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Score (98)
Teens Turn Date Night Into Acts Of Kindness At Local Hospital
In Southington, Connecticut, two high school seniors have turned a simple date night into a global message of kindness. Liliana Vera and Evan Jekubovich, both students at Southington High School, decided to celebrate their four-month anniversary by spreading joy to strangers. Inspired by a TikTok video, the couple purchased flowers, pens, and notecards from Target—not for each other but for those facing difficult times. The pair drove to Hartford Hospital and placed flowers with handwritten notes on car windshields in the parking lot. The messages were straightforward yet impactful: “One step at a time,” “Get better,” and “You’ll get through this.” They also gave extra flowers to the parking garage attendant before sharing their act of kindness on TikTok. The video quickly went viral. “We just wanted to inspire other people how we were inspired,” Vera told NBC Connecticut. “We didn’t expect it to go viral.” Among those touched by their gesture was Amel Zubeidy, who had been staying at the hospital with her daughter. “I was at the hospital...and when I got to the parking lot and saw two purple flowers with a note, it was a surprise," Zubeidy said. "It gave me [a] feeling like someone felt my pain without knowing anything." Vera and Jekubovich hope their actions encourage others to spread kindness. “I hope that it inspires others to do better and be the better version of themselves,” Vera said. Jekubovich added, “It’s important...so people can see that other people are doing good so they can do good too.”
Score (62)
Meet NISAR: The New Satellite Set to Revolutionize Our Understanding of Earth
Satellites in low-Earth orbit are like the eyes in the sky, helping us study and understand our planet. Positioned between 160 and 2,000 kilometers above Earth, they capture detailed images quickly, scanning various parts of the globe within hours or days. These satellites help scientists monitor natural phenomena such as wildfires, storms, and volcanoes. They also play a big role in studying climate change effects on remote areas like the Arctic and Antarctica. Joining this fleet of satellites is a new one called NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar). It's a joint effort by NASA and the Indian Space Research Organization designed to track changes on Earth with impressive detail. Using dual-frequency radar sensors, NISAR will be able to image nearly all of Earth's land and icy surfaces twice every 12 days. This frequent imaging offers a detailed view of natural processes occurring on our planet. The NISAR satellite recently completed its final preparations at the Satish Dhawan Space Center in India. It was encapsulated here before it was launched into space aboard the Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle on July 30th. What makes NISAR stand out is its ability to provide valuable data on ice-sheet changes, sea-level rises, and ecosystem shifts. According to NASA, "the satellite will scan forests and wetlands" while examining both human-driven and natural changes affecting these environments. With NISAR serving as an additional set of eyes aimed at Earth, experts can better grasp and respond to global climate change impacts. Once launched into space inside its larger payload fairing capsule, this capsule will split open to release NISAR into orbit around Earth. The satellite will then begin its mission of delivering critical insights about our planet’s changing environment.
Score (95)
Ancient Dinosaur Fossil Reveals Surprising Bird-Like Sounds and Vocal Anatomy
On those nights when your imagination runs wild, you might picture a dinosaur chasing you, expecting it to roar fiercely. But what if instead of a roar, you heard a chirp? According to new research, some dinosaurs might have had bird-like vocalizations. A recently published study in the journal Peer J introduces Pulaosaurus qinglong, an herbivorous dinosaur species discovered in present-day China. This 163-million-year-old dinosaur measured about 0.6 meters long and may have been a juvenile. More research will clarify its age. The name Pulaosaurus is inspired by Pulao, a mythical Chinese dragon known for loud sounds, and Qinglong County in Hebei Province, where the fossil was found. What makes this discovery particularly fascinating is that Pulaosaurus' fossil included preserved bony vocal organs—an exceptional find for paleontologists—and these organs share similarities with those of modern birds. The study authors suggest it’s possible that Pulaosaurus could produce avian-like sounds. Today’s birds evolved from small theropods, feathered dinosaurs that lived between 150 million and 165 million years ago. While most reptiles use a larynx made of cartilage to produce sound, birds possess a syrinx composed of both bone and cartilage, enabling them to create complex calls. However, these delicate bones rarely appear in the fossil record, leaving much about dinosaur vocalization uncertain. Pulaosaurus represents only the second non-avian dinosaur ever found with such preserved vocal anatomy. The first was Pinacosaurus grangeri—a type of ankylosaur described earlier this year. Though Pinacosaurus' voice box wasn't identical to a modern bird's syrinx, its structure likely enabled bird-like noises. Xing Xu from the Chinese Academy of Sciences co-authored the study and told Asher Elbein at the New York Times that Pulaosaurus might have had similar but less advanced vocal structures compared to Pinacosaurus. Considering Pinacosaurus lived approximately 90 million years later during the Late Cretaceous period—between 75 million and 81 million years ago—it stands to reason that evolutionary developments would differ. The presence of bony throat structures in both Pulaosaurus and Pinacosaurus suggests bird-like vocal abilities may have appeared earlier in dinosaur evolution than previously thought. For now though, Hollywood's roaring T-Rexes are safe; more rare fossils are needed before we can fully understand how dinosaurs really sounded. James Napoli from Stony Brook University remarked on this challenge when discussing Pinacosaurus' discovery with Live Science: "Without fossilized vocal organs... it’s really hard to even begin to estimate the limits of dinosaur vocal behavior."
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Score (96)
Why Adults Are Flocking to Summer Camps for Community and Nostalgia
Summer camp isn’t just for kids anymore. Across the United States, more adults are packing their bags for a few days of crafts, campfires, and carefree fun. Yelp says searches for adult summer camps have jumped almost 350 percent this year as people look for community and a chance to relive simpler times. “What's really cool is all the activities are planned for you,” said camper Kenny Rosenstock. At Club Getaway in Kent, Connecticut, those activities range from kayaking and rock climbing to themed parties. The camp is strictly 21 and over on weekends. During the week, it hosts children. On Friday night, though, the grown-ups take over. “I did overnight camps when I was younger, and I remember going out on the water, going rock climbing,” said Shamia Brisco, who signed up for a weekend. “Why not do that with some alcohol.” Club Getaway has been running these adult weekends for nearly 50 years, but interest has surged recently. Owner David Schriber said demand has doubled as more people look for a break from everyday pressures. “I think people come here for an experience. They want to meet new people. They want to try different things and feel part of a community, even just for a short period of time,” Schriber said. “Things are complicated right now. There is a simplicity that comes here, right? There's sort of a depth in the superficiality of just laughing and meeting people and doing silly, zany things.” The spike comes at a time when 66 percent of workers report feeling burned out, the highest level ever recorded, and surveys show rising levels of loneliness. “It’s hard to find friends as an adult,” Brisco said. “So like, the fact that we can connect as adults still and just like, enjoy each other … without our phones and just being happy, it means a lot.” Camp weekends typically cost about $800, according to industry listings, and programs are popping up in states from California to Connecticut. Organizers say if you are thinking about booking, it helps to check the age range of campers and what type of experience you want, whether it is purely social or focused on specific activities. For people like Brisco, the pull is simple: a chance to spend a few days outdoors, unplugged, doing something joyful and a little bit silly.
Score (97)
Buddy Guy Drops New Album on 89th Birthday, Keeps Blues Alive and Kicking
Blues legend Buddy Guy is about to drop a new album on a significant day—his 89th birthday. The album, "Ain't Done with the Blues," will hit the shelves this week, marking another milestone in Guy's mission to keep blues music alive and kicking. The eight-time Grammy winner has been a fierce advocate for the genre throughout his career. Despite his impressive accolades, Guy remains focused on the future of blues music. “Like I promised B.B. King, Muddy Waters and all of them,” he said during an interview with The Associated Press, “I do the best I can to keep the blues alive.” Guy is worried that radio stations are neglecting blues music, potentially losing a connection with younger audiences. His latest album aims to address this by featuring classic tracks like “Talk to Your Daughter,” which risk fading into obscurity without renewed attention. For Guy, blues music reflects everyday experiences. “Blues is based on everyday life,” he explained. “A good time or a bad time.” He likens it to a hearty bowl of gumbo—a mix of flavors and ingredients that come together beautifully: “When we play music, we put everything in there.” This year saw a boost in blues streaming numbers thanks to Ryan Coogler’s film "Sinners," which included contributions from Guy himself. According to Luminate's midyear report for 2025, U.S. on-demand audio streams of blues music have climbed significantly following the movie’s release. Jaime Marconette from Luminate noted that artists featured in the film's soundtrack are experiencing sustained increases in listenership. Guy has noticed this change firsthand through interactions in everyday places like grocery stores and drugstores. He shared how people recognize him and express their appreciation for the "Sinners" soundtrack: “‘Man, it sounds good,’” they tell him. The movie collaboration was part of Guy's broader strategy to introduce more people to blues music. “I hope this will give the blues a boost,” he said. The artist wants young listeners to discover what makes blues special—like tasting gumbo for the first time. As for his own listening habits, Guy prefers not to revisit his own work once it's released: “I listen to everything but Buddy Guy,” he admits. For him, there's little left to learn from his recordings; he's already well-acquainted with what they offer. With "Ain't Done with the Blues," Buddy Guy continues his mission of keeping one of America's foundational musical genres vibrant and relevant as he enters yet another year filled with creativity and passion for the craft he's dedicated his life to preserving.
Score (97)
Denmark's Bold Plan: Letting Nature Reclaim Farmland to Create a New Forest Wonderland
Denmark is trying something new to tackle climate change: turning old farmland back into forests, and in some cases, letting nature do most of the work. In December 2024, the country launched a plan to cut carbon emissions by restoring 250,000 hectares of land, close to 6 percent of Denmark, into forest. One of the pilot projects is in Aarhus municipality, home to Denmark’s second-largest city. There, on 300 hectares of former farmland south of the city in Vilhelmsborg, the local government has decided to see what happens when they step back and let the land heal itself. Biologist Peter Søgaard, who manages the project for the municipality, told Mongabay that the approach is simple: leave the existing trees alone and let them spread their own seeds. Instead of planting new trees in rows, the land will regenerate on its own. “So instead of having the water being sucked down under the surface through these drain pipes, we demolish all the drain pipes and bring the water back to the surface,” Søgaard said. That means the first step has been to undo decades of drainage. Denmark has a long history of draining wetlands for agriculture, using an underground network of pipes to keep fields dry. Those pipes are being ripped out. Water is now allowed to rise back to the surface, streams have been reshaped to slow the flow, and a new lake is planned to draw birds back to the area. This kind of “natural regeneration,” sometimes called afforestation by natural colonization, is more common in tropical regions where farmland is abandoned. In Denmark, it is almost unheard of. “We’re breaking new ground here,” said Mikael Kirkebæk of the Danish Climate Forest Fund, a government-backed organization that is funding and guiding the project. Kirkebæk said the project is also an experiment. In one half of the area, his team is considering planting a few native species, like birch and oak, just to see if the added boost helps. The rest will be left to recover on its own after being plowed and tilled one final time to prepare the soil. Studies suggest that letting forests come back naturally produces a more diverse mix of native trees, especially species that spread by birds or insects, than planting does. That diversity, in turn, draws a wider variety of wildlife. Government officials are watching closely. If the approach works, it could shape how Denmark uses land in the future. Kirkebæk said the project could become a model for other parts of the country. “We’re breaking new ground here,” he said, adding that there is already interest in changing policies to favor biodiversity. For now, Vilhelmsborg’s future forest is still an empty canvas. It will take years to see whether birds, frogs, and fish return in large numbers. The planners know there is uncertainty. But in a country that has long shaped its land with farms and drainage, they are betting on a simple idea: if you bring the water back and let nature in, the rest might just take care of itself.
Score (97)
This New Revolutionary Tech is Recovering 92% of Metals From EV Batteries
Old batteries may soon get a second life, thanks to a new recycling breakthrough from scientists in Massachusetts. Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) have come up with a cleaner, more efficient way to recycle lithium-ion batteries, the same kind that power everything from smartphones to electric cars. Instead of letting worn-out batteries pile up in landfills or tearing up the planet for new materials, their method turns dead batteries into high-performance components for the next generation. Lithium-ion batteries have become the backbone of modern life, but they are far from perfect. They store huge amounts of energy, yet after a few thousand charge cycles they degrade, leaving behind valuable metals like nickel, cobalt, and manganese. Mining those materials comes with a heavy environmental cost. Right now, when batteries are recycled, the process is messy: it uses a lot of energy, emits a lot of greenhouse gases, and often leaves behind materials that are too degraded to make new batteries. Manufacturers then turn back to mining. Yan Wang, a professor of mechanical engineering at WPI, has spent years trying to solve that. His team has developed a process that uses hydrometallurgy — a water-based chemical technique — to extract the metals from old batteries and rebuild them into cathodes that work as well as, or even better than, the originals. Instead of producing low-grade materials, the process upcycles nickel-poor cathodes into nickel-rich ones, which are used in next-generation batteries. In lab tests, cells made with these recycled cathodes kept 88 percent of their capacity after 500 charge cycles, and 85 percent after about 900 cycles. That is performance on par with, or better than, brand-new batteries. The team also says their method cuts energy use by 8.6 percent, lowers carbon emissions by 13.9 percent, and reduces production costs by more than 76 percent compared with current recycling methods. In their experiments, 92 percent of the material in old batteries was successfully reused. This is not just theory. Wang co-founded Ascend Elements, a company that is already building a commercial business out of recycling battery materials. That connection could speed up how quickly the new process moves from the lab to actual factory floors. Battery waste has become a serious problem. With electric vehicle sales booming and the global push to switch to renewable energy, millions of batteries will eventually reach the end of their life. If those batteries are simply discarded, they become an environmental hazard. Mining for fresh materials to replace them adds to the damage. A process that turns used batteries into high-quality new ones could help build what experts call a circular battery economy: a closed loop where old batteries provide the raw material for new ones. For consumers, this could mean that the battery in a future electric car, laptop, or phone could be made almost entirely from recycled components, without losing any performance. It could also keep costs from skyrocketing as demand for batteries grows. In the bigger picture, this innovation could help make renewable energy storage more sustainable. It could reduce the need to mine new nickel and cobalt, make battery production less vulnerable to global supply chain problems, and cut the carbon footprint of clean energy systems. As the clean energy transition accelerates, recycling breakthroughs like this one show that the story is not only about generating green power. It is also about making sure that the batteries holding that power are part of the solution, not part of the problem.
Score (90)
What Experts Suggest You Say When Comforting the Grieving
When someone we know loses a loved one, most of us want to say the right thing but often end up feeling tongue-tied. We want to help, but grief is messy, unpredictable, and easy to fumble if we lean on clichés. “Losing a loved one is the most significant source of stress we experience,” researchers say. Yet many of the things we say in those moments, meant to comfort, can make someone feel worse. “When we say the wrong thing, we're often trying to make ourselves feel better about someone’s pain,” said Rebecca Feinglos, a certified grief support specialist. “But grief isn't meant to be comfortable for anyone, not for the person experiencing it, nor for the people watching.” What not to say Phrases like “everything happens for a reason,” “at least they’re not suffering anymore,” or “you need to stay strong” are commonly said but often land badly. They can sound like attempts to explain away the pain, or like instructions on how someone should grieve. Even well-meaning comments about faith, timelines (“you need to move on”), or comparisons (“I know exactly how you feel”) can be received as dismissive. “Someone who’s grieving a loss is already carrying an impossible weight,” Feinglos said. “The last thing they need is to feel like they're carrying it wrong.” Psychologist Aimee Daramus adds that religious beliefs or platitudes about a “better place” can hurt if the grieving person doesn’t share that belief. And knowing a death was expected doesn’t soften the blow. “Grief has no timeline,” she said. What helps instead Experts say the most powerful thing you can do is simply be there. “The most powerful thing you can offer someone who's grieving isn't advice or explanations, it's your presence,” said Feinglos. Sit with them. Listen without trying to fix it. Simple, honest words often matter most: “I’m so sorry this is happening.” “This really sucks.” “I don’t know what to say, but I’m here.” Other practical advice from Feinglos and Daramus: Follow their lead. Some days they’ll want to talk, other days they won’t. Let them guide the conversation. Respect their style of grieving. Some cry, some keep busy. There is no right way. Avoid polite lies. If you didn’t know their loved one, ask what you can do to help instead of saying something hollow. Offer concrete help. Drop off food, run errands, and help with chores. Everyday tasks can feel overwhelming when someone is in shock. Mark the hard dates. Reach out on birthdays, anniversaries, or diagnosis dates that might reopen wounds. “A simple ‘I'm thinking of you today’ can mean everything,” said Feinglos. Keep checking in. Often, support fades just when the reality of the loss settles in. Text or call weeks and months later. Be patient. Healing doesn’t have a timeline. Don’t pressure them to “move on.” And if you realize you said the wrong thing? “It’s never too late to circle back,” said Feinglos. “‘I've been thinking about our conversation, and I realize that might not have been what you needed to hear.’” There’s no perfect script for these moments. What matters, Feinglos says, is showing up and staying present. “Supporting someone through grief can feel overwhelming, but you don’t need to have all the answers.”
Score (100)
Elton John Is Celebrating 35 Years Sober with a Heartfelt Tribute to Family and Fans
Sir Elton John is celebrating 35 years of sobriety this week, sharing the occasion with fans and family through a heartfelt Instagram post. John, now 78, marked the day with a touching photograph featuring handmade cards from his sons, Elijah and Zachary, alongside a bouquet of flowers. “Grateful for all the love on my sobriety birthday,” he wrote. John’s struggle with addiction is no secret. His journey to recovery was famously depicted in the biopic Rocketman released in 2019. In various interviews, John has reflected on how addiction nearly consumed him during the peak of his fame. The catalyst for change came after the death of Ryan White in 1990. White was a teenage AIDS activist whom John had befriended. This tragic event spurred him into action; that same year, he checked himself into Parkside Lutheran Hospital in Chicago on July 29 to begin rehabilitation. Since then, Elton John's life has taken a dramatic turn for the better. In a photo shared last year, he displayed his sobriety chip inscribed with "34 years clean and sober" and expressed how fulfilling his life has become since achieving sobriety. “My sobriety has brought me everything that I could possibly wish for,” John said back in 1994. "I am a survivor." He explained that even though life still presents challenges, facing them without resorting to substances is empowering. Throughout his recovery process and beyond, Elton John has turned into an advocate for others battling similar issues. He has offered support to fellow artists like Boy George and served as Eminem’s Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor—a detail revealed in his memoir Me. While music may be what he's known for globally, this achievement marks another significant chapter in Elton John's storied life; one where resilience plays center stage without fanfare or spotlight, but makes an indelible impact nonetheless.
Score (91)
This Tiny Taco Stand is Mexico City's First Michelin-Starred Taquería
In a city teeming with countless taco stands, Taquería El Califa de Leon in Mexico City has achieved something extraordinary. This modest establishment, nestled in the Colonia San Rafael neighborhood, recently earned a Michelin Star. It's a first for any taco stand in Mexico. The recognition comes from the first Michelin Guide ever published for Mexico. It lauds Chef Arturo Rivera Martínez's commitment to quality over quantity. With only four items on their menu and seating for 11 patrons, this taqueria sets itself apart with its simplicity and focus on high-quality ingredients. "The secret is the simplicity of our taco," said Rivera Martínez to the Associated Press. "It has only a tortilla, red or green sauce, and that's it. That, and the quality of the meat." It's this minimalist approach that caught the attention of Michelin inspectors. The Michelin guide specifically praised the tortilla as "excellent… elemental, and pure." Much like how pizza aficionados prize dough quality, taco enthusiasts know that a great tortilla is foundational to a superior dish. The standout item at Taquería El Califa de Leon is their Gaonera taco. Named after Mexican bullfighter Rodolfo Gaonera, this creation highlights thinly sliced meat seasoned with just salt and lime. The two homemade sauces—while flavorful—are described by Michelin as "almost unnecessary" given the strength of the core ingredients. Mexico's culinary reputation continues to rise internationally. Its diverse cultural influences and favorable growing conditions make it a fertile ground for innovative cuisine. Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guides, expressed his enthusiasm: "What a joy it is to honor the uniqueness of the Mexican gastronomic landscape in Mexico City." This accolade showcases not only Taquería El Califa de Leon's excellence but also hints at Mexico City's burgeoning status as a global food destination.
Score (99)
Youtube to Roll Out New AI-powered Technology Aimed at Identifying Teen Users
YouTube is stepping up its game to protect young users. On Tuesday, the video-sharing site announced it's rolling out a new age-estimation technology aimed at identifying users under 18. The goal? To shield teens from harmful content. The new feature uses artificial intelligence to make its assessments. It won't rely solely on the birth date users provided when they signed up. Instead, it will consider the types of videos watched, their categories, and how long someone has had their account, according to James Beser, YouTube's director of product management. If this tech flags someone as under 18, YouTube plans to take extra steps. This includes disabling personalized advertising and limiting repetitive views of certain types of content. And if YouTube mistakenly identifies someone's age, there's a way to correct it: users can upload ID to set things straight. "We will only allow users who have been inferred or verified as over 18 to view age-restricted content that may be inappropriate for younger users," stated YouTube in a blog post. YouTube remains highly popular among teens. A recent Pew survey found that ninety percent of teens aged 13 to 17 used YouTube last year. That's quite a bit more than those using TikTok at sixty-three percent. This isn't a sudden move by YouTube. CEO Neal Mohan introduced the idea back in February. The tool is part of broader efforts like supervised accounts that let parents keep an eye on their kids' viewing habits more closely. YouTube has also been using AI to root out harmful content for some time now. However, since President Trump took office again in January, the platform shifted its policy somewhat toward "freedom of expression," as reported by The New York Times. For now, YouTube will test this age-detection tool with a small group of U.S. users before expanding its rollout. They've already seen success with it in other markets but haven't shared specifics about where these are.