This Revolutionary Filter Uses Moss to Capture Pollutants Before You Drink Them

Design students in Colombia have harnessed the porousness of moss to design a water filter that can trap microplastics. Over the two-month product life of the filter, it can trap 80 grams of microplastics, sparing the drinker’s biology from consuming the equivalent of 16 credit cards. The design comes from the remarkable ecosystem high in the Andes Mountains called the Paramo. The design team hasn’t unveiled a prototype, but the filter is designed to be used by poorer communities who don't have access to a filter.

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Doggy Daycare Stages a Tail-Wagging Nativity Scene — and It’s Adorable

A dog daycare in Greater Manchester has gone all-in on Christmas cheer — by turning its pups into a full-blown Nativity cast. Staff at Pooches Playhouse in Failsworth dressed their daycare dogs in costume and set the scene in a straw-filled barn, complete with a festive backdrop. Video footage shows the dogs patiently sitting in place, each one playing a different role in the classic Christmas tableau. Cocker spaniels Maeve and Reggie starred as Mary and Joseph, while baby Jesus was played by a tiny Yorkshire Terrier named Toby, who curled up comfortably in a basket. CJ the cockapoo donned wings to become the angel, Betty the English Bulldog played the donkey, and Snoop the cockapoo posed as the shepherd. The three wise men? That honour went to Rottweiler Axel, Labrador Red, and Doberman Lilo, who each wore a crown. Niamh Knowles, a spokesperson for the daycare, said the idea came from a desire to lift spirits during the holidays. “We are always looking for fun ideas for our dogs to get involved in,” she said. “First, we had to get them in costumes, which, as you can imagine, was hard work! Once they were ready, we did some training exercises to get them to sit and stay for the photos, of course with lots of treats.” She added that all the dogs were “happy and comfortable” throughout the process, which took hours of patience and reward-based coaxing. “At this time of year, we know Christmas can be tough for some people, so we wanted this Nativity to bring a little joy and happiness to someone’s day,” she said. Judging by the reaction online, it’s doing exactly that. The video and photos have already started spreading across social media, with commenters calling the display “hilarious,” “brilliant,” and “the best thing I’ve seen this Christmas.”

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This NFL Linebacker Just Graduated With an MBA From Howard University — Here's Why

As Bobby Wagner nears a historic NFL milestone, he’s already crossed a different finish line—one that could define his future long after football. The Washington Commanders linebacker just wrapped up coursework for an MBA at Howard University. He started the 18-month business program in January 2024 and will officially graduate in May. To free up his spring, Wagner overloaded on classes this past summer, attending some in person and completing the rest online. “Sometimes when you come from playing football and go into the business world, a lot of people feel like... we skip steps or they feel like we haven't done the work,” Wagner said. “I've done the work through challenging times that most people wouldn't have done." Wagner has already dipped into the business world as a minority investor in the WNBA’s Seattle Storm, a move that signaled his long-term interests. But the degree, he said, was about more than business—it was about credibility. He wanted people to know he was serious. With just three games left in the regular season, Wagner is also within reach of becoming only the third player in NFL history to notch 2,000 career tackles, joining Ray Lewis and London Fletcher. Fletcher, now the Commanders’ radio analyst, recently spoke with Wagner about what the milestone represents. For Wagner, it’s less about personal stats and more about making those who started with him proud. “It’s been a challenging season, but I enjoy playing,” Wagner said. “I enjoy being around these guys and they make it fun.” Wagner is already considered a lock for the Hall of Fame, with 11 All-Pro selections (six first-team) and 10 Pro Bowl nods. But he’s also used his platform to challenge stereotypes around athletes and education. “From the outside world, if you do something else, then they feel like you're not focused,” he said. “And then when you retire and don't have nothing going on, they're like, 'Why you didn't do something else?'... I'm trying to break that concept. You can master the field you're in and also learn and study other things.” Wagner said the idea of furthering his education had been planted early in his career. “I was just like, 'Man, I just got here.' In my mind, I have 10 plus years,” he said. “But I had really good mentors that pushed me to understand that this game could be taken away from you at any given moment.” Rather than spend downtime on video games like many players, Wagner said he simply chose to learn. He credits Kobe Bryant as a major inspiration. “He was a guy that I felt like... all he does is basketball and nothing else,” Wagner said. “And then he retired, [and you] realized how much he wrote in his off time... poetry, piano, business, all these different things. And if somebody like that can do it, then anybody could do it.” As he stood in front of reporters wearing a Howard sweatshirt, Wagner reflected on how far he’s come from his Utah State days. “I was going to school and playing ball,” he said. “But I think being intentional about what you want is something I learned. I like education. I like education, clearly that’s why I did it.”

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Abu Dhabi Transforms Streets Into Open-Air Art Galleries With 400 Installations

In Abu Dhabi, art isn’t confined to museums or gallery walls anymore—it’s in the streets, on crosswalks, bus shelters, and even utility boxes. Across the city and beyond, everyday spaces are being transformed into public art displays that reflect the UAE’s identity, history, and sense of community. More than 400 pieces of art have been installed across 130 locations in Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra since the launch of Abu Dhabi Canvas, an initiative led by the Department of Municipalities and Transport. The goal: bring art into daily life, and turn public spaces into places of curiosity, connection, and conversation. “We launched Abu Dhabi Canvas to transform everyday spaces such as residential areas, shopping centres and bus shelters into engaging artistic experiences that encourage meaningful interaction and cultural appreciation,” said Noor Shamma, acting executive director of the department’s Marketing and Communications Sector. “Simply put, it reflects our belief in art as a unifying force.” The results are everywhere—from sprawling murals to smaller visual surprises that invite passersby to pause, reflect, or smile. The initiative has brought together more than 100 Emirati and UAE-based artists, who have collectively logged around 17,000 hours painting and installing works covering nearly 7,800 square metres of surface area. The artwork isn’t chosen for decoration alone. Each piece goes through a curated process to make sure it aligns with themes like community, mobility, sustainability, culture, and urban growth, while also respecting the UAE’s heritage. “Artworks are not selected only for their visual impact,” Shamma explained. “They are chosen for their ability to enrich public spaces and create moments of connection, reflection and dialogue among residents and visitors.” That sense of connection was echoed by several artists involved in the project. Emirati artist Ahmed Al Mehairi described public art as a mirror of the city’s soul. “I see walls as the true voice of a city’s culture,” he said. “They reflect pride, joy and identity. Through my work, I wanted to introduce an element that sparks curiosity and invites people to question and explore the meaning behind it.” His inspiration, he said, came from Abu Dhabi’s unique blend of heritage and innovation. “No matter how far we advance, authenticity remains the foundation of everything.” Visual artist Farah Falaknazi, whose work draws from themes of nature and sustainability, called her experience “deeply fulfilling.” “When the work moved from concept to reality, it exceeded my expectations,” she said. “Working on site gives you a completely different feeling and allows you to add details that enhance the final piece.” She believes public art plays an essential role in city life. “Public art gives a place its own character. It strengthens emotional connections, improves wellbeing and supports local artists. Sometimes, a single artwork can communicate more powerfully than an entire media campaign.” For Ghaith Al Roubi, his contribution aimed to “create a quiet dialogue between past and present,” weaving together Abu Dhabi’s heritage and its modern-day evolution in a way that felt simple, balanced and meaningful. Sultan Al Hashemi, who grew up in the capital, saw the project as a chance to give back to a city that shaped him. “Abu Dhabi is my city. I was raised here, and I wanted to leave a mark that reflects my connection to it,” he said. “This project gave me the chance to highlight its heritage, architectural character and everyday beauty through art.” Al Hashemi’s journey started with pencil drawings and evolved to large-scale public installations using paint, brushes and spray techniques. For him, tools are secondary to the message. “Art depends on the person more than the materials,” he said. “What matters is how clearly the idea and emotion are communicated.” According to Shamma, the public has embraced the project wholeheartedly. “The strong public engagement we have seen reassures us that people value seeing art integrated into their daily environments.” Behind the scenes, it’s taken collaboration to make it work. Abu Dhabi Canvas is supported by multiple organisations, including the Mubadala Foundation, Ma’an (the Authority of Social Contribution), and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge. Each helps provide funding, coordination and support for implementation. There were also practical challenges—especially the summer heat. Shamma said most installation work is scheduled during cooler months, with durable materials chosen to withstand the harsh climate. Still, for the artists and organisers, the effort is more than worth it. “One of the most rewarding aspects of this initiative is seeing art come to life across crosswalks, utility boxes and bus shelters,” Shamma said. “This would not have been possible without the commitment of our partners and artists.” In a city where innovation meets tradition, Abu Dhabi Canvas is helping rewrite the urban experience—one mural at a time.

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Families are Embracing a New Festive Tradition This Christmas: Hunting "Fairy Rocks"

A small Christmas tradition in Cheshire is quietly turning into something magical for hundreds of families—thanks to painted rocks, a little imagination, and a lot of heart. For the past seven years, Helen Nelson and Tracy Wilkinson have been hiding colourful “fairy rocks” in a local woodland near Lymm. Each December, they place the hand-painted stones—each with its own unique fairy character—throughout what’s become known as the “fairy glen.” The idea is simple: find a rock, enjoy it, then return it in the new year so others can share in the magic. “It’s just magical seeing the looks on some of their faces,” said Helen, who shares clues on a local Facebook group to help guide people to the glen. The project has quietly grown over the years, with Helen and Tracy starting their painting in September. By Christmas this year, they had prepared around 300 rocks. Every fairy gets a name, and some have even struck a personal chord with visitors. Helen said they’ve received “heartwarming messages” from people who found rocks named after loved ones. It’s one of the reasons they keep going. “Christmas is all about magic and sharing and doing nice things,” she said. What began as a creative hobby has now become a cherished December tradition for many families in the area. Parents and children bundle up, head into the woods, and go rock-hunting together. Seven-year-old Aria was thrilled to find one that reminded her of Santa. “It’s just amazing,” she said. Jessica and Madeline agreed. “They’re all so beautiful, it was very hard to pick,” they said. “Finding the fairy glen made us feel very happy.” Tracy said the joy the rocks bring is contagious. “Some families have told us it’s become their new Christmas tradition,” she said. It’s a quiet, joyful kind of holiday magic—hidden in the woods, one painted rock at a time.

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Scientists Report Simple Lifestyle Changes Slash Heart Attack Risk For Millions

Lowering blood sugar levels in people with prediabetes could do more than just delay type 2 diabetes — it might also cut their risk of heart disease in half, according to new research. A study published this week in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that people who reversed prediabetes had a significantly lower risk of heart attacks, heart failure, and cardiovascular death over the long term. The research pulled from two major studies — one from the U.S. tracking participants for 20 years, and another from China spanning three decades — and looked at how lifestyle changes affected long-term heart health. In both cases, individuals with prediabetes were encouraged to make changes to their diet, exercise habits, and weight to lower blood sugar levels. Researchers then compared outcomes between people whose blood sugar returned to normal (the "remission" group) and those who remained in the prediabetic range. The difference was striking. Those who achieved remission saw a 58 percent lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease or being hospitalized for heart failure. They also had lower rates of other serious heart issues and overall death. "Reaching prediabetes remission is linked to a decades-long benefit," the researchers wrote, calling the outcome a potential shift in how doctors approach heart disease prevention. "Targeting remission might represent a new approach to cardiovascular prevention." Dr. Andreas Birkenfeld, one of the study’s authors and a professor of medicine at University Hospital Tübingen in Germany, told Fox News Digital the findings highlight that prediabetes isn’t a fixed condition — and that early, targeted intervention can lead to powerful results. “It’s not only relevant for reducing the progression of type 2 diabetes,” he said. “It may also be associated with a meaningful reduction in… heart attack risk, cardiac death, and heart failure.” That intervention doesn’t always require medication. The participants who benefited most from remission were those who followed structured programs focused on lifestyle — including healthier diets, more physical activity, and weight management. “Prediabetes is a modifiable stage,” Birkenfeld emphasized. “Timely, evidence-based interventions can make a real difference.” The researchers acknowledged some limitations to the findings. The original studies weren’t designed to specifically track heart outcomes, so while the results show a strong link, they don’t prove a direct cause-and-effect. Other factors, including differences in health behaviors or risk levels between participants, could have influenced the outcomes. Still, the results suggest a powerful takeaway: making positive changes at the prediabetes stage — before full diabetes develops — may carry long-term heart benefits. In the U.S., the need is urgent. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 98 million adults — roughly one in three — have prediabetes. Most don’t know it. In fact, 80 percent are unaware they have it. That’s why Birkenfeld encourages people to talk to their doctors. "What is my current status? What is my personal cardiovascular risk? What is my target blood glucose level?" he suggested patients should ask. It’s also worth asking how often blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and related risk factors like kidney function or sleep apnea should be monitored, he said. “And if lifestyle changes aren’t enough or my risk is high,” he added, “would medication be appropriate for me — and what are the benefits and downsides?” While the study focused on long-term trends, the message is simple: catching prediabetes early and taking action could help people avoid not just diabetes, but serious heart problems later in life.

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Church Returns Sacred Rock Covered With Petroglyphs After 14-Year Effort

A sacred rock carved with petroglyphs by ancestors of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation more than 1,000 years ago has finally been returned to its rightful home in the mountains of northern Utah. The 1,134-kilogram boulder, which had been embedded in concrete outside a church in Tremonton for around 80 years, was airlifted back to its original hillside location earlier this month—marking the end of a repatriation effort that began in 2011. Brad Parry, vice chair of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation, called the return deeply meaningful. “Our history is so fractured with a lot of things that happened to us,” he said. “To have these positive things now that are coming out — it’s rebuilding our history. And I can’t overstate that.” The rock had been removed from its natural setting sometime in the early to mid-20th century. Its relocation to the front of a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse in Tremonton was never properly documented, though accounts suggest it was hauled into town by a group of locals. Over the decades, it sat on display near a flagpole and later on the church’s north side. “It’s a mystery why it was brought to the church,” said Ryan Saltzgiver, history sites curator with the Church History Department. “The intention wasn’t malicious—just a lack of understanding of what the rock represented.” The process of returning it began after amateur archaeologists matched it to a 1937 rock art survey, pinpointing its origin. From there, the tribe, church officials, and the Utah State Historic Preservation Office began working together on a plan for preservation and repatriation. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which oversaw the removal, said it had a moral and ethical responsibility to return the rock. Once extracted from its concrete base, the rock was taken to Provo for conservation. Specialists from the Midwest Art Conservation Center used bamboo and plastic tools, along with soap and water, to gently remove lichen buildup while preserving the stone’s natural patina. It was then transported north to a remote area near the Utah-Idaho border. The final leg of the journey was by helicopter, lifting the rock back into the rugged terrain where it originally sat—alongside other petroglyph-covered stones in what Parry described as a spiritual place used by Shoshone ancestors for camping and hunting. To mark the moment, tribal spiritual leader Rios Pacheco offered a blessing in Shoshoni. The tribe has not disclosed the rock’s exact location to protect it from potential harm. “This rock was meant to be here,” said Parry. “It’s like this rock knows it’s home.”

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‘Just Eat and Swallow’: Blackpool Man Wins World Pie-Eating Championship in 62 Seconds

A man from Blackpool has been crowned this year’s World Pie-Eating Champion after downing a meat pie in one minute and two seconds. Tom O’Neil, 24, beat 18 other competitors at the long-running contest in Harry’s Bar, Wigan—the unofficial pie capital of the UK—where the annual event has been held since 1992. The pies are standardised to 12cm in diameter and 3.5cm deep. O’Neil, who was born in Wigan, called it a “proud day” and said he’s already planning to return next year to defend his title. “I won a local contest about two years ago and then I saw this pop up online, so I thought I'm gonna go for it,” he told BBC Radio Manchester. “And now I'm here.” Asked if he had any secret technique, O’Neil kept it simple: “Just eat and then swallow, that’s it really. There’s no magic to it, you’ve either got it or you’ve not I suppose.” Tony Callaghan, owner of Harry’s Bar and self-declared “piemaster,” wasn’t entirely impressed with the winning time. “A minute and two seconds was ridiculous,” he said. “We’ve had 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 20 seconds in previous years so I don’t know what’s going on today.” Despite the slower pace this year, Callaghan remains strict about the contest rules, especially the long-standing ban on any “lubricants.” “I will not allow gravy and I won’t allow any lubricants, don’t come to the competition if that’s what you want,” he said. “I think it’s wrong—you eat a pie as it is. You don’t stick it in a bowl of gravy, that’s for Southerners.” Even with the complaints about speed, the spirit of competition and tradition remains strong. And for O’Neil, it's now about holding onto his title—one dry pie at a time.

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NICU Babies Celebrate Holiday Season In ‘ugly’ Christmas Sweaters

Tiny patients in the neonatal intensive care unit at Cleveland Clinic Children’s got a festive surprise this week: handmade “ugly” holiday sweaters, designed just for them. The NICU staff dressed premature babies in miniature felt sweaters and crochet hats featuring playful designs like snowmen, gingerbread men, the Grinch, and even a festive flamingo. The outfits were made as keepsakes for families, offering a bit of holiday cheer during what is often a stressful time. “We loved seeing Ava in her holiday outfit,” said parents Casey and Tyler Graber. Their daughter has spent more than 100 days in the NICU. “It was the perfect mix of sweetness and fun. It’s a memory we’ll share with family and Ava for years to come.” Parents, nurses, and caregivers worked together to gently dress the babies, making sure each one was comfortable and safe. While the medical team continues to monitor every infant closely, especially those with complex health needs, staff say moments like these can make a huge emotional difference. “Sharing these special moments with families brings a sense of joy and normalcy during an otherwise challenging time,” said Therese Razzante, a NICU family support specialist. “These celebrations help parents embrace milestones, build meaningful connections, and reflect the unwavering compassion of our caregivers in the NICU.” The holiday sweaters are part of a broader effort by the Cleveland Clinic Children’s NICU to provide emotional support alongside medical care. For many families, the tiny garments are more than just cute — they’re tangible reminders of strength, hope, and love during the holidays.

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Her $20 Act of Kindness Sparked $78,000 in Donations After Her Video Went Viral

When 86-year-old Connie, a Navajo woman living in Phoenix, handed a stranger a $20 bill to help pay for pain medication, she had no idea what would happen next. She was in a store when Jimmy Darts, a content creator known for his viral videos spotlighting acts of kindness, approached her pretending to be in pain and unable to afford his medicine. “Excuse me, ma’am, I’m so sorry, I’m in a lot of pain right now,” he told her, holding a box of medication. “Do you have a dollar?” Without hesitation, Connie reached into her purse and handed him a $20 bill. That’s when Darts flipped the script. Instead of accepting the money, he gave Connie the medication box—only this time, it contained $500 in cash for her to keep. Connie’s face lit up. Her voice trembled. “I’m so happy — you made my day,” she said. “Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you.” Darts shared the moment on his social media platforms, where he’s built a combined audience of more than 25 million people. And just like in many of his videos, the moment didn’t end there. He posted a GoFundMe link to help Connie further, and within days, strangers from around the world had donated more than $78,000. Connie had shared that she was struggling to afford food and rent, and had recently been hospitalized due to anxiety. The support pouring in would help cover her rent, fix her car, and give her some peace of mind during the holidays. “She was absolutely blown away,” Darts said. “She told me I could call her grandma now.” Darts has been making videos like this for five years, traveling across the country posing as someone in need. When a stranger offers to help, he surprises them with money—and often, much more. He says the idea came to him in 2020, during a tough period in his life. “The Lord said, ‘Ask people for help, and when they help you, change their life,’” he told PEOPLE. Since then, he’s filmed hundreds of encounters like Connie’s. What makes the impact even more meaningful, he says, is how many people chip in to help. “It’s not just some rich guy donating money,” he said. “Eighty thousand people have donated. It’s the microdonations of people coming together.” In an era where social media often amplifies anger and division, Darts says videos like these show something different. “A lot of people click on bad stuff because it gets a reaction,” he said. “But if we can put out stuff that brings families together, it’s so encouraging.” He believes people want their generosity to feel personal and direct. “They don’t want to just write a $50 check to an organization and have no clue where it goes,” he said. “They want to give to a GoFundMe where they know it goes right to the person.” Darts has since left Phoenix but says he plans to stay in touch with Connie. “She’s just a really awesome lady,” he said. “I’ll definitely be calling her grandma.”

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Siblings are Celebrating Their First Healthy Christmas Thanks To a Lifesaving Bone Marrow Donation

Ben Buttley didn’t think much of it at first. Just a strange feeling—“a little bit like a hangover,” he recalls. But when strangers started stopping him in the street, worried about the colour of his face, he realised something was seriously wrong. That was in 2018. He was 34, living in County Durham, and was eventually diagnosed with aplastic anaemia—a rare condition where the body stops producing white blood cells. With no immune system and no way to fight infection, the only hope for survival was a bone marrow transplant. Against the odds, his younger sister, Holly Murdey, turned out to be a match. “There was never any doubt in my mind that I would do it,” she said. Doctors told them it was unusual just how close their match was. Siblings only have a 25 percent chance of being compatible, and most patients rely on unrelated donors from the Anthony Nolan register. The transplant took place at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, one of the UK’s leading centres for bone marrow transplants. Murdey described the process as straightforward and non-invasive. Doctors collected stem cells from her blood through a vein, much like donating blood. “It’s quite straightforward,” said Dr Erin Hurst, consultant haematologist. “A blood test to begin with, a medical to check that you’re fit enough to donate, and then a process of having your blood taken on a machine for a couple of hours to get the stem cells that we need. Potentially a day or two off work in total, and then people return to their normal life having known they have helped us provide life-saving treatment.” After the first transplant, Buttley went back to work as a bank manager and lived a relatively normal life. But five years later, his condition worsened. He developed sepsis and landed in intensive care. The transplant was failing, and he urgently needed another. Once again, his sister stepped up. “She gave me that bag of magic that goes into your blood and makes you better,” he said. “Without that transplant, especially the second time, I just simply would not be sat here.” This year marks his first healthy Christmas since both transplants. After years of uncertainty, the chance to have a quiet, joyful holiday with family feels like a gift in itself. “I cannot wait for it,” he said. “I cannot tell you how much it means to have normality back and to really enjoy myself, and have everybody around me not worried or on edge about how I am.” For Murdey, the experience changed her outlook on life. “It teaches you that life is for living,” she said. “Grab everybody around you, have fun, and live it. There was a point last year where you did not know if there was going to be a future—and now we have got one.”

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