Akimatsuri: Tooro Nagashi ceremony takes place this Saturday in Mogi

Akimatsuri: Tooro Nagashi acontece neste sábado em Mogi

In Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil, a Japanese community has been keeping an ancient tradition alive for nearly four decades. This Saturday marks another Tooro Nagashi ceremony, where hundreds of glowing lanterns will be released onto a lake as part of the 38th Akimatsuri festival. The ritual, which honors ancestors and guides their spirits to peaceful rest, transforms the water into a shimmering canvas of light and intention. Each small illuminated boat carries a word—love, prosperity, hope—chosen by families to send messages to those who have passed. The ceremony has deep roots in Japanese culture, traditionally performed on the final evening of Obon, a festival similar to the Day of the Dead. Families believe that during this time, the spirits of ancestors return to visit the living, and the lanterns light their way back to the spiritual realm. In Nagasaki, the ritual took on added meaning after the atomic bombing, becoming a symbol of peace and healing. For the Brazilian-Japanese community in Mogi das Cruzes, organized by the local Bunkyo cultural association since 1986, it remains a cherished connection to heritage. A Buddhist service precedes the lantern release, and as darkness falls, the reflection of countless flames creates what participants describe as a scene of faith and emotion. What makes this story quietly remarkable is how ritual bridges distance and time. Visitors speak of the ceremony as conversation with the departed, a tangible way to renew faith and express gratitude. It's a reminder that some traditions transcend geography, finding new life in unexpected places while preserving their capacity to connect us with what—and who—matters most.

A prickle of hedgehogs and an armada of newts: wildlife settles in at London’s new Queen Elizabeth garden

London's Regent's Park is welcoming visitors to a new two-acre garden dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II, though humans are arriving decidedly second. A hairy-footed flower bee, breeding geese, dragonfly nymphs, hedgehogs, newts, butterflies, and one particularly mischievous fox have already claimed the space as their own. The £5 million project transformed a former horticultural nursery into a thriving habitat, achieving an estimated 184% increase in biodiversity through careful design and native plantings. Where glasshouses and concrete once stood, the garden now features more than 40 trees, extensive wildflower meadows, climate-resilient plants, and a naturally filtered ornamental pond. A repurposed water storage tower offers panoramic views while housing swift nesting boxes and bat roosts in its newly designed roof. Manager and landscape architect Matthew Halsall created what he calls a "micro-mosaic of habitats," with interconnected channels that manage rainwater naturally and support plants suited to shifting seasonal conditions. The design carefully preserved existing residents—rare spiders, weevils, and moth caterpillar populations living in the original gravel were protected by incorporating similar surfaces into the new landscape. This project stands out for its dual ambition: honoring a monarch while serving the living city around it. The garden hosts central London's last breeding hedgehog population and thoughtfully blends climate-resilient species with natives threatened by warming temperatures. It's a quietly radical approach to memorial-making—one that measures success not in stone monuments but in the return of bees, the nesting of swifts, and the daily visits of a rope-chewing fox. Sometimes the most meaningful tributes are the ones that buzz, flutter, and grow.

Artemis II Moon mission lifts children's ambitions

The successful completion of NASA's Artemis II Moon mission has done more than make headlines—it's opened young minds to the reality of space careers, particularly in communities far from traditional aerospace hubs. In Cornwall, England, educators are witnessing a shift in how children perceive their future possibilities. What once seemed like science fiction now feels tangible, especially when local facilities like Goonhilly Earth Station played a direct role in supporting the mission. Caitlin Gould, who leads TECgirls, an organization dedicated to bringing more women into technology and engineering, says the mission has helped young people understand that space work isn't confined to distant American launch sites. Her Reach for the Sky festival at Spaceport Cornwall nearly sold out within a week, reflecting surging interest in aviation and aerospace careers. The event connects students with universities, employers, and training providers, demonstrating pathways through degrees, apprenticeships, and local colleges. Gould emphasizes that the Artemis crew's diverse backgrounds—pilots, engineers, scientists—challenge narrow assumptions about who belongs in space. Yet enthusiasm alone won't sustain momentum. A 2024 report from the Cornwall Space Cluster revealed that while school outreach has grown, training opportunities and further education courses have declined, likely due to funding pressures. Spaceport Cornwall recently paused its education programme amid financial challenges. Still, there are encouraging signs: female representation in engineering has risen from 10.5% in 2010 to 16.5% in 2022. As space agency officials note, the industry needs more than astronauts and engineers—it needs project managers, lawyers, and economists too. This story matters because it captures a moment when inspiration meets infrastructure, and reminds us that dreams require both missions to the Moon and resources back on Earth.

Country diary: Return of the Manx shearwaters – this island is their home | Tim Earl

On a small island off the coast of the Isle of Man, a seabird with an extraordinary migration pattern has returned right on schedule. The Manx shearwater, one of the few birds named after a specific place, completes a remarkable 10,000-kilometer round trip from wintering grounds off Brazil and Argentina to breed on the Calf of Man. This year, as other migratory birds arrived unusually early due to climate warming, observers wondered whether the shearwaters would follow suit. The species has a resilient history on these islands. Though the colony that inspired the bird's name in 1835 was nearly destroyed by rats from a shipwreck, a rodent eradication program by the Manx Wildlife Trust helped the population rebound to more than 1,500 breeding pairs. The birds return each year to nest in burrows, raise a single chick, then depart in midsummer—leaving their young to navigate that epic southern journey alone, guided only by instinct. For the writer, spotting the first shearwaters sweeping low over the Irish Sea from St Michael's Isle was both a seasonal milestone and a personal touchstone. The memory of standing at Dungeness as a young birder, watching dedicated "sea watchers" track distant specks through telescope lenses balanced on bare toes, captures the quiet devotion these unassuming ocean wanderers inspire. The shearwaters' punctual return—despite the shifting rhythms of spring—offers a reassuring constant in a changing world, a reminder of the enduring cycles that connect distant coastlines and the people who watch for them.

Black Ferns come from behind to beat Canada

New Zealand's national women's rugby team, the Black Ferns, delivered a remarkable comeback victory against Canada in Kansas City, winning 36-14 in their Pacific Four Series match. The game, delayed three hours due to lightning, saw the Black Ferns transform a 14-5 halftime deficit into a commanding triumph through extraordinary second-half play. The victory carries extra significance as it avenges last year's World Cup semifinal loss to the same Canadian team. After a challenging first half, the Black Ferns found their rhythm in the second, crossing the try line five times with what observers described as scintillating running and handling. The turning point came in the 61st minute when Kaipo Olsen-Baker's try—initially ruled held up but overturned after video review—gave New Zealand their first lead of the match. Two minutes later, Maama Mo'onia Vaipulu's brilliant try extended the advantage, and Canada couldn't recover from the mounting pressure. This Pacific Four Series clash showcases the competitive depth in women's international rugby, where fortunes can shift dramatically and past defeats fuel future performances. The Black Ferns' ability to regroup at halftime and execute with precision under pressure demonstrates not just athletic skill but mental resilience. For fans of the sport, this match offers a compelling reminder that rugby's beauty often lies in these second-half surges, where teams dig deep and find another gear when everything seems against them.

How Maltese migrants united to build a Queensland sugarcane legacy

In Mackay, Queensland, three bronze statues now stand on a street corner that was once the heart of the local Maltese migrant community. For decades, men gathered at "Maltese Corner" on Wood and Victoria Street—laughing, sharing news about sugar prices, and quietly organizing support for newcomers trying to build lives in their adopted country. The latest statue honors Emanuel Camilleri, a former sugarcane farmer who died last year, joining sculptures of Sam Bezzina and John Vassallo in commemorating a remarkable chapter of grassroots mutual aid. After World War II, many young Maltese men arrived in Australia with little more than farming skills and determination. They worked grueling hours in the sugarcane fields, dreaming of owning their own farms but lacking the collateral to secure bank loans. That's where established farmers like Bezzina and Camilleri stepped in, pooling their resources to guarantee loans for the next generation. This informal network of support helped dozens of families transition from laborers to landowners, shaping the agricultural landscape of the region. Local historian Carmel Baretta, whose father Sam Bezzina is one of the three men depicted, led a fundraising effort that gathered over $300,000 in community donations within eighteen months to create the memorial. What makes this story quietly powerful is how it captures an understated form of community building—no institutions or formal programs, just people helping people at a street corner. Self-taught sculptor Kay Paton spent five years crafting the statues, with noisy, joyful visits from families crowding her workshop. The memorial stands as a testament to how migrants often rely on each other to turn hard work into lasting opportunity, one handshake at a time.

This type of croquet is a far cry from the Alice in Wonderland version

In Port Lincoln, South Australia, a 94-year-old woman named Patricia Schramm has just made a strategic shot in golf croquet, earning playful protests from her opponents. It's a scene far removed from the formal, refined image often associated with the sport—or the absurdist flamingo mallets of Alice in Wonderland. Instead, this Thursday morning gathering is about laughter, friendship, and staying active, and it's helping revive a club that once dwindled to just five members. Golf croquet, the simpler and faster cousin of traditional association croquet, has become a lifeline for social connection in communities across Australia. Unlike the solitary, strategic games that can stretch for hours, golf croquet puts all players on the court at once, racing to be first through each hoop. It's easy to learn and quick to play, making it especially popular among retirees. About 85 percent of Australia's 10,000 croquet players now favor this version. For people like Schramm and 88-year-old Marina Holland, the weekly games offer something invaluable: a reason to leave the house, see faces, and share stories after days spent alone. "We're not here to win," Schramm says. "We're here to enjoy the game, and enjoy the people." This quiet resurgence speaks to something larger than sport. As baby boomers retire and risk isolation in empty nests, croquet clubs are becoming unexpected community hubs—places where tactical thinking meets morning tea, and where a gentle swing of a mallet can mean connection, purpose, and joy. It's a reminder that sometimes the simplest games hold the most meaningful moments.

‘The environmental movement needs many hands’: saving Australia’s biodiversity is getting personal

A quiet shift is taking place in Australian conservation, one that draws its strength not from government mandates or corporate initiatives, but from individuals choosing to protect the land they love. Australians are increasingly gifting property for conservation and leaving environmental bequests in their wills, creating one of the world's largest networks of privately protected areas—over 10 million hectares. Between 2019 and 2024, leading environmental charities saw bequest revenue jump by 150 percent, a sign that personal action is filling gaps where public protection falls short. The movement traces back to 1990, when Tasmanian Greens MP Bob Brown bought two bush blocks he couldn't afford, outbidding a logging company at auction. With help from friend Judy Henderson and a scrappy fundraising effort, that impulsive act of hope grew into Bush Heritage Australia, now safeguarding 1.4 million hectares and supporting management of over 20 million more. The model has inspired smaller groups like the North East Tasmania Land Trust, which protects endangered eucalyptus forests and swift parrot habitats on just a few hectares. These organizations step in where government support is scarce, protecting ecosystems and wildlife that live outside national reserves, often on private or pastoral land vulnerable to clearing and invasive species. This story is worth your time because it illustrates how individual commitment can grow into something transformative. From Bob Brown's leap of faith to a taxi driver's million-dollar bequest for woodland recovery, Australians are writing conservation into their legacies. It's a reminder that large-scale change doesn't always require sweeping policy—sometimes it begins with many hands, each doing what they can.

Fremantle Prison break remembered 150 years on as 'ultimate story' of hope and freedom

One hundred fifty years ago, six Irish political prisoners pulled off one of Australia's most daring escapes from Fremantle Prison, a story now being remembered as a remarkable tale of hope and determination. The men were Fenians — Irish rebels who had fought for independence from British rule in the 1860s and were transported to Western Australia after their uprising failed. While most of their fellow prisoners were eventually released, these six military-trained Fenians remained locked away with no promise of freedom, languishing at what felt like the edge of the world. The rescue began with a desperate letter smuggled out by prisoner James Wilson in 1874, calling his situation a "living tomb" and pleading for help. His words reached John Devoy, a Fenian leader in America, who organized an audacious plan. They purchased a whaling ship called the Catalpa for the modern equivalent of $230,000 and sent it on what appeared to be a routine whaling voyage. The ship left Massachusetts in 1875 and didn't arrive in Western Australia until nearly a year later, with its crew posing as fishermen while secretly coordinating the breakout. What makes this story particularly captivating is not just its cinematic quality — complete with disguises, cryptic telegrams, and international intrigue — but the fact that nobody died in the escape. It's a narrative that connects Irish heritage with Australian history, yet remains surprisingly unknown. For those who discover it, the Catalpa rescue offers something quietly powerful: a reminder that even from the most hopeless circumstances, freedom can still be won.

Not all city suburbs have NBN access and it isn't by accident. Here's why

When Australia rolled out its National Broadband Network in 2009, the promise was clear: 90 percent of homes, schools, and workplaces would gain access to fiber-optic internet. What many didn't realize was that this didn't necessarily mean access to the publicly owned NBN itself. In some areas—particularly new suburban developments—residents are served exclusively by private providers, and for hundreds of thousands of Australians, that distinction has made all the difference. Opticomm, a major private network operator serving half a million properties, has drawn repeated complaints from customers experiencing outages lasting days or even weeks. These disruptions prevent people from working remotely, accessing banking and healthcare services, or simply streaming news and entertainment. The issue disproportionately affects residents of newer, more affordable greenfield suburbs, where Opticomm often holds exclusive infrastructure rights. Many turn to mobile data as a backup, sometimes at additional cost. Consumer advocates describe the service as "patchy at best" and warn that unreliable internet deepens social and economic inequality in an increasingly digital world. The federal government is now considering options under existing telecommunications legislation, though experts caution that meaningful change may require significant reforms to the Telecommunications Act itself. The story is a quiet reminder that infrastructure promises can hinge on fine print, and that access to something as fundamental as reliable internet can still come down to the luck of a postcode. It's worth paying attention to—not as a technical controversy, but as a question of fairness in how essential services reach everyday Australians.

Freedmen’s Town Bricks in Houston, Texas

In Houston's Fourth Ward, brick-paved streets tell a story that begins with freedom. After June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation—the day now celebrated as Juneteenth—formerly enslaved people began making their way to Texas cities. Many who had worked the plantations along the Brazos River settled in what became known as Freedmen's Town, building homes, churches, and a community from the ground up. The brick streets they laid in the 1860s were more than infrastructure; they were acts of self-determination, physical proof of people creating a place to belong. Remarkably, stretches of those original bricks still line Andrews Street and parts of Wilson Street today. They've endured more than 150 years of weather, the deliberate erasures of segregation, and repeated attempts by developers to pave them over. In 1985, Freedmen's Town gained recognition as a national historic site, offering some protection to what remains. This story matters because it's about persistence made tangible. These aren't replicas or commemorative installations—they're the actual bricks laid by hands that had just gained their freedom, still bearing the weight of traffic in a quiet residential neighborhood. It's a rare chance to walk on a piece of history that connects directly to one of America's most significant moments, preserved not in a museum but underfoot, part of the everyday landscape where that history unfolded.

The Brazilian admired by Michael Jackson and unknown in Brazil who will get a star on the Walk of Fame

O brasileiro admirado por Michael Jackson e desconhecido no Brasil que vai ganhar estrela na Calçada da Fama

Paulinho da Costa may not be a household name in his native Brazil, but the 77-year-old percussionist from Rio de Janeiro has quietly shaped the sound of modern music. On May 13th, he'll become the first Brazilian-born musician to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame—a recognition that reflects a career spanning more than five decades and nearly 7,000 recorded songs. Da Costa's percussion has graced over 180 gold and platinum albums, including some of the most iconic tracks in music history. Michael Jackson considered him "the greatest percussionist in the world" and insisted on having him play on every solo album. His distinctive Brazilian rhythms can be heard on "Thriller," "We Are The World," Earth, Wind & Fire's "September," Madonna's "La Isla Bonita," and countless other hits. He's worked with legends ranging from Quincy Jones and Stevie Wonder to Miles Davis and Bob Dylan, infusing a uniquely Brazilian sensibility into the songs that defined generations. Beyond music, he's contributed to more than 350 film soundtracks, and his work has been associated with 161 Grammy nominations and 59 wins. What makes da Costa's story quietly remarkable is how someone so influential could remain virtually unknown in his home country. A new Netflix documentary aims to change that, introducing audiences to the studio musician who never sought fame but became indispensable to the world's biggest artists. His story reminds us that some of the most profound cultural contributions happen not in the spotlight, but in the grooves beneath the groove—the subtle elements that make us want to dance without quite knowing why.

After being shot, community dog recovers well and mobilizes residents in Guaratiba

Após ser baleado, cão comunitário se recupera bem e mobiliza moradores em Guaratiba

A community dog named Cláudio Mileno is recovering well after being shot in Guaratiba, Rio de Janeiro. Neighbors rushed the injured dog to a municipal shelter, where veterinarians performed emergency surgery to repair damage to his stomach and diaphragm. The incident has mobilized the local community, which had long cared for the stray collectively. Municipal data reveals a troubling pattern: twelve animals were shot in the city last year, with Cláudio being the fourth case in 2025. Authorities have established new protocols to investigate such incidents, as animal cruelty carries penalties up to five years in prison. The shelter housing Cláudio cares for about a thousand animals awaiting adoption, and his story is already inspiring potential adopters.

Little dog leaves Campo Grande, crosses ocean and travels 8,000 km to reunite with family in Europe

Cachorrinha sai de Campo Grande, cruza oceano e percorre 8 mil km para reencontrar família na Europa

A 10-year-old Yorkshire terrier named Ellie traveled over 8,000 kilometers from Campo Grande, Brazil, to reunite with her family in Lisbon, Portugal. The 20-hour journey required months of paperwork and careful preparation by pet transport specialist Ana Clara Rosa Balbé. Ellie spent a week adapting to her travel carrier through gradual training with food, toys, and extended stays inside. The small dog was able to fly in the cabin, alternating between her carrier and her caretaker's lap. Her family had moved to Europe a year earlier but couldn't initially bring their pets due to health regulations. Their commitment to reuniting with their elderly dog, despite the complexity and cost, moved those involved in the journey.

Thomas J. Walker studied the songs of crickets and katydids

Thomas J. Walker, who died in April 2026 at 94, devoted his career to understanding crickets and katydids through their songs. Working at the University of Florida for over forty years, he challenged traditional taxonomy by emphasizing the study of living insects rather than preserved specimens alone. Walker demonstrated that insect songs were not merely byproducts of anatomy but essential traits that distinguished species and structured behavior. A pioneer in open-access science, he helped digitize research journals and created the "Singing Insects of North America" website, making specialized knowledge available to both researchers and the public. His work bridged careful observation with generous sharing of knowledge.

Electric car prototype created by UFMG students wins international award in USA for lowest energy consumption

Protótipo de carro elétrico criado por estudantes da UFMG ganha prêmio internacional nos EUA por menor consumo de energia

Engineering students from Brazil's Federal University of Minas Gerais achieved a historic first for Latin America, winning the Shell Eco-marathon United States competition in Indianapolis. Their electric prototype traveled an impressive 469.7 kilometers per kilowatt-hour, beating the second-place team by 40 km/kWh. The 30-member team, called Milhagem UFMG and founded in 2005, brings together students from mechanical, electrical, physics, and automation programs. Their $3,000 prize will fund improvements to their combustion-powered urban vehicle. The victory reflects years of refinement and consistent success at Brazilian competitions, where the team has claimed multiple national titles in electric prototype efficiency.

Community-led ecotourism protects rebounding wild cattle in Thailand

The critically endangered banteng, a rare wild cattle species, is thriving in Thailand's Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary thanks to habitat protection and anti-poaching patrols. Over the past two decades, the population has doubled to at least 1,400 individuals—the largest in Southeast Asia. As herds expanded into surrounding farmland, local communities initially faced crop damage and conflict. In response, residents launched a community-based ecotourism initiative in 2021, offering banteng-watching tours and cultural activities. More than 320 people from 19 villages now participate, transforming the species from a source of conflict into a vital economic and cultural asset while fostering a shared commitment to conservation.

Landmark US Magnuson-Stevens fisheries law turns 50 amid budget cut concerns

The U.S. Magnuson-Stevens Act celebrates its 50th anniversary this month, marking half a century of ocean conservation success. Passed in 1976 during an era of environmental crisis, the law extended U.S. coastal jurisdiction and established science-based fishery management councils. At least 50 fish stocks have been rebuilt since 2000, including Atlantic sea scallops and Pacific bluefin tuna, while the fishing industry now generates over $300 billion annually and supports 2.1 million jobs. However, conservationists worry that proposed $1.6 billion budget cuts to NOAA and calls to reduce fishing regulations could threaten these hard-won gains, even as 18% of U.S. fish stocks remain overfished.

The postcard that made its way home to Dunedin after 116 years

A postcard sent in 1910 from adventurous traveler Dorothy Theomin to her young cousin has returned to Dunedin's Olveston House after 116 years. The card, featuring Māori wahine by the Whanganui River, was mailed during Dorothy's North Island travels and recently donated back by an Auckland collector. Olveston, Dorothy's family home and now a museum, remains remarkably intact with all original furnishings and artwork. The postcard offers rare insight into Dorothy's life—she rarely kept diaries but was known as an avid mountaineer who crossed Copland's Pass eleven times. Both families, the Theomins and Hallensteins, were prominent Dunedin philanthropists who believed in giving back to their community.

Ephemeral nature of fungi has this photographer hooked on forest life

A surge of public interest in fungi has inspired a multisensory exhibition at Victoria's WAMA gallery, exploring themes of life, death, and renewal in the fungal kingdom. Environmental photographer Alison Pouliot, whose striking images span entire walls, attributes the "fungal awakening" to growing resistance against industrial food systems and the visual appeal of these ephemeral organisms. The exhibition features diverse artistic interpretations—from digital forest floor projections to sound installations made from recordings of tree roots—inviting visitors to consider fungi's vital role in Earth's ecosystems. Curator Felicity Spear hopes the show encourages deeper reflection on humanity's environmental impact through understanding these fascinating, foundational organisms.

An Argentine plants a guitar-shaped forest in tribute to his deceased wife

Un Argentin plante une forêt en forme de guitare en hommage à sa femme morte

In the Argentine pampas, a guitar-shaped forest stretches across 25 hectares—a labor of love planted by Pedro Ureta in memory of his wife, Graciela Yraizoz, who died of an aneurysm in 1977 at age 25. Over five years, Ureta planted some 7,000 trees following a meticulous design: dark green cypress outline the guitar's body, eucalyptus trace the six strings, and other cypresses form the bridge and rosette. Nearly 50 years later, the mature trees reveal their full splendor from above, visible on Google Earth. Though Ureta, who feared flying, never saw his creation from the sky before his death in 2019, his monument to enduring love remains—a quiet testament to devotion rooted in the earth.

VIDEO: Meet the 'Doodle Artist,' teacher from rural Maranhão who transforms words into drawings

VÍDEO: Conheça o “Artista do Rabisco”, professor do interior do MA que transforma palavras em desenhos

Antônio Arnóbio Ribeiro Verde, a 47-year-old art teacher in rural Maranhão, Brazil, has captured hearts online by transforming random scribbles and words into detailed drawings. Known as the "Doodle Artist," he began drawing at age two, seeing images in cracked walls and sketching with tile fragments and charcoal. The practice started as a classroom activity in 2023 when a student challenged him to turn a scribble into art. His students now regularly suggest words for him to illustrate. Despite limited resources, Verde's parents encouraged his talent, and he dreams of studying art formally. His warm teaching style and remarkable skill have earned him recognition both online and in his community.

'Really good at a bad ponytail': Dads learning new hair skills

A hairdressing tutor in Napier, New Zealand, has launched workshops teaching fathers how to style their daughters' hair. Courtney Cook, inspired by her own father who did her hair growing up, created the classes to help dads master practical skills like braids and ponytails. The workshops, which quickly sold out, focus on basics like sectioning and hair care while teaching three different styles. Participants range from self-described experts at "bad ponytails" to those with ambitious goals of recreating any hairstyle from a picture. Cook emphasizes that the real value isn't perfection but the quality time spent together, noting that daughters remember these moments of connection rather than flawless technique.

A chimpanzee’s rhythmic drumming with floorboards hints at origins of instruments

Ayumu, a 26-year-old chimpanzee at Kyoto University, has been spontaneously creating makeshift drums by prying up floorboards and performing structured, rhythmic displays while vocalizing. Researchers recorded 89 performances over two years and found the drumming followed non-random patterns remarkably similar to chimpanzee long-distance vocal calls. Ayumu combined up to 14 distinct actions—drumming, dragging, throwing—into sequences that built from soft sounds to climactic gestures. The chimp appeared to laugh and display play faces during performances, suggesting the behavior was emotionally rewarding. These observations offer intriguing clues about how instrumental music might have evolved from vocal emotional expression, though scientists note the findings are limited to a single captive individual.

Vibrant Holi celebrations draw thousands nationwide

More than 7,000 people gathered in Auckland and thousands more across New Zealand to celebrate Holi, the Festival of Colours, marking spring's arrival with vibrant powders, music, and food. The festival's legends celebrate devotion and joy—one tells of Prahlad's faith saving him from fire, another of Krishna playfully colouring Radha's face, beginning the tradition of sharing hues. Communities from Hamilton to Tauranga, Wellington, and Christchurch's Rolleston hosted their own gatherings, with participants of all ages joining in. While one Christchurch event faced cancellation due to shipping delays, the celebrations offered New Zealanders of diverse backgrounds a chance to experience South Asian traditions and strengthen community bonds.

Gray whales, once rare in San Francisco Bay, dying there at alarming rates

Gray whales, which historically avoided San Francisco Bay during their epic 10,000-mile migration between Mexico and the Arctic, have been appearing there with surprising frequency since 2018. A new study reveals that at least 18% of these whales have died in the bay, with vessel strikes accounting for over 40% of confirmed deaths. Researchers believe Arctic warming may be disrupting the whales' traditional food sources, pushing them to forage in this busy shipping corridor. With the overall gray whale population at its lowest since 1970, conservationists are calling for federal action to protect the animals, while local programs educate boat operators and explore AI-powered whale detection systems.

How this tiny town welcomed a 70-piece orchestra

When the 70-piece Sydney Youth Orchestras traveled to Wilcannia, a remote town of 735 in rural New South Wales, they met the local children's choir for a cultural exchange through music. Fifteen-year-old violinist Demeil from Sydney connected with 14-year-old Barkindji girl Imogen, who had never seen an orchestra before. The Wilcannia children, who sing songs in their Aboriginal language to learn their culture, shared their connection to Country while discovering the magic of orchestral performance. After just a few days of rehearsals and exchanging handmade gifts, the young musicians performed together, bridging the city-country divide through their shared passion for music and creating lasting bonds across different worlds.

Video of recycling collector helping grandson read word on bus in Fortaleza goes viral

Vídeo de catador ajudando neto a ler palavra em ônibus em Fortaleza viraliza; assista

A touching moment in Fortaleza, Brazil captured hearts online when a passerby filmed a recycling collector helping his seven-year-old grandson sound out the word "Vitória" on the back of a bus. Carlos André, 44, patiently guided young Moisés letter by letter while working his collection route. The boy, who attends second grade, often accompanies his grandfather on weekends, asking endless questions about the world around him. Though the family supports itself through recycling work and faces economic challenges, Carlos and his wife Luciana emphasize education as the greatest gift they can give their children. The spontaneous roadside reading lesson resonated widely as a tender example of learning woven into everyday life.

Wetter winter and warmer summer hit marine life

Record winter rainfall in Devon and Cornwall is washing pollution, sediment, and nutrients into coastal waters, potentially threatening marine ecosystems and human health. Scientists at Plymouth Marine Laboratory are using satellites and drones to track freshwater plumes carrying farm runoff and sewage. The sediment blocks light needed by seagrass and seaweed, while excess nutrients fuel algal blooms—some toxic to marine life. Researchers have detected elevated E. coli levels after heavy rain. The long-term impact depends on whether spring brings more rain or dry, hot conditions. Despite concerns, the Environment Agency notes that bathing water quality has improved significantly over the past decade, with 98% of beaches meeting excellent standards.

VIDEO: At 94, grandfather goes viral with energy for climbing roofs, cooking and even calculating

VÍDEO: aos 94 anos, vovô viraliza com disposição para subir em telhado, cozinhar e até calcular

Domingos Sanches Ledesma, a 94-year-old retiree from Araraquara, Brazil, has captured hearts online after his granddaughter shared videos of his daily life. With over 3 million views, viewers have been inspired by his remarkable energy as he climbs roofs, tends his orange tree in the rain, cooks meals, and performs mental math without a calculator. Married for 67 years to his wife Melisa, Domingos maintains both physical vitality and mental sharpness. His daughter notes he's always ready to help with any task, while his granddaughter, a physiotherapist, says people find his routine inspirational—a reminder that determination and joy aren't bound by age.

At 81, elderly woman becomes oldest student at public university in Rio: 'For a person of my color, it was very difficult'

Aos 81 anos, idosa vira a aluna mais velha em universidade pública do RJ: 'Para uma pessoa da minha cor, era muita dificuldade'

At 81, Marlene Vicente has become the oldest student at a public university campus in Rio de Janeiro state, studying pedagogy through distance learning. Growing up in a low-income Black family, she faced financial barriers and was told university was only for the wealthy. After stopping her education as a young woman, she returned to school at 60, completed her high school equivalency, and passed university entrance exams. Now in her fifth semester, she navigates her studies with support from tutors and dreams of pursuing graduate work. Her professors describe her presence as a powerful reminder that learning has no age limit, while Marlene credits persistence as her greatest lesson.

Interstellar A&E: The Scottish doctor of space medicine

Dr. Christina Mackaill balances life as a Glasgow A&E physician with pioneering work in space medicine. The Edinburgh-born doctor developed the Mackaill-Russomano method, teaching astronauts how to perform CPR in the reduced gravity of the Moon and Mars. She's now collaborating with NASA to create guidelines for treating returning astronauts, whose bodies undergo significant changes in space—from fluid shifts and muscle loss to altered immune function and bone density. As missions venture deeper into space and commercial flights expand, Mackaill emphasizes the growing importance of understanding how microgravity affects human physiology, ensuring medical teams can safely care for space travelers without inadvertently causing harm.

Fossil discovered in RS reveals reptile species: new 'rhynchosaur' lived 230 million years ago

Fóssil descoberto no RS revela espécie de réptil: novo 'rincossauro' viveu há 230 milhões de anos

Paleontologists at Brazil's Federal University of Santa Maria have identified a new species of reptile that roamed the region 230 million years ago. Named Isodapedon varzealis, this parrot-beaked herbivore belongs to a group called rhynchosaurs and was discovered from a fossil skull unearthed in 2020. What makes this creature special is the symmetrical arrangement of its dental plates—unusual among its relatives, which typically had asymmetrical jaws. The discovery strengthens connections to similar species found in Scotland, evidence of ancient fauna spreading across the supercontinent Pangea. This marks the sixth rhynchosaur species found in Brazil's Triassic deposits, suggesting remarkable diversity as dinosaurs began to emerge.

Jaguar with cub enchants while crossing lake together in Goiás

Onça com filhote encantam ao atravessar juntos lago em Goiás

A fishing guide in Goiás captured a tender moment when a jaguar and her cub swam across a lake in the Corumbá River. Lucas Rafael, who has worked these waters for three years, watched from a distance as the mother led the way while her cub followed with difficulty through the water. The guide chose not to interfere, allowing the animals to complete their natural journey before disappearing into the forest. The pair were black jaguars, a melanistic variation of the spotted jaguar native to Brazil's Cerrado region. Despite numerous wildlife encounters throughout his life, Lucas says he had never witnessed such a scene.

A reforestation corridor in Madagascar offers a future for lemurs and locals

In eastern Madagascar, conservationists are rebuilding a living bridge between two protected areas that were separated in the 1960s when forests were cleared for agriculture. The reforestation corridor project aims to reconnect 150 hectares of fragmented habitat, home to a dozen lemur species and countless plants and animals found nowhere else. Led by the Mad Dog Initiative and partners, the effort has already planted over 100 native tree species across 70 hectares, with promising survival rates. Lemurs are already using the young corridor. The project combines scientific research with community investment in ecotourism, healthcare, and education, creating a model where forest restoration supports both wildlife and local people.

Waikato community rallies to gift new home to healthcare worker after house fire

After a Māori health worker lost her home in a 2021 fire, her Waikato community is coming together to provide her with a new one. Te Kōhao Health is gifting a repurposed house to Billie Gillet-Kati, who has spent decades supporting families as a navigator for Whānau Ora, including frontline work during the pandemic despite health vulnerabilities. The home will be relocated to her land in Waharoa, with local businesses donating materials and labor while volunteers help with carpentry, painting, and finishing touches. Leaders describe the effort as kaupapa Māori values in action—recognizing someone who has quietly given everything to serve others, and ensuring she can continue living on her ancestral land.

Elderly couple celebrates 65 years of marriage in hospital ICU in RS: 'Affection, respect and emotion'

Casal de idosos celebra 65 anos de casamento em UTI de hospital no RS: 'Carinho, respeito e emoção'

In a touching celebration at a Brazilian hospital, Erica and Arnoldo Gattermann renewed their vows in the ICU to mark 65 years of marriage. When 82-year-old Erica was hospitalized with pneumonia and heart failure, family members and hospital staff organized a symbolic ceremony so the couple wouldn't miss their platinum anniversary. A pastor officiated as the pair, ages 82 and 88, recommitted to each other surrounded by care and emotion. Hospital staff emphasized that honoring patients' life stories is part of compassionate care. The couple's daughter called the gesture beautiful and meaningful during a difficult time. Remarkably, Erica was moved out of intensive care the day after the celebration.

VIDEO: Premature capybara pup rescued and hospitalized at clinic in interior São Paulo

VÍDEO: filhote de capivara que nasceu prematuro é resgatado e internado em clínica no interior de SP

A premature capybara pup nicknamed "Renatinha" was rescued in March from a conservation area in Itu, São Paulo, and brought to a specialized veterinary clinic. Born too early, the female pup arrived without fully formed teeth, claws, or lungs, and showed neurological issues that required intensive care. Veterinarians provided bottle feeding and round-the-clock support during her critical early days. Now eating independently, Renatinha is gaining strength but will likely remain under human care for life, as capybaras are territorial and rarely accept newcomers into established groups. Her story highlights the delicate needs of premature wildlife and the dedicated care required for their survival.

George Schaller: The field biologist who helped redefine conservation

Miriam Horn's biography chronicles George B. Schaller, widely considered the twentieth century's most important field biologist. Rather than forcing introspection onto her reticent subject, Horn honors Schaller's outward focus—his patient, close observation of animals on their own terms. From mountain gorillas in the Belgian Congo to snow leopards in the Himalayas, Schaller's work across six continents reshaped how scientists study wildlife and approach conservation. His radical simplicity—living alongside animals without guns, waiting and watching—revealed complex social lives where others saw only danger. The biography traces how his childhood displacement fostered watchfulness that became scientific virtue, and how his research informed protected areas while gradually embracing local knowledge.

Kathrin Marchand: "The Body Is Not a Machine"

Kathrin Marchand: "Der Körper ist keine Maschine"

Kathrin Marchand's athletic journey took an unexpected turn when a stroke at age 30 ended her Olympic rowing career and left her with lasting challenges including concentration difficulties and limited vision. The former Olympian, who competed for Germany in 2012 and 2016, has learned to accept her body's new limitations while rediscovering her love for sport. Within months of her stroke, she returned to rowing as a para-athlete, quickly earning medals at international competitions and placing fourth at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Now she's embracing another challenge: para cross-country skiing, demonstrating remarkable resilience in redefining what athletic achievement means to her.

Giant echidnas weighing 15kg roamed Victoria – and the evidence was hiding in plain sight

A finger-length fossil fragment discovered in a museum storage tray has revealed that giant echidnas once roamed Victoria. The specimen, excavated from Foul Air Cave in 1907 but only recently identified, belongs to Megalibgwilia owenii—a Pleistocene-era echidna weighing up to 15kg and measuring about a meter long. Collection manager Tim Ziegler recognized the distinctive palate and breathing chambers of an echidna beak, despite the fragment being mistaken for kangaroo bone for over a century. The robust skeleton suggests these ancient monotremes used powerful force to dig for prey or tear bark. This finding fills a 1,000km gap in the species' known distribution across Australia.

African scientists hail mushrooming global interest in conserving fungi

Madagascar's first homegrown mycologist, Anna Ralaiveloarisoa, is working to classify 200 newly identified fungal species despite significant challenges including limited infrastructure and a lack of local collaborators. She's part of a growing network of African scientists pioneering fungal research and conservation across the continent. Last November, mycologists from 27 countries gathered in Benin for the International Congress on Fungal Conservation, reflecting global momentum in a field that has evolved from scattered voices in the early 2000s into a dynamic movement. While bird conservation began in the 19th century, the first fungal conservation organization wasn't established until 2010. The movement continues to grow, with conservation frameworks increasingly adopting the phrase "fauna, flora, funga" to ensure fungi receive equal recognition.

'You did it dad': The ordinary people who took their case to the highest court

In 1994, Rodney Croome walked into a Hobart police station to confess to being gay—a crime in Tasmania punishable by up to 21 years in prison. Together with his partner Nick Toonen, Croome challenged the last remaining state law criminalizing consensual same-sex relationships. Their journey led them to Australia's High Court, where ordinary citizens have brought cases that reshaped the nation. From gay rights to native title and prisoner voting, the High Court has served as the country's final arbiter on matters of love, freedom, and democracy since 1903. Croome's case became one of several landmark judgments that helped define modern Australia, demonstrating how individual courage can transform law and society.

Ukulele club's 600 members may be strumming their way to better brain health

What began as five friends meeting in a Queensland park to practice ukulele has blossomed into a 600-member musical community. The Parkbench Ukulele Players gather weekly at a Sunshine Coast RSL club, strumming through rockabilly, country, and modern rock songs. Beyond the joy of making music together, members may be giving their brains a workout. A recent Monash University study tracking 10,000 people over age 70 found that playing an instrument was associated with a 35 percent reduction in dementia risk, while listening to music showed a 39 percent reduction. Researchers suggest music activates multiple brain regions simultaneously, reduces stress, and offers cumulative benefits. For 77-year-old founding member Lin Nolan, the weekly gatherings provide mental stimulation and meaningful connection.

Trail mix and water help 87yo woman survive near-freezing night in dense forest

An 87-year-old woman survived a cold night alone in dense Western Australian bushland after becoming disoriented during a walk near Nannup. Temperatures dropped to 6 degrees Celsius as rescuers searched through the night, with thick forest requiring chainsaws to clear paths. Poor mobile coverage initially hampered efforts, but the woman eventually guided rescuers to her location. Her experience and preparation proved vital—she carried extra water, warm clothing, and trail mix to sustain herself. She was treated for dehydration but otherwise unharmed. Police praised the collaborative effort of local officers, emergency services, and community volunteers in the successful rescue.

Do you taste words or hear colours? Here's the neuroscience behind it

Synaesthesia is a fascinating neurological trait affecting 1 to 4 percent of people, where one sense triggers another—such as tasting words or seeing colors when hearing music. Synaesthetes experience spontaneous, consistent sensory blends they can't control: someone might always see the letter "A" as red, for instance. Scientists propose two theories: synaesthetes may have extra neural connections that weren't pruned during development, or they might have typical brain structures with stronger, more active pathways. Far from being a disorder, synaesthesia is simply a different way of perceiving the world. Many people don't even realize they have it, as these vivid cross-sensory experiences feel entirely natural to them.

Defying conflict to track the world’s rarest chimpanzees

In Nigeria's Gashaka Gumti National Park, dedicated local researchers are reviving efforts to study the world's rarest chimpanzee subspecies after years of forced absence. When conflict drove international scientists away in 2018, a few field assistants like Maigari stayed behind, driven by deep ties to the land and the animals. A 2018 co-management agreement brought new security, with over 180 rangers now protecting the forest. Using helicopters and camera traps, researchers are surveying the vast park and discovering previously unknown chimpanzee groups. With only 3,500 to 9,000 Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzees remaining, Gashaka may harbor one of their most vital populations, offering renewed hope for conservation.

Artemis II astronaut records reunion with pet dog after Moon trip; WATCH

Astronauta da Artemis II grava reencontro com cão de estimação depois de viagem à Lua; VEJA

After returning from a ten-day mission aboard Artemis II, astronaut Christina Koch shared a heartwarming video of her reunion with her dog, Sadie. The footage shows Sadie's exuberant greeting—jumping, tail wagging, and unbridled excitement—as Koch enters their home. In her post, Koch reflected that she might have been the happier one in the reunion, noting how Sadie has taught her about emotional support. The moment resonates beyond typical pet reunions, highlighting the psychological demands astronauts face during space missions, where isolation and intense pressure make emotional grounding especially valuable.

Colombia’s main river redraws the map of little-known night monkeys

A childhood encounter with glowing red eyes in the Colombian forest sparked Sebastián Montilla's lifelong fascination with night monkeys—the Americas' only nocturnal primates. His recent genetic research suggests that Colombia's Magdalena River, rather than the Andean mountains, separates two nearly identical species of these elusive creatures. Night monkeys have evolved enormous eyes to navigate darkness and form rare monogamous pairs, yet they've remained largely unstudied due to the challenges of nocturnal fieldwork. Montilla's findings could reshape conservation strategies for Colombia's five night monkey species, which face threats from habitat loss and the pet trade. These cryptic species look identical across their range from Panama to Argentina, making genetic evidence crucial for understanding their diversity.

French Guiana: the awara, star of the seed season and Easter celebrations

Guyane : l'awara, vedette de la saison des graines et des fêtes de Pâques

In French Guiana, the awara fruit takes center stage during the "season of seeds" around Easter. This rich, sweet fruit with an unmistakable flavor forms the basis of a special traditional dish enjoyed during the holiday period. So valued is the awara that it has become the subject of university research exploring its numerous health benefits. The fruit represents an important element of Guyanese culinary culture, connecting seasonal rhythms with festive traditions. Its prominence during Easter celebrations highlights how food serves as a bridge between nature's cycles and community gatherings in this South American territory.