Meet The Flip-Flop Adventurer Climbing Peaks With A Postbox To Combat Loneliness

Stu Skinner, a spirited adventurer from Weymouth, England, is embarking on a unique journey to climb some of Britain's tallest peaks while carrying an unusual companion—a 57-pound cast iron postbox. This quirky mission aims to raise awareness about loneliness and encourage community connection. Skinner's adventure will take him to the highest points in all 15 national parks across Britain, with elevations ranging from 25 feet to over 3,000 feet. He invites people of all abilities to join him on these hikes. "I'll be carrying a postbox in flip flops, so don't worry about pace," he assured potential participants. "If anything, you might end up waiting for me at the summit." The idea for this endeavor came after Skinner made what he calls an "absurd and questionable" purchase during a charity auction. "I had a few too many drinks and woke up in a hotel room with a cast-iron Royal Mail postbox," he recalled. Initially puzzled by his £700 acquisition, Skinner soon saw it as a symbol of community and connection. Through his initiative called Postcards from Peaks, participants can send postcards from the summits or request one via his website. The challenge kicks off on May 31 at Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in North Wales and wraps up on September 6 at Ben Macdui in the Scottish Highlands. Donations collected during this venture will support Head Outside, the mental health charity founded by Skinner himself. With each step taken alongside new friends and old ones alike, Stu Skinner hopes to bridge gaps of loneliness one peak at a time.

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Rescue Dog Triumphs In Ultramarathons Across The Country

At just 9 pounds and 6 years old, Jellybean doesn’t exactly look like a marathon runner. But the tiny Chihuahua mix has become one of the Sacramento region’s most unexpected endurance athletes — and a local legend on four legs. Since being adopted during the pandemic in 2020 by Davis resident Andrew Owens, Jellybean has gone from shelter dog to ultramarathoner, completing four full marathons and multiple 50-kilometer trail ultras, often leading the pack at an 8-minute-per-mile pace. “She doesn’t look like the typical half-marathoner, let alone a marathon finisher,” Owens said. “But as she sprints past runners or crosses the finish line, she challenges every stereotype and assumption. Jellybean reminds us that potential isn’t defined by appearances. It’s about heart, determination, and the work we’re willing to put in.” Jellybean, who fuels up on kibble, training treats, and the occasional Chipotle kids’ meal (chicken and cheese, vet-approved), has become a fixture in the Sacramento running community. Together with Owens, she trains weekly at UC Davis and is a familiar sight at Fleet Feet Davis’ Run Crew nights and local race events. Her running form is distinct — a gentle, sideways trot that almost looks effortless, according to friend and fellow runner Derraugh Dawson. “She just glides along,” Dawson said. “She’s pushed Andrew from my 11-minute mile pace down to a seven- or eight-minute mile.” Jellybean’s running resume includes: • A 3:47 finish at the Garmin Kansas City Marathon (8:40 min/mile) • Two 50K ultras in 2022 (Berkeley Trail Adventure and San Lorenzo River Trail) • A return to the San Lorenzo race in 2023 • Regular track workouts and long runs across the region Sarah Pitfield, a former Fleet Feet coach and science teacher, says Jellybean’s body is built for distance. “She’s all muscle,” Pitfield said. “Bigger dogs and humans take more impact with each stride. Jellybean just floats — and at the end of a marathon, she’s often the one with the most energy.” Owens, who was once a semi-casual runner with a German Shepherd named Kodie, didn’t initially plan on adopting a small dog. Jellybean was nervous and destructive at first, and didn’t take to running immediately. But she bonded quickly, and after one more chance on the trail, she found her stride — and never looked back. These days, Owens says, if Jellybean sees him lace up his shoes without her, she gets upset. And when she does run, she runs with joy. "It’s disbelief and then it’s awe,” Owens said of the reactions from fellow racers. “‘If that dog can do it, maybe I can run a 10K.’” Now with over 1,000 followers on her Instagram page (@jellybean26.2), Jellybean has become a symbol of unexpected grit and motivation for runners of all levels. She’s helped others, like Owens’ friend Peter Blando, seek out athletic dog companions of their own — Blando adopted a Chihuahua mix named Bacon to join him on runs. Jellybean doesn’t drink much water, but enjoys being misted on hot days. She’s content with a few licks and some chicken treats during races. When she’s not racing? She’s known to indulge — Owens admits she once downed half a charcuterie board in one go. Her story, though lighthearted, continues to make a big impact. “If that dog can do it, what’s stopping me?” is a question more than a few runners have asked themselves after seeing Jellybean blaze by.

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This Popular Halftime Act is Set To Return After Injury, and Fans are Excited For Her Comeback

Months after a frightening fall sidelined her from the halftime spotlight, Red Panda is officially on the mend — and planning a return. Rong Niu, the world-famous unicycle performer known for her jaw-dropping bowl-flipping act, is recovering from a serious wrist injury she suffered during a WNBA Commissioner's Cup halftime show in July. The accident, which happened mid-performance while Niu balanced atop her 7-foot unicycle at a game between the Indiana Fever and Minnesota Lynx, required extensive surgery and forced her off the court for the rest of the WNBA season. But now, she’s gearing up for a comeback. "We are sending out this note to thank everyone for their heartfelt wishes to Red Panda for a speedy recovery from her fall," said her agent Pat Figley in a statement on Sunday. "It was a very serious injury and she did require surgery. She appreciated all the sincere follow-up. It was amazing and very touching." Figley confirmed that Niu is already back to practicing and is aiming to return to her iconic halftime performances during the upcoming 2025–26 college basketball and NBA seasons. "She is recovering well and is practicing. She is looking forward to performing this season," Figley said, though no exact return date has been set. Before her fall, Red Panda was a halftime legend. For over two decades, she’s been a must-see act, often drawing fans to stay in their seats during breaks rather than heading for concessions. Her signature routine — balancing on a tall unicycle while flipping and catching bowls on her head using only her foot — earned her a loyal following and viral fame. Niu’s performances have spanned everything from NBA arenas to college basketball courts across the U.S. Her skill, precision, and seemingly impossible balance made her a fan favorite, and news of her injury was met with widespread concern. Now, with her recovery well underway, Niu is eyeing a return to the spotlight. And if her past shows are any indication, fans will be ready, and staying in their seats, when she does.

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Britain's Strongest Grandmother Breaks Four World Records Months After Starting Powerlifting

At 65, Martine Barons has earned a new nickname in Britain: the country’s strongest grandmother. The mother of three and grandmother of four has smashed four world records in powerlifting, just 18 months after picking up the sport “by accident.” Barons, who works full-time as an academic researcher at Warwick University, only started lifting weights in December 2023. “I was surprised to find a talent for powerlifting at the age of 63 after being poor at sports all my life,” she told SWNS. “I get enormous pleasure from training and competing—and the health benefits of increased strength and mobility are astonishing.” Since then, she has been training five times a week, two hours a day. The results have been dramatic. She has now won four major international titles in her division, including back-to-back European Championships in Finland and Poland, and two World Championships in Limerick, Ireland, and Idaho in the United States. “It does make me happy and quite emotional to think about what I have managed to achieve. I never thought in the space of 18 months I could have achieved this,” she said. “I have to pinch myself sometimes as I can’t believe it’s me. I’m still in shock, as it all started by chance, really.” That “chance” was a trip to the gym with a colleague. “I took up powerlifting by complete accident. I went to a gym with a friend of mine who is a physical training instructor and she showed me how to deadlift. She was impressed that I could pick up 60kg. Then I picked up 100kg a few weeks later. It must be good genetics. I’m unusually strong for my age and gender.” Her strength quickly translated into records. She added 10 kilograms to the squat world record by lifting 100kg, 7.5 kilograms to the deadlift record with 155kg, and 12.5 kilograms to the overall powerlifting total with 312.5kg across lifts. She also bench pressed 57.5kg. Her most recent triumph came this year, when she won world titles in powerlifting, deadlift, and bench press in the Masters 5, Raw, U90kg division. “I’m a person who needs a goal, so when my friend said you should compete, it was ‘all hands on deck’,” she said. “To be good at a sport for the first time is kind of nice. I’ve found I’m good at something, so why not?” Barons, who lives in Stratford-upon-Avon, is already setting her sights on her next challenge: the British Single Lifts Championship at the Arnold Sports Festival in Birmingham in March 2026. “I’m proud to represent my country,” she said. “It’s not something I thought I’d ever do.”

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Teen Inventor Creates Solution To Eliminate a Hazardous Substance From Drinking Water

A 14-year-old girl from Florida has developed a new way to clean up one of the most stubborn pollutants in our drinking water — and it’s already getting national attention. Sheyna Patel, a student from Orlando, has invented a non-toxic hydrogel that removes 93% of PET microplastics from water. Her innovation works like a sponge, soaking up plastic particles that would otherwise remain in the water we drink. The breakthrough earned her a finalist spot in the prestigious 3M Young Scientist Challenge, one of the top STEM competitions in the United States. "I entered the 3M Young Scientist Challenge because of my passion for STEM research and environmental preservation," Sheyna told the 3M Young Scientists Lab. "This competition offers me a chance to showcase my findings and represent the innovative ideas I have toward tackling real-world problems." Microplastics — tiny fragments of plastic smaller than 5 millimeters — are everywhere. They’ve been found in tap water, bottled water, sea salt, seafood, even the air we breathe. And while scientists are still learning exactly how they affect human health, early studies show disturbing signs: DNA damage, inflammation, and changes to gene activity linked to diseases like cancer. Despite this growing threat, the tools to clean up microplastics are still limited. That’s where Sheyna’s invention stands out. Her hydrogel targets polyethylene terephthalate (PET), one of the most common and harmful forms of plastic, used in everything from water bottles to packaging. The hydrogel is not only effective — removing nearly all of the PET from test samples — but also safe and simple to use. According to The Australia Today, Sheyna’s project could pave the way for broader applications in water treatment facilities or even home-use filters. Plastic pollution has exploded in the last 70 years. In 1950, the world produced about 2.2 million tonnes of plastic. Today, that number is closer to 495 million tonnes annually, with up to 2.2 million tonnes ending up in the ocean each year, according to data from Our World in Data. “Despite the massive scale of the problem, young people like Sheyna offer hope,” said Bernardo Lemos, a researcher at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, who studies the effects of microplastics. “There are so many unknowns — but we are seeing more data that suggest microplastics affect human biology.” For Sheyna, this project is just the beginning. When asked where she sees herself in 15 years, she told 3M she hopes to be “in a leadership role within a field I'm passionate about, driving innovation, mentoring others, and contributing to meaningful advancements that benefit not only my organization, but society as a whole in STEM.” In a world where plastic pollution is everywhere, it’s young innovators like Sheyna who are showing that real solutions may be closer than we think — and often come from those least responsible for the problem.

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A Historic Record Shop in the UK is Being Honored With a Special Recognition

A legendary Liverpool record shop with ties to John Lennon and football icon Bill Shankly has been honoured with a blue plaque, cementing its place in the city’s musical history. The Musical Box, one of the UK’s oldest record shops, has served music fans for four generations. Now run by Tony and Paula Quinn, the family-owned store in Tuebrook has been a fixture in Liverpool’s cultural landscape since long before The Beatles were famous. “We are deeply honoured,” said Mrs Quinn of the permanent tribute. The shop was recently refreshed with a facelift led by their son Craig, continuing the family tradition into its fourth generation. The plaque was made possible through a collaboration between Liverpool City Council’s heritage team and the UNESCO City of Music initiative. It will be unveiled by Antiques Roadshow expert Wayne Colqhoun, who previously suggested that the shop’s upper floor could be converted into a museum. For Paula and Tony, the moment is especially meaningful for Tony’s mother Diane, now in her 80s, who took over the business from her own mother Dorothy. “It will be a special moment for us all,” said Mrs Quinn. The shop’s musical legacy runs deep. Before Beatlemania swept the world, John Lennon and original Beatles drummer Pete Best were regular customers. Best confirmed they frequented the shop in their early days. In 1972, Liverpool FC manager Bill Shankly famously walked in to buy a copy of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards' hit Amazing Grace. Kevin McManus of UNESCO City of Music, who helped spearhead the recognition, said the shop remains an important part of Liverpool’s music identity. “Last time I was in the Musical Box I bought a heart-shaped red vinyl limited edition of Pete Wylie’s Heart As Big As Liverpool,” he said. “I already had it on five different CDs, but I wanted it on vinyl.” McManus added that while writing a book about Liverpool’s country music scene years ago, many local musicians brought up the Musical Box unprompted. “I began to learn more about its long history. It is another small element of what makes Liverpool a special music city.” With the new plaque, that element is now officially recognised — a tribute not just to the artists who passed through its doors, but to a family who kept the music playing for more than a century.

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Bad Bunny To Headline 2026 NFL Super Bowl Halftime Show

Bad Bunny is set to light up the stage at one of the most-watched events in the world next year. The NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation have announced that the Puerto Rican rapper-singer will headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. In a statement, Bad Bunny expressed his excitement about this opportunity. "What I’m feeling goes beyond myself," he said. "It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown… this is for my people, my culture, and our history." Jay-Z, founder of Roc Nation, praised Bad Bunny's influence and contributions. "What Bad Bunny has done and continues to do for Puerto Rico is truly inspiring. We are honoured to have him on the world’s biggest stage,” he stated. Bad Bunny, aged 31, was chosen over other speculated artists like Taylor Swift and Metallica for this prestigious slot. Though performers do not receive payment for their halftime performances, the exposure from such an event is unparalleled. However, Bad Bunny probably doesn’t need much boosting; he's already one of the globe's most-streamed artists. His accolades include three Grammy Awards and twelve Latin Grammy Awards. He has also made waves in cinema with roles in films like Bullet Train and Happy Gilmore 2. This year, Bad Bunny leads the Latin Grammy nominations with twelve nods, surpassing renowned producer Edgar Barrera. His latest album 'DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS' has been critically acclaimed and even made it onto Euronews Culture’s Best Albums of 2025... So Far list. The publication highlighted how the album pushes boundaries while staying true to modern reggaetón. The upcoming performance follows Kendrick Lamar's historic turn as this year's headliner. Lamar became the first solo rapper to headline a Super Bowl Halftime Show and set new viewership records with 133.5 million tuning in—surpassing even Michael Jackson's legendary show in 1993.

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How This Runner is Set to Break a 400-Mile Record In Honor Of Mother With Alzheimer's

Elsey Davis is running nearly the entire length of Cornwall — and back — not just for the challenge, but for her mum. The 36-year-old ultra-runner from Camelford has begun an ambitious attempt to run a 400-mile (644-kilometre) loop around the county in under seven days, aiming to set the fastest known time (FKT) for the route. She’s dedicating the effort to her mother, who was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s in 2023. “Anything could happen, but doing it for my mum is going to make it that bit easier,” Davis said before setting off on Monday. The challenge, which will see her run roughly 100 kilometres a day, weaves together parts of the South West Coast Path and the Tamara Coast to Coast Way, following the historic border between Cornwall and Devon. Starting and ending at Land’s End, the route includes more than 18,000 metres of elevation — about the same as climbing Mount Everest twice. Davis, a seasoned endurance athlete, said she originally planned to tackle the entire South West Coast Path but changed her mind when a friend pointed her toward the Cornwall circuit. “The chance to loop around my home county appealed so much more,” she said. She believes she may be the first person to attempt an FKT on this particular route. But for Davis, this is about much more than the record. She’s using the run to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s, specifically young-onset Alzheimer’s, which can affect people in their 40s and 50s. “[The disease] is incredibly challenging and upsetting for my mum and family,” she said. “For a long time I’ve just felt really powerless about what I can do to help or change things. This is just my way of trying to take back some of that power and fight Alzheimer’s in my own way.” Her mother’s condition has progressed significantly, but Davis said her family has learned to focus on the present. “The main thing is that we just have learnt to live presently and take each day as it comes, one step at a time.” Davis expects the toughest part of the challenge to be psychological, especially with the physical toll of running nearly two and a half marathons per day across rugged coastal terrain. “I think a lot of it is going to be a mental challenge,” she said. “I think when your ‘why’ is so strong, the how doesn’t matter. There’s going to be very little that’s going to stop me getting back to Land’s End.” She hopes her family, including her mum, will be able to join her for part of the route. To follow her journey or contribute to her fundraising, supporters can find more information online through her campaign for Alzheimer’s research and awareness.

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Hubble Telescope Uncovers Galaxy With This Mysterious Shape

It turns out not all galaxies fit into tidy categories — and NGC 2775 is a perfect example. Located about 67 million light-years away in the constellation Cancer, NGC 2775 has long puzzled astronomers. It doesn’t fully resemble a spiral galaxy like our Milky Way, nor does it fit neatly into the featureless profile of an elliptical. Instead, it shows characteristics of both, making it a fascinating hybrid that might offer clues about how galaxies evolve over time. Thanks to the sharp imaging power of the Hubble Space Telescope, astronomers have been able to study its details more closely. The galaxy’s central region is smooth, round, and lacking in cold gas — all traits typical of elliptical galaxies, which are generally older and no longer forming stars. But surrounding that core is a dusty ring filled with star clusters, hinting at spiral-like activity. This mix of features has led some experts to label NGC 2775 as a lenticular galaxy — a sort of midway point in galaxy classification. Lenticulars are shaped like spirals but lack the strong arms and active star formation. They’re thought to form when spirals lose or exhaust their gas, possibly due to aging or collisions with other galaxies. And speaking of collisions, NGC 2775 has more mysteries hiding beyond Hubble’s view. Observations have revealed a massive tail of hydrogen gas — roughly 100,000 light-years long — arcing around the galaxy. That tail is a telltale sign of a past merger, likely with another galaxy. Such mergers are thought to play a big role in transforming spirals into lenticular or elliptical galaxies over time. What makes galaxies like NGC 2775 especially interesting to researchers is their position in this cosmic transition. Studying them helps astronomers understand what happens when galaxies age, collide, or interact with their neighbors. Their faded arms, warped rings, or off-center bars often hint at dramatic events in their past. We’re only seeing NGC 2775 from one angle, which makes it tricky to pin down its exact shape. But even from that limited perspective, it’s clear the galaxy carries the fingerprints of past upheaval — and possibly future change too. For scientists looking to piece together how galaxies shift from one form to another, hybrids like NGC 2775 are a valuable piece of the puzzle.

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Mediterranean Diet Linked To Better Gum Health, New Study Finds

A Mediterranean diet might do more than protect your heart and brain — it could also be helping your gums. That’s the finding of a new study by researchers from King's College London and the University of Catania in Italy, who say a plant-rich, Mediterranean-style diet appears to be linked to better gum health and lower levels of inflammation in the body. The study looked at 195 people with an average age of 49. Participants were asked about their eating habits and underwent a general health check-up, which included an assessment of their gum health. Those who followed the Mediterranean diet more closely — eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish, and less red meat — were less likely to show signs of gum disease. The researchers found that these individuals also had lower levels of inflammatory markers in their blood. These markers indicate stress or damage in the body and are often found in higher levels in people with chronic illnesses. “Our findings suggest that a balanced, Mediterranean-type diet could potentially reduce gum disease and systemic inflammation,” said Giuseppe Mainas, a periodontist at King’s College London. Gum disease, especially in its more severe form known as periodontitis, is typically driven by plaque build-up. But researchers say the immune system’s response plays a significant role as well — and that’s where diet may come in. The Mediterranean diet has long been associated with a range of health benefits, including a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease, depression, cardiovascular disease, and early death. Now, oral health might be added to that list. “We observed that there may be a connection between periodontal disease severity, diet, and inflammation,” Mainas said. “These aspects should be holistically considered when assessing the treatment for periodontitis in patients.” The study did not follow participants over time, so it can’t prove that diet directly causes better gum health. But the correlation was strong enough for the researchers to call for more investigation. They believe compounds found in plant-based foods likely help reduce inflammation, while red meat may have the opposite effect. Luigi Nibali, also a periodontist at King’s College London, said the study’s results could be a useful starting point for future work on personalized gum disease treatments that include dietary guidance. “Our research shows the potential effect that a nutrient-dense, plant-rich diet could play in improving the nation’s gum health,” Nibali said. “Nevertheless, more investigation is needed to develop personalized approaches to help people manage their gum health.” Researchers aren’t suggesting that diet alone can prevent or reverse gum disease. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups remain key. But they say the types of food we eat — and the bacteria those foods encourage — might be more important than previously thought. And given that poor oral health affects billions of people around the world, dietary changes may offer a relatively affordable and accessible way to support healthier gums. The full study was published in the Journal of Periodontology.

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Innovative Wetsuit Fabric Dramatically Reduces Shark Bite Injuries

Shark experts in Australia say new bite-resistant wetsuits could help reduce serious injuries from shark encounters, offering surfers, divers, and swimmers an added layer of protection. Researchers from Flinders University’s Southern Shark Ecology Group tested four modern fabrics — Aqua Armour, Shark Stop, ActionTX-S, and Brewster material — against the teeth of white and tiger sharks, the two species most often linked to fatal attacks. The study was funded by New South Wales’ Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. Traditional chainmail suits have long been known to stop bites but are too heavy and rigid for most ocean activities. The new materials combine strong and lightweight fibers, making them more practical for everyday use. To test them, the team conducted 19 boat trips to shark-rich waters off Neptune and Norfolk islands. After baiting the water with fish guts, they lowered a wooden board coated with gel mimicking human muscle and covered with the bite-resistant fabrics. When sharks bit down, the researchers examined the damage. “While there were small differences between the four tested materials, they all reduced the amount of substantial and critical damage, which would typically be associated with severe hemorrhaging and tissue or limb loss,” said Dr. Tom Clarke of Flinders University’s College of Science and Engineering. Over 152 tests, tiger sharks never caused a critical wound through the new fabrics, while white sharks occasionally did — but the suits still fared far better than traditional neoprene, which shredded easily. “Our study showed that bite-resistant materials incorporated into wetsuits can reduce damage from large white and tiger sharks (up to 3 meters) compared to standard neoprene,” Clarke said. Professor Charlie Huveneers, who leads the Southern Shark Ecology Group, noted the suits won’t prevent crushing or internal injuries, but they can significantly cut blood loss and trauma. “While these suits don’t eliminate all the risk, our results indicate that they can reduce blood loss and trauma from major lacerations and punctures, potentially saving lives,” he said. Shark bites on humans remain rare, but encounters have risen worldwide with growing coastal populations and more people taking to the water. The researchers say the new fabrics give both professionals and the public another option for safer ocean use. “Our findings will allow for informed decisions to be made about the use of bite-resistant wetsuit materials for occupational activities, as well as enabling the public to make appropriate decisions about the suitability of using these products,” Huveneers said.

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