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.”

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Stitching Visibility: How One Artist's Vibrant Quilt is Amplifying Disability Justice Across America

Every July, Maya Morya Selkie Scott dons her sequins and vibrant colors to celebrate Pride Disability Month. For Scott, who uses an electric wheelchair, these colorful outfits are not just for show. "I am hyper visible whether I want to be or not," she explained. "I really chose to amplify joy, humor, curiosity, and creativity. But there is a strategy as well." Her dazzling attire serves as a safety measure, making her more noticeable in public spaces. Scott's mission extends beyond personal visibility. She is dedicated to ensuring that people with disabilities have their voices heard and their stories told. As an activist and artist in residence at the Center for Independent Living (CIL) in Berkeley, Scott has made it her life’s work to bring disability rights into the spotlight. "Disabled people have been part of humanity since the beginning of time," she said. This sentiment drives her advocacy efforts. One of Scott's key projects is the "Disability Justice Community Stories Quilt Project." This initiative invites people to create quilt panels that express their personal experiences with disability. Inspired by the AIDS Memorial Quilt, Scott hopes this project can similarly honor those who came before while sparking conversations about current issues facing the disabled community. The quilt has already traveled across the United States, participating in events such as parades and protests from the Bay Area to Washington D.C. It aims to educate both the public and policymakers on disability rights. These rights gained significant traction 35 years ago with the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. The ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability in areas like employment and transportation. The CIL in Berkeley has long been a pioneer for disability rights, even before the ADA became law over five decades ago. Dr. Victor Pineda, its executive director, views the quilt as much more than art; he sees it as an important artifact that connects lives and experiences. "When you interact with the quilt," Pineda said, "you understand how our lives are woven together." Creating these quilt panels has become a communal activity over the past year; each month brings new contributors eager to share stories of love, struggle, justice, and victories through their designs. So far, 20 panels have taken shape. "When people see the quilt," said Scott, "I want them to feel energy, emotion, rage, grief, and joy." Her hope is that these emotions will resonate deeply enough to foster love and connection within communities.

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A Decade Later: How Coral Is Making a Comeback After Deepwater Horizon Disaster

In the wake of the 2011 Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, a significant deep-sea restoration project is making headway. This initiative, funded by BP's settlement money, is showing promise in reviving coral populations using innovative techniques. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its partners have been leading the Mesophotic and Deep Benthic Communities (MDBC) restoration projects for eight years. Their efforts focus on coral propagation and mapping damaged ocean habitats across the Gulf of Mexico. To begin their work, teams deploy autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to chart the seafloor. These tools provide camera footage that helps researchers pinpoint areas with severely damaged corals. "We are mapping the Gulf to a level that is practically unprecedented," Andrew Davies from the University of Rhode Island told Mongabay’s Liz Kimbrough. Since last year, they've mapped an area almost as large as Wales—19,400 square kilometers. Once they've identified key locations, researchers use ROVs to carefully collect small pieces of healthy corals without damaging them further. They then cut these clippings into smaller fragments and mount them on concrete racks before returning them to the ocean floor. In May 2023, researchers planted 200 coral fragments at a depth of 70 meters. The following year saw an additional 140 fragments placed. Depending on species, survival rates range from 60 to 90 percent. Highly trained U.S. Navy divers also play a role in this effort. They venture beyond standard scuba diving limits to fragment corals by hand and glue them onto racks directly on the seafloor during their brief dives. Meanwhile, scientists are working in labs to grow deep-sea corals under conditions mimicking real ocean habitats. At NOAA's lab in Galveston, Texas, one coral species started reproducing earlier this year, yielding about 1,000 baby corals. Chris Gardner, a fisheries biologist with the U.S. government, noted that under controlled conditions these corals seem to be growing faster than expected. The first attempt to transplant lab-grown corals back into the ocean is scheduled for later this year.

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This Blind Moose Calf is Finding Hope and a New Home After a Heartwarming Rescue

In Ontario, a young moose calf named Cedar is getting a new lease on life with some help from the Toronto Zoo. Discovered alone on a rural road in Hawkesbury and unable to see properly, his rescuers knew Cedar needed urgent assistance. Lynne Rowe, director of operations at Holly's Haven Wildlife Rescue, explained that Cedar was found wandering without his mother. The team quickly assessed his condition and discovered he had partial sight in one eye. They set up an outdoor area for him to adjust and begin his recovery. For three weeks, Cedar received continuous veterinary care while Holly's Haven sought a permanent solution for him. Usually, they would turn to Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary for long-term care, but it was full. This led Rowe to contact the Toronto Zoo for help. "Moose cannot be taken out of the wild to be put in a zoo," Rowe stated. However, exceptions are made if the animal is not fit to return to its natural habitat. With the provincial Ministry of Natural Resources' quick approval, plans for Cedar's move began. The Toronto Zoo is preparing to welcome Cedar into their care. CEO Dolf DeJong mentioned that their veterinarians will work closely with those at Holly’s Haven to understand Cedar’s needs better. Although returning him to the wild would have been ideal, DeJong highlighted how Cedar could educate visitors who rarely get a chance to see a moose. Before he can relocate, Cedar must pass screenings for zoonotic diseases and other health assessments. For now, he remains at Holly’s Haven until all preparations are complete.

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Meet the 7th Grader Taking the National Spanish Spelling Bee by Storm

While many kids spent their summer by the pool or glued to video games, 12-year-old Melody Hinkle had a different focus: spelling her way to a national title. The incoming seventh grader at Brewer Middle School in White Settlement, Texas, won the National Spanish Spelling Bee in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on July 12. She outlasted 34 contestants from across the United States in a marathon 24-round competition. The victory earned Melody a $4,000 prize, a trophy and an automatic spot in the 2026 National Spanish Spelling Bee, where she plans to defend her title. “We study about two hours a day, anywhere from 200 to 500 words,” Melody told CBS News Texas. This was her fourth time qualifying for nationals. After coming in second in 2024, she came back determined. “I was crying a lot. I was just really grateful I had the opportunity,” she said about her emotional win. Melody is a product of White Settlement ISD’s Dual Language Program, which begins in early grades and teaches students in both English and Spanish with the goal of full fluency. Her coach, Eva Valenzuela, the district’s dual language coordinator, has been working with her since third grade. “She analyzes a word, breaks it down. Some words she memorizes the definition, because it's important to know where the word comes from and how it's spelled,” Valenzuela said. On stage, Melody said she keeps calm by spelling deliberately. “I just try to keep a rhythm when I'm spelling the letters and go slow,” she explained. “I think I'm the slowest speller, but that's OK. I just take deep breaths so I can calm myself before I spell.” The day after her win, she took a single day off before getting back to practice. Melody plans to save her prize money for college and dreams of becoming a dual language teacher herself. Her goal, she said, is to inspire future students the same way her own teachers have inspired her.

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Meet The Cardboard Genius Transforming Philadelphia's Fairmount Park With His Latest Masterpiece

Kambel Smith, known as "The Cardboard Genius," is making a splash at the Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse in East Fairmount Park. This local artist has gained fame for creating remarkable cardboard sculptures of famous landmarks just by looking at pictures. Now, visitors have the chance to see him in action during the Boxopolis program on Thursday. Smith's method is simple but impressive: he crafts intricate sculptures using only cardboard and his keen eye for detail. As he works on his latest project, Kambel says, "I like to be focused. And I like to be patient." This dedication to precision is evident to anyone who watches him work, whether it's neighbors passing by or art enthusiasts stopping to admire his creations. His father Lonnie recalls how Kambel's artistic talent came as a surprise; Kambel was diagnosed with autism as a child. However, once he discovered art, it became a powerful tool for expression. "Unknowingly, what he's done here, though, it's powerful," Lonnie shares. Kambel’s story has captured attention nationwide. A feature on CBS News Philadelphia garnered over a million views on social media. Celebrities like Questlove and former NFL star Terrell Owens have shown their support too. "When he hears that people are interested in his projects, it just motivates him to move faster," says Lonnie. Kambel is currently working on a replica of the Marcy Houses in Brooklyn, where rapper Jay-Z grew up. According to Lonnie, Roc Nation recently expressed interest in Kambel's work, spurring him on further. Lonnie remains a constant presence in Kambel's life, providing encouragement and creating an environment where his son can thrive. Despite the praise he receives online for this role, Lonnie remains humble about it all: "It's not a big deal," he laughs. "It's just what I do because I love him."

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Walk Faster, Age Slower: The Surprising 14-Step Routine to Boost Strength

Walking faster, even just a little, can make a big difference for older adults trying to stay healthy and independent, according to new research from the University of Chicago Medicine. For years, the “talk test” has been used to judge walking intensity: move at a pace where it is hard to sing but still possible to talk. It is simple but subjective, and researchers wanted a more reliable measure. Their studies focused instead on cadence, the number of steps taken per minute. Daniel Rubin, an anesthesiologist at UChicago Medicine, said his interest in cadence came from seeing how often frailty complicates surgery for older adults. “Older adults have a high risk of complications associated with surgery,” he said. “Traditionally, surgical teams have relied on physical function questionnaires to risk stratify patients, but I thought there must be a way to develop more objective metrics.” In a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial, Rubin and colleagues looked at frail or prefrail older adults who joined walking programs in their retirement communities. Participants wore a small device on their thigh that measured steps per minute. One group was encouraged to walk “as fast as safely possible,” while the other maintained their usual pace. The results were clear: people who walked about 14 steps per minute faster than their normal pace — roughly 100 steps per minute — showed big improvements in how far and how long they could walk during a standardized test. “People who haven't experienced frailty can't imagine how big a difference it makes to be able to not get tired going to the grocery store or not need to sit down while they're out,” Rubin said. To make it easier for people to track their walking cadence outside of a research setting, the team built a smartphone app called “Walk Test.” Unlike built-in phone step counters, the app uses an open-source method to analyze motion data and guide users through short walking tests for more accurate measurements. “We didn't necessarily trust smartphones' built-in analytics,” Rubin said. “Instead, we built an app that uses a novel open-source method to analyze the data measured by the phone and lets us actively engage users in brief, deliberate walking tests, ensuring accurate measurement.” Tests showed the app is just as accurate as specialized lab devices. Rubin said it was designed with ease of use in mind. “We wanted to make it as low-barrier as possible so it's easy for older adults to use without additional equipment,” he said. “The people who need the most help are usually the least well-equipped to get started.” The app is not yet publicly available, but the research suggests that even without it, people can benefit from a simple approach: find your usual walking pace in steps per minute, then try adding about 14 steps per minute to that pace. A metronome app can help keep a steady rhythm. “Even casual walking had positive effects on our study participants,” Rubin said. “But for those who are able, increasing their walking pace judiciously can yield even greater results.” The studies point to a straightforward way for older adults to improve fitness, quality of life, and independence without special equipment: just walk a little faster.

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Heartfelt Heroism: Stranger's Touch Offers Solace in a Moment of Crisis

When Nathaniel Bunn heard the crash of a car flipping over in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he didn’t hesitate. He and his family rushed to the scene, discovering an overturned vehicle with a trapped driver inside. Despite their efforts, they couldn’t open the jammed door. With rescuing her physically impossible at that moment, Bunn decided to do what he could: offer comfort. He crouched beside the wreckage and reached in to hold the woman’s hand. Though she remained silent, her grip was strong. Bunn assured her that help was on its way, staying by her side until first responders arrived. The incident drew attention not just for its dramatic nature but because of how it played out in real time and online. Many bystanders recorded the scene instead of assisting. This frustrated Bunn. "I was feeling kind of in despair," he shared with KLTV, expressing his dismay about people opting to film rather than lend a hand. After the ordeal, Bunn called the hospital to learn about the woman’s condition. Though he didn’t know her name, hospital staff informed him that no one from that crash was critically injured—a relief for him. Reflecting on what happened, Bunn hopes others might take a lesson from his actions that day. "Everybody should, maybe, learn from this if it’s possible," he advised. "If you see somebody in this situation where you can help, try to help them." For Nathaniel Bunn, being there for someone when they needed it most mattered more than anything else that day.

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This Rowing Team Is Aiming to Raise an Epic $78 Million Record for MND with a Transatlantic Adventure

Four rowers have set off on an ambitious four-year expedition they hope will end with a world record and 57 million pounds raised for motor neuron disease (MND) research. Aaron Kneebone, Liz Wardley, Mike Bates and Matt Parker launched their first leg on July 25, rowing from Land’s End to John O’Groats. The team plans to row Britain’s length and back again by 2026, row from California to Hawaii in 2027, and in 2028 attempt their final challenge: New York to London. The campaign, called ROW4MND, is raising money in memory of rugby greats Rob Burrow and Doddie Weir, who both died from MND. The total target of 57 million pounds matches their rugby shirt numbers, 5 and 7. “Today’s launch is the start of something far bigger than a rowing expedition,” said Bates, a former Royal Marine commando and co-founder of the effort. “I co-founded ROW4MND to take real action for Rob, for Doddie, and for the thousands of people and their families who need a breakthrough. We’ll carry their stories with us every mile of the way.” The illness affects the brain and spinal cord, weakening muscles and eventually impacting walking, eating and breathing. There is currently no cure. Over the next 21 days the crew will row along Britain’s western coast, stopping in communities to meet families living with MND and raise awareness. Matt Parker, CEO of Babble and also a co-founder of the campaign, said, “This is a show of strength and solidarity for the MND community and for everyone who refuses to give up hope. This is just the beginning of a four-year journey, and we’re ready to give it everything we’ve got, every step of the way.” The final transatlantic route from New York to London would be a first. The rowers say their team has the skill to complete it: Wardley is an experienced adventure sailor, and Kneebone is a rowing coach and fellow Royal Marine veteran. Kevin Sinfield, the former England rugby league captain who supported Burrow throughout his illness, praised the crew. “What Matt, Mike and the ROW4MND crew are doing is nothing short of extraordinary,” he said. “It’s a powerful show of commitment, not just to raising funds, but to carrying the legacy of two incredible men who, before and after their fight with MND. Every stroke they row sends a message that the MND community is not alone and I’m proud to support them.” Money raised will be divided among the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Leeds Hospitals Charity to fund research and support for those affected by the disease. Jason Fox, a former Marine Commando and ambassador for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, said, “This challenge is likely to push the crew to their limits, but we all have the resilience within ourselves to keep going when things get tough. I wish them the best of luck with this first row and will be following their progress as they raise vital funds for MND research.”

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Man With Rare Blood Type Hits 100th Life-Saving Donation Milestone

Robert Boocock, a 61-year-old from England has achieved an impressive milestone by making his 100th blood donation this year. For four decades, Robert has been donating his rare B-negative blood type after being inspired by his uncle, who was also committed to the cause. B-negative is not a common blood type, with fewer than 20,000 donors in England. The NHS Blood and Transplant service reports a concerning trend of losing almost 1,000 B-negative donors over the past year—about 5 percent of the total donor base. This decline highlights the need for more people to step forward. Robert's journey into blood donation began at age 21 while working for his uncle. He learned that his aunt needed over 20 units of blood following an operation that went wrong. "That got me thinking," Robert recalled. "That's 20 people that can only donate once every few months. I thought, I've got spare in my body, so why don't I volunteer?" His commitment grew even stronger when he discovered that his blood was suitable for newborns. Newborns require transfusions from donors whose blood lacks cytomegalovirus (CMV), a mild virus most people catch early in life. Knowing that some of his donations go directly to neonatal wards gives him a sense of purpose: "That's quite a nice thought that it's going straight to a little baby perhaps that doesn't know they need it," he said. The NHS is calling for younger donors to fill the gap left by those who can no longer donate. Up to 200,000 new donors are needed each year to replace those who stop giving for various reasons. Robert compares donating blood to maintaining a bank account. "Unless you put some in," he said, "how could you rely on there being some there when you may need it?" His uncle stopped donating after reaching 73 donations due to health issues. This motivated Robert even further; he aims to continue as long as possible. "I thought, I'm not going to stop now," Robert said about surpassing his uncle’s record. "Let's see how many I can keep going with until I no longer can."

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AI is Helping Scientists Uncover Secret Lives of Baby Owls

Researchers have found a non-intrusive way to count baby barn owls using artificial intelligence and sound. This innovation allows them to monitor the birds without disturbing their nests. Kavisha Jayathunge, a PhD student at Bournemouth University, is leading the project by mapping individual owl calls and employing AI to distinguish between them, effectively counting the owls in an area. Jayathunge has successfully tested this technology, which also provides insights into assessing how hungry the owls are. “We're using AI to count baby barn owls by sound instead of disturbing them in their nests with video cameras,” he explained. This approach reduces stress on the birds and offers data from natural nest sites that are usually hard to reach for monitoring. The AI model can identify individual owl calls based on slight differences in frequencies that human ears can't detect. While still in its early stages, testing in North Dorset has shown promising results. According to Brian Cresswell, a biologist turned electronics engineer collaborating with Jayathunge, "This basic data is important for monitoring breeding success of barn owls." He added that understanding owl behavior and their hissing sounds could help determine which chicks get fed first and possibly gauge their hunger levels. In the long term, the project aims to develop technology enabling volunteers and conservationists to use audio recorders in nature to capture owl sounds without disturbing them. Barn owls hiss loudly, allowing recorders to be placed away from nests. Jayathunge believes this could greatly benefit citizen science efforts: “It has great potential for citizen science as it doesn’t require expensive and specialist equipment—anyone could gather recordings and send them for analysis.” By making barn owl monitoring scalable and less invasive, researchers hope this project will contribute positively to the species' future outcomes.

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