Why Major Companies Are Betting Big on Reverse Vending Machines

The United Arab Emirates is taking a significant step toward sustainability with the introduction of "reverse vending machines" in partnership between cleantech company Sparklo and bottled water brand Mai Dubai. These AI-powered machines, known as Sparklomats, will be installed in high-traffic areas across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain and Ras Al Khaimah. They offer an easy way for residents to recycle plastic bottles and earn rewards like Mai Dubai deliveries. Sparklo has already collected over 90 million plastic and aluminum containers in the Middle East and North Africa region, including more than 81 million in the UAE alone. "It's our first collaboration with a bottled water brand that not only ensures bottles are recycled but also rewards people for doing so — and we are proud it's happening in our home market, the UAE," said Sparklo founder and CEO Maxim Kaplevich. While reducing single-use plastics remains a priority, recycling offers a better alternative to landfills. The average UAE resident uses about 450 plastic water bottles annually. To combat this, initiatives like Dubai Can Refill For Life have reduced single-use bottle consumption by 30 million over three years through refill stations providing free drinking water. The Sparklo-Mai Dubai partnership aligns with the UAE's goal of adopting circular policies to cut pollution by 2050. "At Mai Dubai, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do," said CEO Abraham Kah. "Together, we're not just hydrating the nation — we're shaping a sustainable future for the UAE."

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Move Over, Luke: This Real-Life Airbike Is Straight Out of Star Wars

Imagine effortlessly soaring above city traffic on a jet-powered flying bike. The Volonaut Airbike, developed by Polish entrepreneur Tomasz Patan, is making this futuristic vision a reality. With a top speed of 124 mph and weighing just 86 pounds without a rider, the Airbike is seven times lighter than an average motorcycle. This innovative vehicle could revolutionize urban travel, offering faster and more efficient commutes. Unlike other personal flying devices that rely on large propellers, the Airbike uses a jet propulsion system. Its design emphasizes extreme lightness and agility through extensive use of carbon fiber and 3D-printed parts. The Airbike features a proprietary stabilization system enhanced by a flight computer, allowing even those with limited flying experience to handle it safely. Its open design provides an unobstructed 360-degree view for riders, enhancing the sense of freedom in flight. The absence of spinning propellers allows for easier navigation through tight spaces. Tomasz Patan is known for his work on the Jetson One drone and continues to push boundaries with the Volonaut Airbike. While pricing details remain undisclosed, it's expected to be in line with high-end technology due to its advanced materials and systems. Though many specifics about the Airbike's propulsion technology and release date are still under wraps, Patan is optimistic about its public availability soon. As development progresses, this flying motorcycle could become a practical option for urban commuters seeking faster travel solutions. The Volonaut Airbike represents an exciting leap forward in personal transportation technology—one that might soon make flying bikes as common as motorcycles today.

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Meet The 'Rock Showman' Who Discovered A Sandstone Stegosaur

A remarkable discovery has been made along the coast of England, where a fossilized dinosaur footprint believed to be 170 million years old was found. Steve Cousins, known as the "Rock Showman," stumbled upon this ancient relic in Whitby while leading a school group on an educational fossil walk at Saltwick Bay. "The kids were all very excited," Cousins said. "It was great to have this find shared with others, and to have it as such an authentic learning experience." The footprint, thought to belong to a stegosaur, is now displayed at Whitby Holiday Park's Jet Bistro for public viewing. Previously hidden under the sand, the fossil was discovered next to one of the regular footprints he often shows his tour groups. To confirm his find, Cousins reached out to paleontologist Dr. Liam Herringshaw, who used a 3D scanning app for verification. Dr. Herringshaw noted that Middle Jurassic footprint-bearing sandstones are common in North Yorkshire due to their age and type. "Almost all the dinosaur footprints we find on the Yorkshire coast come from sandstones that were formed in the middle of the Jurassic period," he explained. While awaiting official confirmation, Cousins believes the print is from a stegosaur's back foot. "It's always really special when I find something like this along the coast," he said. Cousins and Dr. Herringshaw co-founded Earth Science Outreach UK, aiming to engage people with local geology through events and tours. Combining geology with performing arts, Cousins often appears as 'Mr Rock Showman' at various venues. "To me, all of the North Yorkshire stretch of coast is an outdoor museum," Cousins added.

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5,000-Year-Old Bread Recipe Unearthed in Turkey is Sparking a Modern-Day Baking Frenzy

In a remarkable culinary discovery, scientists have unearthed an ancient bread recipe in Turkey, sparking a modern-day baking sensation. Archaeologists excavating the Bronze Age settlement of Kulluoba Hoyuk in Eskisehir uncovered a 5,000-year-old piece of charred bread beneath a house threshold. This well-preserved artifact is now on display at the Eskişehir Archaeological Museum. "This is the oldest baked bread to have come to light during an excavation, and it has largely preserved its shape," said Murat Turkteki, archaeologist and director of the excavation. The ancient bread was made from coarsely ground emmer flour—an old wheat variety—combined with lentil seeds and a plant leaf as a natural leavening agent. The flat, disc-shaped loaf measures about 5 inches in diameter. Intrigued by this historical find, local officials reached out to Halk Ekmek bakery in Eskisehir to recreate the recipe. Due to the unavailability of emmer seeds in Turkey, bakers used Kavilca wheat—a similar variety—along with bulgur and lentils to mimic the original ingredients. The result? A hit among locals. The first batch sold out within hours, and demand remains high, with around 300 loaves of "Kulluoba bread" sold daily for just 50 Turkish lira (about $1.30), thanks to municipal subsidies. Notably, Kavilca wheat's drought-resistant properties have drawn attention amid Turkey's reliance on water-intensive crops like corn and sunflowers. "Our ancestors are teaching us a lesson," said Ayse Unluce, mayor of Eskisehir. "Like them, we should be moving toward less thirsty crops."

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Meet The Inuit Actor Bringing Authenticity To Tom Cruise's New Mission Impossible Film

Lucy Tulugarjuk, a renowned director and actress from Nunavut, received an unexpected call while working on a film in her hometown of Igloolik. The offer? A role in the new "Mission: Impossible" movie, "The Final Reckoning." "Once I heard Tom Cruise's name, I accepted the offer without thinking," Tulugarjuk said. Keeping her involvement mostly under wraps, she shared the excitement with close family and friends. Watching the film with her children and grandchild was a special moment. "It was really exciting to be at the theatre with my children and grandchild and to see their expression when they see their mother," she said. Tulugarjuk plays Tapeesa, an Inuk character living in Alaska. Initially slated for just two scenes, her role expanded after rehearsals in London when the director and producer decided to include her more prominently. Meeting Tom Cruise was surreal for Tulugarjuk. "I felt like I was dreaming … I shook his hand and then pinched my cheek because I had to make sure I was awake, that it was real," she recalled. Filming in Svalbard, Norway, provided opportunities to share Inuit culture with fellow actors. She taught them how to keep warm by tucking their thumbs inside their fists—a practical tip for Arctic conditions—and discussed traditional uses of polar bear and sealskin. Tulugarjuk hopes her presence on screen inspires other Inuit individuals. "Even if you don't have the experience in acting, as long as you believe in yourself and dedicate your whole heart ... you can make it work," she said. Jacky Qrunnut from Igloolik also joined the cast after being contacted by Tulugarjuk for additional Inuit roles. He described meeting Cruise as memorable: "He flew in with his chopper when it was time to shoot. That was cool." Qrunnut said big productions tend to get whoever is closest or whoever "looks the role," and usually don't take the time "to go up here and look for the real people that they're trying to portray." Tulugarjuk also said she appreciated that the director chose Inuit actors to play Inuit characters. "I think it's about time that society is actually taking time to pause and look at Inuit," she said. "It's about time that we're being noticed and recognized. We haven't gone anywhere. We're here. And I love that."

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Rare Ospreys Make Unexpected Return, Offering Hope for Conservation Efforts

A bird egg discovered in Wales this spring has become a beacon of hope for the revival of a species once nearly extinct in the United Kingdom. Conservationists were thrilled when an osprey pair laid an egg on April 24 in the Usk Valley, marking the first such event in at least 250 years, according to BBC reports. "The fact that this pair have established a nest and laid an egg shows the species has a chance of making further progress," said Andy King from Usk Valley Ospreys. "Great news for everyone who cares about our wildlife." The osprey couple soon added two more eggs to their nest, which is under constant surveillance by live webcams and protected by 60 volunteers, The Guardian reported. Ospreys are top predators and play crucial roles in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Their return to nesting sites across the U.K. signals positive environmental changes. Historically common, ospreys faced extinction due to habitat loss, hunting, and egg theft, disappearing as a breeding species by 1847 in Wales and England. In 1954, ospreys began re-establishing populations in Scotland with help from conservation efforts. By 2004, they started nesting again in northern Wales. The recent nest-building marks significant progress southward for their range. Birders have spotted other ospreys nearby, indicating growing numbers. Under the U.K.'s Wildlife and Countryside Act, these birds receive maximum protection against disturbance at their nests. Despite successes, ongoing threats like climate change require continued conservation efforts. Yet the return of nesting ospreys remains uplifting. "It's lovely to see them," said volunteer Louise Milne to The Guardian. "They are a wonder of the world."

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Exercise Rivals Medication in Boosting Survival for Colon Cancer Patients

Exercise may significantly reduce the risk of colon cancer recurrence, according to a new study. The late-phase trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's annual meeting in Chicago, found that patients who followed an exercise program after surgery and chemotherapy for Stage 3 or high-risk Stage 2 colon cancer reduced their risk of cancer returning by 28 percent. Dr. Julie Gralow, ASCO’s chief medical officer, noted, “We approve drugs that have the same and in some cases less of a benefit than this.” The Phase 3 randomized controlled trial involved nearly 900 patients across six countries. Participants averaged 61 years old, with about 90 percent having Stage 3 colon cancer. Researchers tracked each patient from 2009 through 2024. Post-treatment, half of the participants joined an exercise program while the control group received a booklet encouraging exercise and healthy eating. The goal was to increase weekly exercise by up to 10 MET hours—a measure of energy expenditure. Dr. Christopher Booth from Queen’s University led the trial. He explained that most participants achieved this through brisk walking for about 45 minutes four days a week. Eight years later, results showed that 90 percent of those in the exercise group had no recurrence or new cancer diagnosis compared to 83 percent in the control group. Exercise also lowers risks for other cancers like breast and colorectal. “It’s not as simple as telling people to exercise,” Booth said. “We really need [insurers] to cover this.” Dr. Nancy You from MD Anderson Cancer Center emphasized that exercise should be part of standard treatment for colon cancer due to its benefits. “This is really definitive,” Booth concluded, offering structured post-treatment recovery options for survivors.

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No Cashier, No Problem: Jesse’s Tiny Honesty Stall Is Changing His Town

Eight-year-old Jesse from Broughton Astley, Leicestershire, is on a mission to promote healthy eating in his village with a unique honesty stall. Outside his home, Jesse offers an array of homegrown produce—runner beans, sweetcorn, and peppers—and trusts neighbors to leave money for what they take. "We trust everybody, and they just post the money through the post box," Jesse explained. "Sometimes they leave it under the table, sometimes they put it round the back, but they do pay." The young gardener uses the proceeds to buy more gardening supplies and dreams of expanding his garden. "I love gardening a lot," he said. "Just harvesting and planting things in the ground like the seeds and then just watching it grow and then getting something bigger out of it." Jesse's mother, Amanda, praised their supportive community: "The community's been amazing. We have people come not just from Broughton; we see people pulling up in their cars... They're very supportive of him." Jesse’s initiative has inspired others as well. He started the honesty stall after seeing a similar idea on YouTube and hopes to encourage more people to try gardening themselves. "It's easy, just try," he advised. "Most of the time it's simple." With raspberries being his favorite crop to grow, Jesse continues to nurture both his plants and community spirit one seed at a time.

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Why Bat-Eared Foxes Are Making A Surprise Comeback At The Zoo After 30 Years

Chester Zoo is buzzing with excitement as it welcomes two rare bat-eared foxes, marking the return of this unique species after a 30-year absence. The African sisters, Maasai and Malindi, are settling into their new home in the zoo's Heart of Africa habitat, where they will share space with 12 porcupines. David White, Chester Zoo's team manager, expressed his enthusiasm about the new arrivals. "It's incredibly exciting to welcome bat-eared foxes back to Chester Zoo after a 30-year hiatus and they're a wonderful addition to our new Heart of Africa habitat," he said. Known for their distinctive 13-centimeter ears that function like satellite dishes, these foxes can detect even the slightest movements of insects underground. The sisters were brought from a zoo in Paris as part of conservation efforts aimed at protecting this little-known species. One sister will be introduced to a male fox to help ensure their survival. Bat-eared foxes inhabit the open savannahs and arid grasslands of eastern and southern Africa but face increasing threats due to habitat loss from agriculture and human encroachment. White highlighted the importance of conservation work: "That's why our teams are on the ground in several national parks across Kenya and Uganda, safeguarding some of the continent's rarest species." By protecting these habitats, Chester Zoo hopes not only to support well-known animals like giraffes and rhinos but also lesser-known ones like bat-eared foxes.

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How A Day At The Beach Could Be The Secret To Boosting Your Mental Health

As summer travel heats up, many Americans are flocking to the beach not just for sun and surf, but for a dose of "sea therapy." Thea Gallagher, PsyD, a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at NYU Langone Health in New York City, explained to Fox News Digital that this concept is more than just a trend. "Sea therapy is a real concept," she said. Gallagher noted that the beach environment encourages mindfulness by helping individuals stay present. "The beach allows for mindfulness because it facilitates being more present when you are watching the ocean," she said. The repetitive nature of waves can help people escape their busy lives and find relaxation. Known as thalassotherapy or blue space therapy, sea therapy leverages the healing properties of coastal environments. According to Gallagher, spending time at the beach can reduce stress, boost mood, restore cognitive function and improve sleep quality. She also highlighted that exposure to negative ions in sea air has been linked to improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression. Travel expert Francesca Page from New York shared her personal experience with sea therapy during a cruise through the British Virgin Islands. "Even just cruising on the water...definitely gave me my fix mentally and physically," she said. While Gallagher acknowledged potential drawbacks such as sunburn and dehydration, she emphasized that simply being near the ocean, whether walking along the shore or listening to waves, can promote relaxation.

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Rare Gold Lobster Rescued by Quick-Thinking Cook in Rhode Island

Calvin, a rare gold lobster with a genetic mutation found in only one in 30 million lobsters, narrowly escaped becoming dinner at the Nordic Lodge Restaurant in Charlestown, Rhode Island. The restaurant's manager, Jake Dolbey, recounted how a cook spotted Calvin among other lobsters delivered to the eatery. Recognizing his unique yellowish-orange hue—a result of a rare genetic mutation—the cook set Calvin aside. The Nordic Lodge quickly contacted the Biomes Marine Biology Center in North Kingstown to donate Calvin. Within an hour, bartender Joel Humphries transported the lobster to the aquarium. Humphries had previously volunteered and worked at Biomes, which educates visitors about marine life from Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Mark Hall, director of Biomes, noted that identifying Calvin required keen observation since gold lobsters are often mistaken for more common orange ones. Had Calvin been cooked, he would have turned red like any other lobster due to heat-resistant pigments. Instead of ending up on a plate, Calvin became an educational exhibit at Biomes. Just two days after his arrival, he was already captivating around 50 fourth graders visiting the center. Hall remarked on the improbability of encountering such rare creatures but acknowledged having seen about ten gold lobsters over his career. This highlights the vast number of lobsters caught annually despite concerns over declining stocks due to environmental factors and fishing pressure. Social media users praised Nordic Lodge's decision to spare Calvin. Comments on their Facebook post included sentiments like "Good brains! Good job!" and "Thank you for sparing him!

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