Goodable

A five-year-old cancer patient in Nebraska was delighted after hospital staff gifted him a custom-made superhero action figure created by a 3D printer from scans of his face.

Children’s Nebraska pediatric hospital said they made the toy for Grant Lawson, who has B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), “cheering him up amid hospital visits and serving as a symbol of the superhero strength he’s shown in his fight against cancer.”

The hospital said three departments – Children’s Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Child Life, and 3D Imaging and Advanced Visualization – collaborated to build Lawson the unique toy.

Video released by the hospital shows Grant wearing his own Thor costume as he opens the present. “Look at my head,” he exclaims as he shows his family the toy. “He was so excited to put it on his shelf, in his bedroom,” his mother gushes in the video.

Lawson has graduated to the long-term maintenance phase of treatment, the hospital said, and continues with chemotherapy infusions at Children’s and daily oral chemo medication as he begins kindergarten.

A five-year-old cancer patient in Nebraska was delighted after hospital staff gifted him a custom-made superhero action figure created by a 3D printer from scans of his face.Children’s Nebraska pediatric hospital said they made the toy for Grant Lawson, who has B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), “cheering him up amid hospital visits and serving as a symbol of the superhero strength he’s shown in his fight against cancer.”The hospital said three departments – Children’s Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Child Life, and 3D Imaging and Advanced Visualization – collaborated to build Lawson the unique toy.Video released by the hospital shows Grant wearing his own Thor costume as he opens the present. “Look at my head,” he exclaims as he shows his family the toy. “He was so excited to put it on his shelf, in his bedroom,” his mother gushes in the video.Lawson has graduated to the long-term maintenance phase of treatment, the hospital said, and continues with chemotherapy infusions at Children’s and daily oral chemo medication as he begins kindergarten.

5-Year-Old Cancer Patient Received a Custom-Made Thor Action Figure With His Own Face on It

Science Daily

A new study from Oxford University Press has found that tree swallows across the United States are being exposed to high levels of so-called “forever chemicals”—but surprisingly, the exposure doesn’t seem to be harming their ability to reproduce.

Published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, the research looked at per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, a group of synthetic chemicals known for their persistence in the environment. Sometimes called “forever chemicals,” PFAS are used in everything from nonstick pans and food packaging to firefighting foams and waterproof fabrics. Because they don’t easily break down, they’ve accumulated across the planet—in soil, water, wildlife, and even human bodies.

While PFAS have been linked to serious human health problems, including cancers and fertility issues, scientists still know little about how they affect wild species. Most existing studies have been limited to lab experiments rather than long-term field research.

To close that gap, researchers studied tree swallows, a migratory bird that nests near water and is found across North America. The team measured PFAS levels in the birds’ tissues and in the insects they eat, then tracked their breeding success across multiple contaminated sites.

Fieldwork took place at locations with different contamination histories, including military bases and industrial zones in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Illinois. The highest concentrations were found near firefighting training sites and urban areas—particularly around Cottage Grove, Minnesota, where decades of manufacturing and waste disposal have left behind significant PFAS residues.

Despite the wide range of exposure levels, the researchers found no clear link between PFAS contamination and reproductive health. Tree swallows nesting in heavily polluted areas were just as likely to hatch eggs and raise chicks capable of flying as those living in cleaner environments.

“The health of the bird chicks appeared unaffected by levels of chemical exposure,” the study reports, suggesting that, at least for tree swallows, PFAS contamination may not have the same biological impact seen in some other species.

Still, the authors note that more work is needed to understand the long-term and intergenerational effects of these chemicals. PFAS remain widespread in ecosystems worldwide, and while these resilient birds appear to be coping for now, the study adds to a growing picture of how deeply “forever chemicals” have seeped into the natural environment.

Study Finds Tree Swallows Unharmed by 'Forever Chemicals' Despite High Exposure

Talker News

A 2,300-year-old Egyptian mummy is getting a careful restoration—thanks to a group of university students in England.

Pa-Sheri, a mummified man from ancient Luxor who lived around 300 BCE during Egypt’s Ptolemaic period, has been part of Derby Museums’ collection since 1859. Now, for the first time in centuries, he’s receiving hands-on conservation work at the University of Lincoln.

The project is being led by student conservators Ella Maude and Ella Monteiro, working alongside senior technician Josephine Mackenzie. The team’s goal isn’t to restore Pa-Sheri to an imagined original state, but to stabilize him as he is—preserving both his ancient craftsmanship and the marks of Victorian-era curiosity.

“Working on Pa-Sheri has been a very personal and humbling experience,” said Monteiro. “His journey has been long and tasking, and to conserve him is to become a part of his story.”

The mummy’s intricate painted cartonnage and gilded mask suggest Pa-Sheri was a person of high social standing. But beneath the ornate wrapping lies evidence of invasive 19th-century “examinations,” when it was common for mummified remains brought to Britain to be unwrapped and dissected for study.

In Pa-Sheri’s case, x-rays revealed that his head, pelvis, and parts of his limbs were removed, and his arm bones rearranged into his chest cavity before being rewrapped. “Our aim has been to protect him as he is now, respecting both his original context and the history that has followed,” said Maude. “Despite his removal from his original burial place, I hope that our work helps to safeguard Pa-Sheri’s continued afterlife.”

The team is using a “minimal intervention” approach—consolidating flaking plaster and paint, gently cleaning fragile surfaces, and replacing aged internal supports with safer materials. The work, funded by the Pilgrim Trust, has also uncovered fascinating details about both ancient Egyptian artistry and Victorian tampering.

Using polarized light microscopy, students identified pigments like Egyptian Blue, orpiment yellow, and red and yellow ochres. Under ultraviolet light, they found traces of animal glue used during 19th-century reassembly.

“This project has offered the students a unique opportunity to engage with a complex conservation challenge,” said Mackenzie. “Pa-Sheri represents a rare case study, illuminating not only the materials and techniques of his period but also the evolving history of collecting and conservation practices.”

Laura Phillips, head of curatorship at Derby Museums, praised the collaboration. “Arranging the appropriate care for Pa-Sheri is a challenge,” she said. “Whilst this essential conservation takes place, we know he is in safe and caring hands.”

Once conservation work is complete, Pa-Sheri will return to Derby Museums, where he’ll be displayed alongside another mummy, Pypyu, in a new exhibition that will highlight both their ancient origins and the modern efforts to preserve them.

Students are Repairing a 2,300-year-old Egyptian Mummy as Part of a Course

Smithsonian Magazine

At Jay Peak Resort in northern Vermont, the usual buzz of lawn mowers has been replaced this fall by the soft bleats of goats and sheep.

The 385-acre ski area, located near the Canadian border, is experimenting with an eco-friendly approach to slope maintenance: swapping gas-powered trimmers for a herd of about 150 grazing animals. Over five weeks, the group—nicknamed the “Chew Crew”—is expected to clear roughly 25 acres of overgrown vegetation.

“With any project like this, you're going to learn a lot, and we’ve learned a lot this year,” said Andy Stenger, director of mountain operations at Jay Peak, in an interview with WPTZ. “We've had to pivot in a couple areas, but we're sticking with it.”

The animals, owned by Adam Ricci of Cloud Brook Grazing in Barnet, Vermont, come equipped with high-tech collars connected to a virtual fencing system. The setup lets Ricci monitor and guide the herd remotely. When goats or sheep wander too far, the collars emit a warning sound, followed by a light electric pulse if they don’t turn back.

To keep predators at bay, a guard dog named Helios patrols the slopes alongside the herd. “The goats are great at the trees and the goldenrod and the other types of brush, but the sheep really do well with the grasses,” Ricci told Vermont Public Radio. “So by mixing the two together, we get everything covered pretty well.”

The goal is to graze each two-acre section until the vegetation stands about six inches tall—short enough for ski season prep but achieved with zero fossil fuels. Compared to gas mowers and trimmers, goatscaping takes longer, but the environmental benefits are hard to ignore. The animals don’t need fuel or herbicides, make far less noise, and help prevent soil erosion while improving water retention.

“It’s good for the environment,” Stenger told Vermont Public Radio. “And it didn't take a lot of convincing for us to hop on board with it.”

While goats and sheep do produce methane, experts note that they’d be emitting it wherever they grazed. By reducing the use of gas equipment, Jay Peak’s experiment still cuts overall greenhouse gas emissions.

The concept isn’t entirely new. Magic Mountain Ski Area in southern Vermont tried a similar program last year, as did Mountain Creek Resort in New Jersey. But Jay Peak’s trial, if successful, could become a model for how mountain resorts manage their land more sustainably.

For now, the Chew Crew’s work is drawing plenty of attention—and even a bit of fanfare. The resort has printed stickers celebrating its new four-legged landscapers, who seem perfectly happy eating their way to a cleaner, greener ski season.

This Ski Area Hired a Herd of Goats and Sheep to Help With Landscaping—And It's Working

Two people were rescued Tuesday afternoon after their small plane crashed in the Florida Everglades, landing upside down in a remote area near Shark Valley.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said the crash happened around 2:45 p.m. with two people on board. Aerial footage showed the plane flipped over in the marsh, with both individuals standing on top of the wreckage as they waited for help.

The pilot, who identified himself as a flight instructor, said he and his student had taken off from the Pilot Training Center at Miami Executive Airport, about 30 kilometers east of the crash site. They had been flying for about an hour when the engine suddenly failed.

“We simulate emergency situations for our students,” the pilot told NBC6. “The incident that occurred today is a typical scenario in Florida. I have conducted similar simulations numerous times, and so has my student. I am pleased that we were adequately prepared and could execute all procedures within a limited timeframe under pressure.”

He said both wore safety belts and harnesses that kept them secure when the plane hit the ground. “That’s what saved our lives,” he said.

Because the crash occurred deep in the wetlands, fire rescue teams used a helicopter hoist to reach and airlift the pair from the site. Both were safely brought back to Miami Executive Airport shortly after.

The pilot said he and his student were in good condition, aside from a small cut on his leg.

Two people were rescued Tuesday afternoon after their small plane crashed in the Florida Everglades, landing upside down in a remote area near Shark Valley.Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said the crash happened around 2:45 p.m. with two people on board. Aerial footage showed the plane flipped over in the marsh, with both individuals standing on top of the wreckage as they waited for help.The pilot, who identified himself as a flight instructor, said he and his student had taken off from the Pilot Training Center at Miami Executive Airport, about 30 kilometers east of the crash site. They had been flying for about an hour when the engine suddenly failed.“We simulate emergency situations for our students,” the pilot told NBC6. “The incident that occurred today is a typical scenario in Florida. I have conducted similar simulations numerous times, and so has my student. I am pleased that we were adequately prepared and could execute all procedures within a limited timeframe under pressure.”He said both wore safety belts and harnesses that kept them secure when the plane hit the ground. “That’s what saved our lives,” he said.Because the crash occurred deep in the wetlands, fire rescue teams used a helicopter hoist to reach and airlift the pair from the site. Both were safely brought back to Miami Executive Airport shortly after.The pilot said he and his student were in good condition, aside from a small cut on his leg.

2 Rescued After Everglades Crash Leaves Them Stranded on Plane's Wing

A 7-year-old rescue dog who survived Hurricane Florence has officially been crowned People magazine’s World’s Cutest Rescue Dog.

Bastian, a mixed-breed pup from South Carolina, beat out two other finalists — Apollo and Tiki — for the top spot. The announcement was made Wednesday on CBS Mornings.

Bastian’s story began in 2018, when he and his sister were found waiting in floodwaters during the devastating hurricane. After being rescued, both dogs were brought to New Jersey for adoption. His sister found a family right away, but Bastian was the only one left behind at the adoption event — until Joelle Andres spotted him.

“This has been so, so surreal,” Andres said on CBS Mornings, describing what it felt like to see her dog win.

When she first adopted him, Bastian was withdrawn and shy. “He was very shut down,” she recalled. “A lot of adopters look for that love-at-first-sight moment when a dog instantly connects, but I decided to give him time to open up.”

Andres’s patience paid off. Over time, Bastian blossomed into a confident, curious companion — and even learned to communicate in an extraordinary way. Using recordable buttons that speak words like “walk,” “treat,” “outside,” and “home,” Bastian can tell Andres what he wants or needs. “It was a way to give him agency in his own care,” she said.

As part of his big win, Bastian will be featured in People magazine, and the publication will donate $1,000 in his honor to the Burlington County Animal Alliance of New Jersey — the same organization that helped rescue him after the hurricane.

From floodwaters to fame, Bastian’s journey is a reminder of what patience, love, and second chances can do.

Dog Who Survived Hurricane Florence Wins World's Cutest Rescue Dog Title

Sunny Skyz

Barbara Baker, a bus driver for the Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) in Tampa, found herself in an unexpected situation during her usual route one afternoon. While driving through a residential area, she noticed something unusual—a small child wearing pajamas wandering close to a busy road.

Initially unsure of what she was seeing, Baker soon realized it was indeed a toddler walking alone. "Look at the baby walking in the street by himself. Oh, my God," Baker recalled thinking as she processed the alarming sight.

Baker's immediate concern was for the child's safety. She could see small shoes and pajamas, confirming that it was indeed a young child. Her thoughts turned to her own grandchildren as she watched cars drive past without stopping to help. "I wanted to cry because I thought about my grandbabies," she said.

The toddler, appearing confused and vulnerable, kept repeating "Momma" as Baker tried to locate his parents along the sidewalk. Fortunately, police arrived shortly after and discovered that the young boy had wandered two-and-a-half blocks away from his home. They managed to reunite him with his family.

Reflecting on the incident, Baker expressed her relief: "It makes me want to cry. Now I feel a little emotional, but knowing the baby is home, that’s the big thing for me."

Hillsborough County officials emphasize that all school buses in their area are designated as safe spaces. Drivers like Baker receive training to recognize and respond appropriately in emergencies such as this one.

Thanks to her attentiveness and quick response, Barbara Baker ensured the toddler's safe return home while reminding everyone of how crucial community awareness can be when protecting its most vulnerable members.

'My Heart Just Dropped': Tampa Bus Driver Saved a Wandering Child

Gizmodo

The internet might not be great for everyone’s attention span, but for older adults, it could actually be doing some good. A new study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that seniors who regularly use digital tools — like chatting online, reading the news, or even playing games — tend to have sharper thinking skills and fewer signs of depression than those who stay offline.

Researchers analyzed data from nearly 10,000 participants in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, dividing them into two groups: one with access to the internet (“digital inclusion”) and one without (“digital exclusion”). Those in the digitally included group used internet-enabled devices for everything from video streaming to managing money, while those in the excluded group didn’t engage in any online activities.

The results were clear. People who were digitally included performed better on cognitive tests that measured memory and executive function. They also showed fewer symptoms of severe depression. Still, both groups reported similar levels of feeling “blue” or hopeless, meaning internet use didn’t necessarily make people happier — it just seemed to help keep their minds more active.

Researchers caution against reading too much into the findings. It’s possible that being online helps older people stay engaged and connected, reducing loneliness and sharpening thinking. But it’s also possible that those who are already more mentally healthy are the ones most likely to use digital tools in the first place.

And not all effects of internet use are positive. Previous research has linked excessive use to addiction among older adults, which can worsen anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal. There’s also the growing risk of scams targeting people with less digital literacy — a real concern as more seniors go online, especially since the pandemic accelerated that shift.

Still, the new study suggests that with the right support and safeguards, helping older adults navigate the internet could bring cognitive and emotional benefits. As lead researchers note, the challenge isn’t just getting seniors online, but helping them get the good parts of the internet — before the bad parts get to them.

New Study Finds Digital Tools Boost Cognitive Function In Older Adults

Euro News

iPhone users have a new weapon in the battle against spam and robocalls: a built-in call screening assistant that acts as a virtual gatekeeper for incoming calls from unknown numbers.

The feature, part of Apple’s latest iOS 26 update, has quickly caught attention among users tired of being hounded by telemarketers, scammers, and unwanted callers. It adds a digital buffer between you and whoever’s on the other end of the line, asking them to explain who they are and why they’re calling before you pick up.

How to turn it on
To use the feature, your phone needs to be updated to iOS 26, which is available for iPhone 11 and newer models. Go to Settings → Apps → Phone and scroll to a new section labeled Screen Unknown Callers. You’ll see three options:

Never lets all calls ring through,

Silence sends unknown numbers straight to voicemail,

and Ask Reason for Calling activates the new screening tool.

If you don’t see it right away, restart your phone and make sure your region and language settings are correct.

How it works
When someone who isn’t in your contacts tries to call, a Siri-style voice asks them to state their name and the reason for calling. While this happens, you’ll get a live notification showing that the call is being screened. The caller’s spoken response is then transcribed in real time and displayed in a chat-style window.

You can decide to answer, ignore, or reply through preset messages such as “I’ll call you later” or “Send more information,” which the AI voice will read out on your behalf. You can also type your own message for the computer voice to relay. If you don’t act right away, the phone continues ringing while you decide.

It’s meant to strike a balance between silencing all unknown calls—risking missed deliveries or doctor’s offices—and leaving your phone wide open to spam.

Mixed results
In practice, the feature has had a few rough edges. Some users have praised it for keeping telemarketers and spam calls at bay. Others say it’s not perfect yet.

One Associated Press reporter said it worked “seamlessly,” while another found it great for screening marketing calls but frustrating when legitimate callers, like delivery drivers, hung up instead of responding to the voice prompt.

Social media users have echoed similar issues, saying some mechanics, plumbers, and service providers hung up mid-call, not realizing they were supposed to interact with the automated system.

If you find the feature too finicky, you can switch it off anytime in your settings.

Android got there first
Apple’s version follows in the footsteps of Google’s own call screening system, which has been available to Pixel users in the U.S. for several years and recently expanded to Australia, Canada, and Ireland.

Google’s version is slightly more advanced: its AI automatically answers unknown calls, asks who’s calling, and hangs up if it detects a likely spammer. If it believes the call is legitimate, it lets it ring through. Still, Google warns that the system isn’t foolproof—it can miss spam or misinterpret what a caller says.

Samsung phones also offer a similar option. Users of Galaxy devices can rely on Bixby’s text call function, which uses artificial intelligence to screen calls in much the same way.

For Apple users, though, iOS 26’s call screening is the company’s first serious step into automated call defense—a long-awaited tool for anyone who’s ever sighed at yet another “potential spam” alert lighting up their screen.

Getting Too Many Spam Calls? New iPhone iOS 26 Call Screen Feature Could Help (Android Users Have It Too)

People

The K-pop sensation Tomorrow x Together (TXT) is taking a stand for mental health. Partnering with UNICEF, the group launched the "Together for Tomorrow" campaign to promote empathy and encourage open conversations about mental well-being. Their goal is to erase the stigma that often surrounds discussing mental health issues.

The five members of TXT, Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Hueningkai, hope their involvement will resonate with their fanbase known as MOA, or "Moments of Alwaysness." The band recently spoke with PEOPLE backstage at their ACT:TOMORROW world tour's final U.S. show in Newark, New Jersey.

Taehyun explained how closely this initiative aligns with their music. "Mental health is a hot topic worldwide and also the music that we’re doing is talking about empathy," he said. The campaign comes with a funding commitment of $1.4 million from their record label BIGHIT Music.

Hueningkai emphasized the personal connection fans have with these issues. "I’m just hoping that our music can mentally care for them and be there for them," he shared. He noted that many people in their 20s face mental struggles today and hoped their music could provide comfort.

One track particularly relevant to this theme is "Panic," co-written by Beomgyu. Its lyrics aim to offer solace to those facing mental health challenges. Hueningkai mentioned that the band has experienced similar struggles themselves, which motivates them to encourage others to speak up.

Soobin faced his own battle with nerves when preparing for a speech at UNICEF House in New York on Sept. 30. For support, he turned to RM from BTS, who had addressed world leaders at the United Nations in 2018 as part of BTS’s "Love Myself" campaign with UNICEF.

"I talked to him because I realized he was exactly my age when he gave that speech [at the United Nations]," Soobin said. RM provided advice and even called Soobin right before his speech to calm his nerves.

On tour, TXT made efforts to prioritize mental well-being for themselves too. They performed solo acts for the first time during this tour but found time backstage to support each other’s performances once initial nerves subsided.

Beomgyu discovered a new appreciation for exploring cities while touring—a rare departure from his usual routine of staying indoors at hotels. He enjoyed capturing photos and experiencing each city's unique vibe.

If you or someone you know needs help with mental health issues, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 and connect with a certified crisis counselor immediately.

K-Pop Sensation Teams Up With UNICEF To Tackle Mental Health Stigma

A decade ago, Middle School 50 in Brooklyn was on the brink of collapse. It had been labeled a “persistently dangerous school,” enrollment had plummeted from more than a thousand students to just 160, and morale was low.

Then principal Benjamin Honoroff arrived with an unconventional idea — and a background in debate.

“We were on a list of persistently dangerous schools, and there'd been some pretty drastic enrollment decline from over a thousand students to 160 students,” Honoroff said.

Instead of focusing on discipline or test prep, the former high school debate coach made a bold move: he brought debate into every classroom. Every subject, every grade. The goal wasn’t just to teach kids how to argue — it was to teach them how to think.

“I've noticed my words and my writing structure has become much better just in the time I've been in debate,” said seventh grader Aria Rana.

Honoroff didn’t stop there. He expanded the debate team too, eventually getting a third of the student body involved. A select group of students began competing in tournaments around the country.

Even math got a dose of debate. “For example, a ratio problem — are they going to use a ratio table, are they going to use a double number line?” Honoroff explained. “And what we find is when students explain their mathematical reasoning, it really deepens their conceptual understanding.”

It worked. Within a few years, test scores shot up. English proficiency rose from single digits to 60 percent, and math scores climbed to 70 percent. Enrollment rebounded. And for the first time, Middle School 50 started winning — both academically and competitively.

Students Erick Williams and Anedwin Moran first made their mark in local debate tournaments. “I felt like it kind of gave us an edge when we went to tournaments because we were kind of already used to it,” Williams said.

Then, last June, everything came full circle. As eighth graders competing at the largest middle school debate tournament in the country, the two won the national championship in policy debate.

“I was so happy. I couldn't process nothing. I was really happy and excited,” Moran said.

“When I, like, really snapped into it and realized what we had accomplished, it took me back to, like, when we was in sixth grade, I wasn't even a registered debater. It felt like a journey worth taking,” Williams added.

That journey began with a principal who believed that giving students a voice could change everything.

“There's a deep, deep pride in this school as a community hub,” Honoroff said. “It's inspiring every day to walk down the block and have people say, I went to that school and, you know, keep it going, keep it going.”

Once a school defined by danger, Middle School 50 has turned itself into something much stronger — a place where young voices are shaping their futures, one argument at a time.

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