Birds-of-Paradise Flashy Feathers also Glow in Biofluorescence, Surprise Discovery Demonstrates
Birds-of-paradise have long dazzled us with their incredibly vibrant and varied plumage, but researchers studying the group have recently made an even more incredible discovery. Plumage on 37 of 45 birds-of-paradise species emit biofluorescence meaning molecules inside the feathers absorb UV light and release it as a yellow-green glow. From long spindly plumes, to bright […]
If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Eat ‘Em: Ecologists Combat Invasive Lionfish with Local Cuisine
In parts of the Mediterranean, invasive lionfish have devastated local marine biodiversity, but an allegiance between fishermen and chefs may mean the invader has met its match. On the island of Cyprus, the strategy is now clear: if we can’t beat it, let’s eat it. Native to the Indo-Pacific the lionfish has been introduced to […]
France Bans Forever Chemicals in Cosmetics, Fashion, and Ski Wax
Being that many of the so-called “forever chemicals” are involved in making products water-resistant, a French ban on their use in the textile, fashion, and cosmetics industries should serve to greatly reduce the nation’s population to their exposure. There are hundreds of forever chemicals often called per or poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) like perfluorooctanoic acid […]
First Nation Innovates Prefabricated Housing System from Locally-Sourced Wood
Prefabricated housing holds the potential to erect both economic opportunities and affordable housing in Canada’s far northwest, tribal leaders believe. Using low-quality timber sourced locally, the Nak’adzli Whuton, a first nation located near Fort St. James in British Columbia, are creating mass timber panels that can be quickly assembled into a standard building. The Nak’adzli […]
Good News in History, January 6
63 years ago today, Mutual of Omaha’s ‘Wild Kingdom’ was first broadcast on NBC. Hosted by American zoologist Marlin Perkins and filmed by Jim Fowler, the program won 4 Emmys for Outstanding Program Achievement during its original running on NBC every Sunday. ‘Wild Kingdom’ brought the wilds of the Amazon River, the Serengeti, and more […]
Father Saves 10 from Bar Fire at Swiss New Year’s Party After Frantic Call from His Daughter
Out of the fire that claimed over 40 young lives in Switzerland on New Year’s Eve comes a story of heroism and coincidence that allowed an Italian Swiss father to help rescue 10 of the youth trapped inside the underground venue. In the Swiss town of Crans Montana, sparklers or similar items are believed to […]
Anti-Aging Drug Regrows Knee Cartilage in Major Breakthrough That Could End Knee Replacements
An injection that blocks the activity of a protein involved in aging reverses naturally occurring cartilage loss in the knee joints of old mice, a Stanford Medicine-led study has found. The treatment also prevented the development of arthritis after knee injuries such as ACL tears often experienced by athletes or recreational exercisers. An oral version […]
Hospital Technician Lends His X-Ray Machine to Help Woman Find Lost Heirloom Rings
The radiology department at an Iowa hospital recently teamed up with the waste management team to put the ‘care’ in healthcare, and left a patient in tears with gratitude. At Grundy County Memorial Hospital, Susan Sinnwell had arrived for a routine medical procedure. Preparing for a couple of X-rays, she took off a pair of […]
Zero Rhinos Poached in India’s Stronghold for the Second Year on Record
India’s rhino stronghold of Assam reported zero deaths due to poaching among its populations of greater one-horned rhinos in 2025. The success replicates that seen in 2023, another year in which poachers claimed no rhinos. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of the state of Assam, akin to a US governor, said it was “a […]
Good News in History, January 5
73 years ago today, Waiting for Godot premiered in France. The tragicomedy play written by Irishman Samuel Beckett in interpretation of an earlier French play, En attend de Godot, it’s regarded by critics as “one of the most enigmatic plays of modern literature.” Featuring two characters spilling their thoughts out as they wait for the eponymous […]