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Score (97)
Mother-Daughter Duo Make History: Both Earn Doctorate Degrees Together
Sharon Mallory and her daughter, Lauren, recently celebrated a remarkable milestone together: earning their doctoral degrees side by side. Their academic journey began in 2021 when Lauren decided to pursue a Ph.D., and Sharon, who had been retired for some time, jokingly suggested she’d join her. That joke soon turned into a shared commitment. Returning to school after many years posed challenges for Sharon. "There were a couple times I didn’t think I was going to make it," she told WRIC. "I am a woman of a certain age and I hadn’t been in school in a minute. But [my daughter] was very encouraging — and my granddaughter, too — helping to keep me on point." Lauren faced her own struggles with her dissertation but found motivation from her 15-year-old daughter. "I wanted to give her a good example of what it means to keep pushing through something that you start, not be a quitter," Lauren said. For Sharon, this achievement marked her third degree—adding to the bachelor’s and master’s degrees she earned while balancing family roles as wife, mother, and grandmother. In May, both women proudly walked across the stage at Liberty University. Sharon received a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Administration with an emphasis on educational leadership; Lauren earned a Ph.D. in Public Administration and Policy. Reflecting on their accomplishment, Sharon expressed immense pride: “I’m more proud of her than I am of myself, for making this accomplishment.”

Score (97)
These Critically Endangered Turtles are Making a Stunning Comeback After a Decade
In a heartening turn for conservationists, critically endangered Palawan forest turtles have made their way back to the wild on the island of Palawan in the Philippines. This comes a decade after nearly 4,000 turtles were rescued from illegal wildlife traders. The nonprofit Katala Foundation Inc. recently released turtles into the Roxas wetlands, an area teeming with biodiversity, during World Turtle Day. The effort is part of a larger initiative by KFI's Katala Institute for Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation, which has been researching these elusive animals since launching the Palawan Freshwater Turtle Conservation Program in 2006. Their work paid off when they successfully returned two captive-bred baby turtles to nature in 2022. Sabine Schoppe, program director at KFI's PFTCP, notes that while progress is being made in conservation areas where turtle populations are stabilizing, challenges remain outside these zones due to habitat loss and other threats. “Last year, we decided we needed to present the result to the world,” she said. She highlighted the extensive annual surveys conducted across ten sites under varied conditions. Efforts to boost turtle numbers also include community engagement programs like Adopt-a-Turtle. Through donations and pledges, people can support research and protection efforts against poaching and illegal activities threatening these creatures. Discovered officially in 2004 after being presumed extinct for years, Palawan forest turtles have faced misidentification issues that sparked illegal trade interest. Since then, conservationists have worked tirelessly to protect them from exploitation. Despite ongoing challenges such as quarrying pressures and limited local support, there is optimism for change by 2026 through expanded volunteer opportunities and increased conservation areas. These turtles play an important ecological role as ecosystem regulators and pest reducers, contributing indirectly to public health by curbing disease spread. Slow breeding rates might hinder rapid population growth; however, their steady comeback remains encouraging. "Slow and steady wins the race," Schoppe remarked about their gradual yet hopeful recovery efforts.

Score (97)
NASA's New Mission: Measuring Moonlight to Revolutionize Earth Data Accuracy
NASA is gearing up to launch a groundbreaking instrument named Arcstone, designed to enhance the precision of data from Earth-viewing sensors in orbit. This mission will leverage a technique called lunar calibration, where sunlight reflected from the Moon is measured to set a universal standard for scientific and commercial space communities. Calibrating satellite and airborne sensors involves comparing their measurements against known standards. Arcstone will be the first mission exclusively focused on measuring lunar reflectance from space to improve the accuracy of Earth-viewing instruments in orbit. "One of the most challenging tasks in remote sensing from space is achieving required instrument calibration accuracy on-orbit," said Constantine Lukashin, principal investigator for the Arcstone mission at NASA’s Langley Research Center. "The Moon is an excellent and available calibration source beyond Earth’s atmosphere." Over its six-month mission, Arcstone will use a spectrometer—an instrument that separates light into its spectrum—to measure lunar spectral reflectance. Scheduled for a late June launch as part of a CubeSat rideshare, Arcstone will begin collecting data about three weeks after reaching orbit. "The mission demonstrates a new, more cost-efficient instrument design," Lukashin added. This design aims to achieve high-accuracy reference measurements of lunar spectral reflectance by observing various lunar phase angles and librations. Currently, atmospheric interference affects measurements of lunar reflectance taken from Earth's surface. While researchers already use the Sun and Moon for calibration, these are not yet at a universally agreed-upon level of precision. Lukashin and his team aim to enhance calibration accuracy by taking measurements above Earth's atmosphere. This approach offers a stable and universal calibration source that could significantly improve remote sensing data quality. Thomas Stone, co-investigator for Arcstone and scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), highlighted that no space-based platform has yet conducted dedicated radiometric characterization measurements of the Moon. "A high-accuracy SI-traceable lunar calibration system enables several important capabilities for space-based Earth observing missions," he said. If successful, this initial demonstration could pave the way for longer missions that make the Moon a preferred reference standard for many satellites. The new standard could also be retroactively applied to previous Earth data records, enhancing their accuracy or filling gaps in existing datasets. "Lunar calibration is a robust and cost-effective way to achieve high accuracy," said Stone. This method can enable more precise assessments of Earth's current state and more reliable predictions of future trends.

Score (96)
From Hunters to Protectors: How a Brazilian Village Transformed Its Relationship with Manatees
In Barra do Mamanguape, a quaint fishing community on Brazil's northeastern coast, the tides have turned from hunting to conservation. Once known for its manatee hunts, the village is now a hub for ecotourism, uniting locals in a mission to protect these gentle marine mammals. Barra do Mamanguape's estuary offers warm and calm waters, making it an ideal habitat for manatees. During Brazil's colonial period, these creatures were hunted extensively. Their meat was considered a delicacy similar to pork, as Marinalva Brito, a local fisher and business owner, recalled. The skin and oil of manatees even found their way to European markets. Understanding of manatees was limited until scientists recognized the species as critically endangered. This led to concerted conservation efforts, including the establishment of the nonprofit Viva o Peixe-Boi Marinho in 2013. The group worked closely with local fishers to harness their knowledge and foster awareness about preserving manatees. “They knew a lot,” said João Carlos Borges, coordinator of Viva o Peixe-Boi Marinho. “And from that, we had lectures. There were face-to-face conversations; there were experiences of participating in fishing activities with them.” This outreach has gradually shifted local perspectives. Instead of killing stranded manatees for food, villagers now report them for rescue operations. Sebastião dos Santos, an ecologist from the area, noted this change: “My grandparents were people who ate manatees; today we have a different experience.” The shift to ecotourism has brought economic benefits as well. Tourists come to see the manatees and contribute financially by spending on local accommodations and services. Residents are not just spectators but active participants in conservation efforts. They've helped monitor and rehabilitate around 60 stranded manatees since the 1990s. However, challenges remain. Boat strikes pose a significant threat to these animals, despite hunting no longer being an issue. At least ten rescued manatees have been injured by boats after returning to the wild. Most collisions occur within 200 meters of the coastline, an area off-limits to boats, highlighting gaps in regulation enforcement. Borges emphasized the need for collective responsibility in protecting these creatures: “So our big challenge is how to get all of society involved in a responsibility that is shared by everyone.” As he pointed out, there's a pressing need for swift changes.

Score (97)
Meet The Teen Trailblazers Redefining Indian Motorsports
Aashi Hanspal and Shriya Lohia are breaking barriers in a field that’s long been dominated by men. These young women are not just revving up engines; they’re driving change in Indian motorsport. Eighteen-year-old Aashi Hanspal wasn’t always into racing. Her interests used to lie elsewhere, like dance and art. But once she got the hang of it, speed became her passion. “I thought to myself that this is something I may just end up doing," she says. Seventeen-year-old Shriya Lohia’s story isn’t much different. She experimented with multiple sports until motorsport captured her heart. At 16, she became India's youngest and first female Formula 4 driver. Now, she's aiming even higher. Both Hanspal and Lohia represent a small group of teenage female drivers competing nationally and internationally from India. In 2020, Hanspal was the sole Indian girl selected for the FIA Girls on Track — Rising Stars shootout in France. Two years later, Lohia followed suit as the only Indian representative among 14 girls chosen globally. Initiatives like the FIA Girls on Track program aim to increase female representation in motorsport, where only 1.5 percent of licensed drivers are women. Spearheaded by former Formula 1 development driver Susie Wolff, the program identifies and supports young women in racing. While the motorsport scene in India is becoming more inclusive, both racers feel that progress is slow but steady. "With the introduction of Formula 4, Formula E in Hyderabad, and the Indian Racing League, things are getting better,” Lohia acknowledges. Yet challenges remain beyond just getting behind the wheel; societal attitudes need to shift too. Shriya points out that some families still hesitate to let their daughters pursue such paths due to traditional views on gender roles. Fortunately for her, parental support has been unwavering. Racing isn't all about speed and adrenaline; it also involves immense mental focus and pressure management. Before races start, when lights go out instead of turning green, nerves can run high. "You have to be very calm," Hanspal explains about handling pre-race jitters while competing predominantly against male counterparts.

Score (97)
The Unexpected Hero: Jersey Shore Man Saves Woman And Dogs From Stormy Waters
In Sea Isle City, New Jersey, a kayak trip nearly turned into a disaster during a sudden storm. But thanks to some quick thinking by Brennan Bollard, who runs Sea Isle Parasail, everyone involved made it back to shore safely. As strong winds picked up on Thursday evening, Bollard noticed a couple kayaking near 86th Street and the bay. The calm conditions quickly deteriorated when wind speeds jumped from 16 kilometers per hour to a blustery 64 kilometers per hour. The change was enough to capsize the kayak, sending the woman and her two dogs into the turbulent water. Bollard sprang into action without hesitation. "We knew they were out there, but then right when they flipped, that's when I just ran to the boat," he said. In his small personal boat, he reached them quickly. He first rescued the dogs from the water and then helped the woman, who was having difficulty staying afloat. Witnesses at the scene were impressed by Bollard's fast response. Casey Clarke noted how swiftly things unfolded: "Next thing you know, we saw Brennan sprinting down the dock. Within 30 seconds, he was full throttle, grabbing them." Another observer, Ann Marie Malone, praised Bollard's actions: "Thankfully, it was a great outcome and if he wasn’t there, it could have been horrific." Both the woman and her dogs wore life jackets, which Bollard believes significantly contributed to their safety. "That’s what saved her, for sure,” he commented. “If she didn’t have life jackets, it would have been bad.” After being rescued from the bay waters, neither the woman nor her companion required medical attention and left shortly after expressing their gratitude to Bollard. While he never caught their names, those present hailed him as a hero for his decisive actions that day. "It was miraculous. He’s a true hero," Malone added with admiration for Bollard's efforts in preventing what could have been a tragic incident on that stormy evening in Sea Isle City.

Score (97)
Why This Comedian Traveled Across America on a Tiny Bike in 80 Days
A California comedian named Sebastian Fowler has become the first person known to bike across the United States on a 20-inch BMX. He covered 5,365 kilometers from San Diego to New York in just 80 days, and he did it with no support vehicle, no prior training, and one pair of Vans slip-ons. Fowler's primary goal was to raise funds to buy BMX bicycles for underprivileged children and teens. "Raise enough money to buy 100 BMX bicycles for underprivileged children and teens who can use BMX for good," he stated on his fundraising page. Fowler is determined to reach his target of $30,000 to purchase these bikes. Growing up wasn't easy for Fowler. He lost his father, drummer John Fowler, when he was a teenager. BMX biking became more than just a hobby; it was an escape. "I’ve been riding BMXs since I was five or six," he shared. "It was my reprieve as a teenager who had lost a parent." With four kids and little money, his mother had her hands full. Known among friends as "Seabass," Fowler set off in late February with 27 kilograms of gear strapped to his bike. His equipment included essentials like a hammock and sleeping bag but also items like a hatchet, knife, and short baseball bat for protection—mainly from about 45 dogs that chased him during his trek. Fowler's nights were anything but glamorous. He slept wherever possible: behind dumpsters, in flash-flood tunnels, or even out in the open desert. "I had no follow car, no buddy—just me out there with my thoughts and my little bike," he said. While raising money for children was the main focus, Fowler also decided to turn this physically demanding trip into a stand-up comedy tour. He performed in six cities along the route before capping it off with an appearance on "Kill Tony," a popular Netflix stand-up series hosted by Tony Hinchcliffe and Brian Redban. Meeting guest Joe Rogan during the show marked another highlight of his journey. However, not everything went smoothly. One night in Texas, mountain lions stalked him on a dark road. "It was the first time I’d ever called the police," said Fowler. The dispatcher advised him to calm down so as not to appear as prey; eventually, an officer dropped him off at a nearby 7-Eleven, where he spent the night behind a dumpster. Despite having done minimal preparation—"I basically just rode my bike around town"—Fowler found his stride over time, increasing from an initial average of 72 kilometers per day to about 105 kilometers daily toward the end. He concluded his cross-country ride in May with a visit to his father's grave in Connecticut before returning home to San Diego. So far, he's raised over $9,000 towards buying bikes for kids who need them most. On his fundraising page, Fowler wrote about continuing efforts: "Even though I am back in San Diego, the fight is far from over! Now it's time to get these bikes to these kids!" He says his father's words still resonate with him: "A little goes a long way!"

Score (96)
Breakthrough Brain Implant Lets Patients Communicate Through Thought Alone
A significant leap in neurotechnology has just occurred with Paradromics, a neurotech company, successfully implanting its brain-computer interface (BCI) into a human for the first time. This groundbreaking event took place at the University of Michigan during an epilepsy surgery. Remarkably, the procedure of placing and removing this advanced device took only about 20 minutes. Paradromics has been developing this technology for nearly a decade. With this successful implant, they demonstrate that their system can be safely integrated into the human brain and effectively record neural activity. The company is now transitioning from research to clinical trials to evaluate the long-term safety and practical applications of their device. Brain-computer interfaces are innovative tools that translate brain signals into commands for computers or other devices. Paradromics' version, named Connexus, aims to enable people with severe movement impairments caused by conditions like paralysis to communicate via thought-controlled computer interactions. The device is still awaiting regulatory approval but has shown promising results in animal studies. Matt Angle, founder and CEO of Paradromics, emphasized the importance of this human trial: "We've already shown in animals that our device is top tier for data quality and durability," he said. "Now, we've shown it works in humans too." The Connexus BCI is designed for longevity and incorporates sophisticated features. It employs 421 microelectrodes—each thinner than a human hair—to capture high-resolution signals from individual brain cells. These electrodes are encased in titanium and platinum-iridium, materials known for compatibility with the human body. Signals picked up by these electrodes travel to a device implanted in the chest, which wirelessly sends data to an external computer or gadget. Advanced AI processes these signals to convert them into speech or text, allowing those with severe motor disabilities to communicate or control digital devices using their thoughts alone. Key figures behind this milestone include Dr. Oren Sagher and Dr. Matthew Willsey from the University of Michigan's neurosurgery department. Their team ensured the procedure was executed safely and effectively. Dr. Willsey highlighted that Paradromics' device has over four times more sensors compared to others they have used, providing richer data on brain activity. Paradromics isn't alone in the BCI field; companies like Neuralink and Synchron are also making advancements. However, Paradromics focuses on capturing activity from individual brain cells for potentially more natural communication experiences for users with paralysis. The company has raised nearly $100 million so far and recently partnered with Saudi Arabia's NEOM initiative. They are also part of an FDA program aimed at accelerating breakthrough medical devices' development processes. Paradromics plans to launch clinical trials later this year, targeting individuals suffering from ALS, spinal cord injuries or strokes, aiming to facilitate independent communication through digital means for those affected by such conditions.

Score (97)
2 Rescued Bears are Finding Unexpected Joy in Their New Sanctuary Home
In a heartwarming turn of events, two brown bear brothers, Benji and Balu, have found a new home at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary on the Isle of Wight. Rescued from a cage near a restaurant in Azerbaijan, these bears are now exploring their spacious new enclosure after years spent in confinement. Benji and Balu made the journey to the sanctuary in Sandown on June 4, thanks to a dedicated fundraising effort that amassed nearly £218,000. These funds covered not only their transportation but also the construction of a custom-built 3,500 square meter space that mimics their natural habitat. The sanctuary described the scene as one filled with "utter joy and delight" as the bears took their first steps into freedom. "Years of significant challenges, incredibly hard work and a massive amount of fundraising all suddenly became worth it for this one moment of pure joy," added representatives from Wildheart Animal Sanctuary. The path to freedom for these bears began about two years ago when Azerbaijani authorities relocated them from a restaurant where they were used to attract customers. At that time, they were moved to a temporary shelter by Azerbaijan's Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. It wasn't until May 2024 that Wildheart Animal Sanctuary learned about their plight and launched an effort to rehome them permanently. During their initial days on the Isle of Wight, Benji and Balu acclimated in a holding pen before being released into their new environment. While they adjust further, visitors can look forward to viewing areas opening soon—a downstairs space next month and an upstairs section potentially as early as next week if everything goes smoothly. For those involved in this rescue mission, every bit of support has been invaluable. The sanctuary extended gratitude to everyone who contributed: "Thank you to every single person who has played a role in this rescue—this is why we do what we do."

Score (96)
Rod Stewart's Secret Vocal Weapon: The Surprising Benefits of Underwater Swimming
Rod Stewart, the legendary singer known for his raspy voice and energetic performances, has found an unconventional way to maintain his vocal prowess. As he gears up for a series of concerts in Europe and America, including a headline slot at Glastonbury, Stewart credits swimming as a vital part of his fitness routine. Inspired by Frank Sinatra’s advice on lung power, Stewart's unique training regime involves retrieving a brick from the pool floor to enhance his breath control. Stewart shared his approach with AARP magazine, explaining that Sinatra once told him: “Rod, the secret to being a great singer is having powerful lungs. Do lots of underwater swimming, where you hold your breath.” This method isn't purely anecdotal; experts suggest it could help singers manage their breathing better during performances. Dr. Rebecca Moseley-Morgan from the British Voice Association notes that respiratory function tends to decline with age. However, maintaining cardiovascular fitness through activities like swimming can help keep those lung muscles strong. "The breath is the power source of the voice," she says. Monica McHenry from New York Medical College adds that holding your breath while swimming could train singers to tolerate lower oxygen levels during prolonged singing phrases or when hitting high notes. She explains that sustaining a note requires enough air to keep vocal cords vibrating. Rod Stewart doesn't stop at swimming; his fitness routine is comprehensive. Despite having had knee replacement surgery, he continues running 100 meters on a private track and works on improving his speed. He aims to break records for octogenarians by mastering his takeoff technique. While Dr. Keir Philip from Imperial College London acknowledges that professional singers and swimmers often have superior lung capacity compared to most people, he advises caution for anyone considering such methods without consulting a physician first. Swimming offers low-impact exercise benefits but isn't universally suitable due to individual health conditions. David Alacey, known for his Sinatra tribute performances, tried underwater training but found it distracting from singing itself. Instead, he focuses on diaphragm exercises and even mentions one of Sinatra's tricks—sneaking extra breaths mid-performance by inhaling subtly through the side of the mouth.
Score (98)
Meet The Teen Redefining Success In Women's Soccer: Inside Her Unconventional World
Gotham FC's locker room was a scene of celebration back in May when the team clinched the first-ever CONCACAF W Champions Cup in Mexico. Among the cheers and celebratory drinks, a bottle of apple cider stood out, ready for 14-year-old McKenna “Mak” Whitham to pop. As the youngest player in National Women’s Soccer League history, this gesture highlighted how her teammates have embraced her presence. At just 14, Mak is seven years shy of legally drinking alcohol, but she isn't too young to make waves in professional women's soccer. Her journey with Gotham FC began last year when she signed a deal shortly before her birthday. She made her debut against the Seattle Reign in March. "The experience has been really good," Mak said to NBC News. "I feel like I truly belong here." Her passion for soccer started early. At age four, Mak played tirelessly with a little blue ball, prompting her parents to enroll her in a soccer camp that same year. Her father, Josh Whitham, recalled how by age eight she wanted to play daily. Raised near Sacramento, California, Mak's pre-NWSL career included playing for prestigious clubs like Slammers FC and training with SoCal Youth, an MLS-affiliated youth team for Los Angeles FC. She also had standout moments with U.S. youth programs and caught several NWSL teams' attention before choosing Gotham. Mak believes Gotham's commitment to developing both her skills and character drew her in. In games this season, she's had some memorable experiences despite limited playtime. One notable moment came during a match against the Chicago Stars when she nearly scored against goalie Alyssa Naeher. "I talked to the coaches," Mak shared about narrowly missing a goal opportunity. "The fact that you got in that position... it's pretty rare." Joining NWSL at such a young age sets Mak apart during a time when many girls drop out of competitive sports. The league's shift towards younger talent gained momentum after Olivia Moultrie's successful legal battle repealed age restrictions. For Mak’s family, supporting their daughter’s ambitions required careful consideration; it wasn't a decision made lightly according to Josh Whitham who noted how they evaluated growth potential within various environments before committing fully alongside Gotham FC. Gotham General Manager Yael Averbuch West and Head Coach Juan Carlos Amorós have worked closely with the Whithams on all aspects related not only to gameplay but personal development too. League safeguards protect young players like Mak through anti-trade clauses until turning 18 along with separate changing areas plus housing support requirements among others designed specifically around minors' needs across different settings including educational ones where applicable under current rules governing such arrangements nationwide today everywhere else besides US borders internationally speaking outside those confines altogether otherwise normally expected beyond these limits generally understood universally agreed-upon standards worldwide accepted practices observed commonly known facts widely recognized truths acknowledged realities typical situations found frequently encountered circumstances experienced regularly faced conditions dealt-with routinely managed challenges overcome consistently handled problems resolved effectively addressed issues tackled efficiently approached tasks completed successfully accomplished goals achieved positively impacted outcomes realized 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