Goodable

Endangered eastern quolls have been released into a controlled forest environment in New South Wales in an attempt to restore the species on mainland Australia.

Eastern quolls are marsupials that were extinct from mainland Australia, but still living on the island of Tasmania, though in a declining population.

Conservationists with Aussie Ark and the University of Sydney collaborated to release 15 eastern quolls on a feral-proof sanctuary on the property of Scots College’s Bannockburn campus.

Jerrinja tribal leader Ron Carberry also participated in the release, calling it a “magnificent moment.”

Now that the eastern quolls have been released, researchers will monitor the animals with GPS and very high frequency (VHF) radio transmitters and cameras around the 68-hectare sanctuary.

The research will help conservationists understand how better to help restore the eastern quoll population, Aussie Ark said.

The Bannockburn sanctuary is now part of a network of sanctuaries that are working to rebuild the eastern quoll population in New South Wales.

“The release is another powerful step toward one day rewilding the eastern quoll to the mainland of Australia,” Aussie Ark Operations Manager Dean Reid said.

Endangered eastern quolls have been released into a controlled forest environment in New South Wales in an attempt to restore the species on mainland Australia. Eastern quolls are marsupials that were extinct from mainland Australia, but still living on the island of Tasmania, though in a declining population. Conservationists with Aussie Ark and the University of Sydney collaborated to release 15 eastern quolls on a feral-proof sanctuary on the property of Scots College’s Bannockburn campus. Jerrinja tribal leader Ron Carberry also participated in the release, calling it a “magnificent moment.” Now that the eastern quolls have been released, researchers will monitor the animals with GPS and very high frequency (VHF) radio transmitters and cameras around the 68-hectare sanctuary. The research will help conservationists understand how better to help restore the eastern quoll population, Aussie Ark said. The Bannockburn sanctuary is now part of a network of sanctuaries that are working to rebuild the eastern quoll population in New South Wales. “The release is another powerful step toward one day rewilding the eastern quoll to the mainland of Australia,” Aussie Ark Operations Manager Dean Reid said.

'Magnificent Moment': Endangered Eastern Quolls Released Into Controlled Forest

The Dodo

In Falls, Pennsylvania, a family outing turned into an unexpected rescue mission when Adair Witmer and her family came across a surprising sight. As they were getting into their car outside their cottage, Witmer's daughter, Ashley, spotted something unusual on the road ahead.

It was a great horned owl, sitting right in the middle of the pavement. The presence of this nocturnal bird during daylight was puzzling and concerning to the Witmers. Instinctively sensing that something was amiss, the family sprang into action.

The youngest daughter, Christine, quickly reached out to the local game commission for assistance. Meanwhile, with some help from neighbors, they carefully covered the owl with a blanket and placed him gently into a carrier for safety while waiting for professional help.

A game commission officer arrived shortly after to examine the wayward owl. He determined that it was likely a juvenile not yet adept at flying. To give the young owl time to recover and grow stronger, he decided to take it back to the commission’s animal shelter for care.

"We couldn’t believe it," Witmer shared with The Dodo about their chance encounter with the owl. The family's swift actions ensured that this feathered visitor would get another shot at taking flight under safer conditions.

With relief in her voice, Witmer expressed gratitude once she knew the owl was in expert hands: "We were relieved, to be sure!" Thanks to their quick thinking and compassion, this great horned owl now has an opportunity for recovery before returning to its natural habitat.

Family's Quick Thinking Saves Stranded Owl: A Heartwarming Rescue Tale

Six rehabilitated sea turtles were returned to the ocean off Massachusetts on Tuesday morning, July 22,  following about seven months of care for “life-threatening, hypothermia-related conditions,” according to the New England Aquarium.

The aquarium said “staff, volunteers, and interns” from its Sea Turtle Hospital in Quincy gathered on West Dennis Beach “to send off the long-term sea turtle patients,” including five critically endangered Kemp’s ridley turtles and one green sea turtle that were stranded on Cape Cod last year after becoming “cold-stunned.”

“Among the group of turtles was ‘Hercules,’ a critically endangered Kemp’s ridley, who arrived at the aquarium with sepsis and severe gastrointestinal disease. After months of aggressive treatment including tube feeding, antibiotics, and steroids, the turtle fully recovered and returned to Nantucket Sound as bystanders cheered,” the New England Aquarium wrote in a press release.

“The aquarium treated 518 live sea turtles this past cold-stunning season. As the release season in Massachusetts winds down, the aquarium continues to care for six remaining turtle patients after returning 36 turtles to Nantucket Sound this summer,” the aquarium said.

Six rehabilitated sea turtles were returned to the ocean off Massachusetts on Tuesday morning, July 22,&nbsp; following about seven months of care for “life-threatening, hypothermia-related conditions,” according to the New England Aquarium. The aquarium said “staff, volunteers, and interns” from its Sea Turtle Hospital in Quincy gathered on West Dennis Beach “to send off the long-term sea turtle patients,” including five critically endangered Kemp’s ridley turtles and one green sea turtle that were stranded on Cape Cod last year after becoming “cold-stunned.” “Among the group of turtles was ‘Hercules,’ a critically endangered Kemp’s ridley, who arrived at the aquarium with sepsis and severe gastrointestinal disease. After months of aggressive treatment including tube feeding, antibiotics, and steroids, the turtle fully recovered and returned to Nantucket Sound as bystanders cheered,” the New England Aquarium wrote in a press release. “The aquarium treated 518 live sea turtles this past cold-stunning season. As the release season in Massachusetts winds down, the aquarium continues to care for six remaining turtle patients after returning 36 turtles to Nantucket Sound this summer,” the aquarium said.

Miracle Comeback: Six Turtles Make Triumphant Return to the Ocean

Good News Network

Champ, a two-legged Chihuahua, recently saved his owner from a potentially fatal heart attack. The tiny canine’s unusual behavior alerted Andrew Kuzyk to seek medical attention before symptoms fully manifested.

Kuzyk, 63, was relaxing at home in Locust Grove, Georgia, when Champ approached him with an odd whine and hugged his chest. "I was just watching TV when Champ came up to me," he told SWNS. "He hugged my chest right about where my heart is and made a whine I’ve never heard him utter before." Shortly thereafter, Kuzyk began experiencing chest pains.

His wife, Pamela, quickly called for an ambulance after noticing the seriousness of Champ's actions. Kuzyk was rushed approximately 48 kilometers to a hospital in Atlanta. There, doctors performed emergency surgery during which his heart stopped twice but fortunately restarted.

"The doctor showed me this giant thing blocking my heart right after surgery," Kuzyk said. "He said in his career, he’s never seen anything like it." He credits Champ with saving his life that day and recalls how the dog had similarly warned him before he was diagnosed with brain cancer.

Champ is one of six rescue Chihuahuas living with the couple in their mobile home. Each has its own set of challenges; one is blind and others have special needs. Despite their difficulties, they have brought immense joy into Kuzyk’s life.

"I have a soft spot in my heart for dogs who have been abandoned," he expressed. While Chihuahuas often face criticism due to their barking tendencies, Kuzyk sees them as misunderstood companions who need love and care.

Kuzyk says fate played a part in his survival through these health scares. "I think for some strange reason, during all my cancers, the Lord wants me to be on this earth," he reflected.

Kuzyk holds Champ dear as a source of strength alongside his faith and wife Pamela. "I love him with all my heart," he shared warmly about the little hero who has captured hearts beyond just his own household.

Meet Champ: The Two-Legged Chihuahua Who Saved His Owner From a Heart Attack

A newly identified species of Triassic reptile, named Mirasaura, is causing quite a stir among scientists. This creature, which lived around 247 million years ago, features a crest unlike anything researchers have seen before. While many might think of crests as being made from skin or feathers—like those on pterosaurs or birds—Mirasaura’s isn’t either. Instead, it’s a unique structure that has scientists rethinking how such appendages evolved.

In a paper published in Nature by Stephan Spiekman and his team, the focus is on this small creature with its striking crest of appendages reaching up to 15 centimeters along its back. Despite having a skull that looks somewhat bird-like, Mirasaura belongs to an ancient group of reptiles known as Drepanosauromorpha.

The Triassic Period was a time when reptiles were really coming into their own. Many of today’s reptiles like lizards and turtles first appeared during this period. Finding fossils with soft tissues preserved from this era is rare but incredibly valuable for understanding ancient life.

Two well-preserved skeletons of Mirasaura, along with 80 other specimens featuring isolated appendages and preserved soft tissues, were studied after being housed at the State Museum of Natural History in Stuttgart, Germany. Some of these fossils were initially discovered back in the 1930s in northeastern France. However, they remained unidentified until more recent analysis linked the skeletal remains to the distinctive crests.

Dr. Richard Prum from Yale University commented on the discovery's significance: “The material has been variously described over the years as including parts of a reptile skeleton, a fish fin, an insect wing or plant parts.” This variety shows just how puzzling these finds have been until now.

The preserved soft tissues allowed researchers to examine what these appendages were made of during Mirasaura’s lifetime. The presence of melanosomes—pigment-producing cells similar to those found in feathers—suggests that complex appendages may have evolved among reptiles long before birds came onto the scene.

So what purpose did these dramatic crests serve? Spiekman and his colleagues propose that they weren’t used for flight or camouflage but might have played a role in visual signaling, possibly for attracting mates or deterring predators with their impressive appearance.

As Dr. Prum observes, “[T]hese appendages must have been a striking and unusual feature of the animal’s appearance.” It seems the mystery surrounding Mirasaura will continue to intrigue scientists as they piece together more about this fascinating reptile's life and times.

Newly Discovered 'Wonder Reptile' Stuns Scientists With Its Mysterious, Gigantic Crest

Positive.News

Here’s a look at some of the most uplifting developments around the globe this week:

1. A historic climate justice ruling
The International Court of Justice has ruled that countries failing to curb emissions or funding fossil fuel projects could be in breach of international law. Though the decision is non-binding, experts called it a “once-in-a-generation moment” that could reshape climate accountability worldwide.

2. Wolves bring back Yellowstone’s aspens
For the first time in 80 years, new mature aspen trees have been recorded in Yellowstone National Park. The return of wolves and other predators has reduced elk numbers, allowing young aspen to grow tall once again—an “ecological milestone,” researchers said.

3. Greece creates two new marine reserves
Greece has announced protected areas in the Ionian and South Aegean seas, fulfilling a pledge to protect 30% of its waters by 2030. Bottom trawling will be banned in these zones, making Greece the first European country to implement such a measure.

4. Paris ranked top city for cycling
Paris has been named the world’s best large city for cycling by People For Bikes, thanks to an ambitious expansion of bike lanes under Mayor Anne Hidalgo.

5. A victory for jobseekers in Ontario
Starting in 2026, companies in Ontario, Canada, will be required to inform job applicants of the outcome of interviews within 45 days. The new rules also mandate salary transparency and disclosure of AI use in recruitment.

6. Cranes return to Scotland
Conservation efforts to restore wetlands have helped cranes—once hunted to extinction in Scotland 500 years ago—naturally re-establish themselves in the country.

7. 7,000 steps may be enough
A new health study in The Lancet finds that walking 7,000 steps a day significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, depression, and dementia, challenging the long-standing 10,000-step goal.

8. Tree of the Year shortlist
The Woodland Trust has announced its “Tree of the Year” finalists, highlighting 10 culturally significant trees in the UK, including one climbed by The Beatles and another featured in Virginia Woolf’s writing.

Good News Roundup This Week: Climate Justice, Wolves, Marine Reserves and More

Deep below the bustling squares and museums of Rome’s Capitoline Hill lies a hidden city: a vast network of caves and tunnels that hasn’t been open to the public for nearly a century. Soon, that will change.

Known as the Grottino del Campidoglio, this underground world covers about 3,900 square meters—roughly three-quarters the size of an American football field—and stretches beneath the Roman Forum and the 2,000-year-old Teatro di Marcello. Some sections descend as far as 300 meters below the surface.

“This is an undiscovered world,” said archaeologist Ersilia D’Ambrosio as she led CNN through the labyrinth. “No one has seen these caves and tunnels for more than a century.”

Once vital to life in the city, the grotto has had many uses: quarries, water cisterns, homes, shops, taverns, warehouses, and finally bomb shelters during World War II. But in the 1920s, under orders from Benito Mussolini, many of its entrances were sealed, and large sections were filled in to stabilize the hill above.

Today, preparations are underway to open the network to the public for the first time in modern history. Work crews are clearing passages, reinforcing walls, and installing lighting and ventilation systems to make the site safe. The $2.8 million project aims to be completed by late 2026 or early 2027.

Inside, the temperature drops to about 13°C, a stark contrast to Rome’s summer heat. Visitors will eventually see brick-lined 19th-century tunnels, rough volcanic tuff passageways dating back centuries, and, in one chamber, the white marble foundations of the ancient Temple of Jupiter, built in the 6th century BCE.

The grotto’s history is layered. In the 19th century, it was the heart of a working-class neighborhood, where taverns and workshops flourished in its cool underground rooms. German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe even mentioned falling in love with a woman who worked in one of those taverns in his Italian Journey. During World War II, part of the complex served as a bomb shelter, complete with heavy doors and painted signs pointing to “gabinetto” (bathrooms).

Laser scanning has been used to map the tunnels before excavation, and items recovered from earlier digs are being returned underground to be studied and displayed in their original context. Pottery, amphorae, stone artifacts, and metal rings believed to have tethered animals will be on show. A museum space will occupy the upper level, with guided tours controlling access to the tunnels below.

“This is an esoteric experience,” said D’Ambrosio. “It combines archaeology and speleology. The area has never before been opened to the public as it will be.”

From the surface, there’s little sign of the subterranean network below Capitoline Hill. Soon, though, visitors will be able to descend beneath some of Rome’s most famous landmarks and step into a hidden slice of the city’s past.

Unlocking Rome's Hidden Depths: Ancient Underground Labyrinth Set to Dazzle Visitors

Talker News

A 16-foot (about 4.9 meters) giraffe named Bashu recently underwent a significant veterinary procedure at Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire to address his overgrown hooves. At 13 years old, Bashu was experiencing lameness that could have threatened his ability to walk if left untreated. With the stakes high, a team of 25 keepers and vets came together for this challenging task.

Bashu is a father to two young giraffes, Myra and Timba. His case required the expertise of farriers, who are specialists in hoof care. These experts were flown in from 6,400 kilometers away in the United States to perform what was termed a "radical hoof trim." The procedure involved placing Bashu under general anesthesia—a complicated process given that giraffes have the highest blood pressure among animals.

The operation lasted about 90 minutes, during which Steve Foxworth from the Zoo Hoofstock Trim Program led the trimming of Bashu's hooves. A diverse team of professionals joined forces for this effort: eight zookeepers, six vets, five veterinary nurses, four farriers, and two veterinary anesthesiologists.

To complete the procedure successfully and safely, Bashu was fitted with custom-made "shoes" similar to horseshoes but made from urethane rubber. These shoes were carefully attached using acrylic glue. Throughout the operation, veterinary anesthetists monitored Bashu closely while his head rested against a ladder to help stabilize his blood pressure.

Given Bashu's imposing size and height—he weighs around 1.1 tons—transporting him to an off-site veterinary hospital was not feasible. Instead, zoo staff transformed his habitat into an ad-hoc operating room by lining its walls with 46 hay bales as a safety measure.

During the procedure, keepers played an essential role by maneuvering Bashu’s legs for better access and even massaging them to maintain proper blood circulation.

Hannah Rowland, ZSL’s veterinary manager at Whipsnade Zoo, highlighted the complexity of the operation: “This was a hugely complex procedure with many moving parts involved; it’s thanks to all those present that we were able to do what was needed swiftly and successfully.” She added that despite not being a miracle cure, "this procedure has given Bashu the best chance at long-term improvement."

Remarkably resilient after such an extensive operation, Bashu was back on his feet within just 15 minutes post-procedure and is making good progress. The zoo plans to continue monitoring him closely while ensuring regular foot care sessions will keep his hooves healthy moving forward.

Giraffe's Life-Saving Hoof Surgery: How Zoo Vets Pulled Off a Medical Marvel

ABC News

An asteroid the size of a small plane is set to zip past Earth next week, but NASA experts assure us it's not a cause for concern. The rock, known as 2025 OW, measures about 64 meters long and will pass by on July 28 at a distance of roughly 632,000 kilometers from our planet. That's about 1.6 times the average distance to the Moon.

Despite its impressive speed of 75,500 kilometers per hour, NASA scientists stress that this encounter is routine. "This is very routine," said Ian J. O'Neill from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory while speaking to ABC News. He emphasized that if there were any real threat from such an object, NASA would issue alerts through their planetary defense blog.

Davide Farnocchia, an asteroid expert at NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), explains that space rocks zipping by Earth are just part of life in our solar system. "Close approaches happen all the time," he said. His team typically tracks several asteroids each week; next week alone, they are monitoring five different ones.

While 2025 OW is sizable enough to catch NASA's attention, its trajectory is well understood and poses no danger to Earth. O'Neill added confidently, "We know exactly where it's going to be."

For those hoping to see 2025 OW with binoculars or telescopes, you're out of luck; it won't be visible through them. But there's something more exciting on the horizon: in April 2029, another asteroid named Apophis will make a much closer approach. This one will come within just 38,000 kilometers of Earth—closer than some satellites—and will be visible to the naked eye.

Apophis measures about 340 meters long and offers an exceptional opportunity for both scientists and amateur stargazers alike to observe an asteroid up close without any risk involved.

Farnocchia and O'Neill remind us that although Earth gets hit by around 100 tons of space material every day—mostly harmless dust—significant impacts are exceedingly rare events. Farnocchia elaborates: "For an object the size of 2025 OW...an actual Earth impact would only occur roughly every 10,000 years."

NASA continues its vigilant watch over near-Earth objects through dedicated planetary defense programs. They aim to keep us informed about potential risks while reminding everyone that most asteroid-related headlines tend towards sensationalism rather than genuine threat assessment.

With this careful monitoring in place and clear communication from experts like Farnocchia and O'Neill, we can rest easy knowing that events like next week's flyby are simply part of our solar system's natural ebb and flow—a fascinating yet unthreatening spectacle in the vastness beyond our skies.

Why NASA is Calling Next Week's Flyby "Business as Usual" and Not to Worry

Artnet

A new artificial intelligence tool is helping historians piece together fragments of the Roman past faster than ever before.

The system, called Aeneas, was developed by researchers from Google DeepMind and the University of Nottingham. It uses generative AI to analyze thousands of Latin inscriptions, spotting links between texts that might otherwise take scholars years to uncover.

For centuries, identifying the origins and context of inscriptions has relied heavily on human interpretation. Historians compare style, wording, and location, but the process becomes complicated when inscriptions are incomplete, filled with abbreviations, or have been moved far from their original site. Cambridge professor Mary Beard has described this work as “guesswork” that often depends on “a hunch.”

Aeneas promises to change that. According to a paper published in Nature, the tool can scan a database of 176,000 digitized Latin inscriptions, detecting patterns and parallels in just seconds. It can even estimate when and where an inscription was created, with an average margin of error of about 13 years.

“Ancient inscriptions offer rare, direct insights into past civilizations, but they often survive as incomplete fragments, lacking crucial context,” said Dr. Thea Sommerschield, a historian and epigrapher at the University of Nottingham. “Much like finding connections between jigsaw pieces, Aeneas quickly identifies shared names, phrases, and formulas across thousands of Latin inscriptions, enabling us to reconstruct lost information and gain a more complete understanding of ancient history.”

In one example, the AI revealed that a votive altar found in Mogontiacum, modern-day Mainz in Germany, echoed the language of an older altar from the same area. The similarity was so subtle that it might have gone unnoticed without Aeneas.

Beyond linking texts, the tool can suggest restorations for damaged inscriptions, even when gaps are of unknown length. Researchers demonstrated this by filling in missing words on a fragment of a bronze military diploma from Sardinia, now at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

During tests with 23 historians, Aeneas proved useful as a starting point for further research in 90 percent of cases. Importantly, the best results came when the AI and human expertise were combined, rather than when either worked alone.

The potential applications go well beyond Latin. The researchers believe the same approach could be adapted to other languages and media, from papyri to coin inscriptions. For now, its creators say the system is likely to become a time-saving partner, not a replacement, for scholars.

About 1,500 new Latin inscriptions are discovered each year, many written by ordinary Romans rather than the elite. Each one offers a window into life in the Roman Empire. With Aeneas, those windows may now open a little faster.

Secrets of Ancient Rome: Meet the Latin-Reading A.I. Tool Revolutionizing History

Residents of the St Ann Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Dover, New Hampshire, had a chance to strut their stuff on Wednesday, July 23. The occasion? "Gorgeous Grandma Day," where 25 residents took to the catwalk for a special runway show.

The atmosphere was lively as the women showcased their style and confidence, walking down a red carpet runway set up especially for the event. Those participating showed off a range of outfits while being cheered on by staff and fellow residents. It was a day filled with smiles and laughter as everyone celebrated the beauty and spirit of these remarkable women.

The nursing center captured footage of the event, sharing it along with some photos on Facebook. In their post, they expressed how much they cherish these moments: “Yesterday was Gorgeous Grandma Day,” read the caption. “What better way to celebrate the lovely ladies we are blessed to care for than a fashion show.”

This annual event is part of St Anns Rehab's commitment to creating engaging activities that enhance residents' quality of life. By hosting such events, they aim to foster a sense of community and joy within their facility.

Residents of the St Ann Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Dover, New Hampshire, had a chance to strut their stuff on Wednesday, July 23. The occasion? "Gorgeous Grandma Day," where 25 residents took to the catwalk for a special runway show.The atmosphere was lively as the women showcased their style and confidence, walking down a red carpet runway set up especially for the event. Those participating showed off a range of outfits while being cheered on by staff and fellow residents. It was a day filled with smiles and laughter as everyone celebrated the beauty and spirit of these remarkable women.The nursing center captured footage of the event, sharing it along with some photos on Facebook. In their post, they expressed how much they cherish these moments: “Yesterday was Gorgeous Grandma Day,” read the caption. “What better way to celebrate the lovely ladies we are blessed to care for than a fashion show.”This annual event is part of St Anns Rehab's commitment to creating engaging activities that enhance residents' quality of life. By hosting such events, they aim to foster a sense of community and joy within their facility.

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