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Rare Species Rediscovered: Dogs Sniff Out 'Career Highlight' for Scientists
Daisy, a wildlife detection dog, has made her mark by finding her first Victorian grassland earless dragon after months of dedicated training and searching. Part of a program led by Zoos Victoria in Australia, Daisy and her canine partner Kip are on a mission to locate these extremely rare reptiles. Once thought extinct for nearly 50 years, the dragons were rediscovered in 2023. The dogs have successfully located at least 13 of these critically endangered creatures. With fewer than 200 believed to be in the wild, the reptiles often hide in spider burrows or under rocks. The search team combines the dogs' keen sense of smell with technological and traditional surveying methods. Emma Bennett, a detection-dog trainer not involved with the project, explained that "if something is hidden or camouflaged... it might be easy to smell." Dr. Nick Rutter, who trained Daisy and works alongside her in the field, described her first find as "a career highlight" and felt "an overwhelming cascade of joy." The dogs appear content with their work, receiving rewards like treats and praise for their efforts. Their mission is crucial; a 2023 Australian government report highlighted the dragon's significance as one of mainland Australia's most imperiled reptiles. Despite habitat loss due to urban expansion and climate change impacts, Jane Melville from Museums Victoria Research Institute noted that these lizards have shown "amazing resilience."
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A Coffee Shop in Portland Rallied Community Support to Feed Vulnerable Residents, Raised $75,000
On November 1, more than 42 million Americans were set to lose their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. For many, that meant uncertainty about their next meal. But in Portland, Oregon, one coffee shop decided that wasn’t something they were willing to accept. “If your SNAP benefits are running out, then breakfast is on us,” Heretic Coffee posted on social media just days before the cuts took effect. “NO ONE should have to worry about their next meal. Portland fam, we know it’s not much, but we’ll do our best to keep you fed.” The offer was simple: free breakfast daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting November 1, for anyone affected by the loss of food assistance. The message struck a nerve. The post went viral, and the comments started flooding in. One user on Threads warned the shop, “Sorry, but you will be bankrupt in a week.” Heretic’s owner, Josh, didn’t flinch. “Much rather go bankrupt feeding our people than selling coffee while other families starve,” he replied. “And we stand by that comment.” Josh expected the decision to come at a cost. What he didn’t expect was the outpouring of support that followed. By Tuesday morning, Heretic had received over $72,000 in donations. “As of Tuesday at 10 a.m., you’ve donated $72,159.66 to keep our people fed,” Josh wrote in an Instagram post. “Over two thousand of you have given toward this cause.” Within the hour, that number had climbed to $75,000. “We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: when the system fails us, it’s on everyday people to take care of each other,” he added. “This, right here, is the proof.” What started as a small act of local solidarity quickly became a nationwide grassroots effort. Though it began as an in-house initiative, Josh said Heretic is now looking to collaborate with local vendors and volunteers to scale up the effort—providing not just coffee and pastries, but hot meals to anyone in need. “As a business that sells coffee and food, it didn’t feel right to just sit and watch people go hungry,” he told Good Good Good earlier this week. For Portlanders wanting to help on the ground, the shop set up a Google Form where people can sign up to volunteer. For others outside the city, donations can still be made through Heretic’s online platforms. Josh and his team don’t know exactly how long the free meals will last, but they’re committed to going as far as the donations will take them. “From the bottom of my heart and all of our volunteers at Heretic — thank you,” Josh wrote. “Portland, we’ll keep you fed for as long as we possibly can.” The move echoes similar actions taken in other parts of the country. A dumpling shop in Phoenix made headlines after announcing it would also offer free meals to those impacted by the SNAP cutoff. “This will hurt us, but we have to step up,” the owners told local media. While government programs may be pulling back, these local businesses are leaning in. And for people struggling to afford food this month, that could make all the difference.
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Tango, Painting and Video Games? Here's How Creativity Keeps Your Brain Younger
A new global study says your next dance class or art session might do more than lift your mood — it could help keep your brain young. Led by neuroscientists Carlos Coronel and Agustín Ibáñez, researchers across 13 countries found that engaging in creative activities like dancing, music, art, or even strategic video gaming was linked to slower brain ageing. In some cases, participants’ brains appeared up to seven years younger than their actual age. The results, published in a collaboration spanning institutions from Argentina to Poland, used cutting-edge AI models called "brain clocks" to estimate a person’s brain age based on real-time recordings of their neural activity. The idea is simple: if your brain looks younger than your actual age, it's likely functioning better than expected. “Creativity, we found, protects brain areas that are vulnerable to ageing and makes brain communication more efficient,” the researchers explained. “It’s like building better roads between cities in your brain.” How They Did It The study involved nearly 1,400 people — some with years of experience as tango dancers, musicians, visual artists, or gamers, and others with no background in those disciplines. Researchers measured their brain activity using magnetoencephalography (MEG) and electroencephalography (EEG), which track brain signals in real time. Then came the AI. Researchers trained machine learning models — the brain clocks — to predict each participant’s age based on their neural data. The bigger the gap between real age and predicted age, the stronger the sign that the brain was ageing more slowly. Tango dancers stood out the most. On average, their brains looked more than seven years younger than their chronological age. Musicians and visual artists followed closely, with brain ages five to six years younger. Gamers came in at around four years. And It’s Not Just Long-Term Artists To test whether short-term creative training could offer similar effects, a smaller group of non-experts took part in a 30-hour training course in StarCraft II, a strategy video game. Even after that short period, their brain clocks ticked backwards — by about two to three years. “The more people practised their art, the stronger the effect,” the researchers noted. And it didn’t matter what kind of creative outlet it was — dancing, painting, music, or gaming — all had measurable benefits for brain function and flexibility. Beyond AI: Understanding Why Creativity Helps While the AI brain clocks were useful for measuring brain health, the team also used something called biophysical modelling to understand why creativity has these effects. These models simulate how a brain actually works using mathematical equations — essentially, “digital brains” that can mimic real brain activity. Unlike AI, these models don’t just find patterns; they can explain biological processes. In this case, they helped show that creative practice strengthens communication between parts of the brain responsible for attention, memory, and learning — areas that typically decline first as we age. Why It Matters Traditionally, creativity has been treated as a luxury or a hobby — not a biological necessity. But the research challenges that view, showing that creative practice isn’t just “good for the soul,” it’s good for your brain — measurably, biologically, and across diverse cultures and populations. “In the big picture, it expands our understanding of healthy ageing beyond disease prevention,” said Ibáñez. “It highlights creativity as a scalable, accessible, and deeply human mechanism to sustain cognitive and emotional wellbeing.” And perhaps most importantly, it reframes creativity as a public health tool — one that could be just as vital as physical exercise in protecting the ageing brain. So whether it’s a tango class, a piano lesson, or just a bit of painting in your spare time, science says: keep going. You might be giving your brain a few extra years of youth.
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Score (97)
Nova Southeastern University Pioneers Nation's First Floating Solar System
Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida, is making waves in the renewable energy sector by hosting the first commercial floating solar photovoltaic system at a U.S. university. According to a recent press release, this innovative 700-kilowatt array will power a new on-campus housing complex. The solar installation, sprawling across almost two acres and consisting of 1,200 solar modules, was developed by D3Energy. Floating solar systems like this one are becoming increasingly popular due to their high energy-generation potential and efficiency compared to traditional land-based solar farms. "This installation at NSU demonstrates how floating solar can deliver real benefits for institutions that may not have the land or rooftop space for large-scale solar," said Stetson Tchividjian from D3Energy. The panels are anchored securely to withstand hurricane-force winds—an important feature given Florida's weather conditions. While this initiative marks a pioneering step for universities, residential solar energy has been providing solutions for homeowners looking to cut down on carbon footprints and energy costs for years. Installing solar panels can drastically reduce household energy expenses, sometimes bringing them close to zero. While getting started might seem overwhelming, platforms like EnergySage offer free comparison tools that help users explore local installer options and potentially save up to $10,000 on installations. For those unable to install their own panels right now, community solar programs present an alternative pathway. These programs allow individuals to access grid-sourced solar energy benefits without needing personal installations. Such initiatives offer savings and contribute positively to environmental impact. Nova Southeastern University and D3Energy recognize the dual priorities of cost reduction and sustainability. "We're proud to be pioneering solutions that reduce costs and support sustainability goals," Tchividjian noted, emphasizing the leadership role universities can play in adopting renewable energy practices.
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Kansas Town Celebrates Neewollah With Festive October Traditions — What is it?
Halloween wasn’t always about candy and costumes. In the early 20th century, it was better known as a night of mischief — think stolen gates, soap-covered windows, and wagons mysteriously appearing on rooftops. To fight back against the chaos, one Kansas town came up with a creative solution: flip Halloween on its head. In 1919, Independence, Kansas, launched a fall festival to curb vandalism and bring the community together with costumes, dancing, and a festival queen. A few years later, in 1922, they gave the event a name: Neewollah — Halloween spelled backward. The idea caught on. By 1928, it had reached the Pacific Northwest, where an American Legion post in Marshfield, Oregon (now known as Coos Bay), staged their own Nee-wollah event. “Instead of making this night one of mischievous deviltry, it will be one of good noisy fun,” declared the Coos Bay Times. That first year, the town’s celebration drew hundreds. A year later, the Neewollah parade featured more than 1,200 children in costume. And by the mid-1930s, towns across Oregon were following suit. Bend, The Dalles, Redmond — even Roseburg joined the movement. Roseburg’s first Neewollah celebration was held in 1933 and quickly became a hit. The turnout “far exceeded expectations,” according to the News-Review, and it grew each year, eventually adding community dances and parade floats. Aside from brief pauses during World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic, Roseburg has kept the tradition alive for nearly 90 years — possibly longer than any other town, including its originator in Kansas. “Since Neewollah started in Roseburg back in 1933, there have only been two times when the city has not held a Neewollah parade,” said Suzanne Hurt, a communications specialist with the city. “We’ve been celebrating close to 90 years.” Even during the pandemic, Roseburg improvised. In 2020 and 2021, the city hosted virtual parades to keep the tradition going. Today, the Roseburg Neewollah event might be a bit more chaotic than ceremonial — with hundreds of kids in costume trick-or-treating their way through downtown. But it’s still rooted in community spirit. “‘Parade’ is an exaggeration,” joked Stacey Crowe, a former city councilor and long-time parade volunteer who now helps organize the event. “We usually last a block.” Still, the point isn’t how far the kids march — it’s the fact that they do. Every Halloween, the spirit of a nearly century-old idea lives on in Roseburg: take a night once defined by rowdy pranks, and turn it into something everyone can enjoy.
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Alzheimer's Pill Shows Promise In Protecting High-Risk Individuals
Back in April, the outlook for an experimental Alzheimer’s drug looked grim. Valiltramiprosate, also known as ALZ-801, had just failed to show a clear benefit in a major clinical trial involving more than 300 people genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease. The early results showed no difference between those who took the drug and those who received a placebo. But a deeper look at the data is now changing that narrative. In September, researchers identified a smaller subgroup within the trial that responded significantly to the drug. Among 125 participants with only mild memory problems — specifically those diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment rather than early-stage dementia — ALZ-801 appeared to make a meaningful difference. “These individuals showed very meaningful responses,” said Dr. Susan Abushakra, chief medical officer of Alzheon, the biotech company developing the drug. One key result: participants in this group experienced 52% less cognitive decline compared to the placebo group. That’s on par with the effects of two Alzheimer’s drugs already approved for use — lecanemab and donanemab — but with one key difference: ALZ-801 is a pill. Unlike lecanemab and donanemab, which are monoclonal antibodies delivered through regular intravenous infusions, ALZ-801 is taken orally twice a day at home. That could offer a huge quality-of-life improvement for patients and families already burdened by the logistics and costs of ongoing infusion treatments. Beyond the convenience, the drug also appears safer, especially for people who carry two copies of the APOE4 gene — a high-risk genetic profile associated with Alzheimer’s. These individuals make up just 2% of the population but account for around 15% of all Alzheimer’s cases. They are also more prone to dangerous side effects like brain swelling and bleeding when treated with monoclonal antibodies. “These individuals are at higher risk for inflammation in the brain that can be quite serious,” said Jessica Langbaum, an Alzheimer’s researcher at Banner Health in Phoenix. ALZ-801 works differently than the currently approved antibody drugs. Instead of breaking down existing amyloid plaques in the brain — the sticky clumps associated with Alzheimer’s — the pill prevents them from forming in the first place. It targets misfolded beta-amyloid proteins before they have a chance to clump together. And so far, it hasn’t triggered the brain swelling or bleeding sometimes seen with other treatments. In addition to slowing cognitive decline, the drug showed encouraging results in brain imaging. Participants taking ALZ-801 experienced about 18% less shrinkage in the hippocampus — the region of the brain most critical for memory — compared to those on a placebo. That’s a notable result, Abushakra said, especially in a disease known for steadily eroding brain volume. Still, the sample size for the most promising results — just 125 people — leaves some caution. Larger studies will be needed to confirm the drug’s full impact. The findings were published in the journal Drugs and supported by a $47 million grant from the U.S. National Institutes of Health. One of the co-authors, David Watson, is not only a scientist but also someone with the APOE4/4 gene profile. He believes ALZ-801 offers a safer path forward for people like him. “We’re really making a difference in keeping neurons alive,” he said, pointing to data that show the drug appears better than antibodies at reducing a protein fragment linked to brain cell death. Watson also said more promising evidence is emerging from people who chose to keep taking the pill beyond the initial 18-month study. Despite carrying the high-risk APOE4 genes, many are continuing to do well into their 60s and 70s. “Many of them are holding their own,” he said. The future of ALZ-801 still hinges on further research and regulatory review. But for now, it’s offering renewed hope — especially for those with the highest genetic risk — that a safer, more accessible treatment could be within reach.
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John Williams Returns to Score Spielberg’s Next Film, Extending Iconic 50-Year Partnership
John Williams once thought he was done. After composing the score for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, the 92-year-old composer publicly considered retirement. But now, he’s picking up his baton once again — and for a familiar collaborator. Williams is confirmed to be scoring Steven Spielberg’s next movie, an untitled UFO film starring Josh O’Connor and Emily Blunt, due out in June 2026. The news was shared during a recent event, as reported by Variety, marking the 30th time Williams and Spielberg will work together. It’s a creative relationship that has shaped the sound of modern cinema, from Jaws to Jurassic Park, E.T. to Schindler’s List. Williams has scored nearly every Spielberg-directed film since 1974’s The Sugarland Express. The only exceptions are Twilight Zone: The Movie (Spielberg directed one segment) and The Color Purple (1985), which was scored by Quincy Jones. This new collaboration seemed uncertain not long ago. In 2022, Williams said he was ready to step away from film composing, citing his age and the upcoming Indiana Jones sequel as a potential final act. “At the moment I’m working on Indiana Jones 5, which Harrison Ford—who’s quite a bit younger than I am—I think has announced will be his last film,” he said at the time. “So, I thought: if Harrison can do it, then perhaps I can, also.” But Spielberg wasn’t done — and neither, apparently, was Williams. “One thing Steven isn’t is a man you can say no to,” Williams said in 2023. After hearing what Spielberg was working on next, the composer walked back his retirement plans. That project now appears to be this UFO film, which remains tightly under wraps, plot-wise. Still, Williams’ involvement suggests a film of emotional scope and ambition. It also adds another chapter to one of the most influential partnerships in movie history. Their joint body of work includes some of cinema’s most instantly recognizable themes: the ominous two-note pulse of Jaws, the soaring hope of E.T., the awe and dread of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and the sweeping melodies of Saving Private Ryan, Catch Me If You Can, and Lincoln. And although The Fabelmans (2022) was seen as a possible swan song for the duo — it’s a semi-autobiographical film based on Spielberg’s own childhood — Williams’ return suggests there are still stories worth telling, and music worth writing. Spielberg’s UFO film is currently scheduled for release on June 12, 2026.
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Hockey Players Skate Blindfolded To Raise Funds For Blind Youth Team
A group of Philadelphia students who once just wanted to try hockey are now helping change the game for players who are blind or visually impaired. Philadelphia Blind Hockey was founded in 2022 after students from the Overbrook School for the Blind teamed up with the Philadelphia Flyers for an introductory hockey program. The partnership worked so well that USA Hockey reached out to teacher Kelsey McGuire, asking her to start a regional blind hockey team. Today, she serves as the organization’s executive director. Each week, Philadelphia Blind Hockey offers free sessions for kids aged 4 to 17, teaching basic skating and hockey skills in an inclusive and supportive environment. The group’s work is largely funded through community events such as the annual Blind Awareness Showcase, which raised $11,000 in 2024. At the showcase, participants wear low-vision simulators or blindfolds while they skate, giving them a first-hand sense of what it’s like to play hockey with limited or no sight. “We like to allow those who are sighted to be put under low vision simulation so they understand what it’s like for our players to play hockey,” McGuire told The Reporter. More than 100 people joined last year’s event, including high school hockey players, coaches from Philadelphia Blind Hockey, and staff and alumni from the Philadelphia Flyers. Their support helped fund new equipment, launch an adult team, and give young players the chance to compete in their first official games. The 2025 showcase took place on October 3, though final fundraising totals have not yet been released. For McGuire, the mission goes beyond hockey. “I believe that no matter what your disability is, you should have the opportunity to participate in something,” she said. “Blind hockey has shown that sport in general can be easily adapted.”
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Firefighters Rescue Dog From San Francisco Sea Cliff, Reunite It With Owner
A dog that tumbled off a steep oceanside cliff in San Francisco was safely rescued this week after spending more than 20 minutes stranded on a narrow ledge. The brown and white dog had been playing with another pooch on Tuesday at Fort Funston, a popular coastal park known for its dramatic bluffs that drop as much as 60 metres to the beach below. According to Rescue Captain Samuel Menchaca of the San Francisco Fire Department, the dog was new to the area and lost its footing after slipping on some vegetation. It landed on a ledge roughly 12 metres down the cliff face and was unable to climb back up. A San Francisco police drone operator who happened to be nearby heard the emergency call and used the drone to locate the animal from above, relaying its exact position to firefighters. Once the dog’s location was confirmed, a rescue team moved quickly. A firefighter rappelled down the sandy cliff, fitted the 18-kilogram dog with a harness, and held onto it as both were pulled to safety. “He was happy. He knew he got rescued. He was wagging his tail. He was giving everyone kisses,” Menchaca said. A photo released by the department shows the dog’s owner kneeling to embrace his pet moments after the rescue. Menchaca said the team’s training made the operation smooth, but he urged people to use caution in the area. “You may think that it’s a little berm or a hill, but it is a significant drop,” he said. Fort Funston’s cliffs are a frequent site of rescues for both pets and people. “Firefighters unfortunately have to rescue people a lot in this area,” Menchaca said. “We train for it, and will always be there, but we don't want people to get hurt.” He reminded visitors to stay on marked paths, keep dogs leashed, and watch small children carefully. “One of the best ways to not get hurt on these cliffs and our beautiful seaside parts of San Francisco is to stay on the marked paths,” he said.
Score (98)
'It’s Not About Trophies': How Trail Running Helped This Mom Reclaim Her Identity
Jude Harrison knows what it feels like to lose yourself in parenthood. At 52, the North Yorkshire mum spends most of her time caring for her two daughters — 11-year-old Tilly, and 17-year-old Emily, who was born with a rare chromosome translocation that affects her mobility and speech. It’s full-time, all-consuming care. Emily is non-verbal, non-mobile, and developmentally delayed. She attends a specialist school and gets monthly respite care, but for the most part, Jude and her husband Steve are the ones managing her round-the-clock needs. “It often feels like Steve and I are two single parents living together,” Jude said. “We’re always dividing our time because the girls have such different needs.” For years, that meant putting her own needs aside. “When you become a parent you can easily lose your identity,” she said. “And with a child with complex needs that feeling can be even stronger.” But lately, something has shifted. Trail running, of all things, has given Jude a way back to herself. “It’s my thing, it’s who I am,” she said. “Out on the trails, I’m not just Emily’s mum or Tilly’s mum – I’m Jude.” She doesn’t run on roads — she runs where the ground is uneven and the scenery changes with every kilometre. She’s drawn to the hills, the mud, and the people. “People think trail running is harder, but I’d disagree,” she said. “There’s an unspoken rule that you walk the hills, run the flats, and enjoy the downhills. It’s as much about fun and community as it is about fitness.” That community carried her through a recent race in the Lake District, where Jude took part in the 2 Valleys 22km trail challenge. While Steve stayed home to care for Emily, Jude joined a group of 25 runners sponsored by Coventry Building Society, part of a campaign to support people over 50 in achieving their goals. “Crossing the line in Keswick felt amazing, especially with everyone shouting my name,” she said. “For once, it was just about me. It reminded me that I’m still capable of chasing my own goals.” She’s already signed up for the next one — the ‘5 Valleys’ challenge, which doubles the distance she ran this year. “I sometimes have to remind myself that I’m 52 and I’m still out here doing this,” she said. “It’s not about trophies, it’s about being present, keeping fit, and showing my daughters that age and circumstance don’t define you. I’ve still got plenty of running left in me.”
Score (97)
Former Prolific Shoplifter Rebuilds Life After Two Decades of Crime and Addiction
For more than two decades, Danny Woodburn’s life revolved around stealing. From crisps and clothes to cars and alcohol, theft became his way of surviving — and, eventually, his way of life. “I’d steal cars and then set fire to them,” said the 40-year-old from Barrow. “I’d go in a shop and just pick up half a rail and walk out through the alarm, then run off.” Woodburn started stealing when he was 11. By 15, he was in and out of prison. What began as a way to “fit in” quickly spiraled into an addiction-fueled cycle that lasted most of his adult life. “There’s a difference between stealing to make money and stealing in addiction,” he said. “If I didn’t drink a certain level, I’d have a seizure. There’s times I’ve gone in the shops, opened a beer, drunk it and walked out. I didn’t cover my identity or cover my face — I wasn’t bothered about getting arrested.” Police data show shoplifting remains one of the most common crimes across Cumbria. There were 2,422 reported cases in 2024 — the highest since before the pandemic. This year, up to the end of September, 1,734 cases had already been logged, with more than 450 resulting in charges or summonses. Inspector Andy Leather from Cumbria Police’s Neighbourhood Policing Team said the problem goes deeper than petty theft. “It’s not necessarily just the actual investigation time of the offences, it’s looking at the driving forces behind the offending as well,” he said. “We do see that a lot of our frequent offenders have a link to addiction.” High-value goods that can be easily resold — such as meat, detergent, alcohol, and razor blades — are the most common items stolen. Police have invested in better CCTV and facial recognition systems to identify offenders. “Unfortunately, retail crime has been on the rise for a while,” said Chief Inspector Lee Skelton. “However, Cumbria has one of the highest levels of positive outcomes — second only to Norfolk — in terms of the volume of individuals who are brought to justice for this type of offending.” For Woodburn, his turning point came in 2022, when he sought help from The Well Communities, a charity supporting people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction in Barrow, Kendal, and Carlisle. The organization, which has helped more than 1,100 people since opening in 2012, offers detox programs, housing support, and employment opportunities — many led by staff who have lived through addiction themselves. Woodburn credits the program with saving his life. “The Well was like the ambulance and the key workers were like the paramedics,” he said. “They brought me through a programme.” Today, he works for the same organization that helped him get sober. Reflecting on his past, he’s candid about the damage he caused. “I’ve done things I’m ashamed of, but by reflecting on your behaviour you get a better understanding,” he said. “I was a leech on society and a financial burden on resources. I was draining my own society and costing people money. I was an emotional burden on my own family as well.” Now, he’s focused on helping others break the same cycle he once couldn’t escape. “People can change their life — I’m living proof of that.”