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Score (98)
SPOTLIGHT: Meet the 73-Year-Old Educator Revolutionizing STEM for Preschoolers
At 73 years old, Areulia Davis is showing no signs of slowing down in her mission to enhance education. The seasoned educator has launched a line of STEM Learning Cards for early childhood educators, aiming to introduce young children to science, technology, engineering and math in an approachable way. Her company, Areulia Davis LLC, provides coaching and consulting services to teachers who are looking for effective classroom strategies. Throughout her career as a third-grade teacher, Areulia was known for integrating creativity with test preparation. Her students consistently achieved top scores in district benchmarks. Beyond the classroom, she worked tirelessly in North Lawndale to improve educational opportunities. Her advocacy efforts helped secure a 40-million-dollar investment for a STEAM-focused school pathway. It was during this initiative that Areulia saw many preschool teachers feeling unprepared to teach STEM subjects. In response, she developed the STEM Learning Cards to fill this gap. Teachers have praised these cards for making STEM concepts accessible and natural within early learning environments. Today, Areulia continues mentoring educators and expanding her resources. She believes every child deserves a well-supported teacher and every teacher deserves guidance from someone experienced. Her work shows that true educators never stop teaching or leading.
Score (98)
The Unexpected Impact of a Prison Book Program on Inmate Lives
Maria Montalvo's eyes light up as she discusses her favorite authors. She loves works by Isabel Allende, Octavia Butler, Toni Morrison, Erika L. Sánchez, and John Grisham. For her, reading is a window to the world, offering insights into lives and places far removed from her own. "Reading makes you wiser," she says, adding that it transports your mind to places you can't physically visit. Montalvo isn't just any reader. She's part of Freedom Reads at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility in New Jersey. This nonprofit organization has been promoting reading in U.S. prisons since 2020. The initiative aims to transform prison environments through literature. "Books change the prison climate; they change the way people think about themselves," says Montalvo. The idea for Freedom Reads came from Reginald Dwayne Betts. At 16, Betts was sentenced to nine years in prison for car theft, where he found solace in books and emerged as a poet and communicator. Books gave him perspective on life outside the cell walls. He later earned a law degree from Yale University and garnered prestigious fellowships before founding Freedom Reads in 2020 to bring books into prisons nationwide. Betts notes the scarcity of reading materials in prisons, often limited to a single library with restricted hours and access requirements. In response, he conceptualized the "Library of Freedom," a collection of 500 books designed for easy access within correctional facilities. The libraries are thoughtfully crafted with help from Mass Design architects and former inmates who build curved bookcases from maple, walnut, or cherry wood. These structures fit seamlessly into prison cells without obstructing visibility for guards while offering an aesthetic break from harsh prison architecture. Freedom Reads includes Spanish-language titles due to the significant Hispanic inmate population—over 46,000 according to federal data—ensuring broader accessibility and engagement. David Pérez coordinates these bilingual efforts: “We have a list of more than 100 books in Spanish.” Titles include "The House of Spirits" by Isabel Allende and "I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter" by Sánchez. Maria Montalvo serves a life sentence following her conviction for the deaths of her children in what she claimed was an accidental car fire—a tragic incident acknowledged by prosecutors as coming during emotional distress that spared her a death sentence. In prison, she's dedicated herself to understanding mass incarceration issues through literature; reading circles engage inmates with stories available in both English and Spanish versions for shared discussions. Efforts like Freedom Reads contribute positively outside too; research suggests prison-based education programs reduce recidivism by nearly fifteen percent while increasing employment chances post-release by almost seven percent. Despite installing nearly five hundred libraries across fifty adult and youth prisons throughout America—distributing around two hundred eighty thousand books—Betts believes much remains undone: “We’ve probably reached less than one percent...of the prisons.” Adding another dimension is their Inside Literary Prize judged entirely by incarcerated individuals; last year saw Imani Perry’s work recognized among numerous submissions evaluated across multiple states, including Puerto Rico.
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From Fine Dining to the Savannah: Why This Photographer Is Now Capturing African Wildlife
Nathan Myhrvold, a man with many hats—author, chef, former Microsoft CTO, and photographer—has ventured into new territory with his first collection of safari photographs. Known for his detailed food photography, Myhrvold now captures the raw beauty of African wildlife. His images offer a vivid glimpse into animal life in one of the last bastions of untouched ecosystems. In an interview about this new direction, Myhrvold explained how wildlife has fascinated humans throughout history. "People have been fascinated with wildlife throughout human history," he said. He believes that seeing animals in their natural habitat helps people reconnect with nature and put their own lives into perspective. Africa's vast wilderness areas provide the perfect setting for this form of connection. Myhrvold’s transition from studio-based food photography to capturing unpredictable wildlife comes with its own set of challenges and surprises. In the studio, Myhrvold controls every aspect of a photograph—from lighting to timing. This control disappears in the wild, where he must rely on natural light and seize moments as they happen. "You’re working with natural light and subjects that don’t take direction very well," he noted. A key highlight in his current collection is a series of contrasting lion portraits. One image features a young male lion exuding confidence, while another showcases an older lion bearing battle scars from a recent fight. These images not only capture the majestic nature but also hint at the harsh realities faced by these creatures. Looking ahead, Myhrvold is working on an ambitious project to photograph every species of wild cat and dog worldwide—a task made more daunting by their elusive nature. Despite some species being hard to find, he's already completed 60 percent of this project. The endeavor keeps him exploring new places and habitats, which leads to unexpected discoveries even when specific species remain unseen.
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Score (94)
Galapagos Tomatoes are Surprising Scientists by Rewinding Evolution in Real Time
Evolution might not always be a one-way street. New research from the University of California, Riverside, and the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel showcases a fresh example of this on the Galapagos Islands. Wild tomatoes there are seemingly retracing their evolutionary steps, adapting by reverting genetic changes made millions of years ago. The study focused on two species of tomatoes: Solanum cheesmaniae and Solanum galapagense. Researchers gathered 56 samples from different parts of the islands to analyze the alkaloids produced by these plants. Alkaloids are toxic chemicals that serve as a defense mechanism against predators. In an interesting twist, tomatoes on the eastern side of the islands produced alkaloids similar to those found in cultivated varieties worldwide. However, on the western side, researchers discovered an older form of alkaloid that aligns with those found in ancient relatives like eggplants. Adam Jozwiak, a molecular biochemist at UC Riverside, highlights the significance of this find. "It's not something we usually expect," he says. "But here it is, happening in real time, on a volcanic island." The team pinpointed a particular enzyme responsible for this production change and confirmed its ancient origins through lab tests and modeling. Genetic atavisms, where organisms revert to ancestral traits due to mutation, aren’t entirely unheard of. For instance, experiments have shown that chickens can be genetically modified to grow teeth like their distant ancestors. But what's remarkable about these Galapagos tomatoes is that entire populations exhibit this shift rather than isolated cases. The newer parts of the islands—formed less than half a million years ago—are more barren compared to other areas. It appears that environmental pressures might be pushing these plants back toward their evolutionary past. This discovery doesn’t just add another layer to our understanding of evolution; it may pave the way for advanced genetic engineering, too. Altering plant chemistry could lead to new medicines or crops with enhanced pest resistance and reduced toxicity. "If you change just a few amino acids, you can get a completely different molecule," explains Jozwiak. "That knowledge could help us engineer new medicines, design better pest resistance, or even make less toxic produce."
Score (97)
Unveiling the Past: Nebraska Town Opens World's Largest Time Capsule After 50 Years
Seward, Nebraska, recently marked an unusual anniversary. Residents gathered on the Fourth of July not only to celebrate the nation’s independence but also to revisit a piece of their local history—a time capsule sealed fifty years ago. Back in 1975, townsfolk packed away thousands of items including pet rocks, a Chevy Vega, and personal letters to loved ones. NBC News’ Maya Eaglin was there to witness these treasures on display and captured the emotional moments as people reconnected with artifacts from decades past. The town's decision to open the time capsule on such a significant day brought together generations who were eager to see what had been preserved for half a century. The contents were a snapshot of life in 1975. Pet rocks, which became an unexpected fad back then, served as a quirky reminder of simpler times. The Chevy Vega represented the automotive style and technology of its era. However, it was the letters that truly resonated with those present. Many attendees found themselves deeply moved by reading messages penned by long-gone relatives or their younger selves. This event was more than just a trip down memory lane for Seward’s residents; it sparked conversations about how much has changed over the decades and what remains constant in human nature. The gathering reaffirmed community bonds and highlighted shared histories that often lay dormant until such occasions bring them back into focus. As residents looked at these relics from another era, they reflected on how far both technology and society have come since 1975. Yet amidst all this change, the fundamental human connection—evident through personal notes and nostalgic items—remained unchanged. The celebration ended with discussions about what might go into a new time capsule for future generations to explore in another fifty years. As one resident remarked amid laughter and tears, “It’s amazing what we choose to remember—and what surprises us when we look back.”
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Meet The Entrepreneur Honored By Royalty For Revolutionizing Braille Access
Brandon Hulcoop, a blind entrepreneur from Devon, is feeling like royalty after being honored by King Charles himself. The 23-year-old from Plymouth was awarded the NatWest/King’s Trust Enterprise award at a Buckingham Palace reception. Brandon shared his excitement with the BBC, describing the recognition as feeling like "a lion raised its head and roared on his chest." Brandon's success story began at his mum's kitchen table, where he started All Things Dotty, a business that creates braille greetings cards. His journey was sparked by his personal frustration with not being able to read birthday and Christmas cards. “I got frustrated... people would get me birthday and Christmas cards and I couldn't read them,” he recalled. His determination led him to find a solution: tactile artwork in the form of braille cards. What started as "big A4 things folded in half" has grown into a flourishing business offering personalized braille greetings cards, coloring books, artwork, menus, and even braille tuition. The journey wasn't easy. Brandon faced unemployment for an extended period until he reached out to the job center for assistance. All he needed was one piece of equipment to kickstart his venture. With the help of an advisor from the King's Trust (formerly known as the Prince’s Trust), he managed to set up his business. This support opened new opportunities for visually impaired individuals who can now "see with their fingers," according to Brandon. He emphasizes that having access to tools like braille menus promotes independence for people with visual impairments. Brandon reflects on how far he has come since starting out five years ago. He’s proud of completing a business diploma at a college designed for visually impaired students and now operates from an office instead of home. Mentor Mike Hogan praises Brandon’s resilience. “If he comes up against an obstacle,” Hogan says, “he will always try to find ways around it.” He describes Brandon as someone who treats his disability as an ability rather than a setback. Brandon hopes to raise awareness about the significance of braille in fostering inclusivity and accessibility. Thanking supporters in Plymouth who backed him during the early days of his venture, he acknowledges that continued support is invaluable.
Score (98)
Schoolboys Become Unexpected Heroes in a Dramatic Canoe Rescue
A group of quick-thinking students from Claires Court School in the UK are being celebrated as heroes after they saved a man's life during a school canoeing trip. The six Grade 9 students were on a Duke of Edinburgh expedition near Wallingford on June 30 when they heard cries for help from a capsized canoeist. The situation was serious. The man had drifted dangerously beneath a raised jetty and was struggling to keep his head above water. Two members of the group rushed to his aid, helping him stay afloat while others notified nearby support staff. James Wragg, the head of outdoor education at the independent school, commended the boys' swift action, stating they "immediately rushed to his aid" and promptly radioed for assistance. In their statement following the rescue, the school praised these students for their bravery and quick thinking, calling them "local heroes." The two boys who first reached the scene showed remarkable composure under pressure. They improvised a stirrup out of available materials, which allowed the trapped man to keep his head above water until help arrived. Teaching staff overseeing the Duke of Edinburgh trip soon arrived at the scene and pulled the man from the water. He had been stranded for 25 minutes with his foot trapped under his boat. Mr. Wragg remarked that the boys arrived "just in time," undoubtedly saving this man's life. After this dramatic incident, all students involved continued with their expedition and successfully completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award. The school noted that this accomplishment demonstrated not only their resilience but also reflected well on the values instilled by such programs. To honor their efforts, Claires Court School gave outstanding achievement awards to all those involved in alerting staff and aiding in communication during the rescue operation.
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Plastic Bag Bans Reveal Unexpected Environmental Benefits, Study Finds
Plastic bag bans have been a hot topic across the United States for years, with many cities and states adopting these measures to combat plastic pollution. But a recent study suggests that there might be an even more effective way to tackle the issue: taxing or charging fees for plastic bags. For those unfamiliar, plastic waste is a significant environmental problem. It pollutes ecosystems, contaminates water and soil, and endangers wildlife and human health. In response, environmental activists have pressured local governments to pass legislation targeting this growing concern. Plastic bag bans are one of the most common solutions enacted so far. However, according to editor Bianca Lopez in a new study, "Although less common, taxes or fees on plastic bags may be even more effective than bans." This is due to the impact of people switching to alternatives like paper or reusable bags when faced with additional costs. Researchers examined hundreds of state and local plastic bag policies in place from 2017 to 2023. They compared this data with observations from over 45,000 shoreline cleanups conducted by citizen scientists. The results were telling. Areas that implemented both full bans and fees saw a reduction of 25 to 47 percent in plastic bags collected during cleanups compared to places without such policies. There's another positive side effect: these measures can relieve pressure on local wildlife populations. The researchers found a potential "37 percent reduction in the presence of entangled animals" in regions where plastic bag policies exist. Entanglement poses serious risks to marine life, including habitat destruction and starvation. According to Clean Water Action, at least 267 marine species suffer from plastic pollution. This includes about 86 percent of sea turtle species and 44 percent of seabird species. Reducing plastic waste through bans or fees could lead to healthier ecosystems overall. The debate continues on whether states should have the authority to ban certain plastic items from businesses entirely. Whatever your stance, it's clear that addressing plastic waste is essential for protecting our environment and its inhabitants. As researchers explore different approaches, it’s worth noting that combining strategies might yield the best results in reducing pollution effectively.
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His Decade-Long Photography Project is Revealing Hidden Stories of a Fishing Town
Pete Robinson has spent nearly a decade capturing the essence of North Shields’ fishing community through his camera lens. Since 2015, he has taken about 10,000 images of the town’s fishermen, hoping to preserve what he calls their "living history" before it fades away. "When they disappear over the horizon, people almost forget about them and nobody knows what's going on out there," Robinson said. His work will be showcased in an exhibition titled Harvest from the Deep at the Old Low Light Heritage Centre from July 22 to August 30. This exhibition is part of North Shields 800 celebrations and receives funding from North Shields Cultural Quarter. Robinson's photographs cover everything from boats setting out to sea to fish displayed on fishmongers' counters. But more than just documenting the process, his images tell stories of the people involved. One standout subject is a 79-year-old lobster fisherman who is considered the oldest at the quay. Other photos show touching moments like a father and son working side by side. "You got all these people and stories slowly disappearing," Robinson observed. He noted that in two or three decades, changes are inevitable—both in how fishing is done and which types of fish are caught. The quay itself might shrink even further by then. "It's important to capture these people and stories before they're gone forever." A wedding photographer by trade, Robinson was drawn to this project because he felt that tales from the fish quay were "under-represented." To capture these narratives authentically, he often joined fishermen on their voyages, enduring seasickness and battling severe weather conditions. At 44 years old, Robinson plans to continue photographing this community for years to come. "These sort of people and stories won't be around forever so I'm trying to capture as many people and as many stories as I can for future generations to enjoy," he said. In addition to the exhibition, Robinson has self-published a photo book with proceeds going to Fishermen's Mission charity in North Shields.
Score (96)
Mars Rover's Unexpected Find: What's Hiding Inside That Mysterious Rock?
NASA's Curiosity rover, while exploring Mars, has stumbled upon an unexpected find in the Gediz Vallis Channel. In May last year, the rover inadvertently rolled over a rock that cracked open to reveal yellow crystals of elemental sulfur. This is the first time sulfur has been found on Mars in its pure form, making this discovery intriguing for scientists. Elemental sulfur shouldn't really be there. Typically, sulfates, salts formed when sulfur mixes with other minerals in water, are more common on Mars. When water evaporates, these minerals dry out and leave sulfates behind. Pure sulfur needs specific conditions to form, ones not known to exist, where Curiosity made this find. The area around Gediz Vallis appears rich in these sulfur rocks, raising questions about how they came to be there. "Finding a field of stones made of pure sulfur is like finding an oasis in the desert," said Ashwin Vasavada, Curiosity project scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. "It shouldn't be there, so now we have to explain it." Sulfur plays a significant role for life as it's used by organisms to create essential amino acids needed for proteins. While life's existence on Mars remains uncertain, the presence of elements useful to living beings continues to intrigue researchers. Curiosity's instruments managed to analyze and confirm the composition of these rocks—but only because one happened to break open under the rover’s weight. If not for this chance event, discovering this elemental treasure might have taken longer. Scientists now need to determine how such a large concentration of pure sulfur ended up on Mars' surface. This will require more research into the planet's geological history and could involve complex modeling. As Curiosity continues its mission through Gediz Vallis, a channel marked by ancient waterways, the rover collects valuable data along its path. It recently drilled into another rock within the channel for chemical analysis and continues deeper exploration of this historically rich area.
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Meet The Forest Guardians Saving Red Pandas Along The Nepal-India Border
In the rugged hills of eastern Nepal, Surya Bhattarai, a 48-year-old farmer, dedicates his days to tracking red pandas. These elusive creatures are native to the eastern Himalayas and are now an endangered species. Bhattarai is part of a dedicated group known as Forest Guardians who work in the Sudap Community Forest in Taplejung district. This area, near the border with India, offers challenging terrain and unpredictable wildlife encounters. Bhattarai is one of 128 Forest Guardians trained by the Red Panda Network to monitor these animals. They carry essential tools like GPS trackers and notebooks to document signs of red pandas, such as scat or claw marks. Within the Panchthar-Ilam-Taplejung Corridor, which spans 11,500 square kilometers and houses about 25 percent of Nepal’s red panda population, Bhattarai keeps a close watch on designated forest blocks. Monitoring occurs four times a year to coincide with key life stages of red pandas, such as breeding seasons. The summer patrols are particularly important for deterring poaching activities. Globally, fewer than 10,000 red pandas remain across India, Bhutan, China, and Nepal. In Nepal alone, there are between 500 and 1,000 people residing in bamboo forests across 25 districts. Rapid development and habitat degradation threaten their survival. The Red Panda Network launched its Forest Guardian program in 2010 with just 16 members. Today it stands as one of Nepal's most ambitious citizen-led wildlife monitoring initiatives. Ang Phuri Sherpa from the Red Panda Network explains that these guardians act as essential links between conservation efforts and local communities. "Our biggest challenge is building trust with local communities," he says. Drawn from economically marginalized groups, most Forest Guardians have only reached middle-school education levels but play a critical role in protecting their nearby forests. They collect valuable data that informs conservation strategies and guides anti-poaching measures. Arjun Thapa from the Institute of Zoology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences commends this grassroots effort but emphasizes that analyzing collected data is crucial for making informed decisions about conservation strategies. A national survey conducted in 2016 revealed that most red panda habitats lie outside protected areas. Since then, Forest Guardians focus on regions where these animals face significant threats due to poaching or encroachment by human activity.