Goodable

A 385-pound lion got a tooth capped at a zoo in Melbourne, Australia, recently, in a procedure that required a team of 10 just to lift him onto the operating table.

According to a press release from the Melbourne Zoo, eight-year-old lion Zuberi needed a pulp capping to fix a chipped “big fang” that likely broke on a bone.

In footage provided by the zoo, specialist animal dentist Dr David Clarke said it was a “privilege” to perform the 30-minute operation on Zuberi, noting that it was easier to work on lions than house cats because of the size of their teeth – 10 centimeters (4 inches) in length compared to one centimeter for a domestic cat.

The blue mittens sported by Zuberi during the operation were knitted by volunteers to help keep him warm during the operation, Laura Weiner, the life science manager of the zoo added in the video.

The damaged tooth had been discovered by zookeepers during a training session, the press release said.

A 385-pound lion got a tooth capped at a zoo in Melbourne, Australia, recently, in a procedure that required a team of 10 just to lift him onto the operating table.According to a press release from the Melbourne Zoo, eight-year-old lion Zuberi needed a pulp capping to fix a chipped “big fang” that likely broke on a bone.In footage provided by the zoo, specialist animal dentist Dr David Clarke said it was a “privilege” to perform the 30-minute operation on Zuberi, noting that it was easier to work on lions than house cats because of the size of their teeth – 10 centimeters (4 inches) in length compared to one centimeter for a domestic cat.The blue mittens sported by Zuberi during the operation were knitted by volunteers to help keep him warm during the operation, Laura Weiner, the life science manager of the zoo added in the video.The damaged tooth had been discovered by zookeepers during a training session, the press release said.

A Lion Just Got a New Tooth From a Local Dentist After His Fang Chipped

Talker News

Wild beavers are back in Cornwall for the first time in four centuries. Two pairs of these industrious animals have been released by Cornwall Wildlife Trust at a nature reserve in mid-Cornwall, marking a significant moment for local ecology. This is the county’s first fully licensed release, following three years of detailed planning and consultation with government bodies.

Once common across Britain, beavers were hunted to extinction 400 years ago. Today, they’re being recognized as crucial keystone species that can reshape entire ecosystems. Their return has come at an important time; conservationists report that one in six species is at risk of disappearing from Great Britain.

Matt Walpole, CEO of Cornwall Wildlife Trust, highlighted the importance of this event: “Today’s release is a landmark for conservation in Cornwall and a testament to over a decade of dedication from our team, supporters and partners.”

Beavers are known for their ability to create wetlands through their natural behavior. They build dams and lodges that slow down water flow. This helps reduce flooding during heavy rains while storing water during drier periods, increasing drought resilience. These newly created wetlands filter pollutants and sediments, improving water quality and supporting more diverse wildlife.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust has spent over ten years working toward the return of beavers to Cornish rivers. Evidence shows that beaver activity can significantly boost biodiversity: tripling pond plant diversity, increasing frogspawn abundance by over 6,000 percent, boosting bird species up to 100 meters away from their sites, raising bat activity by nearly 400 percent, enhancing moth diversity by 24 percent, and increasing dragonfly species sevenfold.

Dr. Roisin Campbell from Beaver Trust emphasized the significance of reintroducing beavers into the wild. “Carefully planned reintroductions like this help move beavers from isolated pockets towards healthy, connected populations,” she said. This collaboration between Beaver Trust and Cornwall Wildlife Trust aims to restore resilient environments while tackling biodiversity decline.

The wild beaver releases have been made possible due to support from local business St Eval and generous donations to the Trust’s Wild Beaver Appeal. Dr. Rob Stoneman from The Wildlife Trusts noted the broader implications of this project: “This is a historic moment... it paves the way for more to follow.” If other projects proceed as planned, The Wildlife Trusts hope to release around 100 beavers into seven rivers throughout this year.

Wild Beavers Return To The UK For First Time In 400 Years

Smithsonian Magazine

Scientist Brews ‘Vaccine Beer’ in His Kitchen—And Claims It Works

A U.S. virologist may have found the most unusual way yet to immunize against disease: by drinking beer.

Christopher Buck, a cancer researcher by day and homebrewer by hobby, has created what he calls “vaccine beer”—a pint infused with genetically engineered yeast designed to trigger an immune response against BK polyomavirus, a virus linked to kidney, bladder, and brain conditions.

The experimental beer, brewed in his own kitchen, contains live yeast carrying instructions to make virus-like particles. Buck drank a pint a day over five days last May, gave himself two booster rounds seven weeks apart, and says blood tests later showed his body had produced antibodies targeting two strains of the virus.

“It was one of the best homebrews I ever made,” Buck told The Times (London). The beer was described as “delicious” in his blog post. But this wasn’t just about taste. “The idea is to just take living yeast, which are what makes beer, and put a vaccine inside the living yeast,” Buck said in a video. “You can actually get the yeast to cause an immune response.”

So far, the results are unverified and unpublished in any scientific journal. Buck uploaded the data to Zenodo, an open-access repository, in December. The work has not been peer-reviewed.

What makes the idea so radical is how simple it is. Buck and his brother, who co-authored the study, say edible vaccines using brewer’s yeast could make immunization cheaper, easier, and more accessible—especially for people with needle anxiety or limited access to healthcare systems.

The idea stems from earlier experiments in mice. Buck’s team fed them genetically engineered yeast producing virus-like proteins. The yeast seemed to shield the proteins from stomach acid, allowing the immune system to recognize and respond to them in the gut. The mice developed protective antibodies.

Inspired by that result, Buck—who’s been homebrewing for 30 years—took it a step further. Unable to test on humans through his official role at the National Cancer Institute (due to NIH ethics restrictions), he launched his own nonprofit, Gusteau Research Corporation, to self-experiment as a private citizen.

The name Gusteau is a nod to the fictional chef in Ratatouille whose motto was “Anyone can cook.” In Buck’s case, the motto might as well be: “Anyone can vaccinate—at home, in a pint glass.”

But the DIY approach has raised eyebrows in the scientific community.

“This is not the place for do-it-yourself,” said Arthur Caplan, a medical ethicist at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. He warned the concept could fuel vaccine skepticism if it appears reckless or unserious.

Virologist Michael Imperiale of the University of Michigan also questioned the lack of formal safety testing, saying it wasn’t clear what side effects the team was even monitoring.

Buck maintains that he experienced no significant side effects and says the goal was never to launch a consumer product, but to prove the broader idea of food-based vaccines. The team hopes to expand to other diseases, including COVID-19, flu, herpesviruses, and adenovirus.

“Food-based vaccines are dramatically faster, easier and cheaper to produce,” the authors wrote in their report. “For some populations, edible vaccines may also be more acceptable and accessible.”

Whether this pint-sized breakthrough becomes a serious pathway for public health remains to be seen. For now, it’s one man’s kitchen experiment with bold ambitions and a very strange brewing twist.

Scientist Successfully Fights Virus With Self-Brewed 'Vaccine Beer'

The Guardian

An adorable four-month-old endangered gorilla was spotted snacking on a stalk of celery that was taller than he was at his home in the Cincinnati Zoo.

This video published on Monday, February 9, shows Mboka Jo, a critically endangered western lowland gorilla, snacking on the treat on Sunday, February 1.

“Mboka Jo has been exploring more solid foods lately,” the zoo wrote on X.

📸 Cincinnati Zoo/Sue Meyer via Storyful

Tiny 4-Month-Old Gorilla Dwarfed by Celery Snack

Sunny Skyz

A terrifying car crash in Florida turned into a story of heroism, survival, and new life — all in a single day.

Logan Hayes was driving to work near Interstate 95 in Martin County when he saw something strange: a car sinking in a nearby pond. Without hesitation, he pulled over, dove into the cold water, and swam 30 meters toward the vehicle, which was quickly filling with water.

“I could see her sitting in the driver's seat and just kind of looking around like what do I do,” Hayes later told local media. “And I just said, ‘You have to come to me.’”

With seconds to spare, Hayes opened the back door and pulled the woman out. As he helped her to shore, he realized something else.

“I grabbed her, I knew immediately… ‘Oh my God, this lady is pregnant.’”

The woman was 34 weeks pregnant. Her name is Sheldy Apollon, and she had been suffering from preeclampsia when she lost control of her car that morning. She said she began feeling dizzy while driving and tried to pull over — but instead ended up in the pond.

“I started to feel some water on my feet, so I started to panic a little,” Apollon said.

Paramedics arrived moments later and rushed her to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital. That same day, just hours after her rescue, Apollon gave birth to a baby girl — Ivory Atara Sulley.

Weighing just under 1.8 kilograms, baby Ivory was born on her mother’s birthday — February 5 — the same day as the crash and the rescue.

“Now that we share our birthday — our bond is just tighter than ever,” Apollon said.

Her fiancé, Woodley Sully, called the series of events nothing short of divine.

“The only way I can explain this is God,” he said. “You just have to believe… my girls are here, so I’m grateful.”

Hayes, whose actions likely saved two lives, said he’s still trying to take it all in.

“All the things that are positive, it's just like wow,” he said. “Crazy to feel like I'm a part of something like this.”

Apollon is expected to be released soon, while baby Ivory remains in the NICU for a short stay as she gains strength. Apollon said the first time she got to hold her daughter was unforgettable.

“Having her hands touch me and feeling her heartbeat, it was surreal,” she said.

Florida Man Rescues Pregnant Woman from Sinking Car — Hours Later, She Gives Birth

BBC News

After nearly 19 hours of pain, determination, and unwavering support from strangers, Paul McDougal finally crossed the finish line at St James Metro station in Newcastle — completing his mission to run the entire length of the Tyne and Wear Metro system.

The 35-year-old, originally from Cramlington but now living in Vietnam, covered 73.5 miles (118 km) in 18 hours and 40 minutes on Sunday. His goal? Raise £12,000 for the National Association for Children of Alcoholics, a UK charity that supports children growing up with parents struggling with addiction.

“I’m relieved and so pleased that I managed to get to the end of this run,” McDougal told BBC Radio Newcastle. “I'm looking forward to a nice sit down now.”

The route, mapped to follow the Metro's yellow and green lines, began at South Hylton station in Sunderland and snaked its way through Pelaw, South Shields, Gateshead, Newcastle, the airport, and then around the coastal loop through North Tyneside before ending at St James. McDougal tracked the line using nearby paths and roads, turning the regional rail network into a grueling ultramarathon.

The hardest stretch, he said, came in the dead of night around mile 35, between South Gosforth and Newcastle Airport. “My knees were on fire… I was in so much pain I thought I was going to vomit,” he recalled.

What got him through it was support — not just from family and friends, but from total strangers who showed up at Metro stations with food, cheers, and handmade banners. “If it wasn’t for them, I would have never got the job done,” McDougal said. “When I came up with this stupid idea about nine months ago, I was going to do it completely alone. That would have been ridiculous.”

Now that it’s over, McDougal says he’s humbled by the response and proud of what the money will mean for others. “It’ll be amazing for so many children,” he said.

Lynne Dickinson, station delivery manager at Nexus, called the effort an “incredible feat of endurance” and said the transport team was thrilled to see him complete the challenge in under a day.

After a monumental run that covered nearly every corner of the Metro network, McDougal has earned exactly what he’s looking forward to next: a long, well-deserved rest.

This Runner Tackled an Entire Metro Network on Foot, and Raised £12K for Children’s Charity

Science Alert

It may sound like a prehistoric predator, but Tyrannoroter heberti had more in common with a salad bar than a meat locker.

This newly described species lived about 307 million years ago and was among the first known land animals to try out a mostly plant-based diet. At just 25 centimetres long, Tyrannoroter wasn't terrorizing other creatures — unless you were a fern.

“This is one of the oldest known four-legged animals to eat its veggies,” said Arjan Mann, an evolutionary biologist at the Field Museum in Chicago and co-lead author of the study, published in Systematic Palaeontology. “It shows that experimentation with herbivory goes all the way back to the earliest terrestrial tetrapods — the ancient relatives of all land vertebrates, including us.”

The fossil was discovered inside a tree stump in Nova Scotia, Canada. Using high-resolution micro-CT scans, researchers examined its skull and found something unexpected: an extra set of grinding plates — called dental batteries — hidden inside its mouth. These bony structures, located on the roof of the mouth and lower jaw, were similar to those seen in later herbivorous animals, including some dinosaurs.

“We were most excited to see what was hidden inside the mouth of this animal once it was scanned — a mouth jam-packed with a whole additional set of teeth for crushing and grinding food, like plants,” said Hillary Maddin, a paleontologist at Carleton University and senior author of the study.

Despite its strong lean toward leafy greens, Tyrannoroter was probably an opportunistic omnivore, happy to snack on insects or other arthropods when it could. But its dental structure suggests it was making an evolutionary leap into a new kind of diet — one that tapped into the abundant plant life that had already been thriving on land for over 100 million years.

It may not have been the first tetrapod to chew on a leaf, either. Once researchers identified the herbivorous traits in Tyrannoroter, they went back and looked at other specimens from the same group of early animals, known as pantylids. They found similar features in fossils as old as 318 million years — pushing the origins of herbivory further back than previously thought.

“The pantylids are from the second phase of terrestriality, when animals became permanently adapted to life on dry land,” said Mann.

There’s even a theory about how these plant-based diets evolved. Early tetrapods may have started by eating insects, whose tough exoskeletons required heavy-duty teeth. Over time, those same crushing tools proved just as effective on fibrous plants — and the insects may have passed along the gut microbes needed to digest them.

So while Tyrannoroter heberti may not have been a fearsome hunter, it was a pioneer in its own right — quietly reshaping the food chain one chewed leaf at a time.

Meet Tyrannoroter heberti, a 307-Million-Year-Old Veggie-Lover With a Ferocious Name

In Nepal, where nearly one in five people over 40 has type 2 diabetes, doctors are looking to the past for a way forward — and finding surprising success in the country's own traditional foods.

A return to lentils and rice, or dal bhat, may be one of the most effective tools in reversing the spread of type 2 diabetes in Nepal, a country where medication is often out of reach and complications like kidney failure, limb loss, and blindness are common among untreated patients.

“For many families, diabetes is not just a medical condition, but a long-term social and economic burden,” said Dr Ashish Tamang, a resident doctor in Kathmandu.

A pilot study based in the capital showed that 43 percent of participants with long-standing diabetes went into remission after switching to a calorie-controlled traditional diet. A larger, ongoing trial with 120 participants in surrounding villages is showing similar results: nearly half were free from diabetes after just four months, despite only modest weight loss.

“It is very early days but around half are free from diabetes at four months, with an average weight loss of only 4–5kg,” said Professor Mike Lean, a diabetes and human nutrition expert from the University of Glasgow and lead researcher on the project.

The diet program — a collaboration between the University of Glasgow and Dhulikhel Hospital — is designed specifically for low-income communities and relies on local, affordable ingredients. Participants are guided through a weight-loss phase of around 850 calories a day for eight weeks, usually starting the day with yoghurt and fruit, followed by meals of dal bhat. Once the target weight is achieved, they shift to a maintenance version of the same diet.

The program emphasizes consistency, portion control, and avoiding highly processed snacks — a sharp contrast to the increasingly common western junk food now found in Nepal’s shops. A recent study found 87 percent of packaged foods in Kathmandu exceeded World Health Organization recommendations for sugar, salt, or fat content.

Lean, who helped lead the UK's groundbreaking DiRECT trial on diet-based diabetes remission, believes the Nepal program could have an even bigger impact than similar efforts in the West. People of South Asian descent, he explained, are more genetically predisposed to diabetes and tend to develop it at lower body weights — but also need to lose less to reverse it.

“In Nepal it’s around half [the weight loss needed compared to UK patients],” he said. “It makes the task a fair bit easier.”

To make the program accessible, screening camps provided simple tools — measuring cups, food scales, and diet plans — to help participants stick to proper portion sizes. Local support groups, led by female health volunteers rather than doctors, have become the backbone of the program’s success.

The program also encourages switching from highly refined white rice to brown rice, which retains more nutrients, including Vitamin B1 — essential for carbohydrate metabolism.

“This is not rocket science,” said Lean. “But it’s way more effective than any drug or medicine, and traditional medicines that don’t do anything.”

Originally funded by the UK government, the program nearly stalled due to budget cuts. A £1.78 million donation from the Howard Foundation has since secured its continuation, along with the creation of educational materials about the drivers of diabetes.

Lean is clear on where he believes the crisis began. As he describes it, Nepal's diabetes epidemic began with a bicycle — the first one to arrive in a remote village, loaded with sweets and soft drinks. With better roads came motorcycles, then vans, all bringing processed food to areas that had long thrived on simple, nutrient-rich diets and physically active lifestyles.

Now, less physical labour and constant access to high-calorie packaged food have combined to accelerate the problem.

Officials from other South Asian countries are watching closely. “They all said: ‘If this works in Nepal, it will work for us,’” Lean said.

As Junk Food is Fueling a Crisis in Nepal, People are Turning to Traditional Diets to Fight Diabetes

At Nike’s world headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, buildings are named after legends like Serena Williams and Jerry Rice. But the company’s latest innovation isn’t just for elite athletes. It’s for anyone with a body, says Nike.

Enter Project Amplify — a futuristic footwear system designed to give everyday people a boost in speed, endurance, and confidence. Think of it as “an e-bike for your feet,” said Mike Yonker, who leads the team behind the project.

Set for commercial release in 2028, Project Amplify merges sneaker design with wearable tech. The prototype, tested recently at Nike’s campus, includes standard-looking trainers with carbon fiber plates embedded in the soles. But the magic happens behind the heel: sleek, battery-powered titanium leg shells that strap around the calves.

These 3D-printed exoshells house sensors, motors, and circuits that read your stride and adapt to your gait. “It’s learning how your ankles are moving, how long your steps are,” said Alison Sheets-Singer, lead scientist on the project. “So that when it turns on, it feels natural and smooth.”

A smartphone app powers the system and lets users toggle between “walk” and “run” modes. Once activated, the leg shells help lift the wearer’s heels and drive the foot forward, adding propulsion with every step.

The goal, Nike says, isn’t just to push personal bests but to expand what people feel capable of — especially as mobility becomes a growing issue.

“We’ve described a phenomenon called ‘personal range anxiety,’” said Luke Mooney, CEO of Dephy, a startup that collaborated with Nike on Project Amplify. “People are making decisions based on: ‘Will I be comfortable? Will I be in pain? Will I be able to keep up with my friends and family?’”

That’s where bionic footwear could change the game. The battery is designed to last for about a 10-kilometer run, and users can swap in a fresh pack to go further. The system is still light enough to feel like a natural extension of the body — and powerful enough to make a noticeable difference.

Nike’s idea isn’t entirely new. Companies have long experimented with ways to help people move faster. From 1600s bone skates to 1970s nylon sneakers and 1980s step-counting trainers, history is packed with attempts to speed up the human foot.

But until recently, one thing held innovators back: power. The energy needed to propel a person forward just couldn’t be packed into a shoe-sized device — until now.

Because of that constraint, most high-tech mobility systems today, including Ascentiz’s H+K exoskeleton, use leg attachments rather than just shoes. Sidekick, Dephy’s own standalone product, takes a similar approach to Amplify, wrapping the lower leg in lightweight motorized hardware.

Bionic footwear made a splash at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, where over a dozen companies showcased motor-assisted walking systems. Some target athletes, but many are designed for older adults or people with disabilities — helping them reduce fatigue, regain independence, or rejoin activities they’ve had to give up.

“E-bikes have changed the landscape of mountain biking for people that maybe didn’t have the ability or were getting older,” said Mark Oleson, a footwear innovation veteran and now CEO of Avoli. “There’s a huge opportunity here.”

Nike believes the future of sport includes broader definitions of who gets to be called an athlete — and how technology can help level the playing field.

“Amplify is designed for that everyday athlete,” said Yonker. “To go further, to go faster, with greater levels of confidence.”

Nike’s Bionic Sneaker Project Aims to Change How We Move by 2028

ESPN

At one end of the rink, Rasmus Wranå pumped his fists. At the other, his sister Isabella jumped in the air, broom in hand, glasses slightly askew, and a stunned look on her face.

The Swedish siblings made history Tuesday night, winning gold in mixed doubles curling at the Winter Olympics — Sweden’s first-ever medal in the event and the first time a sibling team has stood atop the podium.

Their 6-5 win over the U.S. team of Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin came down to the very last stone. With the score tied and the pressure on, Isabella delivered the final shot. She crouched low, eyes locked on the target, while Rasmus swept furiously down the ice. Their red stone nudged the Americans' yellow rock just enough to secure the victory.

The Wranås celebrated quietly, their small Swedish fan group cheering from the stands, while the largely American crowd roared in appreciation of a nailbiter finish.

For the U.S., the silver medal was a historic moment of its own. Thiesse and Dropkin became the first American team to ever medal in Olympic mixed doubles curling — and Thiesse is now the first U.S. woman to win an Olympic curling medal.

The two, who both live in Duluth, Minnesota, are more than just curling partners. They were college classmates, and after a failed attempt to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2022, Dropkin invited Thiesse to team up. They went on to win the world title in 2023.

By day, they lead regular lives. Thiesse is a lab technician; Dropkin works in real estate. He's engaged. She's married.

The Swedish siblings also have a long history together — one that began on home ice. Coached by their father, Mats Wranå, Isabella and Rasmus started as rivals. In 2024, they became world champions in mixed doubles. Still, their Olympic campaign didn’t start smoothly. Sweden lost three straight games in the round robin, prompting headlines back home dubbing the effort a “Curlingfiasko.”

But the Wranås fought their way back, winning most of their remaining games and eventually clawing their way to the final.

The gold medal match was intense from start to finish. The Americans thrived off the energy of a raucous crowd, with Dropkin rallying fans throughout the night. At one point, a teammate in the rafters shouted, “Show me your biceps!” and Dropkin flexed.

But in the end, it was Sweden’s quiet, focused persistence that won the night — and the gold.

For the Wranås, it was more than a victory. It was the culmination of years of family training, sibling competition, and shared dreams. And for Thiesse and Dropkin, it was the end of a remarkable run that redefined what’s possible for U.S. curling.

Sibling Duo from Sweden Wins Olympic Gold in Mixed Doubles Curling

Damien Walters has thrown himself off buildings, flipped over cars, and faced explosions on film sets across the world. Now, the Derby-born stuntman is taking on a new challenge — turning a derelict Victorian foundry into a £13 million stunt academy and film studio.

“It’s incredible,” said Walters, known for his work on Skyfall, Captain America: The First Avenger, and Jurassic World. “It took a long time to buy, it took a long time to convince people of what we’re trying to do. But once we started, it was a foot to the floor really.”

His company, Damien Walters Ltd, bought the 80,000-square-foot former Aida Bliss factory in 2023 from Derby City Council. After years exposed to the elements, the site is finally taking shape.

The western building has been cleaned, sealed, and fitted with a mezzanine structure that will hold multiple performance studios. A themed café, a large gym, and office space are all part of the plan, with a target opening date of September 2026.

Next door, the project’s second phase is already attracting industry attention. Marv Studios, the production company behind the Kingsman films, has filmed scenes there for an upcoming movie. The space will eventually house a fully-equipped filming studio and interactive theatres aimed at blending artificial intelligence with physical performance.

“We want to make next door a very creative hub — the magnet to bring anybody in the creative industries into this area,” Walters said.

He’s currently seeking funding to install a massive 133-metre roof on the eastern building to make it watertight, describing it as essential to unlocking the site’s full potential.

Derby may seem an unlikely location for a global stunt centre, but Walters says it’s exactly the right place. “We have a Spiderman stunt double here, a Doctor Strange, a Captain America, a James Bond, a Lara Croft — the amount of stunt professionals that come from Derby is incredible,” he said.

The facility won’t just serve Hollywood productions. Walters wants it to be a launchpad for local talent. The new stunt academy will also become the home of Derby City Gymnastics Club, and will offer training in parkour, martial arts, dance, trampolining, preschool gymnastics, and more.

“I could develop a system where we can take children from the grass roots, go all the way through and steer a lot of the children into a creative industry,” he said. “I don’t care if you’re seven or 77, we want there to be a place for you in this place.”

It’s a bold plan with a clear mission: turn Derby into the beating heart of stunt performance in the UK — and possibly the world.

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