Rhinos Are Back In Mozambique After Being Extinct For 40 Years

Rhinos have returned to the wilds of Mozambique over four decades after they became extinct locally. The Peace Parks Foundation (PPF) has moved black and white rhinos from South Africa to Mozambique's 400,000-acre Zinave National Park, along with 3,200 re-introduced animals. This initiative is a part of a campaign to save the endangered species by relocating them to safe havens where they have a chance to increase their population. Environmentals say they are re-introducing rhinos in particular because of their importance to the ecosystem.

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UK's First Pickleball Scholarship Student Is Smashing Expectations

UK's First Pickleball Scholarship Student Is Smashing Expectations When Charlotte Pressley first picked up a pickleball paddle, she had no idea it would change her life — or make UK sports history. The 19-year-old from near Harlow, Essex, has become the first student in the UK to receive a university scholarship for pickleball, one of the world’s fastest-growing sports. Now in her first year studying sports coaching at Canterbury Christ Church University in Kent, Pressley says the award has opened doors she didn’t know existed. “I wasn't aware pickleball could get a scholarship because it's a new sport in the UK,” she told BBC Essex. “I got the scholarship and it's gone absolutely wild from there.” The scholarship not only supports her development as a player but also includes mentoring, nutritional guidance, and financial backing. “It helps me with my sport, but also stuff like mentoring, nutrition, and helps me financially too,” she said. Pressley recently won a bronze medal at the 2025 English Nationals in doubles alongside her coach and former tennis mentor, Mollie Knaggs. “She said, ‘I actually believe you can do this’ — and that's the confidence I needed to get myself to the professional side,” Pressley said. Pickleball blends elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Played with solid paddles and a plastic ball on a smaller court, it limits the power of each shot, placing more focus on hand skills and strategy than raw strength or speed. Pressley’s love of the game began at her tennis club in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, where temporary pickleball courts were set up during the Covid-19 pandemic. After an injury sidelined her county-level tennis play at age 16, pickleball filled the gap. “I got addicted,” she said. “I’d played tennis since I was six, and then Covid hit… our coach put pickleball courts down in the mini courts and introduced me.” Now based in Canterbury, she’s joined a local pickleball club and has her sights set on international competition. But more than medals, she wants to grow the game itself — especially among young people. “There’s no real age bracket,” she said. “Families can do it, anybody can do it, and a lot of people who are retired play it. But youngsters are starting to come through, which is really nice to see.” Jemma Cullen, the university’s sports and active health delivery manager, said the school is proud to back Pressley’s rising career. “As a university that participates in pickleball, we are delighted to see she is excelling in the game both at regional and national level, and we are incredibly proud to support her continued success.” The university’s sports scholarship programme, now nearly two decades old, has supported athletes ranging from professional footballer Deanna Cooper to Kent cricket captain Megan Belt and Paralympic long jumper Desiree Bargiela. For Pressley, it all started with one question and one coach’s belief. Now, she’s not just making history — she’s making pickleball impossible to ignore.

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Barking Hero: Unknown Dog Leads Louisville Police to Missing Toddler Locked in Car

When a 3-year-old boy went missing in Louisville, Kentucky, police turned to drones, aircraft, and ground searches to locate him. But it was an unexpected four-legged stranger who ultimately helped bring the child home. The search began on January 7, prompting the Louisville Metro Police Department to deploy all available resources. But it was Officer Josh Thompson’s interaction with a barking dog that shifted everything. The dog, which Thompson had never seen before in his two years of patrolling the neighborhood, approached him while he was checking a lead about a child seen ringing a doorbell and running off. Though the description didn’t match the missing boy, Thompson decided to follow up. No one answered the door at the home in question, but the dog kept pace with Thompson, barking and circling him. Then came a pivotal moment: “Hey, let’s go find this kid,” Thompson told the dog. Without hesitation, it ran toward the backyard. At first, Thompson thought the boy might be in the house—the back door was open—but the dog redirected him again, this time toward the garage. Inside, in the front passenger seat of a locked car, they found the boy. “He was terrified,” Thompson said in a video shared by LMPD. “Dad mode turns on, and I’m trying to get this kid to hit the unlock button. He hit the door latch, and I just gave him the yank motion. He yanked, and I pulled that door open quickly. And he jumped from the car, bear hugged my neck, and wouldn’t let go.” The boy was safely reunited with his family. As for the dog, no one knows where it came from. “In two years of working this neighborhood, I’ve never seen that dog before,” Thompson said. “I truly believe he was a blessing from God.” The department praised the rescue in a Facebook post: “Outstanding work by our officers, and a four-legged friend who reminded us that heroes come in all forms.”

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Speedskater Francesca Lollobrigida Celebrates Gold Medal With Adorable Moment Featuring Toddler Son

Italian speed skater Francesca Lollobrigida didn’t just win gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics — she did it while showing the world what it looks like to be a champion and a mom at the same time. On Saturday, Feb. 7 — her 35th birthday — Lollobrigida took first place in the women’s 3,000-meter race. But it was what happened after the race that turned her into a viral sensation. During a post-race interview, Lollobrigida held her 2-year-old son Tommaso in her arms as she answered questions from reporters. Tommaso, entirely unfazed by the global spotlight, stole the show. He played with the gold medal draped around his mom’s neck, grabbed her face mid-sentence, attempted to snatch the microphone, and even took off her hat — all while she calmly kept speaking. The video quickly racked up more than 3.5 million views on X. “It’s not that easy to combine being a skater and a mom,” Lollobrigida told The Athletic. But she made it clear the two identities are not mutually exclusive. “This [medal] is for myself, the people who believed in me, and the people who said, ‘Maybe she can’t do it, you know?’ They gave me the power to prove myself.” After winning silver and bronze at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, Lollobrigida took a break from competition following Tommaso’s birth. But she was back on the ice just six months later and earning medals at the European Championships by early 2024. “I didn’t choose between a family, being a mom, and being a speed skater,” she said. “I was brave, so I’m really proud of myself.” Now, with a gold medal in one arm and her son in the other, Lollobrigida has become a new kind of Olympic icon — not just for her athleticism, but for her unapologetic embrace of motherhood on the world stage.

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Hackers Turn Discarded Vapes into Musical Instruments to Fight E-Waste

Every time a single-use vape is sold, it adds to one of the world’s fastest-growing waste problems. Millions of these devices—used up after just a few thousand puffs—are tossed into landfills, where they leak toxic materials, release methane, and contribute to the climate crisis. Now, a group of New York–based hackers is offering a surprising alternative: make music with them. Kari Love and David Rios from New York University, along with Shuang Cai from Cornell University, have created a digital instrument called the “Vape Synth.” Built from discarded Elf Bar vapes, the device is part art, part protest, and part environmental intervention. “We started from a very silly place,” Love told Wired. “We have to use the low-pressure sensor. Which means to play it, you must suck.” The team reuses the vape’s lithium-ion battery and charging circuit, then adds a small speaker, buttons, and a tone-generating circuit board. The result is a functioning musical instrument that diverts toxic e-waste from landfills and draws attention to the environmental toll of disposable tech. “You see them everywhere,” Love said of single-use vapes. “They have the lithium-ion batteries, which makes them particularly insidious in the disposable tech world.” Vape batteries are especially harmful because they don’t just pile up—they pollute. When dumped in landfills, they can leak heavy metals and release methane, a greenhouse gas 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Love and her team say their goal is to inspire others to find creative uses for waste. And they’re not alone. Researchers elsewhere are working on biodegradable circuit boards that decompose at the end of their lifespan. Other innovators have upcycled old smartphones into working components for data centers. “Ideally, we would change that paradigm and make less waste,” Love said. “But while we're making that much waste, let's divert some of it. Let's use it.” Their Vape Synth is one of many small but inventive steps aimed at rethinking how we treat discarded electronics. And for now, it's also a reminder: sometimes, reducing harm starts with a little noise.

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'The Pizza King' Delivers: Andrew Torgashev Becomes Fan Favorite at Milan Cortina Olympics

Andrew Torgashev has quickly become a standout name at the 2026 Winter Olympics — and not just for his figure skating. The 24-year-old American is earning attention on and off the ice, thanks to a bizarre but effective diet that’s earned him a distinct title: “The Pizza King.” As Torgashev wrapped up his short program in the men’s individual skate on Tuesday, Feb. 10, NBC’s broadcast leaned into the nickname that’s now emblazoned on his official Team USA bio. His routine earned a score of 88.94, landing him in second place with the event about halfway through. Earlier in the week, he helped secure a gold medal for the U.S. in the team competition. But it’s the pizza story that’s helping cement his Olympic celebrity status. “My relationship with pizza started [in] 2022,” Torgashev said last month during U.S. Nationals. “I ended up losing weight and getting my quad toeloop back during this time. So it was successful. Since then, I’ve ramped down the amount of pizzas I eat.” Ramp down or not, the legend was born. At one point, Torgashev ate pizza 53 days in a row — part of what he called an unorthodox “pizza diet” that somehow helped him feel lighter and regain a crucial jump in his program. He now leans into the moniker. On Instagram, he lists himself as “Team USA Figure Skating Pizza Ambassador” and regularly mixes pizza content into his Olympic updates. Asked recently about his top choice for toppings, he replied without hesitation: “Barbecue chicken is awesome, and if you do like honey and prosciutto.” It’s that mix of quirky charm and top-tier skating that’s making him one of the breakout personalities at the Milan Cortina Games. If he holds on to a medal spot in the final round of the men’s event, “The Pizza King” could soon be adding Olympic hardware to his growing legend.

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Firefighters Come to the Rescue in a Classic Case of a Cat Stuck in a Tree

Firefighters came to the rescue in a classic case of a cat stuck up a tree in Ukiah Valley, California. The Ukiah Valley Fire Authority said that they rescued the cat, Bucky, after positioning a ladder between trees and carrying him down to safety. “A-shift was able to prevent a CATastrophe and is happy to report that Bucky is home, safe and sound with his family,” they said. 📸 Ukiah Valley Fire Authority via Storyful

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South Korean Scientists Just Developed a Spray-On Powder That Stops Bleeding in One Second

A team of South Korean researchers has developed a new spray-on powder that can stop life-threatening bleeding in just one second — a breakthrough that could save lives on battlefields, in disaster zones, and during emergency medical procedures. The fast-acting substance, created at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in Daejeon, was designed to work in harsh, unpredictable environments. According to the scientists, it forms a gel-like barrier the instant it contacts blood, effectively sealing wounds almost immediately. “By implementing characteristics that allow instant hardening even under extreme conditions... immediate emergency treatment is possible,” said Army Major and PhD candidate Kyusoon Park, one of the study’s co-lead authors. Published in Advanced Functional Materials, the study outlines how the powder — called AGCL — combines natural, biocompatible materials like alginate, gellan gum, and chitosan. These substances rapidly react with calcium ions in the blood to create a robust hydrogel seal, both physically and chemically halting the flow. Unlike traditional flat patch-type bandages, which can struggle to treat deep or irregular wounds, the powder can be applied freely to a wide range of injury types, including those caused by bullets or shrapnel. And while many existing hemostatic powders simply absorb blood to create a barrier, AGCL both absorbs and reacts to it — boosting its speed and effectiveness. “It reacts with cations such as calcium in the blood to turn into a gel state in one second,” said Professor Steve Park, another co-lead author. “It can absorb blood amounting to more than seven times its own weight... and showed superior sealing performance compared to commercial agents.” In tests, the powder not only sealed wounds under high-pressure bleeding, but also showed impressive antibacterial effects — 99.9% — and promoted faster healing. In surgical experiments on liver injuries, animals treated with AGCL had less bleeding, faster clotting, and returned to normal liver function within two weeks. No toxic side effects were found. Another key benefit: the powder remains stable for up to two years, even at room temperature and in high humidity. That makes it ideal for military field kits, disaster response units, and remote or underserved regions with limited medical access. “The core of modern warfare is minimising the loss of human life,” said Major Park. “I started the research with a sense of mission to save even one more soldier.” He and the team hope the powder will eventually be used in both national defense and civilian emergency medicine. While initially designed with combat in mind, the implications go far beyond the battlefield. For patients in car accidents, natural disasters, or rural clinics, the powder could one day mean the difference between life and death.

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Ireland Launches Groundbreaking Program to Provide Weekly Income for Artists

Ireland is making a bold bet on its artists — and it’s paying off. The country has become the first in the world to launch a permanent basic income program for artists, offering €325 a week to 2,000 eligible creators over three-year cycles. The move follows a successful pilot that not only improved artists' wellbeing and productivity, but also returned more to the economy than it cost. “This is a gigantic step forward that other countries are not doing,” said Culture Minister Patrick O’Donovan at the launch in Dublin on Tuesday. “We now have, on a permanent basis, a basic income structure that will really revolutionise how we value culture and creativity.” The Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) program emerged from a pilot run between 2022 and 2025, originally introduced to help artists weather COVID-related shutdowns. Participants were randomly selected from more than 8,000 applicants, with the goal of giving them stable, no-strings-attached income so they could focus on their work. The results, according to a government-commissioned study, were striking. Artists on the pilot spent more time creating and less time in unrelated jobs. Reports showed lower levels of anxiety and financial deprivation, and reduced reliance on other welfare programs. The €72 million pilot effectively paid for itself through increased cultural activity, higher productivity, and economic ripple effects across the arts sector. “It was a real-world test of what happens when people are given stability instead of precarity,” said Peter Power of the National Campaign for the Arts. “Many became better able to sustain themselves through their work alone.” The new program will continue to select 2,000 artists per cycle through a random draw. Artists will be eligible to receive support for three out of every six years. For example, a recipient in the 2026–2029 cycle would have to sit out the next round, but could apply again for the 2032 cycle. Applications open this May, with payments scheduled to begin in September. The first permanent cycle is backed by an €18.27 million budget. Full guidelines are expected to be published in April. While the weekly €325 payments are not designed to replace a full-time income, researchers say they offer vital breathing room. “It’s a win for all,” said Maynooth University sociologist Jenny Dagg, who studied the pilot. She cautioned, though, that artists still face wider cost-of-living pressures, especially in housing. Rents in Dublin have doubled since 2013, pushing many younger artists to remain with their families or leave the city altogether. Still, the program is being celebrated as a major breakthrough for arts policy — and one that could set an international precedent. A more vibrant arts sector, Power noted, means more than just cultural output. It brings broader social benefits: stronger communities, better mental health, and more innovation. As Ireland leads the way, other countries may soon follow its example — proving that investing in creativity doesn’t just enrich lives. It makes economic sense, too.

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World's Number One Darts Player, Who is Still A Teenager, Stuns Pub Crowd with Surprise Visit

Pub-goers in Lichfield got the shock of their lives on Monday night when world number one darts player Luke Littler walked through the door — and challenged them to a match. The 19-year-old sensation made an unannounced appearance at the Feathers Inn after the venue won a competition run by KP Nuts. The catch? Littler’s visit had been kept under wraps since October. "It's been a mixed reaction, some shocked, some excited," Littler told BBC Midlands Today during the event. "But we're going to have a good night." The reigning world number one and two-time PDC World Champion recently added a World Masters title to his growing list of accolades. He said reaching the top of the sport has been “massive” for him. “Any player wants to be at the top and I obviously want to try and stay at the top, be the best and be the man to beat,” he said. Littler also reacted to praise from fellow star Luke Humphries, who recently called him the “greatest ever” darts player — a claim Littler was quick to downplay. “It’s crazy for him to be saying those sort of things,” Littler said. “I rightly said Phil Taylor will always be the best.” Throughout the night, Littler threw darts with pub regulars and members of the Feathers Inn darts team. He even joined in for a few casual rounds, showing off the same relaxed confidence he brings to the big stage. Landlord Tracy Kingston called the evening “unreal” and admitted it had been “very difficult” keeping the news secret for so long. Her husband Mike, who co-runs the pub, described the atmosphere as electric. "It was the most surreal, incredible experience I think we've ever had," he told BBC Radio WM. “He wasn’t phased in any way, shape or form. He came in and took over the whole pub.” Fans at the event shared the sentiment. For one night only, a local pub became the centre of the darts universe — and Luke Littler proved he’s just as comfortable under pub lights as he is under the TV spotlight.

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Wild Beavers Return To The UK For First Time In 400 Years

Wild beavers are back in Cornwall for the first time in four centuries. Two pairs of these industrious animals have been released by Cornwall Wildlife Trust at a nature reserve in mid-Cornwall, marking a significant moment for local ecology. This is the county’s first fully licensed release, following three years of detailed planning and consultation with government bodies. Once common across Britain, beavers were hunted to extinction 400 years ago. Today, they’re being recognized as crucial keystone species that can reshape entire ecosystems. Their return has come at an important time; conservationists report that one in six species is at risk of disappearing from Great Britain. Matt Walpole, CEO of Cornwall Wildlife Trust, highlighted the importance of this event: “Today’s release is a landmark for conservation in Cornwall and a testament to over a decade of dedication from our team, supporters and partners.” Beavers are known for their ability to create wetlands through their natural behavior. They build dams and lodges that slow down water flow. This helps reduce flooding during heavy rains while storing water during drier periods, increasing drought resilience. These newly created wetlands filter pollutants and sediments, improving water quality and supporting more diverse wildlife. Cornwall Wildlife Trust has spent over ten years working toward the return of beavers to Cornish rivers. Evidence shows that beaver activity can significantly boost biodiversity: tripling pond plant diversity, increasing frogspawn abundance by over 6,000 percent, boosting bird species up to 100 meters away from their sites, raising bat activity by nearly 400 percent, enhancing moth diversity by 24 percent, and increasing dragonfly species sevenfold. Dr. Roisin Campbell from Beaver Trust emphasized the significance of reintroducing beavers into the wild. “Carefully planned reintroductions like this help move beavers from isolated pockets towards healthy, connected populations,” she said. This collaboration between Beaver Trust and Cornwall Wildlife Trust aims to restore resilient environments while tackling biodiversity decline. The wild beaver releases have been made possible due to support from local business St Eval and generous donations to the Trust’s Wild Beaver Appeal. Dr. Rob Stoneman from The Wildlife Trusts noted the broader implications of this project: “This is a historic moment... it paves the way for more to follow.” If other projects proceed as planned, The Wildlife Trusts hope to release around 100 beavers into seven rivers throughout this year.

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