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Scientists Crack The Code Of Earth's Ancient Volcanic Mysteries
Geologists from the University of Maryland and the University of Hawai'i have made a groundbreaking discovery linking one of Earth's largest volcanic eruptions to its deep-sea origins beneath the Pacific Ocean. Published in Nature on April 30, 2025, their research reveals that an underwater hotspot is responsible for both a chain of volcanoes in the southern Pacific and the massive Ontong-Java Plateau, Earth's largest volcanic platform. "Up until now, we've had this extremely disconnected picture of the Pacific and its volcanoes," said Val Finlayson, assistant research scientist at UMD's Department of Geology. "But for the first time, we're able to make a clear connection between the younger southern and older western Pacific volcanic systems." For years, scientists speculated whether the Louisville hotspot in the southern Pacific Ocean formed both its namesake underwater mountain chain and the 120-million-year-old Ontong-Java Plateau near Solomon Islands. Previous models failed to definitively link these geological features. "Much of the physical evidence...has disappeared because part of the Louisville hotspot track was subducted," Finlayson explained. Her team found success by analyzing ancient rock samples from submerged volcanoes near Samoa. These samples revealed older segments of the Louisville volcanic track—akin to a volcano's "footprints." "We can track these 'footprints' across time and space," she said. This new evidence allowed them to revise models of Pacific plate motion. Finlayson's team plans to apply their findings to other ancient volcanic features worldwide. "We've solved one mystery...This finding offers us a more accurate history of the Pacific," she concluded. Understanding Earth's past helps illuminate our dynamic planet today.
Score (97)
N-ICE Cream: The Sweet Solution to Malnutrition is Now Hitting Hospitals
In Nottingham, a high-protein ice cream is making its way into the hospital menu to help combat malnutrition among older patients. Developed by clinicians at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust, this frozen treat called N-ICE Cream was initially introduced during a trial in 2022. Thanks to funding from the Nottingham Hospitals Charity, it will now be available on nine wards at Queen's Medical Centre. The charity is providing up to £4,800 for ice cream supplies and six mini freezers necessary for storage. Professor Opinder Sahota, a consultant in ortho-geriatric medicine at NUH, expressed his enthusiasm about the project's expansion. "When you're not very well," he said, "trying to consume a big plate of food can be quite difficult." He emphasized the importance of eating for recovery and maintaining muscle mass. Traditionally, patients who struggle with eating have been offered high-protein drinks as supplements. However, Prof Sahota noted that many people find these drinks unappealing. When asked for alternatives, patients often suggested they would prefer something like ice cream. Enter N-ICE Cream: a product tailored to meet those needs with approximately 14.5 grams of protein per serving and fortified with leucine and vitamin D. Manufactured by Matlock Meadows Dairy Farm specifically for NUH, N-ICE Cream comes in four flavors: vanilla, strawberry, salted caramel, and mint. The development of this ice cream has been peer-reviewed to ensure its nutritional efficacy. Prof Sahota explained that it was designed as a nutritious option targeting muscle weakness and malnutrition issues common among older adults. Nigel Gregory, chief executive of Nottingham Hospitals Charity, shared his satisfaction with supporting this initiative. "We know that nutrition can be a challenge when caring for older patients," he stated. The charity found the innovative approach behind N-ICE Cream appealing enough to fund its wider rollout.
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From Gym Classes to World Stages: Meet the Mother of Two Redefining Strongwoman Competitions
Donna Moore, a three-time world champion in strongwoman competitions, is gearing up for a big weekend. She'll be competing in front of 1,400 people at Britain's Strongest Woman final at York Barbican. It's a far cry from when she first started, drawing attention from small Facebook groups over a decade ago. Moore hails from Colburn, near Catterick in North Yorkshire. Her journey into weightlifting began not as a planned career move but as a mom looking to get fit. "I started training in a normal gym at classes where there were about 30 people and you're doing aerobics or light weights because I wasn't very confident," Moore recalls. Her confidence grew, leading her to more specialized gyms focused on heavier lifting. In the early 2000s, Moore enjoyed watching strongwoman competitions on TV but had no idea how to get involved herself. Fast forward over ten years, and she’s been hooked ever since. The sport has changed significantly during that time. Many events used to take place outdoors or even in car parks. Now they sell out venues like the Barbican for the third year running. Moore attributes this growth partly to social media making the sport more accessible. With 54,600 followers on Instagram, she's seen firsthand how online platforms can boost interest and participation. Despite her impressive achievements, Moore notes that it's tough to make a living solely from competing in strongwoman events in the UK. "I coach as my job," she said. In comparison, strongwomen in the US and Scandinavia have more opportunities and wider acceptance. The shift reflects broader societal changes; women are increasingly interested in gaining muscle rather than just losing weight. "People see the benefits of being strong," Moore points out, noting that weight training can be addictive due to its positive effects on one's body and well-being. This weekend's competition will feature other notable athletes alongside Moore: deadlift world record holder Lucy Underdown, former rugby player Rebecca Roberts, and log lift world record holder Andrea Thompson, among them. The events include a deadlift ladder with four bars lined up in succession, carrying a 136-kilogram shield and hoisting a 280-kilogram yoke across their backs. One of the most grueling challenges is the sandbag steeplechase: competitors must move a 200-kilogram bag down a 20-meter track multiple times. For Moore, returning to York holds special significance as she competes close to home with her family watching from the stands. "York's obviously really beautiful and the Barbican is a nice venue," she says excitedly about performing for both live spectators and those tuning into the live stream online.
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Score (98)
Meet the Man Who Shattered a World Record by Running 465 Half-Marathons in Just One Year
At first, it was about recovery. Now, it’s about resilience. When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down sports venues and sidelined communities across the UK, Molineaux—an avid boxer—was recovering from a hernia operation. With high-impact activities off-limits, he turned to running. “All I could do was run,” he said. What began as necessity quickly evolved into obsession. In just over two years, Molineaux rebuilt his strength and broke through physical and mental barriers most would consider impossible. On June 1, he was officially awarded a world record certificate for completing 682 half-marathons in a single year—an achievement recognized by Record Breakers and presented by fellow endurance athlete Kevin Brown in Walsall. His weekly routine is unrelenting: 13 half-marathons per week, often doubling or tripling them up. On his most extreme days, he has clocked as many as six in a single stretch. “Some days I did not feel like doing it,” he admitted. “But you need to do it. That’s one of the hardest parts for me—but I pushed myself.” That mindset—discipline over mood, belief over doubt—is central to Molineaux’s approach. “What I would do is one half-marathon in about two hours, have five minutes rest, and then get onto the next one,” he explained. Even while battling trench foot, raw blisters, and near-constant fatigue, he didn’t back down. “You don’t know how the body will react or get a second wind. It all comes from belief.” His nutritional habits are as unconventional as his training load. Often, he runs fasted or on minimal fuel—sometimes just a banana. He saves heavier meals like meat and fish for the evening, maintaining a rhythm that seems more spiritual than strategic. Yet for Molineaux, the journey is not only personal. At the heart of his relentless pace is a deeper motivation: to inspire. “I love giving inspiration to other people, and that warrior feeling,” he said. “Even being around people doing well—I like seeing people getting better and going higher.” Now, with his record firmly in hand, he’s already focused on the next challenge: a 24-hour ultra-marathon on July 26, where he hopes to cross the 100-mile mark. His message, as always, is clear. "I like showing people that you can do it through everything, and through anything." In a world still recovering from isolation, loss, and uncertainty, Molineaux’s story is a reminder that even from the margins—of lockdown, of injury, of doubt—greatness can emerge. One determined stride at a time.
Score (97)
How Community Kindness Is Rebuilding Lives After Texas Floods
Last weekend in Texas Hill Country, firefighter Matthew Rafferty from Virginia found a mud-soaked baby quilt while searching the flooded riverbanks. Deployed to Kerr County for search and recovery efforts after devastating floods, Rafferty cleaned the quilt and posted a photo of it on a Facebook group dedicated to lost items from the flood. He successfully reunited it with its owner. Rafferty, who is part of a network of first responders and volunteers, expressed empathy for those affected. "I’m a father of 3-year-old twin boys," said Rafferty. "I know if I’d gone through something like these quilts, I’d want it back." The floods over the Fourth of July weekend were catastrophic, killing more than 130 people and leaving at least 100 missing in Kerr County. As people sift through the aftermath, seemingly small possessions have gained emotional weight. Take Patty Hyatt’s story: She fled her home with her grandson and puppy as floodwaters rose, later returning to find her mobile home washed away. Despite losing many belongings tied to memories, some jewelry was salvaged by Dondi Persyn and posted on Facebook. The jewelry had been held together by a decade-old bracelet made by one of Hyatt’s former students, which she saw as symbolic—"The children have always held me together." Shelby Johnson also experienced loss when floodwaters destroyed her boyfriend's house and most belongings. Her hand-carved totem pole named "Oonka Oonka" was miraculously found intact by volunteer Cory Nicholson. For Johnson, this quirky item has now become a symbol of survival. In another case, Brandon Hamrick and his wife Shanndel found a wooden sign belonging to Heart O’ the Hills summer camp while helping search for bodies. The sign bore inscriptions from campers past, including one dated 1992. Hamrick hopes returning it will provide comfort to a community grieving the loss of Jane Ragsdale, the camp's co-owner, who died in the floods. Then there's Patricia Jernigan, who installed a memorial bench for her daughter Shannon in Lehmann-Monroe Park after she died from breast cancer four years ago. Shannon loved feeding deer in Kerr County; however, during the floods, her memorial bench was swept away but later discovered by volunteer Orlando Ayala at Louise Hays Park. Patricia plans to reinstall the bench once cleanup allows, but notes that its plaque is still missing—a detail she hopes might be remedied so visitors can read her heartfelt poem honoring Shannon’s love for nature. These stories underscore how cherished belongings can become even more meaningful after disaster strikes; each recovered item carries not just its own tale but that of resilience amidst tragedy.
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Historic Journey: Native American Teens Paddle to Honor Salmon's Return After Dam Removal
As the fog lifted along California’s northern coast, a fleet of brightly coloured kayaks emerged from the Klamath River, cheered ashore by drumming, song, and applause. The scene marked the end of a powerful, month-long journey: over 100 Indigenous youth and supporters paddled nearly 500 kilometres from the river’s headwaters to the Pacific Ocean—a voyage that was impossible just a year ago. Between 2023 and 2024, four hydropower dams on the Klamath River were demolished, unblocking hundreds of miles of ancestral waterways for the first time in a century. The trip was more than a celebration. For many, it was an act of reclamation, memory, and healing. “I think our ancestors would be proud,” said 15-year-old Tasia Linwood of the Karuk Tribe. “This is what they’ve been fighting for.” The paddlers, from tribes including the Yurok, Karuk, Hoopa Valley, Klamath, and Warm Springs, trained for years through the Paddle Tribal Waters program. Their route traced sacred lands and disrupted ecosystems, places long inaccessible due to dams that once powered just 2% of the regional grid but devastated salmon populations. Constructed in the early 1900s by utility company PacifiCorp, the dams altered the river’s flow and blocked salmon from reaching upstream spawning grounds. The impact was catastrophic. In 2002, low water and warm temperatures caused a bacterial outbreak that killed over 34,000 fish—mostly Chinook salmon. For communities that relied on those fish for food and culture, it was a breaking point. After decades of resistance—including protests, lawsuits, and public testimony—federal regulators approved dam removal in 2022. The final stretch of the river was liberated in 2024, making the month-long paddling journey a first in living memory. Throughout the trip, the teens camped, cooled off in the water, and shared stories of family cabins and sacred swimming holes. Along the way, they carried their kayaks around two remaining dams used for irrigation and flood control. While those structures include fish ladders, their effectiveness is limited. For John Acuna of the Hoopa Valley Tribe, one of the trip leaders, the voyage reflected deeper struggles. “It was symbolic of a bigger issue,” he said, citing the lasting trauma of forced assimilation and federal boarding schools that targeted Indigenous identity. The Klamath River is a living thread connecting past and present. Yurok council member Phillip Williams recalled that just decades ago, his elders were arrested—or worse—for fishing using traditional nets. Now, youth are paddling free, and salmon are returning. But the weight of history remains. “If there’s a heaviness I feel, it’s because a lot of people who once lived here aren’t here anymore,” said Williams, standing on the banks of the river in Requa. “They don’t get to see this.” Even Linwood, who described the experience as joyful, acknowledged the gravity of the moment. “I kind of feel guilty, like I haven’t done enough,” she said. “But I gotta remember—that’s what our ancestors fought for. They fought so we could feel this joy with the river.”
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The Unexpected Vegetable That Could Transform Your Heart Health, According to Experts
Avocado, often mistaken for a vegetable but technically a fruit, has made quite a name for itself as a heart health superstar. According to Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a cardiologist and director at the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University, avocados are among the best foods you can eat for your heart. Why all the fuss about avocados? For starters, they are packed with monounsaturated fats. These "good" fats help lower LDL cholesterol, which is known as the "bad" cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke, so incorporating foods that help manage these levels is essential. Fiber is another key component in avocados. Just half an avocado provides about 20 percent of your daily fiber requirement. This includes soluble fiber, which binds to cholesterol in your digestive tract and helps remove it naturally from your body. The result? A reduced risk of heart disease. But there's more to this green wonder than just fats and fiber. Avocados are also rich in potassium. This essential mineral plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels by counteracting the harmful effects of sodium. High sodium intake can lead to increased blood pressure, so having enough potassium in your diet is important for keeping hypertension at bay. Antioxidants present in avocados add yet another layer of protection for your heart. They combat oxidative stress and inflammation—both contributors to heart disease—and prevent LDL cholesterol from oxidizing. When LDL oxidizes, it can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of conditions like atherosclerosis and potentially resulting in heart attacks or strokes. Now that you're armed with this information on why avocados are great for your heart, let's talk about how you can easily incorporate them into your meals. Avocado's creamy texture and mild flavor make it incredibly versatile. Guacamole is always a favorite option; it's simple to make and pairs well with tortilla chips or fresh veggies. If you're looking for something different, try making an avocado dressing by blending it with spices, lemon juice, and olive oil—a perfect match for salads like Grilled Romaine Salad with Avocado Dressing. If you're short on time but still want those benefits, adding sliced or cubed avocado to salads or grain bowls works wonders too. Avocado’s creamy texture makes it an excellent addition to smoothies as well; its mild taste blends seamlessly without overpowering other ingredients. And let's not forget sandwiches. Adding avocado slices can upgrade any sandwich or burger into a heart-healthy meal option that's both delicious and nutritious. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables remains one of the best strategies for maintaining good heart health due to their high content of fiber, minerals, and antioxidants while being low in unhealthy saturated fats and sodium. Among them all though stands avocado—a particularly powerful ally when it comes to supporting cardiovascular wellness through its unique combination of nutrients beneficial specifically for our hearts' needs. As Dr. Mozaffarian emphasizes: “Potassium lowers blood pressure” while unsaturated fats from avocados help decrease bad cholesterol levels.
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Quick-Thinking Paddlers Rescue Stranded Foal From Raging River Adventure
Two university students are being hailed for their quick thinking and compassion after rescuing a stranded foal from the Kananaskis River in Alberta. Anna Gleig and Ava Haddad were paddling downstream on July 12 when they encountered a herd of horses near a bridge. One of the adult horses stepped into the river, blocking their path. Then they spotted something more urgent: a young foal pinned against the concrete edge of the bridge, unable to move. “The mother horse was clearly panicked,” said Gleig, who lives in Canmore. “She couldn’t reach him because of the depth of the water.” Gleig and Haddad, both environmental science students at the University of Calgary, knew they had to act fast. They pulled their boat ashore and waded into the river, frightening off the rest of the herd in the process. “I grabbed the foal while Ava paddled,” said Gleig. “He was probably around 80 to 90 pounds — less than a week old. Still a big animal, but small for a horse.” Fortunately, Gleig had previous experience as a lifeguard. She said her river safety training helped guide her actions. “He didn’t resist,” added Haddad. “He just let us take him, so that worked out really well.” Once the foal was safe, a new problem emerged: his mother and the herd were gone. “We were stuck with him,” said Gleig. “We tried to leave him in the sun so his mom might come back, but after about an hour and a half, nothing happened.” Each time they attempted to paddle away, the foal would jump back into the river after them. “I think he didn’t want to be left alone, which was really sweet,” Gleig said, “but it made things more complicated.” Eventually, Gleig placed her life jacket on the foal and lifted him into their boat. To their surprise, he stayed calm and even fell asleep as they paddled downstream for about 20 minutes. The pair eventually contacted someone from the nearby Mînî Thnî First Nation. The man who arrived at the scene was able to identify the foal’s herd using photos the students had taken. “He picked him up, put him in the back of his truck, and drove off to reunite him with his mom,” said Gleig. Later, they were told the foal had been successfully returned to the herd. “It was a good ending, which made it a good day,” Gleig said. Haddad agreed. “He has this second chance at life. If we weren’t there, he probably wouldn’t be here today.”
Score (97)
Heroic Off-Duty Lifesaver: How This RNLI Crew Member Saved a Choking Baby
Emma Auchnie, a shore crew member from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) in Newquay, Cornwall, is being celebrated for her quick-thinking actions that saved a baby's life at Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport. Off-duty and simply passing through the airport, Emma found herself in the middle of an emergency when she heard a woman shouting for help because her baby had stopped breathing and was turning blue. Emma immediately sprang into action. With calm precision, she gently tapped the baby's back until it vomited and started breathing again. After ensuring the infant’s condition was stable by holding it for a short while, she returned the baby to its relieved mother. The RNLI highlighted Emma's "quick reaction and care," which they say directly resulted in saving the child's life. The grateful mother, who did not speak English, expressed her profound thanks for Emma’s swift assistance during such a critical moment. Recently back in Cornwall, Emma received another surprise; Gareth Horner, lifeboat operations manager at Newquay RNLI station, presented her with a personal commendation issued by the RNLI's medical director. Horner praised Emma's actions and noted how the training provided by the RNLI equips volunteers to respond effectively to emergencies under any circumstances. "The station is proud of all its volunteer crew, but it's very special when a commendation is awarded – well done Emma," he said. Emma's intervention at the airport serves as a reminder of how vital skills learned through volunteering can be applied outside of formal settings to make significant differences in people's lives.
Score (96)
Scientists Just Launched The World's Most Adorable Study: Following Puppies From Birth to Old Age
The Dogs Trust is calling on puppy owners from England to participate in a groundbreaking study aimed at understanding canine health and behavior. The charity is on the hunt for puppies under 16 weeks old to join its Generation Pup project, marking the first time that dogs of all breeds will be followed throughout their entire lives. Jane Murray, who serves as the welfare project and grants deputy head of research at the Dogs Trust, said, "The study hopes to better understand how early life experiences influence the health and behaviour of dogs throughout their lives." By collecting data on various aspects of a puppy's life—like environment, family dynamics, health, behavior, and experiences—the trust aims to create a comprehensive picture of an entire generation of dogs. The charity has nearly reached its goal of recruiting 10,000 puppies, but needs a few hundred more to fully complete the project. The research will explore factors such as environment, social interaction, diet, exercise, and daily routine. These elements could play significant roles in developing health and behavioral conditions that affect dog welfare. Recent findings from data submitted by owners when their dogs were six, nine, 12, 15 and 18 months old show interesting trends. The highest number of undesirable behaviors appeared in the 12-month-old age group. Barking, issues with recall (coming back when called), pulling on the lead during walks, and jumping up were among the most commonly reported behavioral issues. As this initiative gains momentum with additional participants joining in from across Devon and Cornwall, researchers hope these insights will eventually lead to improved care practices for all dogs.
Score (97)
This 91-Year-Old Couple is Using Instagram To Keep Gujarati Culture Alive
In a quiet suburb of Leicestershire, a couple in their 90s has become an unexpected social media sensation — not for viral dances or political commentary, but for something far more personal: keeping the Gujarati language and culture alive. Chandrakant and Sharda Chandarana, both 91, have captured the hearts of over 84,000 Instagram followers. Known affectionately online as Nini and Nanu, the couple's candid moments — whether playfully bickering in Gujarati or dancing in their living room — have amassed millions of views and sparked a global conversation about cultural preservation. “We are Gujarati and we must teach our children the Gujarati language and make them proud to become a Gujarati,” said Mr. Chandarana. Their rise to fame began last year when their granddaughter, Rupa Nathwani, shared a lighthearted video of the two arguing over how long Sharda had spent praying. The moment, filmed spontaneously, has now been viewed over 5 million times. “I just happened to be in the room when they were having one of their cute arguments,” Nathwani told the BBC. “I uploaded it without thinking much — and now we’re overwhelmed.” What began as a humorous family video has evolved into a cultural campaign. The Chandaranas, who relocated from London to Birstall in 2023 to live with their daughter and grandchildren, are now using their platform to champion Gujarati culture at a time when it’s visibly fading in the UK. Census data shows the number of Gujarati speakers in England and Wales fell from 213,094 in 2011 to 189,000 in 2021. “English is important,” said Nathwani, “but it would be a shame not to pass on something as precious as your own language.” Mr. Chandarana joked he thought he was “too old” for social media, but said he’s proud that their Instagram presence is helping a younger generation rediscover their heritage. “We shouldn’t forget our sanskriti, our culture,” added Mrs. Chandarana. “We are proud to be Gujarati so we teach our children so everybody can be proud.” The couple’s authenticity is part of their charm. Nini is devotional and deeply connected to her roots. Nanu enjoys the occasional beer. Both are unfiltered and unapologetically themselves — a trait their audience clearly appreciates. “They’ve got so much vibrancy,” said Nathwani. “People love them for who they are, and they don’t try to be anything else.” For many viewers, the videos have become more than entertainment — they’re a link to identity. “You help me keep alive the little Gujarati I do understand,” one follower commented. “We’re even learning new words from them.” The Chandaranas met in Uganda in 1956 and married a year later in a modest ceremony. After moving to the UK in 1971, Mr. Chandarana worked in accounts while the couple raised a family and built a life in London. They’ve now been married for 68 years. Their secret? “Forgive and forget,” said Mrs. Chandarana. “Love is very important,” her husband added with a smile.