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Meet The Newly Discovered Frog Trio Found In A Hidden Corner Of The World
In the remote cloud-covered peaks of the Andes, researchers have found three new types of frogs. These secretive species were discovered between 2021 and 2024 in the Cordillera de Huancabamba region of northern Peru. The team traversed rugged forests and mountain trails with no roads to uncover these amphibians. The newly identified frogs—Pristimantis chinguelas, Pristimantis nunezcortezi, and Pristimantis yonke—were classified by a group led by Peruvian herpetologist Germán Chávez. He remarked on their significance, stating that they represent how much remains unknown about the Andes. Each frog has unique characteristics. P. chinguelas lives on cliff sides and features large tubercles on its body. Its high-pitched "peep" calls can be heard during humid nights. P. nunezcortezi thrives near a cool mountain stream within a regenerating forest and is distinguished by its large black blotches on axillae and groins. This frog was named to honor Elio Nuñez-Cortez, an ornithologist known for his conservation efforts in the area. P. yonke is the smallest of the group; it resides at altitudes approaching 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) in bromeliads. The name refers to “yonque,” a local sugarcane spirit enjoyed by residents to fend off cold temperatures. Karen Victoriano-Cigüeñas, a co-author of the study, emphasized that exploring this area offers more than just scientific discovery; it's an immersion into natural beauty and cultural heritage. Fellow researcher Ivan Wong noted that many ridges are isolated with extreme terrain and unpredictable weather conditions, making research challenging but rewarding due to their untapped potential. However, these amphibians face threats from habitat degradation due to fire damage and expanding agriculture. Currently listed as "data deficient" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), their future remains uncertain according to Chávez's team member Wilmar Aznaran. Despite these obstacles, Aznaran highlights that regions like Cordillera de Huancabamba hold rich biodiversity waiting for further exploration by scientists worldwide: an open invitation for continued study and conservation efforts in such precious ecosystems.
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This Tiny Brain Molecule May Unlock Secrets to Memory and Alzheimer's Treatment
Scientists have found a new role for a brain protein called cypin, and it could be pretty significant for tackling brain disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Researchers at Rutgers University-New Brunswick say that this protein is involved in keeping connections between brain cells strong, which is essential for learning and memory. The study, which appeared in Science Advances, highlights how cypin influences synapses—the tiny gaps where neurons communicate. Cypin helps by placing tags on specific proteins at these synapses. This tagging process ensures that the right proteins are in place so synapses can function properly. Bonnie Firestein, a Distinguished Professor at Rutgers and one of the study's authors, explains that this discovery could lead to better treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and brain injuries. "Our research indicates that developing treatments or therapies that specifically focus on the protein cypin may help improve the connections between brain cells, enhancing memory and thinking abilities," she said. Firestein has been studying cypin for over twenty years. Her latest research shows that cypin not only tags proteins but also interacts with a group of proteins known as the proteasome. The proteasome breaks down proteins, but when cypin binds to it, this breakdown process slows down. As a result, there's an accumulation of proteins which can have positive effects on cell functions necessary for neuron communication. The study also found that increased levels of cypin result in higher amounts of key synaptic proteins. In addition to its own tagging activity, cypin boosts another protein called UBE4A, which aids the tagging process too. This points to cypin's broader impact on maintaining healthy synapses. While this research is considered basic science now, Firestein notes its potential application in clinical settings through translational research, where lab discoveries turn into practical solutions for human health issues. Cypin's role is particularly relevant because healthy synaptic function often gets disrupted in conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Its ability to promote synaptic plasticity means it might help counteract the dysfunction seen in these diseases and after traumatic brain injuries. The study received support from several sources, including the National Institutes of Health (NINDS) and private donors interested in advancing brain injury research. Other contributors included scientists from Rutgers University and Michigan State University. Firestein believes these findings underscore cypin's importance in brain health maintenance and its potential as a target for therapies aimed at improving cognitive function.
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Why The Bald Eagle's New Role As Official US Bird Is Stirring Hope Among Native Americans
In a small community in Minnesota, the bald eagle isn't just a bird; it's a symbol of spirituality and achievement. Native Americans have long revered the bald eagle as a sacred messenger to the Creator, often incorporating its feathers into ceremonies like graduations. This year, that tradition carries extra weight. The bald eagle has finally been designated as the official bird of the United States. Jim Thunder Hawk from the Prairie Island Indian Community feels this recognition is overdue. "The eagle is finally getting the respect it deserves," he said. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, Prairie Island offers prime territory for these majestic birds. Minnesota boasts one of the largest populations of bald eagles in North America, second only to Alaska. The push to make the bald eagle an official national symbol came from Minnesota's Congressional delegation. A bill was sponsored and signed by then-President Joe Biden in December, acknowledging the eagle’s importance in Indigenous spiritual lives and belief systems. Tiffany Ploehn, avian care director at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, noted that eagles have always been a part of American life. "Everyone has some sort of connection," she said. The center partners with Prairie Island to care for these birds and showcases a replica of the federal act declaring them as a national symbol. For Native Americans like Sadie Erickson, who is Ojibwe and Mdewakanton Sioux, eagles hold even deeper meaning. "My grandma told me that we honor eagles because they saved the Ojibwe people," she explained. Recently graduated high school students at Prairie Island received eagle feathers during a ceremony by the riverbank, marking not just their academic achievements but also their cultural heritage. Thunder Hawk led prayers in Dakota language during this celebration and highlighted how receiving an eagle feather is considered one of the highest honors within Native communities. In many cultures, harming or killing an eagle is unthinkable; it's also illegal under federal law. Derek Walking Eagle, another participant in these ceremonies, emphasized how eagles connect him to his future and afterlife. "Being able to carry on to the spirit world… that's who guides you," he said. However, human activity poses significant threats to these birds. Lori Arent from the University of Minnesota’s Raptor Center described how road accidents and lead poisoning are common dangers due to shrinking wildlife habitats. Her center treats about 200 injured eagles annually; many are released back into nature while others remain under care if too severely injured. Thunder Hawk hopes more Americans will appreciate this national symbol with newfound reverence now that it's officially recognized as such. He frequently offers sage or dried red willow bark when spotting an eagle as a gesture of respect. New graduate Sadie Erickson shares this sentiment by saying that it shows strength and unity across America when such symbols are properly honored.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.