directly captures an image of the exoplanet," Deshler explained. "Images provide context and composition information crucial for determining orbits and identifying other objects." This proof-of-concept experiment may pave the way for future advancements in astronomical instrumentation and imaging methods across various fields.
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NASA's Oldest Active Astronaut Just Returned To Earth on His 70th Birthday
Don Pettit, NASA's oldest active astronaut, celebrated his 70th birthday in a truly out-of-this-world way by landing back on Earth from the International Space Station. Alongside his crewmates Aleksey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner, Pettit touched down in Kazakhstan after spending seven months aboard the Soyuz MS-26 spacecraft. Despite being thousands of miles away from his birthplace in Silverton, Oregon, Pettit expressed that home is wherever you make it. He shared his thoughts from space, saying, "When our capsule goes thump on those desert flats, I will be literally on the opposite side of Earth... Yet I will be home." Pettit's journey may not have been as far-reaching as a trip to Mars, but his impact was immense. Known for his captivating science demonstrations and breathtaking photographs of Earth from space, he inspired many during his time on the station. As Pettit bid farewell to his fellow astronauts and prepared for the journey back to Houston, he left behind a legacy of scientific exploration and discovery. With over 590 days spent in space throughout his career, Pettit's dedication to advancing our understanding of the universe is truly commendable. The return of Soyuz MS-26 marks another successful mission for NASA and its international partners. As Pettit reunites with loved ones back on Earth, his remarkable contributions to space exploration will continue to inspire future generations of astronauts and scientists.
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Treasure hunter strikes gold in 11th-century coins
Andrew Pegg has unearthed a treasure trove of 11th-century coins just months into his new career as an archaeologist. After spending 24 years in retail management, the 49-year-old decided it was time for a change and pursued his passion for metal detecting. In 2022, a friend introduced him to Cotswold Archaeology's community excavation program. Inspired by the experience, Pegg applied for an open traineeship with the organization and soon became a qualified archaeologist. His first major project was at Sizewell C, near his hometown. Pegg's dedication paid off when he discovered 321 mint-condition silver coins dating back to the reigns of Harold I, Harthacnut, and Edward the Confessor. The find is believed to be the savings of a local figure concerned about regime changes following Edward's coronation. "It's my backyard—I was born in Leiston and I've never lived anywhere else," Pegg said. "To find something like that where you grew up is mind-blowing." Now working on excavations in Wickham Market, Suffolk, Pegg encourages others considering a career shift to follow their passion. "It's not just the folk out of college and university with their varying degrees," he said. "They took me on at 47—quite late in life—and I had no archaeological background at all." Pegg believes archaeology is accessible to anyone with an interest and enthusiasm. "There is quite an open audience as to who can do this job; it's not a closed book by any means," he added.
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Woman Revisits Year-Long Charity Fashion Challenge, Finds Healing And Confidence
Caroline Jones, a 56-year-old woman from Harpenden, England, is on a mission to spread hope and positivity through her unique fashion challenge. Ten years after embarking on her first Knickers Model's Own campaign in memory of her late mother, Mary Benson, Caroline is back at it again. In 2015, Caroline wore clothes exclusively from Cancer Research UK charity shops for an entire year, raising an impressive £70,000 along the way. Now in 2025, she is revisiting this challenge by posting side-by-side pictures of her outfits from both 2015 and 2025. The transformation she has experienced over the past decade is truly inspiring. Reflecting on her journey, Caroline shared that this time around feels different. She expressed feeling lighter and more confident than before. Through her daily posts on social media, she hopes to show others that change is possible even in the midst of difficult times. Looking back at her earlier photos from 2015 brings forth memories of raw grief and emotional turmoil. However, Caroline finds solace in honoring her mother's legacy through this meaningful endeavor. As she navigates through charity shops once again, Caroline notices a shift in demographics with younger generations showing interest in second-hand fashion. She emphasizes the importance of physical shopping experiences over online browsing when it comes to making fashion choices. For Caroline Jones, Knickers Model's Own isn't just about style—it's about embracing individuality and spreading positivity one outfit at a time.
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Re-Commerce Revolution: Turning Desert Fashion Waste Into Trendy Treasures
A unique initiative is transforming the Atacama Desert's clothing landfill into a treasure trove of fashion finds. Re-Commerce Atacama, in collaboration with Fashion Revolution Brazil and Desierto Vestido, is tackling the waste crisis by repurposing discarded clothes from this vast Chilean desert site. The project collects garments from the landfill and offers them to customers for just the cost of shipping. This includes not only fast fashion but also designer pieces, giving new life to items that would otherwise contribute to environmental degradation. "Hard to believe, but many of these pieces of clothing are brand new," states Re-Commerce's mission statement. "Instead of selling them for lower prices or even giving them away for those in need, the fashion industry prefers to dump them." The initiative has already seen success; its first launch sold out in five hours. By removing waste and providing affordable clothing options, Re-Commerce Atacama aims to make a significant impact on both consumers and the environment. Rodrigo Almeida, Chief Creative Officer at Artplan, which operates Re-Commerce, said: "This isn't just e-commerce; it's re-commerce. We're giving discarded items a voice while challenging consumers to take a more critical look at consumption habits."
Score (97)
Ice Bucket Challenge Returns with New Focus on Mental Health
A new wave of activism is making a splash at the University of South Carolina, where students have reimagined the iconic "Ice Bucket Challenge" to spotlight mental health awareness. The Mental Illness Needs Discussion (MIND) club launched the #SpeakYourMIND campaign on Instagram in March, encouraging participants to douse themselves with ice water, share their videos, and nominate others—all while promoting open conversations about mental health. The initiative has already raised over $100,000 for Active Minds, a nonprofit dedicated to changing mental health norms among youth. High-profile figures like former NFL players Peyton Manning and Emmanuel Sanders have joined in. Wade Jefferson, a USC junior who founded MIND after losing two friends to suicide, said the campaign aims to make discussions about mental health more accessible. Initially setting a modest goal of $500 and expecting limited reach within USC's campus, Jefferson was surprised by its viral success. Brett Curtis from Active Minds noted that many nonprofits have long sought an impactful movement like this. “I think fundraising professionals and nonprofits and causes have sat around tables for years trying to say, ‘What’s going to be our ice bucket challenge,’” Curtis said. “I do think there’s a little irony in that it is just the ice bucket challenge again, this time to talk about mental health.” The ALS Association expressed support for this new effort. “We’re thrilled to see the spirit of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge live on in new forms of activism,” they stated. Curtis emphasized that donations were secondary; supporting student-led initiatives was always key. As he put it: “This was a chance for us to support a group of students... And I’m just excited to see it keep going for as long as it does.”