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The Surprising Risk Songbirds Take for a Genetic Jackpot
Songbirds embarking on their epic journeys from northern boreal forests to tropical winter havens may gain more than just warmth—they might also enjoy greater genetic diversity. A University of Michigan study reveals that these long-distance migratory birds boast higher genetic diversity compared to their less adventurous counterparts who stay closer to home. Lead author Benjamin Winger, an associate professor at U-M, explains, "Long distance migration has evolved to be a very successful strategy for birds because even though it's difficult and requires extraordinary physiology, it allows them to spend the northern winter in a place where they enjoy a higher survival rate." The research team examined the genomes of 35 bird species, including hermit thrushes and Swainson's thrushes. They discovered that while some species exhibit extensive gene flow across populations, others maintain distinct genetic patterns tied to specific breeding locations within the boreal forest. First author Teresa Pegan was surprised by the findings: "I almost fell out of my chair when I found it—there's actually a really remarkably strong relationship between migration distance and the amount of genetic diversity in the population." These insights are crucial for conservation efforts as climate change and human activities threaten bird habitats. Winger notes that deforestation poses significant risks: "We're showing that some species probably have a lot of gene flow... But others really come back to the same patch of forest every year, and those might be more susceptible to deforestation." This study highlights how understanding migratory patterns can aid in protecting these resilient travelers as they navigate an ever-changing world.
Score (96)
Heroic Divers Rescue Trapped Shark from Ocean's Depths
Two divers from Sussex, Eric Smith and Grant Pullen, found themselves in an unexpected rescue mission while exploring. During their dive, they encountered a Starry Smooth Hound shark struggling against a fishing hook lodged in its mouth, with the line tangled in the seabed. Eric Smith described the distressing scene: "Myself and Grant were very sad to see this majestic Starry Smooth Hound in such distress, having fought for her life so hard." The divers managed to free the shark from its predicament. After about ten minutes of recovery, they watched as the shark swam away into deeper waters. The precise location of this dramatic encounter remains undisclosed. Starry Smooth Hounds are generally shy creatures that prefer keeping their distance from humans. In UK waters, these sharks usually grow to around one to 1.6 meters long. Sussex Underwater, co-founded by Smith and Pullen, focuses on raising awareness about marine conservation. Catrine from Sussex Underwater highlighted how discarded fishing gear presents a significant threat to sea life. "As you can see from the video, this can then go on to kill and injure sea creatures," she explained. Catrine also shared some positive news regarding local conservation efforts. She mentioned that Smith had campaigned for two decades against trawling practices due to their destructive impact on marine ecosystems. In 2021, Sussex saw a successful ban on trawling—the largest of its kind in the UK—giving marine life including smooth hounds a better chance at survival. Smooth hounds like the one rescued would often end up as by-catch in trawl nets before this regulation came into effect. Since then, there has been a noticeable increase in sightings of these sharks and other species in Sussex waters. Efforts continue toward reducing plastic pollution from abandoned fishing gear. Catrine noted that approximately 20 percent of oceanic plastic comes from such waste. She expressed hope for broader adoption of biodegradable alternatives among fishers: "It would be great to see more biodegradable fishing gear in use." Additionally, local beach fishers have taken steps towards sustainability by participating in initiatives to recycle old fishing equipment, a move praised as highly successful by those within the community.
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New Study Reveals How This Popular Diet Could Slash Your Dementia Risk by 28%
A new study from Yonsei University in South Korea shines a light on how sticking to the Mediterranean diet could significantly lower your risk of dementia. That’s right, loading up on plants and nuts while cutting back on meat might be more than just good for your waistline. Researchers looked at data from 131,209 people aged 40 to 69, scoring their eating habits against four healthy diets: the Mediterranean diet (MEDAS), the MIND diet, the Recommended Food Score (RFS), and the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI). They followed these participants for an average of 13.5 years. The findings showed that adhering to any of these diets resulted in a drop in dementia risk by 21 to 28 percent. The RFS came out on top with the best results, closely trailed by the MIND diet. In contrast, they also examined how pro-inflammatory diets stack up against these health-focused ones. Using the Energy-adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (EDII) as a measure, they found that higher EDII scores were linked to a 30 percent increase in dementia risk. The researchers noted that these healthy diets are rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and poultry while avoiding fried foods, dairy, and meat. This combination is thought to reduce internal stress within the body and protect the brain from potential harm. "Considering the lack of a definitive cure for dementia, dietary interventions targeting specific food components, overall diet quality, and inflammatory potential offer promising approaches for early prevention," wrote the researchers in their published paper. Interestingly enough, they observed stronger associations between dietary patterns and dementia among older adults and women. These associations also varied between obese and non-obese groups. This suggests that dietary impacts might differ across various subgroups. Despite advances in understanding dementia over recent years, pinpointing its exact causes remains elusive. Diet plays a role along with genetics, physical exercise, and sleep—factors that contribute to conditions like Alzheimer’s developing in some individuals but not others. "Our study effectively addresses several limitations of previous studies on diet and dementia," noted the researchers. They highlighted that earlier research often relied on a single dietary scoring system or had short follow-up periods which limited their ability to assess long-term effects.
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Score (97)
Lasers Unveil the Secret Choreography of Wind and Waves
For the first time, scientists have captured ultra-detailed images of how air flows just above the ocean’s surface—offering new insight into the way wind and waves interact and shape our planet’s climate. Using a special laser system aboard a research platform in the Pacific Ocean, a global team led by Marc Buckley from the Hereon Institute recorded airflow patterns with incredible precision. This breakthrough helps scientists better understand how different sizes of ocean waves—some small, others stretching over 300 feet—interact with the wind in very different ways. Smaller waves actually get pushed by the wind, while much longer waves can outrun it, creating swirling air patterns above the water. Both processes affect how energy and heat move between the ocean and atmosphere—something that plays a big role in driving weather systems and long-term climate patterns. Buckley remarked on this breakthrough, "Until now, no one has measured the airflow this close to the ocean surface, let alone mapped the mechanisms of energy exchange at such a fine scale." The research used a technique called Particle Image Velocimetry, which shines lasers through misty air to trace the movement of tiny water droplets. It’s like watching sunlight catch fog—but with scientific accuracy. This was the first time the technique was used over open ocean, and it gave researchers a new look at the invisible forces that help power the planet’s weather. These findings could improve weather forecasts and climate models in the years ahead.
Score (97)
Teen Siblings Raise $620K for Cancer Research in 7 Weeks—while One Battles Leukemia
At 15, Cedar Connell's life changed when doctors diagnosed him with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a severe cancer affecting blood and bone marrow. This Boston teen's active routine came to an abrupt stop. "When I received the prognosis, everything in my life stopped: school, tennis training, travel, and socialization," Connell, now 18, shared on his blog. "Fighting cancer became my only job." But Cedar wasn't one to stay idle. In the hospital shortly after his admission on March 9, 2022, he requested a stationary bike for exercise. Initially pedaling for just two minutes at a time, he gradually increased to 30 minutes. The hospital staff cheered him on as he worked to keep his muscles from wasting away during treatment. His proactive approach to tackling cancer led to the creation of “3 for 31,” a fundraiser encouraging participants to exercise three kilometers each day for 31 days. The goal was to raise awareness and funds for blood cancer research. "This can be done in any form of exercise you prefer," Cedar said. "Just get moving!" The challenge is part of ConneLLS for a CURE, a fundraising effort that Cedar launched with his sister Posey under the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Student Visionaries of the Year initiative. LLS has been fighting blood cancers and improving treatments for over 75 years. Cedar and Posey aimed to raise $35,000 but surpassed all expectations by gathering $620,438 in just seven weeks. Their efforts earned them the title of LLS Student Visionaries of the Year. “The incredible young philanthropists involved in Student Visionaries of the Year have a vision for a better future and are truly helping cancer patients live longer, better lives,” said Coker Powell, chief revenue officer at LLS. “We wanted to give back to the organization that made my brother's recovery possible,” Posey explained. Now in remission, Cedar is set to complete his treatment this month. Reflecting on their success at the award ceremony with his sister by his side, Cedar remarked on their efforts' significance: “My chemotherapy came with so many terrible side effects; we hope our fundraising will lead to safer and more effective treatments for future patients.”
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Antarctic Advocates Just Won a Million Euro Prize: Here's What It Means for Our Planet's Future
The Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC) has clinched the 2025 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity, a notable recognition that comes with a one million euro award. The Portugal-based Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation chose ASOC from 212 nominees spanning 115 countries, acknowledging its relentless efforts over the decades to safeguard Antarctica's ecological balance and protect the Southern Ocean. Angela Merkel, the former German chancellor, chaired the prize jury. She praised ASOC for proving that global collaboration is feasible and for inspiring hope for future generations. Founded in 1978, ASOC represents over 20 environmental organizations from more than ten countries. It's unique as the sole environmental NGO with observer status at Antarctic Treaty meetings, which allows it direct access to key intergovernmental discussions about the continent and its surrounding waters. Claire Christian, ASOC's executive director, emphasized Antarctica’s significance: "Antarctica may seem distant, but it is central to the planet’s health and future." She highlighted this recognition as an affirmation of collective action to protect these critical regions. One of ASOC’s main goals involves establishing new marine protected areas (MPAs) in strategic locations like the Weddell Sea, East Antarctica, and the Antarctic Peninsula. Despite strong scientific backing for these initiatives, opposition remains from countries like Russia and China during meetings of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). Tourism also ranks high on ASOC's agenda. With over 120,000 visitors annually visiting mainly the Antarctic Peninsula — one of Earth's fastest-warming spots — ASOC calls for stricter tourism regulations. The coalition also urges governments to apply insights from Antarctic science to broader climate policies worldwide. It supports United Nations efforts aimed at implementing more ambitious carbon emissions restrictions. This award aligns with significant global initiatives such as the U.N.'s Decade of Action for Cryospheric Science starting in 2025 and designating that year as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation. These movements underscore growing awareness about how Earth's frozen regions impact climate regulation—from sea levels rising to ocean currents changing. António Feijó, president of the foundation’s board of trustees, noted that “The Antarctic and Southern Ocean embodies the essence of the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity.” This acknowledgment highlights why protecting remote areas matters significantly in securing our shared future. ASOC’s work continues amid increasing environmental challenges in Antarctica, emphasizing their commitment to preserving this crucial region.
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How the WNBA All-Star Game Aims for Zero-Waste, Powered by 100% Renewable Energy
As the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game approaches, excitement is building around not just the game itself but also its ambitious sustainability initiatives. Set for July 19 at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, this event is pushing environmental boundaries like never before. For over 15 years, the NBA and WNBA have focused on raising awareness about green initiatives. This upcoming All-Star Game continues that tradition with bold steps toward sustainability. Gainbridge Fieldhouse has committed to using 100 percent renewable energy to power both the game and the two-day WNBA Live festival. This approach aligns with similar efforts at past NBA events, such as those in Abu Dhabi and Paris. One of the significant challenges at large events is managing waste, particularly single-use plastics. To address this, the Ocean Conservancy's Protect Where We Play Tour will replace disposable cups with reusable ones and introduce a water refill station to reduce refuse. The WNBA aims for a zero-waste event, prompting an expansion of recycling capacity in downtown Indianapolis. The venue itself already composts food waste from its kitchens but will expand these efforts to include waste generated by attendees during the All-Star Game. LiquiDonate will provide opportunities for recycling and donating materials from league and event staff, further reducing waste. Volunteers dedicated to green initiatives will be on hand to identify recyclables and compostable materials while ensuring anything suitable gets donated back to local communities. Additionally, the WNBA is partnering with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful to revitalize over two dozen public basketball courts in the city. The importance of these efforts extends beyond just the game weekend. The WNBA hopes that by involving fans in recycling, composting, and avoiding single-use plastics, they can inspire broader adoption of sustainable practices. Kathy Behrens, head of social responsibility for the NBA, highlighted this goal during Climate Week last September: "We've really tried to find the ways that we can use the power of our brand...to help people understand that there are things that we can all do." These sustainability measures are part of a larger plan under NBA Green, which aims to cut venue waste and transition aggressively toward renewable energy sources while promoting environmental justice. The initiative targets a fifty percent reduction in carbon footprint by 2030. By integrating sustainability into such a high-profile event as the WNBA All-Star Game, organizers hope to educate thousands of fans and locals on adopting sustainable habits in their daily lives.
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This Teen Secured $30,000 for His School's Solar Project, Proving Youth Can Power Change
Canadian high school student Josh Mullen has just managed to secure $30,000 for his school's solar panel project. With an eye on reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy, Mullen tapped into several green funding programs, according to CHMA News. Mullen got wind of the N:OW for Net Zero grant program through Quinn MacAskill, a friend and former student of Tantramar Regional High School. This spurred him to put together an application that not only succeeded with N:OW for Net Zero, but also attracted funding from the Mount Allison Students' Union Green Investment Fund and EOS Eco Energy. The combined effort resulted in a total of $30,000, earmarked for installing solar panels on campus. While exact setup details are still being finalized, similar projects have shown promising results. For instance, a $25,000 system installed by the town of Sackville generated over 12,600 kilowatt-hours of electricity in its first year and prevented more than 4.6 tons of carbon air pollution. Mullen is pleased with the tangible environmental benefits but is even more enthusiastic about the broader impact on his peers. "The solar panels themselves are really nice," he told CHMA News. "But I think one of the most influential outcomes is actually the impact it's going to have on the kids." He believes this project can demonstrate to students how they can directly combat climate change and its effects. "It's not actually some abstract, impossible thing," he said. "That's something we really need to focus on more these days." Mullen says he hopes other students will be inspired to participate in the installation process if they are interested.
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Family Uncovers Atlantic Mystery: A Message in a Bottle's Epic Journey Revealed
The Thompson family from the Isles of Scilly had an unexpected encounter with a little piece of oceanic magic. While out beachcombing on May 8, Matt Thompson and his daughters Chloe and Eliza stumbled upon a glass jar nestled among the seaweed. Inside, they found a letter, some drawings, and a tiny Lego man. The jar had traveled 240 kilometers across the Atlantic from the Channel Islands to Cornwall. Matt, who lives on St Mary's Island with his daughters and their dog Kyla, described the find as "magical." He said, "Even for someone my age, to find something like that is magical." The discovery took place at a rocky cove known as Darrity's Hole. Matt was drawn to investigate after noticing debris brought by strong winds. Among bits and pieces washed ashore was the jar, which he carefully retrieved using a stick. Once home, curiosity got the better of them, prompting Matt to call the number written in the letter inside the jar. On the other end was Laurent from Guernsey—a man pleasantly surprised to hear why he was being contacted out of the blue. Laurent explained that his six-year-old son Leo had tossed two jars into the sea back on March 29. A video call later that evening connected both families: Matt's family in Scilly and Laurent's in Guernsey. During this call, they learned how young Leo and his sister Célene had packed jars with messages and small toys one morning before sending them off into open waters. "It was brilliant," Matt shared about introducing everyone during their virtual meeting. He reflected on how easily circumstances could have prevented this connection: different currents or wind direction might have kept their paths from crossing altogether. Chloe and Eliza are now inspired by this experience; they've told Matt they want to launch their own message-in-a-bottle adventure during their summer holidays. Meanwhile, Laurent admitted they hadn't expected any news so soon after tossing those jars into sea, but found it wholesome fun connecting physically through such acts.
Score (94)
Could 'Marshmallow' Concrete Be the Key to Safer Emergency Landings?
Chinese researchers have cooked up something special for aviation safety: a unique runway safety system using ultra-lightweight foam concrete. It's called "marshmallow" concrete, and yes, it’s as soft as it sounds. This innovation gently brings aircraft in the hundred-tonne class to a stop during emergency landings. The brains behind this development are from the China Building Materials Academy (CBMA) Co., Ltd., working alongside the China Academy of Civil Aviation Science and Technology and a tech firm tied to the academy in Beijing. Their efforts didn’t go unnoticed—they recently snagged second prize for innovation from the China Building Materials Federation, according to Science and Technology Daily. What makes this material so intriguing is its composition. It looks like ordinary concrete but boasts over 80 percent porosity, weighing just 200 kilograms per cubic meter. That’s only a tenth of what traditional concrete weighs. This material acts as a "soft barrier," absorbing kinetic energy by crumbling upon impact, which smoothly slows down planes. "While it appears solid, it breaks apart on contact, decelerating planes smoothly," explained Fang Jun, a research and development engineer at CBMA. Takeoffs and landings are critical moments for aircraft safety since that's when accidents often happen. To help reduce these risks, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requires runway end safety areas (RESAs) that extend at least 90 meters beyond runways. Historically, RESAs were made with water pools, grass patches, soil, or sand. But these options had problems—like freezing in winter or being unstable due to environmental conditions—which could negatively affect their performance. Fang pointed out some of these issues: "Water pools can freeze and attract animals in winter while soil surfaces react sensitively to humidity and temperature changes." To give this new foam concrete its extraordinary energy-absorbing powers through fracturing, its mechanical collapse performance must be finely tuned. For instance, using the Boeing 747 as an example, Fang said the foam concrete used for impact resistance must maintain strength within a precise range of 0.30 to 0.35 megapascals. "In regular foam concrete, higher strength is typically better; however our material operates under lower strength requirements with very little fluctuation," Fang noted. Internationally proposed technical solutions often use calcium sulfoaluminate cement because it hardens quickly and simplifies forming processes. However, it's expensive for many smaller airports and tends to degrade into powder over time. The Chinese team aims to create an affordable yet durable formula using ordinary cement instead. One key step in producing this ultra-lightweight foam concrete is foaming—essentially creating bubbles in the mixture. To bolster these bubble films against collapse, they introduced a maleated rosin-based twin-chain air-entraining agent, which aligns molecules densely on bubble membranes, forming robust “armor.” For long-term outdoor use in aircraft arrester systems, they also developed dual-stage strength regulation technology, which precisely controls how strength develops through staged release mechanisms. It allows compensation for strength degradation caused by environmental factors over time, according to Fang's explanation.
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Long-Lost 1920 Rolls Royce Resurfaces in a Stunning Police Discovery
A stolen piece of automotive history has been reunited with its owner, much to the relief of vintage car enthusiasts everywhere. A 1920 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost, valued at over £300,000, is back in the care of its owner, Brian Fitton, after being swiped from a hotel near Grays, Essex. The 82-year-old Fitton had secured the cherished vehicle to a trailer on June 26 before it was set to head off on a European tour. The destination? Tilbury Docks for a ferry trip to Helsinki, Finland. Fitton expressed his gratitude to the public for their support in tracking down his "pride and joy." He said he was shocked when he woke up to find the car missing. "I was staying at a local hotel and was shocked to find my beautiful car missing the following morning," Fitton shared. For over two decades, this Silver Ghost has been more than just a car for Fitton; it's been his travel companion around the globe. His itinerary included plans to take the car through Finland, Sweden, Latvia, and Estonia before circling back to the UK by month's end. Essex Police were quick on their feet and found the Rolls Royce intact on its trailer. Tony Atkin, district commander for Essex Police, acknowledged how distressing it can be when any vehicle is stolen. "That's why we take every report seriously and work hard to recover stolen vehicles quickly," Atkin stated.