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A New German Device is Bringing Real-Time Soil Analysis to the Field
A groundbreaking device developed by German researchers could revolutionize agriculture by bringing lab-level soil analysis directly to farmers in the field. The RapidMapper, a collaborative effort between the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB) and Ferdinand-Braun-Institut (FBH), aims to make farming more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable through targeted fertilization. The device addresses the limitations of traditional soil-sampling methods, which are often costly and time-consuming. Farmers typically collect samples from various fields and send them to labs for analysis, delaying nutrient adjustments. The RapidMapper offers a portable solution that allows real-time soil analysis. "Using the Raman sensor head … it was possible for the first time to detect soil components at a depth of five to ten centimeters — while in motion," said Dr. Martin Maiwald of FBH. Dr. Robin Gebbers of ATB highlighted additional insights gained from their model, including detecting carbonates and organic substances in the soil. "The first test run was a big step forward," Gebbers stated. "At our soil testing track in the Fieldlab for Digital Agriculture, we were able to demonstrate that measurements in soils are possible from a mobile platform while in motion." While data from initial tests is still being evaluated, researchers believe this technology could lead to more efficient farming practices. With agriculture facing increasing challenges, high-tech solutions like artificial intelligence are becoming popular tools for improving crop management. The German team plans to optimize soil fertility directly from the field with an integrated system that could appeal to farmers and farm machinery manufacturers alike.
Score (97)
Oasis Reunion Tour Sparks Millennial Nostalgia With Bucket Hat Comeback
The Oasis reunion isn’t just about two brothers burying the hatchet long enough to share a stage again. For many fans, it feels symbolic — proof that healing, however unlikely, is possible. And nothing represents that healing quite like the bucket hat. Once the unofficial crown of the Brit Pop era, the floppy headwear was everywhere at Oasis’s Rose Bowl show in Los Angeles, bobbing in the crowd by the thousands. The bucket hat has a long history. First worn by Irish fishermen and farmers in the early 1900s, it resurfaced in the 1960s, again in the 1980s, and has since reappeared in nearly every decade. From Gilligan to LL Cool J to Liam Gallagher himself, it has become a cultural shorthand for rebellion, nostalgia, or just plain cool. Millennials and younger Gen X-ers have leaned hard into the trend, snapping up merch at Oasis shows. “Plaid oversized shirts, boot cut jeans and funnel neck tech jackets are back, and with that, their crowning glory, the bucket hat,” fashion stylist Fay Parrish told Upworthy. Eric Turney, President of Sales and Marketing at The Monterrey Company, says the revival has its own label. “People in our industry are referring to it as the Oasis Effect,” he explained. “Since the reunion buzz, bucket hats have jumped from streetwear collections to mainstream fall style. Our sales are up, and clothing designers are building them into full seasonal collections.” Liam himself has taken it upon himself to define the look. At a July show in London, he barked at the crowd: “This isn’t f— velvet, and it’s not a f— beanie hat. It’s jumbo cord, and it’s a bucket hat.” Not everyone’s convinced. On Reddit, one thread titled “Wearing a bucket hat instantly makes people look like jerks” drew nearly 300 comments. Still, plenty defended the style — praising its sun and rain protection, or simply declaring loyalty in all caps: “OASIS FANS IN THE AREA.” On the r/Oasis subreddit, some fans joked Liam might just be hiding a bad haircut. Others see it as part of his brand, a uniform that signals constancy as much as defiance. Whatever the case, the sight of bucket hats uniting old fans and new feels bigger than fashion. It’s nostalgia stitched with resilience — a reminder that style cycles back, music brings people together, and even the Gallagher brothers can change.
Score (98)
Meet The 24-Hour Girl: Olivia Moluchi's Epic Run For Animal Rescue is Inspiring A Community
For 24 hours straight, Olivia Moluchi ran the same looping path at Lakewood Park in Tecumseh, Canada, her legs aching and sleep long gone — but stopping was never part of the plan. The 23-year-old University of Victoria student set off at 6:30 p.m. Friday and didn’t stop until the clock struck the same time Saturday. By then, she had logged an estimated 120 kilometres and raised more than $4,400 for Charlotte’s Freedom Farm, a sanctuary near Chatham, Ontario, that rescues animals from abuse and factory farming. “The idea came to me when I was in the shower one day,” Moluchi said. “I have been an animal activist and a vegetarian my entire life. I’ve always had these crazy ideas. What can I put my body through for others to raise awareness? Charlotte’s Freedom Farm came to mind.” Her visits to the sanctuary inspired her to push her physical limits for the cause. Along the way, friends, family, and strangers joined her on foot, bike, or rollerblades, cheering on what many began calling “the 24-hour girl.” “As long as I’m upright, I’m having a good time,” she joked. “Friends, family, and community members have come out to run, bike, or rollerblade with me. Some people have even recognized me as ‘the 24-hour girl.’” This isn’t her first ultra effort. In 2024, Moluchi ran 100 kilometres to raise more than $5,000 for ovarian cancer research in memory of a friend’s mother. She said she didn’t even start long-distance running until 2021. “I had never run more than 11k in my life until 2021, when I started running ultras,” she said. “It’s a great way to get the community together and raise awareness.” By Saturday afternoon, a few hours before finishing, Moluchi had already surpassed her $3,000 fundraising goal. “All this is going to the animals,” she said. “Hopefully, they can take more animals and give them even more love.” Lauren Edwards, who runs Charlotte’s Freedom Farm, said she was floored by the effort. “Twenty-four hours of running. I mean, I had trouble getting out of bed this morning,” Edwards said. “She well surpassed the original goal of $3,000. It’s amazing to see the support and to see what she’s doing here.” Edwards joined Moluchi for a lap with volunteers and some of the farm’s animals, calling her determination contagious. “She’s got a few hours left, and she’s still full of energy, which is amazing,” Edwards said. “I think a lot of people have been motivated [by her]. Hopefully, it gets people out and makes them try new things they didn’t think they could do.” For Moluchi, the pain was temporary, the cause lasting. “My body’s hurting — but at 6:30 p.m., I’m in bed. So who cares?” she said with a laugh.
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Score (93)
How Taylor Swift And Her Fans Made Science Cool Again
Taylor Swift may have shaken stadiums with her record-breaking Eras Tour, but a new study shows she also helped shake up interest in science. Geophysicist Eleanor Dunn, a PhD student at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, measured the seismic activity generated by Swift’s concerts in Dublin in June 2024. Dubbed the “SwiftQuake,” her project captured worldwide media attention after detecting seismic waves from the shows more than 60 miles away. Now, Dunn and her supervisor, Professor Joseph Roche of Trinity College Dublin, have published their findings in the *International Journal of Science Education*. Their paper, “Are you ready for it? Harnessing celebrity influence for science communication and seismology – The Taylor Swift effect,” argues that major cultural events can serve as powerful gateways to public engagement with science. “This project was an incredible opportunity to bridge the gap between celebrity pop culture and scientific inquiry,” Dunn said. “Witnessing the public’s enthusiasm, especially from Swifties, for understanding how their collective energy translated into measurable seismic waves was truly inspiring. It showed us that science is all around us, even in our favorite music events.” For three nights at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, Dunn and her team installed 42 temporary seismometers at 21 locations around the venue, recording the seismic energy from songs like *Shake It Off*. The tremors were strong enough to be picked up by Ireland’s national seismic network as far away as the Dublin Mountains and Wexford. The project blended rigorous data collection with a savvy outreach strategy. Fans were invited to share their concert videos to help the team analyze seismic patterns, while media coverage and social platforms spread the findings to a global audience. Dunn said the results confirm that integrating pop culture into research can make science more accessible and engaging. “This study demonstrates that integrating popular cultural events into scientific research can create accessible and exciting avenues for public engagement, transforming audiences into active participants in scientific discovery,” she said. Roche praised her approach as both original and effective. “Eleanor’s research showcases the power of interdisciplinary thinking, combining seismology, science communication, and celebrity studies,” he said. “It’s a brilliant example of what happens when a researcher combines their unique research skills with their personal passions.” He added with a smile: “Eleanor is a dedicated Swiftie and, once this study is published, Taylor is going to be just as big a fan of Eleanor’s research.”
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Rare "Flat Rainbow" Spotted Along UK Coastline in Stunning Display
A woman in the U.K. has captured a rare “flat rainbow” stretching low across the shoreline in Torquay. Naomi Cars said she had already seen several rainbows from her home overlooking the bay, but this one stood out. “We’d had four or five rainbows that day, but they weren’t full rainbows. This one was really low to the sea. It was really beautiful – it was really bright as well,” she said. Cars quickly snapped a photo of the rainbow, which appeared almost level with the horizon instead of arching high across the sky. “We’re really lucky to have an amazing view from our home, and we see quite a lot of rainbows – but I’ve never seen one like that,” she added. According to the Met Office, rainbows are technically full circles, but the ground usually blocks the bottom half, leaving only the familiar arc. Their shape depends on the angle between the sun, water droplets, and the observer’s eyes. In coastal areas, sea spray and a low sun angle can make the arc appear much flatter. “I don’t think I’ll ever see one again,” Cars said. “I think we’re really lucky to live in such a beautiful area, and we’re lucky that we get to see these things.”
Score (97)
This Life-Sized Model Of the Iconic Bomber Plane Takes Flight To Honor WWII Heroes
A towering tribute to the crews of Bomber Command has finally been unveiled in Lincolnshire after nearly eight years of work and fundraising. On Monday, volunteers used two cranes to piece together a life-sized steel model of a Lancaster bomber beside the A46 in Norton Disney. The sculpture, named *On Freedom’s Wings*, stands 30 metres tall and is tilted to give the impression of a plane flying home toward the former RAF Swinderby nearby. The Bomber County Gateway Trust first launched the project in 2018, aiming to raise £100,000 to honour RAF crews who flew one of the most iconic aircraft of the Second World War. Chairman Charlie White said seeing the wings lifted into place was the culmination of years of determination. “It is fantastic to see the sculpture go up after nearly eight years of work. I can’t believe it,” he said. The bomber’s wings each stretch 14.5 metres, making the structure visible for miles. Fundraiser Mike Lloyd called it “an amazing piece of engineering” while volunteer Andy Taylor compared it to one of Britain’s most famous public artworks. “It’s Lincolnshire’s answer to the Angel of the North,” he said. “It’s a wonderful tribute to those who risked their lives in such an iconic aircraft.” Landscaping work is still to come, but the site will eventually welcome visitors who can sit beneath the replica bomber. The Lancaster remains a symbol of both heroism and sacrifice. During the war, 7,377 of the aircraft flew more than 150,000 missions, including the famous Dambuster Raids of 1943. They dropped over 600,000 tons of bombs—more than any other aircraft of the conflict. But the cost was devastating. Of the roughly 6,000 Lancasters available for duty, more than half were lost in action. In all, about 55,000 of the 125,000 men who served with Bomber Command were killed, and another 10,000 were taken prisoner. For the volunteers behind the project, the new sculpture ensures those sacrifices are remembered every time a driver passes by.
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This New Hampshire Man Just Received a Pig Kidney as Transplant Trials Begin
A New Hampshire man has become the latest American to receive an experimental pig kidney transplant, marking another step in the effort to see if animal organs could help ease the critical shortage of human donors. Bill Stewart, 54, an athletic trainer from Dover, underwent the procedure on June 14 at Massachusetts General Hospital. “I really wanted to contribute to the science of it,” he told the Associated Press. Doctors say Stewart is recovering well. His surgery comes as another Mass General patient, Tim Andrews, continues to live with a pig kidney that has kept him off dialysis for more than seven months, the longest any gene-edited pig organ has functioned in a person. Until now, the record had been 130 days. “Right now we have a bottleneck in finding enough human organs,” said Dr Leonardo Riella, a kidney specialist at Mass General who is helping lead the research. More than 100,000 people in the US are on the transplant list, most of them waiting for kidneys, and thousands die each year before receiving one. To expand options, scientists have been genetically modifying pigs so their organs are less likely to be rejected by the human immune system. Early attempts, including two hearts and two kidneys, were short-lived and involved severely ill patients. More recently, doctors have shifted to enrolling patients who are healthier apart from kidney failure, giving the organs a better chance to succeed. Stewart developed kidney failure from high blood pressure. He faced a wait of up to seven years for a donor kidney compatible with his blood type, and several potential living donors were ruled out. After two years on dialysis, he heard about Andrews’ transplant and applied to be the next candidate. “I’ve always been a little bit of a science nerd,” Stewart said. He spoke with Andrews before agreeing to the surgery and decided, “worst case scenario, they can always take it out.” Now, Stewart says he is grateful to be free of the exhausting dialysis schedule. He has returned to desk work and visited his former clinic to reassure patients. “Let everyone know I’m doing all right and maybe kind of give some people some hope,” he said. Doctors say both Stewart and Andrews needed adjustments to their anti-rejection medications, but so far the pig kidneys are holding up. It is still too early to know how long they might last, Riella cautioned, but even if they function for a year, that would be “already a huge advantage” by giving patients more time until a human donor becomes available. The Food and Drug Administration has now cleared biotech company eGenesis to launch a clinical trial of pig kidney transplants in 30 patients, all aged 50 or older and on dialysis. Another developer, United Therapeutics, is also preparing to begin a similar FDA-approved study. For Stewart, the experience has already changed his life. “Thrilled” to have his time and energy back, he said he hopes his willingness to take part in the experiment will help pave the way for many others.
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Turning Ocean Plastic Into A Climate Solution: New Research Unveils Innovative Carbon Capture Method
Plastics are choking landfills, polluting oceans, and driving climate change. But scientists in Denmark believe they’ve found a way to turn that waste into part of the solution. In a study published September 5 in *Science Advances*, researchers at the University of Copenhagen reported that they had transformed decomposed PET plastic—the same material used in bottles and food packaging—into a highly efficient carbon-capturing powder. “The beauty of this method is that we solve a problem without creating a new one,” said lead author Margarita Poderyte, a chemistry PhD candidate at the university. “By turning waste into a raw material that can actively reduce greenhouse gases, we make an environmental issue part of the solution to the climate crisis.” The process uses a chemical reaction called aminolysis to convert discarded plastic into a substance named BAETA. The powder can be pressed into pellets that trap carbon dioxide molecules with surprising efficiency. One pound of BAETA can capture about 0.15 pounds of CO2, a strong performance compared with most current commercial systems. The team also found that BAETA is more heat-resistant than similar amine sorbents, staying stable up to 250 degrees Celsius. That means it can withstand harsher industrial conditions, although it does require more energy to absorb and release carbon. The researchers argue the tradeoff is worthwhile if BAETA can scale affordably. The potential impact is significant. Plastic waste accounts for nearly 2 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year, and much of it—especially PET—ends up in landfills or oceans. Scientists estimate that 27 million tons of plastic particles are floating in the North Atlantic alone. “If we can get our hands on the highly decomposed PET plastic floating in the world’s oceans, it will be a valuable resource for us as it’s so well suited for upcycling with our method,” Poderyte said. Her colleague, associate professor Jiwoong Lee, noted that BAETA could create a financial reason to clean up marine debris. “Our material can create a very concrete economic incentive to cleanse the oceans of plastic,” he said. The hope is that BAETA could deliver a two-for-one benefit: reducing the plastic pollution crisis while also cutting planet-warming carbon emissions. For scientists searching for ways to slow climate change, that’s the kind of chemistry that could make a difference.
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This 87-Year-Old Grandma is Hanging Up Her Running Shoes After an Epic 10K Race
Barbara Thackray, an 87-year-old grandmother from Altrincham, Greater Manchester, has completed her last official 10-kilometer race. Barbara took up running a decade ago and has since raised over $35,000 for St Ann's Hospice in honor of her sister Audrey, who passed away from cancer at the hospice in 1988. Despite starting the sport later in life, Barbara became a familiar face in local races and even appeared in an Adidas advertisement alongside footballer Mo Salah. Over the years, she competed in about 15 official races and estimates she has run more than 7,000 kilometers since beginning this fitness journey. Her routine included running 10 kilometers twice a week for five years before reducing to once a week earlier this year. Reflecting on her final race at the Altrincham 10k, Barbara expressed satisfaction with her performance. "The race went well but this will be my last official race," she said. "I think my time was about one hour and 40 minutes. There were something like 3,800 runners and I was the oldest." Barbara's commitment to charity began when she first ran a 10k in support of St Ann’s Hospice after seeing the care they provided to her sister Audrey during her final weeks. She continued to participate annually with her nephew John Humphreys by her side. Even though Barbara is stepping back from competitive racing due to fatigue, she plans to keep running for personal health. After raising over £5,000 in donations from Sunday's race alone, she feels satisfied with her accomplishments. "I'm thrilled and pleased that everyone has been so generous in donating," Barbara shared after crossing the finish line surrounded by family and friends.
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Lost Wedding Ring Found: Woman Reunited Thanks To Facebook Magic
When Emily Camp lost her wedding ring on a beach in Majorca, she thought it was gone forever. Weeks later, the 37-year-old from Braintree, Essex, was stunned to be reunited with it thanks to another British holidaymaker and a few uncanny coincidences. Camp and her husband, Matthew, realised the platinum band was missing toward the end of their August trip to Puerto Pollensa. They scoured their hotel room, spoke with lifeguards and tourist information staff, and even contacted police. But after hours of searching, they suspected it had been swallowed by the sand. Back home, Camp posted in a local Facebook group called *Puerto Pollensa Now* as a last attempt. To her shock, she got a message weeks later: the ring had been found by Maria Liddy, a deputy headteacher from north London. Liddy had spotted it poking out of the sand while on holiday with her husband. She mentioned it to a friend, Charlie, who posted about the discovery in the same Facebook group. That connected the dots. “I got the message on Wednesday last week,” Camp said. “The whole thing has been completely surreal. I cried, laughed. When we found out it was the ring, Matt wanted to jump on a plane to pick it up.” Instead, the couple arranged to meet Liddy back in the UK. They drove to Islington in pouring rain to collect the ring at her school. “When it came to collecting it, I couldn’t believe it,” Camp said. “I knew this lady was very kind, honest, due to her WhatsApp profile picture of her dog. I brought some dog toys, flowers and a card. I thought how could we ever repay this lady.” For Liddy, there was never any doubt. “It was just meant to be,” she said. “We thought oh gosh, we have to find who this belongs to. We wanted to get it back to them as soon as possible… We just hugged, we needed to talk, they came into school, made them coffees. We have already said we’re going to meet up in London.” The Camps say the reunion felt almost fated. Maria shares the same name as Emily’s mother-in-law. Both couples had flown to Majorca on the same day. The Camps’ ring is engraved with their anniversary, 14 October 2023, which is also the birthday of Maria’s son. And the ring was found beneath sunbed number 26, the same number as the couple’s first house and their ages when they began dating. “When you start piecing it all together it is a bit like a book,” Emily said. “It is all a very spooky coincidence.” For the Camps, the ring’s return restored more than just a missing piece of jewellery. “It’s restored my faith in humanity and taught me social media can be used for good,” Emily said. “There are still decent people out there. We feel whole again.”
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Tattooed Model Turns Cancer Battle Into Empowering Photoshoots For Survivors
When Amy Carroll was diagnosed with breast cancer at 29, she thought her short modelling career might be over. The mother of three from Northamptonshire had only started in front of the camera in 2019, but a double mastectomy in 2021 left her struggling with confidence. Now 33, Carroll says she decided to “own it” instead of stepping away. Not only has she returned to modelling, but she also runs photoshoots for others living with cancer, giving them the same boost she once needed. “I thought to myself, this is who I am, this is my body,” she told BBC Look East. “It’s rewarding in the sense that I can make somebody feel better and help them accept themselves for who they are.” For many, the shoots are less about professional goals and more about self-acceptance. Participants say Carroll’s approach creates a safe space to celebrate their bodies and feel empowered. Chelsea Leigh, 42, originally from Cardiff, met Carroll after her own treatment for blood and colon cancer. She said stepping into one of Carroll’s shoots felt like a break from reality. “To be in that bubble for a few hours... reboots my mental health. I feel recharged again. Exhausted, but mentally stronger,” she said. Carroll, who also goes by the name Darcie Diamond online, now runs shoots across the UK, with some raising money for cancer charities. While many of the photos are kept personal, she says they can also serve as professional portfolios if participants want to pursue modelling. Outside of photography, Carroll is due to appear in a new drama series called *The Real Irish*. But she says her biggest focus remains helping people regain confidence after illness. “It doesn’t matter how you look,” she said. “The most important thing is to own who you are and keep doing what you want to do. Life’s too short.”