What better way to start the week than with some upbeat news?
The Moon King
Saturn and Jupiter have been in a competition for the planet with the highest number of moons. But as it happens, Jupiter never really stood a chance: Saturn has just won by a huge margin. That’s because the International Astronomical Union has just recognized 128 new moons in orbit around Saturn, discovered by astronomers from Taiwan, Canada, the United States and France. Saturn’s new grand total of 274 moons is almost twice as many as all the rest of the moons in our solar system combined - so, the planet has clearly earned the title of “moon king.”
Are You a McLoughlin?
Joseph ‘Josie’ McLoughlin owns McLoughlin’s Bar on the rural Achill Island - situated at the edge of the world, amongst the beautiful landscapes of West Ireland. McLoughlin’s have run the pub for four generations and Josie is now at retirement age but, like many families in Ireland, his family now live all over the world and he has no-one to pass the pub on to. So, Heineken has stepped in to help by launching a worldwide search for a new custodian who’ll keep the McLoughlin tradition - and the heart and name of the pub - alive. The global campaign will reach all four corners of the world and offers a succession package to help the “new McLoughlin” get their feet behind the bar. With 88 million Irish descendants living across the globe - all it will take is just one McLoughlin that wants to reconnect with their roots by owning a pub that bears their namesake.
Amazing Numbers
On the heights of a mountain range just 30 miles west of Sydney’s Central Business District, the population of a charismatic marsupial was found to be ballooning despite recent fires. Recorded at 45 percent higher than before Australia’s drought-wildfire combo of 2019, it was described as “nothing short of remarkable.” The greater glider is an arboreal marsupial that can glide the distance of a football field using a long skin membrane that stretches between its arms and legs.
MS Drug
Those with certain types of multiple sclerosis (MS), a serious neurological condition, don’t have it easy. A drug called cladribine, which can be taken at home, may help to change things for the better. The treatment was previously only prescribed to those with ‘highly active’ relapsing remitting MS, according to the MS Society. Now, in a rollout that could benefit thousands of people in England, it will be available to those with active relapsing remitting MS, which about 85 percent of MS patients have. England is the first country in Europe to approve such widespread availability.
Montreal Protocol
More evidence that the ozone layer is healing due to the global effort to reduce the use of ozone-eating chemicals, once common in household appliances, has emerged from MIT. We may see a year when the ozone layer stays entirely intact as early as the next decade, and eventually the ozone hole will disappear for good. All thanks to the Montreal Protocol of 1987 - an international treaty that aimed to phase out the production of CFCs and other ozone depleting substances.
Another Micro EV
Toyota's just unveiled a compact quadricycle concept EV called the FT-Me. It seats two, takes up just half a parking space, and is designed to offer plenty of flexibility in a small package. With cities increasingly allocating more space for walking, micromobility needs ideas like this tiny electric car. It's just under 100 inches long (2.5 m), weighs only 937 lb (425 kg), maxes out at 28 mph (45 km/h), and is expected to deliver at least 62 miles (100 km) on a single charge. Toyota hasn't shared any more specs or what it could cost. If it were to roll out of the factory today, the FT-Me would go up against a formidable bunch of tiny machines like the Citroen Ami and the cute little Microlino.
Pawsitive Results
If you've ever felt a twinge of guilt leaving your dog home alone, here’s some good news - something as simple as petting your pup before you go may help them feel more at ease. A recent study - published in Science Direct - explored whether gentle petting before a short separation could make dogs feel calmer while waiting for their owners to return. And the results? A reassuring tail wag for dog lovers everywhere. In a world where dogs bring us so much comfort, it’s heartwarming to know that our simple touch can do the same for them. So next time you grab your keys, don’t forget to give your pup a little extra love - it’s a small act that can mean the world to them.
“Optimism is like a muscle that gets stronger with use.” Robin Roberts
On This Day
17 March 1992: Nearly 69 percent of white South African voters backed F.W. de Klerk's reforms - which included the repeal of racially discriminatory laws - and effectively endorsed the dismantling of apartheid.
Today's Articles
Parkinson's Treatment: In an important step forward, scientists have finally pinned down a protein that’s largely responsible for Parkinson’s disease.
Cultural Heritage: Stolen by the Nazis, a missing piece of the medieval Bayeux Tapestry found in Germany.
Never fear, Superhero: Ways to cultivate peace during a work day so you don't compromise your greater sense of well-being.
Giants of Vyrnwy: After storm damage, the tallest tree in Wales has been transformed into a giant hand.
Mood Boosting Video
Flowers Blooming: Gorgeous time-lapse videos of flowers bursting into life.