New Material Keeps Food Fresh Longer—here's Why It's A Game-Changer

A groundbreaking seafood packaging innovation from India promises to tackle plastic pollution, reduce food waste and enhance food safety. Researchers at the National Institute of Technology Rourkela have developed a biodegradable wrap that changes color to indicate when seafood is no longer safe to eat, according to Packaging Gateway. The innovative film is crafted from kodo millet starch, gum tragacanth, and beetroot peel extract. It reacts to pH level changes—a key indicator of spoilage—by shifting color. This allows consumers and retailers to easily assess freshness without opening the package. The color change is due to betalains, natural pigments in beetroot that respond to gases released as seafood begins to spoil. This development not only offers convenience but also addresses environmental concerns by reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based plastics that contribute to global warming and pollution. Switching to plant-based alternatives supports healthier communities affected by climate change. Professor Preetam Sarkar explained the process: "We first extracted starch from kodo millet by soaking, grinding, filtering, and drying the grains. The beetroot peel extract was prepared separately and then combined with the starch, gum tragacanth, and a small amount of glycerol to cast the films." Currently costing about 900 Indian rupees ($10.60) per kilogram in lab production, costs could decrease with larger-scale manufacturing. Researchers are already engaging with seafood businesses for real-world testing. If successful, this innovation could simplify keeping food safe while reducing waste and dependence on harmful plastics.

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Volunteers Unite To Combat Coastal Erosion In Hawai'i With Native Plant Initiative

In a hands-on response to the growing threat of coastal erosion, about 40 volunteers gathered in Pāʻia, Hawai‘i, to plant more than 900 native plants along the shoreline. The effort is part of a larger, nature-based strategy to combat rising sea levels and build up natural barriers using species that have evolved to thrive in the islands’ fragile coastal ecosystems. According to Hawai‘i Public Radio, the community-led initiative included planting over 30 native species such as beach pea, oval-leaf clustervine, sea purslane, beach morning glory, and seashore dropseed. These plants play a critical role in stabilizing sandy shorelines by catching wind-blown sand and helping to build and reinforce dunes. As the dunes grow, they can act as buffers against encroaching tides and storm surges. “These native plants evolved to thrive in these conditions and can anchor soil that would otherwise be washed away,” organizers explained. The technique is cost-effective and relatively low-maintenance, requiring little irrigation or intervention once plants are established. The approach has been used in similar efforts globally—from helping farmers shield crops from erosion to Nicaraguan communities protecting freshwater sources. Hawai‘i faces particularly high stakes. A recent study revealed that one area of O‘ahu is sinking by 25 millimeters each year, compounding the risks posed by global sea-level rise. While the state has invested in improved sea-level monitoring systems, future adaptation efforts are uncertain amid looming federal budget cuts. The drivers of sea-level rise are largely tied to climate change. As greenhouse gas pollution traps more heat in the atmosphere, polar ice caps continue to melt at accelerated rates. The loss of reflective ice exposes darker land and water, which absorb more heat and worsen the cycle of thawing. While native plant restoration won’t stop global warming, it offers a fast and effective frontline defense. “Hosting a volunteer day increases community engagement, nourishes the relationship between people and the land, and reflects the county's strong commitment to sustainability,” said Patrick McCall, director of Parks and Recreation, via Hawai‘i Public Radio. Organizers hope the event does more than plant seeds in the ground—it plants a sense of stewardship among those who call the coast home.

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Hidden for Decades, Steven Tyler’s Autograph Was Just Found Behind an Elevator Panel at a Halifax Arena

A piece of rock history was rediscovered in a freight elevator at Halifax’s Scotiabank Centre over the holidays — a pristine signature from Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler, untouched and hidden behind a protective panel for nearly 30 years. The discovery came when maintenance workers were removing a bumper inside the well-used freight elevator, which has long served as the backstage gateway for touring acts and event staff. There, preserved in near-perfect condition, was Tyler’s autograph — a relic from Aerosmith’s Dec. 28, 1993 show at the then-named Halifax Metro Centre. “It’s funny to be star-struck from an autograph, but it is a really cool piece of rock history to have his autograph in our facility,” said Adria Young, spokesperson for Events East, the Crown corporation that operates the arena. The concert, part of Aerosmith’s Get a Grip tour, saw tickets go for $32.50. Official merch ran between $28 and $40, but the night gained some infamy thanks to bootleggers selling counterfeit T-shirts for as little as $10 inside the venue. After being kicked out by security, they reportedly continued selling outside to fans leaving the show. Three Montreal-area men were later fined in Halifax provincial court for copyright violations. One was even caught again two years later selling fake Bon Jovi shirts at another Halifax concert. As for the elevator, it turns out the tradition of signing the wall was a long-running one. “It just became sort of this funny little custom that people would do,” said Young. From the late 1980s onward, bands and performers would occasionally use the elevator to get from the loading bay to the stage. Over time, they’d leave their signatures on the walls — a mix of rock stars and arena staff alike. Longtime employees recall names like Axl Rose, Bryan Adams, and possibly even Neil Young, Billy Idol, and Alice Cooper. But most of those autographs are now gone. The wall was painted over in the late 1990s when it started looking too chaotic, cluttered with signatures from not just performers but maintenance workers, caterers, and security staff. Bumpers were added to protect the walls from further wear. Tyler’s autograph, however, survived — tucked away behind one of those protective panels. It hadn’t been seen in about 20 years until maintenance crews stumbled upon it again. The find sparked buzz inside the building. Word spread by internal email, and some staff even took pictures with the newly revealed signature before it was once again hidden from view. “It’s an incredible memento and reminder of Scotiabank Centre’s legacy as the home of sports and entertainment in the Atlantic region for almost 50 years,” said Young. “And we can imagine there are similar treasures hidden throughout the facility from artists and athletes and figures over the last 50 years, so we hope to uncover more of those in time.” For now, fans hoping to catch a glimpse will be disappointed. With maintenance work complete, the panel was put back in place and the autograph is once again out of sight — a secret piece of Halifax’s rock-and-roll history, tucked back into the walls where it waited for decades.

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Why This Researcher Spent Christmas Counting Penguins in Antarctica

While most people were unwrapping presents on Christmas morning, Pete Watson was counting penguin chicks. The 41-year-old from Caister-on-Sea, Norfolk, is spending three months living among more than 1,000 gentoo penguins on Goudier Island in Antarctica — one of the most remote places on Earth. Watson is stationed at Port Lockroy, a football-pitch-sized outpost on the Antarctic Peninsula. He’s there on behalf of the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust as part of a three-year conservation effort to help protect Base A — a British heritage site — from the growing impacts of climate change. “Even though some days can be quite tough and quite challenging, you only have to step outside or look outside the window to just remember how fortunate we are,” said Watson. He’s working as a penguin monitor, collecting detailed population data over the austral summer. “I'm particularly interested in the number of nests, the number of eggs, then eventually the number of chicks and the number of chicks that make it through to maturity,” he said. The information Watson is collecting will be fed into a broader study by the British Antarctic Survey, which tracks wildlife trends and climate shifts across the continent. While gentoo penguins are not considered endangered — with an estimated 774,000 individuals in the wild — Watson says monitoring their population is still essential. “Even though the species in itself isn't in decline, it's still important for this kind of data to be collected,” he said. Gentoos are the third-largest species of penguin, after emperor and king penguins. They are fast swimmers, reaching underwater speeds of up to 35 kilometres per hour, and are known to mate with the same partner year after year. They typically live up to 20 years in the wild. Despite the charm of daily life with the penguins, Watson says living on Port Lockroy “doesn’t come without its challenges.” There’s no running water or showers, and the team is experiencing 24 hours of daylight during the southern summer. “Life is pretty basic here,” he said, “but at the same time, it is utterly charming.” This is Watson’s first time living in Antarctica for an extended period and his first experience as a penguin monitor. He has a background in expedition travel writing and had visited the continent once before. In addition to conservation work, the team is also carrying out vital repairs to Base A — Britain’s first permanent research station in Antarctica. Now more than 80 years old, the structure houses the world’s southernmost post office and museum. The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust says the base is facing increasing deterioration from age, weather, and environmental wear. As Watson spends his days monitoring penguin populations and restoring a piece of polar history, he’s keenly aware of what’s at stake. “This region of the world is one of the fastest warming places on the planet,” he said. His work, done in the quiet company of seabirds and ice, is part of a much larger effort to understand what happens next.

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Golden Globes 2026: What to Know Before Hollywood’s Big Night

The 2026 Golden Globe Awards are here, and this year’s nominees bring plenty of star power and surprises. Leading the film race is Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, which racked up nine nominations. Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value follows close behind with eight, and Ryan Coogler’s Sinners isn’t far off with seven. In television, The White Lotus returns with six nominations for its third season, while Netflix’s breakout miniseries Adolescence landed five. The event kicks off Sunday night at 8 p.m. ET, airing live on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. For red carpet fans, coverage begins earlier: E! Network will air Live from E!: Golden Globes 2026 starting at 6 p.m. ET, also available on Peacock. Variety’s red carpet stream will begin at 6:30 p.m. ET on YouTube and Fire TV devices. Who's hosting? Comedian Nikki Glaser returns to host after a well-received debut last year. Her sharp comedic style and no-filter delivery are expected to drive some of the night’s most buzzworthy moments. Who’s predicted to win? In the film categories, Sinners heads into the night with strong momentum after winning four prizes at the Critics Choice Awards, including best drama. But it faces tough competition from Sentimental Value, Hamnet, and a remake of Frankenstein. On the comedy side, One Battle After Another is a favorite. After claiming both best picture and best director at the Critics Choice Awards, it’s widely expected to win best motion picture (musical or comedy) on Sunday. TV categories to watch The Pitt is the frontrunner for best television drama series, following a dominant showing at last year’s Emmys. But it’s not alone. Severance, The White Lotus, and Vince Gilligan’s Pluribus are also in the running. In limited series, Adolescence is a top contender. The show already made headlines last fall when 15-year-old Owen Cooper became the youngest male actor to win an Emmy. Other nominees include Black Mirror and Dying for Sex. For best comedy series, it’s a stacked field with Hacks, The Bear, Abbott Elementary, and Only Murders in the Building all competing. But The Studio, which cleaned up at the Emmys, is widely expected to take the win. Notable snubs Several high-profile projects were left out of major categories. Despite its box-office success, Superman received no nominations. That includes Rachel Brosnahan, a two-time Golden Globe winner, whose performance as Lois Lane was widely praised. Wicked: For Good failed to secure a nomination for best film (musical or comedy), while Jay Kelly missed out on a best picture (drama) nod. Both films still picked up recognition in other categories, but their absence from top honors raised eyebrows. Who to watch for on the red carpet This year’s red carpet will be packed with A-listers. Expect appearances from Emma Stone, Michael B. Jordan, Selena Gomez, Cynthia Erivo, Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Jennifer Lawrence, Tramell Tillman, Jenna Ortega, Walton Goggins, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Timothée Chalamet. Style statements and political symbolism may also shape the night. Past events have featured pins supporting Gaza, outfits promoting causes, and pointed red carpet interviews. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s “holding space” moment could see a repeat. And yes, Chalamet’s viral orange Marty Supreme look may make another cameo—or at least another meme. Expect trending speeches With Nikki Glaser hosting, jokes about celebrity culture and Hollywood’s excesses are guaranteed. But emotional and political speeches could also take the spotlight. Actors have used recent award stages to speak out on immigration, LGBTQ rights, and global conflicts. Any speech that taps into that tension is likely to go viral. No matter who takes home the trophies, the 2026 Golden Globes are shaping up to be a night of big names, bold statements, and a few unpredictable moments. Now all that’s left is to grab the popcorn.

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A Bronx Teacher Just Donated His Entire $25K Prize to Support Educators in Gambia

When Bronx educator Alhassan Susso won the $25,000 FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence earlier this year, he didn’t hesitate — he gave every dollar away. The award, which honors exceptional New York City teachers who inspire “learning through creativity, passion, and commitment,” was a personal milestone. But for Susso, the money was never about him. Instead, he donated the full amount to the Namie Foundation, a nonprofit he founded in his native Gambia to recognize and support educators working in underfunded school systems. The foundation is named after his grandmother. “The truth is, I took $45,000 out of my retirement,” Susso told The New York Times, referring to the initial $75,000 budget for the teacher-of-the-year award. “We worked hard to raise the rest from friends and family.” For months, Susso had been preparing an application for a public diplomacy grant from the U.S. Embassy in Banjul, Gambia. But in May, the application page vanished. A State Department official later told The Times that the awards were being pulled to reassess their alignment with the administration’s priorities. When Susso received the FLAG Award in June, he said it was a “no-brainer” to use the prize money to keep the foundation’s plans alive. The foundation doesn’t just recognize teachers. It also funds programs to support students with disabilities — an effort that carries personal weight for Susso, who is legally blind in one eye and losing vision in the other. “Disability is stigmatized [in Gambia],” he said. “People who are disabled can be successful if they are given the proper support.” Susso’s gift is part of a long track record of service. He’s been widely recognized for his work with immigrant and first-generation students in the South Bronx, helping them succeed both in and beyond the classroom. Now, he’s using that same passion to lift up educators — and students — on the other side of the world.

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Rental Assistance Didn’t Just Prevent Evictions — It Also Improved Mental Health, Study Finds

A federal program created to keep low-income renters housed during the pandemic had an unexpected bonus: it helped them feel better, too. A new study led by UC Riverside researcher Wei Kang found that the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program, launched in 2021, didn’t just reduce eviction, it also improved mental health for the people who received help. “Using a national dataset, we found that housing assistance helped low-income renters — who are among the most vulnerable populations — feel better and get mental health treatment when needed,” Kang said in a statement. “This demonstrates the importance of government programs in a time of crisis.” Congress created ERA to stabilize housing during the COVID-19 emergency, funneling more than $46 billion over four years to eligible renters, particularly renters of color. The program officially ended in September 2025, but its impacts are still being studied. Kang’s research, published this week in Health Affairs, analyzed responses from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey between 2021 and 2023. It compared two groups: renters who had received assistance and those who had applied but were still waiting. The differences were clear. Among people who received help: Symptoms of anxiety dropped by 9.1%, with 46% reporting recent anxiety, compared to higher rates among those still waiting. Depression symptoms dropped by 8.1%, with 38% saying they felt depressed in the weeks prior to the survey. Mental health treatment increased: those with rental aid were up to 7.9% more likely to have seen a mental health professional recently. The benefits, researchers said, came from two directions: the emotional relief of knowing eviction was off the table, and the financial freedom to pay for things like therapy, transportation to appointments, and prescription co-pays. “For those struggling to make ends meet, this shift in financial priorities proved crucial,” UC Riverside said in a statement. With rent no longer a looming crisis, people could redirect money toward their health. Kang believes the takeaway is broader than just rental policy. “The findings offer strong evidence that housing aid is also a form of health care intervention,” she said. Bruce Link, a co-author on the study and professor of public policy and sociology, said it flips a common concern about government aid. “What’s really interesting is that people in our field often worry about the unintended consequences of government programs — and that they’ll be bad, such as fraud or waste,” Link said. “But to the contrary, here are what might be deemed ‘unintended positive consequences.’”

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Hospital Staff Throws Dream Wedding for Colorado Bride with Rare Cancer Diagnosis

Just two days after getting engaged, Aliana and Bailey Gleason were married in a hallway-turned-wedding-venue inside HCA HealthOne Swedish Medical Center — thanks to a group of hospital staff who turned compassion into action. Aliana, who was recently diagnosed with a rare sarcoma that had spread to her spine, had been undergoing treatment at the Colorado hospital when she and her partner of 11 years decided it was time to stop waiting. “Eleven years and we have wanted to get married for a long, long time,” Bailey told 9 News. “But we always said that we would do it when we had enough money for a nice ring and all the decorations we wanted and everything.” That plan changed when Aliana’s diagnosis left the couple facing limited treatment options. "We are thinking that life is short and that we want to be married," Bailey said. When staff at the hospital learned about their engagement, they stepped in — organizing an impromptu wedding with flowers, decorations, and everything the couple had dreamed of but never felt they could afford. “There is not a lot you can always do,” said Matt Turrie, a nurse manager in the oncology department. “So when there is something you can do — by supporting the family, supporting the patient, being able to put on something like this, a wedding, a celebration — that’s the least we can do.” Turrie said Aliana had shown “a lot of fight” throughout her treatment, and despite not receiving the best news, “every day she wakes up, and she is smiling.” On the day of the ceremony, hospital staff lined the hallway with white sunflowers, balloons, and streamers as Aliana walked down her makeshift aisle. Wearing a white gown, silver jewelry, and a tiara, she beamed with a bright diamond ring on her finger. Bailey wore a blue suit and purple tie. “I’m just blown away,” Aliana said of the surprise ceremony. “It was amazing and made me feel really supported and see the goodness in people, besides just the few I know are good.” The wedding was more than a celebration — it was a vow to weather the difficult road ahead. “We are going through some of the hardest things you can go through right now in our lives, not just medically, in every aspect,” Aliana said. “And... it was a promise to just stand next to each other and face the storm together.” As for the wedding itself? “It feels like it was supposed to be this way,” Aliana said. Bailey agreed: “It doesn't feel like it's not the wedding we wanted — it feels perfect.”

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Wounded Veterans Ride Across Florida Keys, Finding Healing and Camaraderie on the Road

Nearly 15 years after his first Soldier Ride, Bill Hansen is still pushing forward — this time over the iconic Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys. Hansen, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and Army National Guard, joined 44 other wounded veterans on Friday for the annual Florida Keys Soldier Ride, a multi-day cycling event organized by the Wounded Warrior Project. Riders, some using specially adapted bikes, are making their way across the Overseas Highway with a shared goal: movement, recovery, and connection. “I wake up in pain every single day. I’ve gotten used to a level of pain,” Hansen said. “And so doing physical fitness, things like this, I know I’m gonna be in a little bit of pain, but it’s worth it for my mental health and for just my comradery with other vets.” Hansen first joined a Soldier Ride in 2012 in Phoenix, after suffering a serious neck and back injury and battling addiction to pain medication. Through the Wounded Warrior Project, he found a support system that helped turn things around — and it's one he's stayed close to ever since. “One of my bucket list events is to ride a bike over the Seven Mile Bridge,” he said. “I mean, what an iconic thing to do, and it’s part of America, part of our heritage. And so this is gonna be fun for me, because I get to do this. Plus, I’m gonna be able to help other vets.” The event kicked off Friday with a 27-kilometre ride from a VFW post in Key Largo to the Theater of the Sea in Islamorada. After lunch at the Marathon fire station, riders continued another 16 kilometres — including a ride across the Seven Mile Bridge — ending their day in Big Pine Key. Some of the injuries among riders are visible, including lost limbs, but many others are not. Riders dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries also take part. Each is given the equipment and support needed to participate. “The path to healing always starts with movement,” said Walter Piatt, CEO of the Wounded Warrior Project. “This is about getting them outside, getting them reconnected with people they serve with, and people are going through the same thing they are.” Supporters lined the route to cheer them on. Students at Coral Shores High School gathered in Tavernier to wave signs and encourage the riders, while smaller groups of residents clapped from porches and sidewalks. “I want them to see that we appreciate what they do,” said local resident Carol Dieck. The Wounded Warrior Project organizes rides like this across the country, not only as a physical challenge but as a source of emotional recovery and community. Funds raised from the rides support a range of programs for injured veterans — from peer mentoring to help with hospital transportation. The ride continues through the weekend, with a public community ride scheduled Saturday in Key West where locals can join the warriors. On Sunday morning, the participants will wrap up the weekend with a swim alongside dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon.

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How Yokohama’s Train Station Lockers Are Saving Leftover Bread — and the Planet

Commuters in Yokohama now have a new way to grab a snack and fight food waste at the same time. A growing number of train stations in the Japanese city are hosting “SDGs lockers” — staffless kiosks stocked with unsold baked goods that would otherwise be thrown away. The lockers, which debuted at Kanazawa-Bunko Station in early December, are part of a city-backed initiative to tackle food waste and meet sustainability goals. Here’s how it works: after nearby bakeries close up for the night, they load leftover bread and pastries into the lockers, slashing the prices by about a third. Hungry commuters can grab a discounted croissant or roll using cashless payment methods like tap-to-pay cards or smartphone apps. The lockers remain available through the final train departure of the day. Japan throws away millions of tons of edible food each year — around 5.11 million tons in the 2023 fiscal year alone, according to government estimates. That waste doesn’t just hit the wallet; it pumps out more than 11 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. That’s where the lockers come in. With tight space and huge foot traffic, train stations are an ideal location to give leftover food a second chance. Yokohama has already installed seven of the units, and city officials estimate that each one could prevent more than 13 tons of edible food from ending up in landfill every year. Other cities are paying attention. Sapporo and Fukuoka have started testing similar setups, and local governments across Japan are reaching out to learn more. In a press release quoted by Eco-Business, Yokohama officials explained the project’s purpose: “We decided to handle food loss reduction in order to target Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) goals that are familiar to citizens … Through this initiative, we are working to reduce food loss and CO2 emissions.” Japan isn’t alone in this trend. Around the world, apps and pickup points for surplus food are becoming more common. And for everyday consumers, it’s a simple way to save money and make a difference. If you live in a city with programs like this, picking up marked-down goods near their sell-by date can help keep perfectly good food out of the trash — and put a little extra back in your pocket.

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15 Special Needs Dogs Set to Break Records at Puppy Bowl 2026

The Puppy Bowl is back — and this year, it’s making history. Puppy Bowl XXII, airing Sunday, Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. ET, will feature 15 dogs with special needs, the largest number ever to take part in the long-running call-to-adoption TV event. Now in its 22nd year, the Puppy Bowl continues to shine a spotlight on adoptable rescue dogs while celebrating every pup’s potential — regardless of their challenges. This year’s event will also showcase more adoptable dogs overall than ever before: 150 rescue puppies from 72 shelters across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the British Virgin Islands. The three-hour special will air on Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, HBO Max, and discovery+. Among the record-setting roster are dogs who are deaf, visually impaired, using wheelchairs, or missing limbs or eyes. Here are a few of the standout athletes set to take the field: • Anson, a deaf pup from Underdog Pet Rescue in Madison, Wisconsin • Brûlée and Dottie, both deaf and representing Green Dogs Unleashed in Troy, Virginia • Cricket, who was born with a heart condition, and Grasshopper, who has diabetes — both from Harley’s Haven in Perkasie, Pennsylvania • Eleanor and Foxy, deaf pups with visual impairments from Double J Dog Ranch in Hauser, Idaho • Knick Knack, another Green Dogs Unleashed player with both hearing and vision challenges • Litchi, missing one ear, from Angel City Pit Bulls in Los Angeles • Paddy and Riley, both blind and from Pets with Disabilities (Maryland) and Rescue Dogs Rock NYC, respectively • Polly, who has visual impairments, from Lucky Dog Refuge in Stamford, Connecticut • Teigan, a wheelchair-using pup from Perfect Imperfections Rescue in Watertown, Connecticut • Wynonna, a lovable three-legged dog representing Kentucky Humane Society in Louisville Each of these dogs has a different story, but they’ll all have the same chance to shine on the turf. To see the full lineup and learn more about the players, visit PuppyBowl.com.

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