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Divers in Liguria have carried out the yearly conservation work on the Christ of the Abyss, the famous bronze statue resting on the seabed at San Fruttuoso di Camogli.

Coordinated by the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for Liguria, the operation brought together divers from the Guardia di Finanza, Fire Brigade, Carabinieri, State Police, Coast Guard, and Navy. Using a surface-powered pressure washer provided by the Guardia di Finanza, crews were able to safely clean the statue without direct contact, protecting both the sculpture and the marine environment.

Art historian and diver Alessandra Cabella, who oversees the statue’s conservation, reminded teams of the delicate work required—especially around the hands, one of which was broken and repaired during a major restoration in 2004. For its first 50 years, the statue was often scrubbed with metal brushes, which scarred the bronze and accelerated corrosion. Today, careful pressure washing ensures gentler preservation.

Installed in 1954, the hollow bronze figure of Christ stands with arms raised toward the surface, serving as a global symbol for divers and a tribute to lives lost at sea. Beyond its technical upkeep, officials say the joint cleaning effort is an act of devotion that unites those who live and work on the water.

Divers in Liguria have carried out the yearly conservation work on the Christ of the Abyss, the famous bronze statue resting on the seabed at San Fruttuoso di Camogli.Coordinated by the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for Liguria, the operation brought together divers from the Guardia di Finanza, Fire Brigade, Carabinieri, State Police, Coast Guard, and Navy. Using a surface-powered pressure washer provided by the Guardia di Finanza, crews were able to safely clean the statue without direct contact, protecting both the sculpture and the marine environment.Art historian and diver Alessandra Cabella, who oversees the statue’s conservation, reminded teams of the delicate work required—especially around the hands, one of which was broken and repaired during a major restoration in 2004. For its first 50 years, the statue was often scrubbed with metal brushes, which scarred the bronze and accelerated corrosion. Today, careful pressure washing ensures gentler preservation.Installed in 1954, the hollow bronze figure of Christ stands with arms raised toward the surface, serving as a global symbol for divers and a tribute to lives lost at sea. Beyond its technical upkeep, officials say the joint cleaning effort is an act of devotion that unites those who live and work on the water.

Scuba Scrubbing of Underwater Statue Is the Friday Video You Need

Melbourne Zoo leaned into Love Island-inspired humour after welcoming three gorillas into its habitat, joking that “three new girls have entered the villa”.

Frala, 44, Mbeli, 22, Johari, 35, joined 24-year-old silverback Otana and his 10-year-old daughter Kanzi, who lost her mother earlier this year, the zoo said.

Video shows the trio exploring their new home, with Johari even fashioning herself a hessian sack outfit. Otana, meanwhile, appeared to play it cool as he adjusted to the new additions.

“Seeing them come out of the den for the first time was just incredible. They were a little bit cautious to start with, they poked their heads out and the more time they spent out there, the more confident they became,” Gill Maxwell, the zoo’s science manager, said.

Melbourne Zoo leaned into Love Island-inspired humour after welcoming three gorillas into its habitat, joking that “three new girls have entered the villa”.Frala, 44, Mbeli, 22, Johari, 35, joined 24-year-old silverback Otana and his 10-year-old daughter Kanzi, who lost her mother earlier this year, the zoo said.Video shows the trio exploring their new home, with Johari even fashioning herself a hessian sack outfit. Otana, meanwhile, appeared to play it cool as he adjusted to the new additions.“Seeing them come out of the den for the first time was just incredible. They were a little bit cautious to start with, they poked their heads out and the more time they spent out there, the more confident they became,” Gill Maxwell, the zoo’s science manager, said.

'New Girls Have Entered The Villa': Melbourne Zoo Welcomes Gorilla Trio

In a lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a tiny robot that looks and moves like a bee is taking flight. Weighing less than a paperclip, the machine can flap its wings up to 400 times per second, hover in place, flip midair, and reach speeds of two meters per second.

“We’re just trying to mimic these amazing maneuvers that bumblebees can achieve,” said Yi-Hsuan “Nemo” Hsiao, a fourth-year PhD student who helps program the robots.

The researchers behind the project believe the robot could one day help with artificial pollination, perhaps even on other planets. “If you’re going to grow something on Mars, you probably don’t want to bring a lot of natural insects to do the pollination,” said Hsiao. “That’s where our robot could potentially come into play.”

Kevin Chen, an associate professor at MIT and head of its Soft and Micro Robotics Lab, stressed that the team is not trying to replace bees. Instead, they see the technology being deployed in places where real bees can’t survive, such as indoor warehouse farms filled with stacked crops and ultraviolet lighting. “It’s very difficult for bees to survive in that environment,” Chen said.

The bee bot is part of a broader wave of robotics inspired by the natural world. At Yale University, researchers have created a gecko-like robot that can shed its own limbs to navigate rubble during search and rescue missions. At Chung-Ang University in South Korea, scientists recently unveiled a soft robot that moves like a caterpillar.

“Millions of years of evolution has helped to give insects and animals the best solution, especially for any type of locomotion,” Hsiao said. His role is to design the algorithms that guide the robots’ movements.

The robot bee is powered by soft artificial muscles that expand and contract to flap its wings, a system developed by PhD candidate Suhan Kim. Its delicate wings are cut with lasers, and its internal components are as small as the gears inside a watch.

Alongside the bee bot, the MIT team is also developing a grasshopper-like robot. Smaller than a human thumb, it can hop about 20 centimeters into the air and handle uneven surfaces, from grass to ice to leaves. According to Hsiao, jumping is more energy efficient than flying, making the grasshopper bot especially promising for certain missions.

Because of their small size, both robots could be deployed in tight and dangerous spaces — searching for survivors in collapsed buildings, inspecting the inside of a pipeline, or navigating a turbine engine.

For now, they remain tethered to power sources. Adding lightweight batteries and sensors that let them perceive their surroundings is the next challenge. “It’s very difficult to put a small energy source onboard tiny robots,” Chen said. He estimates it could be 20 to 30 years before fully autonomous versions are ready to operate in the field.

Still, he sees the research as an investment in understanding what nature already perfected. “They have evolved for millions of years,” Chen said. “There’s a lot to be learned from insect motion, behavior and structure.”

MIT's Tiny Robot Bee: The Future of Pollination on Mars and Beyond!

Good News Network

Ed Jackson, a retired rugby player turned quadriplegic adventurer, has achieved an extraordinary feat by scaling an unnamed peak in the Tien Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan. The former Bath and Wasps player reached the 4,718-meter summit on August 23, marking the first successful ascent of this mountain.

Jackson's journey to this point began eight years ago after a devastating spinal cord injury from diving into a shallow pool. Doctors told him he might never walk again, but with relentless rehabilitation and determination, Jackson aimed for heights beyond his rugby career.

Upon arriving at the base of the mountain, Jackson and his team, supported by local shepherds, set up camp before embarking on their climb across challenging glacial terrain and steep rock faces. The expedition leader, Adrian Nelhams, played a crucial role in guiding Jackson through these technical challenges.

Reaching the summit was more than just a personal triumph for Jackson. "I’ve been working towards this for so long," he told England’s Southwest News Service. "The climb was far more technical and demanding than I could ever have imagined." He expressed deep gratitude for those who supported him throughout his recovery, noting that the summit belongs to them as well.

This climb is significant not just in terms of exploration but also in adaptive adventure sports. It is believed to be the first high-altitude peak first ascent by someone with a disability.

In preparation for his climbing goal, Jackson founded Millimetres to Mountains Foundation (M2M), which helps people facing adversity through outdoor activities. This particular climb was dedicated to M2M beneficiaries and CDI Children at Risk in Kyrgyzstan. The latter group will even have the honor of naming the newly conquered peak.

Jackson plans to meet with children involved with CDI shortly after his expedition wraps up. "The fact that the children we’re supporting in Kyrgyzstan will get to name this mountain only seems right to me," he stated.

Funds raised through this expedition will support M2M projects in the UK as well as CDI's work with children with disabilities in Kyrgyzstan. Further details can be found on their website.

From Tragedy to Triumph: Quadriplegic Ex-Rugby Star Conquered This Mountain Peak in Asia

Step inside the cream-colored metal pod known as Nestle and it feels like a sleek, modern tiny home. Floor-to-ceiling glass at both ends lets in natural light, and its minimalist interior gives little clue to its unusual past. From the outside, though, the secret is harder to miss. The 35-square-meter space once sat atop a wind turbine, housing the machinery that powered homes and cities.

Nestle, a play on the word “nacelle,” is the first home ever built from a decommissioned wind turbine nacelle. The prototype was unveiled at Dutch Design Week in 2024, designed by Dutch architecture firm Superuse Studios and its spin-off company Blade-Made, in collaboration with several partners. The nacelle was donated by Business of Wind, which buys old turbines for reuse.

“This is basically the most complex thing that you can do with it,” said Jos de Krieger, co-founder of Blade-Made and partner at Superuse Studios. “So, all the other less complex things are now easier to imagine and to realize, because this has already been done.”

The project is part of a growing push to find new uses for wind turbine waste. As global wind power expands, so too does the question of what happens when turbines reach the end of their 20- to 25-year lifespan. Around 90 percent of a turbine can be recycled, but its blades and nacelles are difficult to process, often ending up in landfills or incinerators.

“Everything in the built environment — everything that you see around you — has an end of life,” said Krieger. “And we need solutions besides waste or landfill, incineration or something without value.”

For him, the challenge is also cultural. “Changing that perception is really something that has to happen in the eyes of everyone,” he said, calling for “processes that create stories, instead of waste.”

Krieger has been working on that shift for more than 15 years. His first experiment with turbine parts came in 2008, when he helped turn five old blades into a playground. Since then, he and his team have upcycled blades into benches, bus stops, and sculptures. In 2021, they launched Blade-Made to bring their ideas to market, and later partnered with Rotterdam-based New Citizen Design.

Nestle is their boldest effort yet. Commissioned by Swedish power company Vattenfall, it brought together structural engineers, interior designers, and technical experts to transform the nacelle into a livable home that complies with Dutch building codes.

The urgency for such solutions is mounting. The US Department of Energy predicts that by 2050, the country alone could generate over 2.2 million tons of wind blade waste. Globally, the figure could hit 200,000 tons annually by 2033. Some countries, including many in Europe, now ban turbine parts from landfills, pushing the industry to find alternatives.

But recycling blades is notoriously difficult. “Unfortunately, blade recycling is technically challenging,” said Justine Beauson, a development engineer at the Technical University of Denmark. “The nature of the material is difficult to process, and the component is actually just one piece. It’s not something that you can re-manufacture, like you would do with a washing machine, where you can take things apart.”

Beauson noted that upcycling projects may hold promise because they require less equipment and infrastructure than industrial recycling. “You don’t need rocket science technology; you need to understand the material, you need knowledge about the structure of the blade, and you need to understand what you can and cannot do,” she said.

Still, a lack of open data on blade design makes the work harder. Krieger compared the process to remodeling an old house: “You break open a wall and you find something that you did not expect.” He urged turbine makers to release detailed material records for outdated models to support repurposing efforts.

Blade-Made’s latest innovation is the “Blade Barrier,” which uses entire 37-meter blades as roadside noise walls. Unlike concrete barriers, which need support every 6 to 10 meters, the blades only need support every 25 meters, saving carbon and materials. A prototype is already being tested in North Brabant in the Netherlands.

For Nestle, the response has been “overwhelming,” Krieger said. Blade-Made is now preparing to produce around 10 more micro homes to refine the design and make it market-ready.

As turbines continue to spin up more of the world’s electricity, projects like this may help tackle the looming waste problem. For Krieger, it’s about proving what’s possible. “The easier it will be to convince people, clients and wind farm owners that it is also an option for them,” he said.

Architects Are Turning Old Wind Turbines Into Stunning Micro Homes

The Dodo

11 puppies in Mississippi narrowly escaped a tragic fate thanks to quick action from animal advocates. Jessie Shaw, cofounder of Fetch Dog Rescue in Westport, Connecticut, received a distressing message from Roadside Rescue Network about these pups. They were discovered shivering and soaked after being dumped in a trash can during a severe rainstorm.

"The puppies were almost drowning," Shaw recounted to The Dodo. The tiny dogs were huddled together, barely able to move, but rescuers swiftly extracted them and took them for urgent veterinary care.

The Roadside Rescue Network provided the initial lifesaving treatment and continued to care for the puppies over several weeks. Once they regained their health, Shaw took on the task of finding them permanent homes. She was meticulous in her process, conducting personal interviews with each prospective family and visiting their homes to confirm they were suitable.

"I personally interviewed every single family that adopted them," Shaw said. "And I did home visits with them to make sure that they were the perfect fit." Her dedication paid off, as all 11 puppies now thrive in loving environments.

Shaw hopes this incident raises awareness about the importance of spaying and neutering pets. She advocates for local government measures that could prevent such situations from occurring again.

Heart-Stopping Rescue: 11 Puppies Saved From a Trash Can Find Forever Homes

Positive.News

From record-breaking renewables investment to a breakthrough blood test for ovarian cancer, here are the week’s most uplifting stories — proof that progress is still being made, even in uncertain times.

Helsinki Goes a Full Year Without a Traffic Death
Helsinki just achieved something cities worldwide strive for: zero traffic-related deaths in a full year. Officials credit the milestone to a “people-first” approach to urban mobility, including lower speed limits, better cycling infrastructure, and improved public transport.
“This reflects Helsinki’s consistent, people-first approach to mobility,” said Sara Mecatti of active travel group POLIS. “It shows how integrated action can create streets that are safe, equitable, and welcoming.”

Iraq Halves Its Poverty Rate
Iraq’s latest Multidimensional Poverty Index reveals a dramatic drop in material poverty — nearly 50% lower than in 2011. The index looks beyond income to assess access to healthcare, housing, education, and food.
“These data show us where we need to focus our efforts,” said Sascha Graumann of the UN Development Programme, noting that gains must now be made equitably across all communities.

The Sailback Houndshark Lives
Once feared extinct, the sailback houndshark has been spotted again off Papua New Guinea — the first confirmed sighting in decades. A recent study recorded six individuals, including the first known male, offering hope for a species not seen since the 1970s. Researchers warn, however, that its limited range makes it vulnerable to future overfishing.

Record-Breaking Green Energy Investment
Global investment in renewables reached $386 billion in the first half of 2024 — a 10% increase over the same period last year, according to Bloomberg.
Europe saw the biggest jump, partially credited to the "Trump effect" as investors react to stalled U.S. climate policy by shifting focus overseas.
Meanwhile, Africa set new import records for solar panels in 20 countries, suggesting solar power is finally gaining ground across the continent.

Space-Based Solar Power Could Cut Europe’s Emissions
Scientists at King’s College London say space-based solar arrays could slash Europe’s land-based renewable energy needs by up to 80%.
The study analyzed a NASA design that beams solar power from space to Earth, converting it into electricity. While still experimental, researchers say it could reduce grid costs by 15% and be a “gamechanger” for Europe’s energy transition by 2050.

Ovarian Cancer Detected Early With Simple Blood Test
A new blood test can detect early-stage ovarian cancer with up to 93% accuracy, offering a vital new tool for early diagnosis.
The test uses machine learning to identify cancer-linked patterns in blood samples. Scientists say it could save lives by catching cases earlier — especially important for a disease often diagnosed late due to vague symptoms.
“This test has the potential to significantly improve outcomes for women,” said Prof Emma Crosbie from the University of Manchester.

Plant-Based Diets Linked to Lower Cancer Risk
A long-term study of 80,000 Seventh-day Adventists in North America found that vegetarians are significantly less likely to develop cancer than meat eaters.
Vegans saw the greatest overall reduction in cancer risk (24%), with notable drops in stomach (45%), colorectal (21%), and lymphoma (25%) rates.
Lead researcher Prof Gary Fraser called the results "remarkable" given the generally health-conscious habits of all participants.

Wildlife Photography Highlights Earth’s Beauty — and Challenges
A lion facing down a cobra, penguins crossing an ice shelf, and a roaring red deer are just a few of the entries in this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.
The Natural History Museum received a record 60,636 submissions and will debut the winners on October 17.
This year’s exhibit will also feature the museum’s Biodiversity Intactness Index, a tool that tracks how much of a region’s native biodiversity remains — turning photography into a call for conservation.

Discover The Uplifting Stories You Missed This Week

Talker News

A new cancer treatment for pet cats is showing promise not only for our feline friends but potentially for humans too. Researchers in the United States have conducted the first clinical trial of a targeted therapy on cats suffering from head and neck cancers, revealing that more than 35 percent of the treated felines experienced disease control with minimal side effects.

The drug, which targets a transcription factor known as STAT3, could also be effective in treating human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This type of cancer is notoriously challenging to treat. Professor Daniel Johnson, from the University of California, San Francisco, stated, "There are two major findings from this study. It showed us that it’s possible to target a transcription factor that drives oncogenesis, which is something that has been notoriously difficult in the past."

The decision to test this drug on cats came after Dr. Jennifer Grandis discussed feline oral cancers with her sister, who is a veterinarian. Dr. Grandis learned these cancers are often fatal within months of diagnosis in cats. With similar biological characteristics between feline and human HNSCC, the team saw an opportunity to explore new treatments.

One cat named Jak was part of this groundbreaking trial. Diagnosed with HNSCC and given just six to eight weeks to live, Jak's owner Tina Thomas enrolled him in the study hoping for more time together. After receiving weekly treatments for a month, Jak's symptoms improved significantly; he lived over eight months post-diagnosis. Tina said having extra time with Jak was meaningful since he got to spend another Christmas with their family.

Of the 20 cats enrolled in the study, seven showed either partial response or stable disease during treatment. On average, those responding had survival times extended by about 161 days. Importantly, none experienced severe side effects beyond mild anemia.

Researchers observed that the compound worked by blocking STAT3 activity while increasing levels of PD-1—a protein linked to immune response against cancer cells. Dr. Grandis emphasized how studies like these can make better use of resources compared to traditional lab mouse models: “By partnering with veterinary oncologists and doing clinical trials in companion animals we can learn an enormous amount about how these drugs work while also helping people’s pets.”

Professors believe conducting trials on pets offers insights more aligned with human biology compared to mice since pets share environments similar to humans'. The research team plans further collaboration with a biotech company aiming at advancing clinical trials for both pets and humans alike.

As Prof Johnson points out: “These animals breathe the same air that we breathe and are exposed to all things we’re exposed to.”

A Breakthrough Cancer Treatment for Cats Could Revolutionize Human Care, Say Scientists

Footage released by the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) on August 27 shows the heartwarming moment a bus driver helped a lost boy.

MCTS driver La’trell Y spotted the child standing alone at a Milwaukee bus stop and pulled over to invite him onto the bus.

She then contacted MCTS dispatch, footage shows, telling them, “There’s a little boy standing at the bus stop.”

The Milwaukee Police Department arrived shortly after to reunite the boy with his family.

Commenters praised La’trell’s quick action, with one person writing, “You guys have some of the best, most caring drivers I have ever seen,” and another adding, “Great job, La’trell! Thank you for protecting our children and our most vulnerable!”

Footage released by the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) on August 27 shows the heartwarming moment a bus driver helped a lost boy.MCTS driver La’trell Y spotted the child standing alone at a Milwaukee bus stop and pulled over to invite him onto the bus.She then contacted MCTS dispatch, footage shows, telling them, “There’s a little boy standing at the bus stop.”The Milwaukee Police Department arrived shortly after to reunite the boy with his family.Commenters praised La’trell’s quick action, with one person writing, “You guys have some of the best, most caring drivers I have ever seen,” and another adding, “Great job, La’trell! Thank you for protecting our children and our most vulnerable!”

Milwaukee Bus Driver's Heroic Act: Rescuing a Lost Boy at the Bus Stop

Sunny Skyz

In Georgia, a single mother walked into Royalty Auto Service for what she believed was a routine second opinion on her car. What she received instead was an unexpected lifeline.

Annette had been told by another auto shop that her 2010 GMC Terrain required a new engine. With financial pressures already mounting, this news left her worried about the future for herself and her two daughters. However, when Sherwood Cooke, the owner of Royalty Auto Service, and his team took a look at the SUV, they found she had been misled. 

The vehicle had significant issues, damaged wheel bearings, worn tires, and a timing chain that rattled ominously, but it still ran. Annette's warranty, which cost her $2,000, wouldn't cover even these urgent repairs. "This vehicle is falling apart," Sherwood explained. "She needs new transportation. It’s not worth putting more money into."

Instead of simply sending Annette on her way with bad news, Sherwood and his crew decided to intervene. They addressed the immediate safety concerns by replacing the wheel bearings and tires to keep Annette and her daughters safe on the road. But they didn’t stop there; they launched an online fundraiser to help get her a reliable vehicle.

The response was astounding. Donations came pouring in from across the United States and even from Canada as people connected with Annette's story and wanted to help provide stability for her family. "We hit the original goal!" Sherwood announced with amazement at the outpouring of support.

As contributions continued to roll in, they raised the fundraising target to see if they could assist Annette further, enough for a down payment on a house to move her out of an apartment where making rent each month was a struggle.

By the time the fundraiser wrapped up, nearly 4,000 donors had contributed over $165,000. This incredible sum provided Annette with not only dependable transportation but also an opportunity for a fresh start for her family.

Sherwood emphasized Annette's humility throughout this ordeal: “This woman hasn’t asked for anything. She is extremely humble,” he said. The generosity shown by so many strangers became a testament to community compassion in action.

A simple visit for car repairs turned into something much bigger: a demonstration that kindness can change lives significantly when people come together with generosity and heart.

Strangers at this Auto Shop Rallied Behind This Single Mom, Raising $165K for a Fresh Start

Fox News

An undergraduate archaeology student in Scotland got more than she bargained for during a routine dig — when a carved stone head rolled out of the earth and appeared to smile back at her.

The discovery was made at Skaill Farm on the island of Rousay, part of Scotland’s Orkney archipelago, and announced by the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Archaeology Institute on July 24. The find is part of a long-term excavation and research project led by the institute.

Student Katie Joss was working along a trench wall when the carved head tumbled into view.

“It stared back at her,” the university noted in a statement.

Photos show the head carved from red sandstone, with curly hair, a faint smile, and a missing nose. Despite that damage, the expression remains oddly serene — or, as some have said, just slightly amused.

Sarah Jane Gibbon, a lecturer at UHI, called it “such an exciting find.”

“The carved head is of rich, red sandstone, with yellow inclusions, that was likely quarried from the island of Eday,” she said, noting that it matches other carved fragments found at the nearby ruins of St. Mary’s old parish church. That connection may help archaeologists unravel the head’s origins.

While its exact purpose and age are still unknown, experts say the craftsmanship and material suggest it once belonged to a high-status building — likely a church or ecclesiastical site — and not the farmstead where it was found.

“You wouldn’t expect this kind of high-quality carving on a farm,” said Dan Lee, an archaeologist and researcher at UHI Orkney. “We don’t know of any other examples in Orkney. It’s very unusual.”

Lee believes the head likely came from St. Mary’s Kirk, a nearby medieval church that may have been more elaborate than previously believed. “If it did come from there, it shows the church was very finely built and of high status,” he said.

The artifact is remarkably well-preserved. Apart from the missing tip of the nose — damage that may have occurred long before it was buried — the features remain intact, with individual chisel marks still visible. Its condition suggests it was kept indoors for much of its life.

“The stone preserves well in the ground, so it’s not surprising it has survived well,” Lee said.

Skaill Farm has produced other carved sandstone pieces, including fragments of columns and capitals, but this is the first to resemble a human figure. “We haven’t had anything resembling the human form, so this is unique,” Lee added.

Scotland, and particularly the Orkney Islands, has long been a hotspot for archaeological discoveries. Recent finds include a prehistoric village near Inverness and the remains of a warship linked to the American Revolution on the island of Sanday — both uncovered within the past year.

But for student Katie Joss, nothing quite matched the moment a centuries-old face re-emerged from the earth, smiling softly from the past.

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