Scroll For More
Score (92)
The Secret Life of Australia's Rarest Bird: How Conservationists Are Saving the Plains-wanderer
When thinking of endangered birds, your mind might jump to the flashy or unusual ones, like New Guinea’s birds of paradise or California’s condor. But one of the most unique and critically endangered birds is a small, quail-like species living in Australia’s inland grasslands: the plains-wanderer. This bird might not catch your eye immediately with its dappled brown feathers and secretive vibe. Yet, as ecologist Dan Nugent from Bush Heritage Australia explains, "What makes them special is they’re really evolutionary and taxonomically distinct from other birds." The plains-wanderer stands alone in its family, Pedionomidae. Its closest relatives are a distant memory, leaving this bird as a sole survivor with only distant ties to South American seedsnipes. Plains-wanderers inhabit the open grasslands across eastern Australia, including Victoria and New South Wales. In these lands, female plains-wanderers outshine males in size and color with their brick-red breasts and distinctive black collars. They call out to attract mates during breeding seasons that coincide with rainfall-induced grassland blooms. Here’s a twist: after females lay eggs—about four per clutch—the males step up to incubate them and care for the chicks. The population of plains-wanderers has dwindled drastically, now estimated between 250 and 1,000 individuals scattered across their range. According to Nugent, European colonization triggered their decline through habitat conversion and introducing feral predators like cats and foxes that prey on these ground-dwelling birds. In northern Victoria's grasslands, which are significant habitats for these birds, only 6 percent of native ecosystems remain intact. This is part of a broader global issue affecting grasslands everywhere. The introduction of invasive predators has further complicated matters for native mammals too; as Nugent notes, “They’re very vulnerable living on the ground.” Despite these challenges, conservationists see hope for the plains-wanderer. Nugent spent years studying them in northern Victoria to understand their habitat needs better. This area serves as an essential refuge for them during droughts but finding these elusive creatures isn't easy. They blend into their surroundings remarkably well during daylight hours due to their impressive camouflage abilities. At night though, researchers use thermal cameras mounted on vehicles to spot these birds by their body heat before approaching on foot for closer inspection. “At night they just kind of stand there,” says Nugent about finding plains-wanderers this way. Tracking studies have revealed intriguing insights into how they use different habitats throughout the day; preferring dense vegetation for nesting while venturing into open areas at times too—a behavior earning them the moniker 'Goldilocks bird' because they need varied vegetation structures. Interestingly enough cattle grazing can help maintain this ideal environment if managed properly—a point conservationists emphasize when working with local farmers: "Don’t flog your paddocks," advises Nugent; leave some grass around instead while rotating livestock regularly so diverse vegetation remains year-round. It’s not big. It’s not flashy. And you’ve probably never heard of it. But one of the most unique and endangered birds on Earth is quietly clinging to survival in the grasslands of eastern Australia: the plains-wanderer. Nicknamed the “Goldilocks bird” because it needs just the right kind of habitat—not too thick, not too bare—this small, ground-dwelling species is the only one left in its evolutionary family. Its closest relatives are plant-eating shorebirds in South America, but the plains-wanderer has no true peers. Despite their rarity, few people outside of Australian birdwatching circles know they exist. Their camouflage is so good that even researchers often miss them during the day. At night, scientists like Dan Nugent rely on thermal cameras to spot these elusive birds. Today, only 250 to 1,000 plains-wanderers remain, mostly due to habitat loss and invasive predators like cats and foxes. They thrive in native grasslands, but less than 6% of that habitat remains in key areas like northern Victoria. Yet there’s hope. Studies show that carefully managed grazing by sheep and cattle can mimic the conditions the birds need—just enough open space, and just enough cover. Researchers are working closely with farmers to protect these last remaining strongholds, and conservation groups like The Nature Conservancy are helping secure permanent protection for private lands that support them. The survival of the plains-wanderer now depends on these collaborations between scientists, farmers, and conservationists, all working to make sure this one-of-a-kind bird doesn’t vanish from the world.
Score (97)
This Tiny Rice Plant Could Be the Key to Feeding a Lunar Colony
Growing fresh food in space might sound like something out of a science fiction novel, but it's quickly becoming a reality thanks to the Moon-Rice project. This innovative initiative aims to develop a crop that can thrive on future deep-space missions and in extreme environments on Earth. The project is in the works at the Italian Space Agency, with collaboration from three Italian universities. Dr Marta Del Bianco, a plant biologist at the Italian Space Agency, emphasizes the importance of sustainability in space living. "Living in space is all about recycling resources and living sustainably," she says. Astronauts currently rely on pre-packaged meals from Earth that lack fresh ingredients. Fresh food rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fibers could significantly improve health during long-duration missions. The Moon-Rice project focuses on engineering a "super-dwarf" rice variety suitable for space conditions. Conventional dwarf rice varieties, often managed through manipulating gibberellin hormones, become too bulky and face germination issues. Dr Del Bianco notes the challenge: “In space, you just don’t have to be small; you must also be productive.” Research teams are making strides toward this goal. The University of Milan is isolating mutant rice varieties that grow only 10 centimeters high. Meanwhile, researchers at Rome’s Sapienza University work on genetic modifications to enhance growth efficiency. The team also aims to boost the protein content by increasing the ratio of protein-rich embryo to starch. Microgravity adds another layer of complexity to growing crops in space. Dr Del Bianco’s team simulates these conditions on Earth by rotating plants continuously so they’re equally affected by gravity from all sides. "It's the best we can do on Earth because real microgravity experiments are complex and expensive," she explains. Besides nutritional benefits, fresh food offers psychological perks for astronauts who endure long periods away from Earth. Watching plants grow provides mental relief—something pre-cooked meals can't offer over extended durations. According to Dr Del Bianco: "If we can make an environment that physically and mentally nourishes astronauts, it will reduce stress." The research has potential applications beyond space exploration too. Developing resilient crops for extraterrestrial environments could influence agriculture in harsh places like polar regions or deserts here on Earth. The Moon-Rice project will present its findings at the Society for Experimental Biology Annual Conference in Antwerp, Belgium, on July 9th, 2025.
Score (91)
Archaeologists Revive Ancient Roman 'Perfume Garden' Lost to Vesuvius for 1,900 Years
Pompeii’s long-lost Garden of Hercules is blooming once again — nearly two thousand years after Mount Vesuvius buried it in ash. Archaeologists at the Pompeii Archaeological Park have reconstructed the once-thriving Roman sanctuary with thousands of historically accurate plants, reviving a garden that was once used to grow flowers for perfume. The park announced the reopening of the site, located near the House of the Garden of Hercules, in a Facebook post in June. The restored garden now includes 800 antique roses, 1,200 violets, and 1,000 ruscus plants (commonly known as butcher’s bloom), along with cherry, quince, and grapevine plantings. All of them were carefully chosen to match what would have grown in the original garden prior to the eruption in 79 A.D. The garden gets its name from a marble statue of the god Hercules found in a nearby shrine, or lararium. The dwelling it belonged to — also called the House of the Perfumer — dates back to the third century B.C., centuries before Vesuvius erupted. An inscription at the entrance reads cras credo, Latin for “tomorrow, we give credit.” The garden was a late addition to the house. After an earthquake struck Pompeii in 62 A.D., the owner acquired and demolished neighboring homes to expand the property and create space to cultivate flowers — specifically, ones used in scent production. “Originally, the house comprised eight rooms and a vegetable garden,” the park said. “Production was still active at the time of the Vesuvius eruption.” Glass bottles used for storing perfume were found during excavations, along with evidence of extensive renovations. Some rooms still contained unused construction materials, indicating that work was ongoing when the eruption struck. Archaeologists say that by the mid-first century B.C., the area had transformed into a district for specialized production, as small homes were knocked down or merged for commercial use. The garden may have played a key role in that shift. The site lay buried for nearly 1,900 years before being excavated in the 20th century. The new restoration brings it closer to how it would have appeared in the final days before the city was destroyed. Pompeii remains one of the most studied archaeological sites in the world, with discoveries continuing to surface. In April, a separate excavation revealed new details about a Roman family's struggle to survive the eruption. Now, thanks to this recent effort, the Garden of Hercules offers a vivid reminder that even in a city defined by disaster, there’s still space for life to grow again.
Get even more good news on the free app!
Score (98)
Meet the Elephant Making a Giant Leap from Argentina Zoo to Brazilian Sanctuary
Kenya the elephant has made a long trek from Mendoza, Argentina, to her new home at the Elephant Sanctuary in Central Western Brazil. She is now settling into the 1,000-hectare refuge located in Chapada dos Guimarães, Mato Grosso. “It was a 5-day trip, almost 4,000 kilometers from Mendoza to the sanctuary,” said Daniel Moura, Director and Biologist at Santuário de Elefantes Brasil. The move involved over 20 people and included police escorts from the border at Foz do Igaçu to ensure Kenya's safe arrival. Kenya's new home is Latin America’s first elephant sanctuary. Here she joins six other Asian elephants who have been rescued after spending decades in circuses or zoos. Kenya will have plenty of space to roam and explore alongside these fellow rescues. After spending most of her life alone in a zoo, Kenya will be introduced to her new companions gradually. Moura remarked that acclimatization should happen quickly, comparing it to Pupy’s experience—another recent addition who arrived in April. “Soon they’ll be together exploring this very rich place of more than 50,000 square meters of forests,” Moura added. The sanctuary offers an enriching environment filled with nature for its residents. With seven elephants now calling it home, this refuge provides them with a much-needed escape from their past lives.
Score (97)
Firefighters Rescue Missing Corgi Trapped in Well for 11 Days
A corgi cross named Jimmy is back with his owner after spending 11 days trapped in a well. Dorota Gruszczynska from Corby, England, says she couldn't thank firefighters enough for saving her beloved pet. Jimmy, who is ten years old, disappeared on June 21 while on a walk. Gruszczynska said he likely chased after something—perhaps a deer—and didn't return. Despite an extensive search involving posters and online alerts, there was no sign of him for over a week. Desperate to find Jimmy, Gruszczynska reached out to the local community and even enlisted help from Thermal Drone Support Bedfordshire. But as days passed without any news, she began to fear the worst. "We thought he had been hit by a car and we would never see him again," she shared. On July 2, hope returned when Gruszczynska received an unexpected message from a firefighter. Crews responding to a nearby fire on Stephenson Way heard barking coming from a well. When they checked local missing dog posts, they suspected it might be Jimmy. "I got a message saying they thought they had my dog," Gruszczynska said. Firefighters confirmed the dog was wearing a green harness and was indeed her missing pet. It turned out that Jimmy had been stuck down the 4-meter deep well and wedged under some cylinders. Firefighters used reach poles and lines to carefully remove the obstacles and lift Jimmy to safety. The quick-thinking crew's actions were crucial in reuniting the pet with his worried owner. Gruszczynska expressed gratitude for everyone involved in the search effort, including those who spread the word online and the drone company that assisted purely out of goodwill. "So many people shared the cause," she noted, acknowledging how community support played an essential role in getting her dog back. After being rescued, Jimmy was taken to the vet for a check-up. Remarkably, despite his ordeal, he was only very hungry but not dehydrated. "He's back on his feet and recovered surprisingly well," Gruszczynska reported. Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed its involvement in the rescue operation. Their team heard barking while attending another incident nearby and worked swiftly to save the trapped animal.
Score (98)
The Curious Journey Of A Giant Ball Of Yarn: How It Captivated An Entire Neighborhood
Bradford residents witnessed a unique celebration of their city's textile heritage as a giant ball of yarn rolled through the streets. This massive creation, named A Good Yarn, stands at 3 meters tall and wide. It's made from fabric and clothing donations that poured in from across the Bradford district. Hundreds gathered to watch this colorful spectacle make its way along Ravenscliffe Avenue in the BD10 postcode area. Local drumming band Katumba provided an energetic soundtrack for the event. Artist Luke Jerram, who spearheaded the project, expressed pride in how it all came together after a substantial amount of work. This event is part of Bradford's ongoing celebration as the UK's City of Culture. "I think the public have been rather surprised to see this rolling down the street outside their house," said Jerram. His collaboration with Bradford's Bloomin' Buds theatre company was key in bringing this project to life. The impressive ball started as a rope over a kilometer long, plaited from donated fabrics and clothing. Community groups from BD10 came together to wind this rope into its final spherical form. Jerram emphasized the community's role in creating A Good Yarn. "It gives people an opportunity to embed their creativity as this artwork has been made by the people of Bradford," he stated.
Score (97)
Against All Odds: Woman with Rare Genetic Disorder Triumphs in Marathon After Doctors' Doubts
Carissa Resek wasn’t trying to run a marathon. She just wanted to finish a Harry Potter movie. But somewhere between Hogwarts and the closing credits, the 31-year-old from Kaysville, Utah, realized she’d already logged 18 miles on her treadmill. So, she kept going. Armed with nothing more than tap water, mini muffins, and the encouragement of friends and family, Resek pushed through another 8.2 miles to finish a full 26.2-mile run — all without ever stepping outside. “I didn’t even know she was planning to do it,” her brother, Erick Resek, said. “She texted us mid-run saying she was going to go for the full marathon, and by then we were cheering her on in person.” It’s impressive for anyone to complete a marathon on a treadmill. But for Carissa, it’s another chapter in a life defined by resilience. Born with Apert syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects the shape of the skull, face, hands, and feet, Carissa has endured over 40 major surgeries. Her childhood included treatments as painful as a metal facial brace she had to wear at age six. Doctors once told her parents she might never walk. Now, she’s running marathons — even when she doesn’t mean to. Carissa, who often runs five to ten miles a day, had previously completed a treadmill half-marathon. But this was her first full one. The spontaneous effort took her five hours and 31 minutes. She capped it off by doing her laundry and vacuuming her room — and woke up the next morning without soreness. “She felt great afterward,” Erick said. “She’s thinking about doing it again, but with better shoes and a goal of finishing in five hours and fifteen minutes.” Despite her lifelong medical challenges — which include sleep apnea and recurring infections — Carissa stays active and independent. She lives at home with her parents, works at a local daycare caring for infants and toddlers, and helps in the kitchen thanks to her culinary training and food handler’s permit. She’s also a fluent Spanish speaker, a skilled swimmer, and a former church service missionary. Her sidewalk chalk drawings and homemade cookie deliveries have made her a local favourite in the neighborhood. “She’s the kind of person who shows up with cookies at your door just because,” Erick said. When she’s not running on the treadmill with a movie on, she’s quoting lines from memory. Her favorite trick? Telling strangers her name is “Hermione.” Carissa’s run has since gone viral, turning her into a quiet inspiration for thousands. “She’s never let her diagnosis define her,” Erick said. “She’s graduated high school, earned a culinary degree, worked since she was a teen, and lives with more joy than most people I know.” Her spontaneous marathon, fueled by muffins and a little movie magic, may not have been planned. But like everything else in Carissa’s life, it came down to one thing: “She just decided to go for it,” Erick said. “That’s who she is.”
Score (97)
Unearthing History: UAE's Faya Palaeolandscape Joins Prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List
An ancient site in Sharjah, UAE, known as the Faya palaeolandscape, has been recognized with UNESCO World Heritage Status. This marks a significant achievement for the United Arab Emirates, placing Faya alongside other globally renowned sites like Egypt's pyramids and India's Taj Mahal. It is only the second site in the UAE to earn this honor, following the cultural sites of Al Ain in Abu Dhabi. The decision was announced during UNESCO's 47th session in Paris. This recognition highlights the site's outstanding universal value due to its extensive record of early human activity spanning over 210,000 years. The area consists of limestone formations and desert surroundings, offering insights into early human innovation and adaptability. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, ambassador for the Faya Palaeolandscape World Heritage Nomination, emphasized the site's historical importance. “As one of the most important archaeological sites around the world, Faya palaeolandscape is a living testament to humanity's early presence in this region,” she stated. Over three decades of research at Faya have revealed 18 layers of human occupation, showcasing how ancient people might have settled here rather than just passing through as previously thought. These findings challenge assumptions about migration patterns across the Arabian Peninsula. Artefacts such as stone tools suggest a sophisticated level of settlement unique to this area. Eisa Yousif from Sharjah Archaeology Authority noted that Faya "now belongs to all peoples of the world," highlighting its global significance. The UAE has developed a management plan for Faya that aligns with UNESCO’s standards, aiming to balance conservation with research and tourism until 2030. In addition to Faya, two other sites were added to UNESCO's list on Friday: Cameroon’s Diy-Gid-Biy cultural landscape and Malawi’s Mount Mulanje sacred cultural landscape. About 30 more sites are under consideration this year. With more than 1,200 locations worldwide already on UNESCO’s list, each new addition brings fresh opportunities for learning and preservation.
Score (97)
The Trailblazing Sisters: How 3 Muslim Women Transformed American Wrestling Forever
The McBryde sisters from Buffalo, New York, have made significant waves in American women's wrestling. Devout Muslims and homeschooled, Jamilah, Zaynah, and Latifah McBryde grew up wrestling each other. Despite their talent being recognized early, their faith posed challenges. The conventional wrestling singlet was off-limits for them due to religious reasons. Their solution? A full-body uniform inspired by Iranian women wrestlers: long sleeves, leggings under pants, and a head covering. It wasn't an easy start for the trio. "It started off kind of rough," said Zaynah. Keeping their hijabs intact during matches proved tricky until trainers suggested using velcro to secure shirts and tape for hijabs. These uniforms sparked controversy. In 2022, Latifah qualified for the Pan American Championships but couldn't compete because United World Wrestling (UWW) denied her modified uniform request. However, college coaches saw potential in the sisters. Life University's coaches stood out by committing to changing rules for their team members. Thanks to these efforts, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) approved the modified uniforms in 2022. This change allowed the sisters to enroll at Life University that fall and join a supportive team environment. Jamilah noted how teammates downloaded prayer apps to help track prayer times. While Jamilah clinched a national title last year, earning her a spot at the U.S. Olympic team trials, UWW ruled against their modest uniforms again, saying they provided an unfair advantage. The sisters dispute this claim; they argue extra clothing makes them hotter during competition and vulnerable to opponents trying to remove their hijabs. Positive experiences also abound. Some competitors pause matches when a hijab slips off to allow adjustments, as Jamilah recounted: "They'll stop wrestling and cover us." Their advocacy led USA Wrestling to change its rules this year, allowing modified uniforms domestically. "I was just shocked," said Jamilah upon hearing about the rule change. This year's NAIA Women's Wrestling National Championship occurred during Ramadan, yet fasting didn't stop Zaynah and Latifah from winning their weight classes, while Jamilah finished second behind a former Olympian. The international stage remains elusive due to existing regulations; however, the sisters hold onto hope for future changes. Latifah is content with having impacted wrestling positively, even if it means not competing in the Olympics. All three plan on staying involved post-college; Zaynah and Latifah are eyeing coaching roles while Jamilah wants to remain connected through her family's love of wrestling—a passion unlikely ever fully left behind by any sister.
Score (97)
The Surprising Health Benefits of Sitting Around a Campfire You Never Knew About
Lighting a campfire can be more than just a pleasant way to spend an evening outdoors. It's an activity backed by science that may benefit your mental health. According to research published in Evolutionary Psychology, the sight and sound of a crackling fire can significantly reduce blood pressure. Experts also say that campfires can improve social interactions. M. David Rudd, Ph.D., from the University of Memphis, explains why this might be the case. He notes that sitting around a fire naturally disconnects people from digital distractions and daily demands. "The context is disarming and socially engaged by its very nature," Rudd told Fox News Digital. This setting can create an environment where people feel supported and less pressured, which encourages them to open up and engage with others. Jessica Cail, Ph.D., from Pepperdine University, echoes these sentiments. She describes fires as social hubs where people gather for warmth, light, food, and protection. "Many holiday celebrations tend to involve fire," she says, noting that fireplaces are often places where families come together. Nature itself plays a significant role in this relaxation process. According to Cail, being in nature allows for a "soft focus," giving our brains time to rest from the constant demands of modern life. This break can help reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. Campfires also have cultural significance tied to rituals and transitions. People often use fires in therapeutic practices like burning regretful thoughts written on paper as a symbolic release. Changing your surroundings can lead to changes in your mindset, too. Cail suggests that unless someone has experienced trauma in natural settings or around fires, camping offers an opportunity for a fresh perspective.
Score (98)
How Playtime Keeps Edinburgh's Penguins Cool During a Surprising Heatwave at this Zoo
Penguins at Edinburgh Zoo have been enjoying icy playtime sessions to combat the rising temperatures. Thanks to generous donations from local fishmongers, the zoo's King, Gentoo and Rockhopper penguins are having a blast rolling around in heaps of ice. Edinburgh is currently experiencing a heatwave with temperatures reaching 24 degrees Celsius, and forecasts suggest things will only get hotter. By Saturday, highs could hit 30 degrees Celsius across parts of Scotland, making it warmer than Rio de Janeiro. To keep the penguins comfortable, zoo staff have been wheeling loads of ice into their enclosure. The sight of these birds frolicking in their chilly playground has become quite a spectacle. According to Edinburgh Zoo officials, they regularly provide ice deliveries for their penguins, but during hotter days like these, it’s especially appreciated. The cooling efforts come as part of the zoo’s ongoing commitment to animal welfare during extreme weather conditions. The playful atmosphere created by the ice not only helps regulate the penguins' body temperature but also provides enrichment through physical activity and stimulation.