Tuesday's bite-sized chunks of positive news from around the globe.
More Aurora Displays
In mid-May, the brilliant Northern Lights, or aurora, were visible in places that rarely see them, due to powerful ejections from the sun colliding with Earth. They came from a giant dark spot on the sun, called a sunspot, that tends to generate such solar bursts. As the sun rotated, the spot faced away from us over the latter half of May. But now it's returning. Some more vigorous solar storms may indeed be on the way shortly, so we could be in for some more glorious night time displays.
Solar Furnace
A new proof-of-concept device captured the sun's radiation and used it to heat an object to a blistering 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit (1,000 degrees Celsius), raising the promise that steel furnaces could be powered by solar energy. Live Science says it demonstrated how solar energy could replace fossil fuels in high-temperature manufacturing processes, such as smelting steel. This is potentially great news as currently carbon-based energy like oil or coal are typically used to power the furnaces in which these materials are made. These industries are responsible for around 25 percent of global energy consumption
Ganges River Dolphins
According to a recent report by the Wildlife Institute of India, the population of the remarkable Ganges river dolphin is bouncing back, with now more than 4,000 dolphins in the Gangetic River basin. This shows that the river’s pollution levels are declining, and the government’s conservation efforts are proving effective. Gangetic dolphins are blind and live exclusively in freshwater. They hunt using sonar, emitting ultrasonic sound waves that bounce off prey. These dolphins are usually found alone or in small groups. As mammals, they must surface every 30-120 seconds to breathe, producing a distinctive ‘susu’ sound when exhaling.
Immobility Breakthrough
A new treatment using electrical pulses in combination with occupational therapy could restore movement to some people experiencing paralysis from the neck down. In a study of 60 people, 43 reported improvement in their ability to use their neck and arms, including one woman who can now unbuckle her seatbelt and lift a cup of coffee, the BBC said. The FDA is analyzing the study's data to determine if it will issue a license for the device.
Artificial Cornea
A 91-year-old man has made history by becoming the first patient in England to receive an artificial cornea. NHS Foundation Trust consultant ophthalmologist Thomas Poole says the use of artificial corneas is a “great advancement for patient care”. The new product replaces the inner part of the cornea. It has been likened to a contact lens and is surgically attached to the eye by a single stitch and put in place with a gas bubble. Chris Farley said the transplant surgery has enabled him to continue to see his 83-year-old wife Elizabeth. He had no vision in his right eye but his sight has slowly been improving since the procedure, which took place in February.
Bust of Brunelleschi
A previously unknown terracotta bust of the famed early Renaissance architect who designed the Florence Cathedral dome - built without any centering support or buttresses, and still the largest brick dome in the world today - has been unveiled in the Tuscan capital, where it will be displayed permanently following restoration. The Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore, the entity charged with preserving the landmark cathedral and operating its museum, called the discovery after nearly 700 years of the terracotta bust depicting Filippo Brunelleschi "exceptional.” It cited both the artistic value as well as the rarity of depictions of the renowned architect around or after the time of his death in 1446.
Most Distant Galaxy
The James Webb Space Telescope has smashed its own record for detecting the most distant known galaxy. Called JADES-GS-z14-0, the collection of stars was spied as it was a mere 290 million years after the Big Bang. Put another way - if the Universe is 13.8 billion years old, it means we're observing the galaxy when the cosmos was only 2 percent of its current age. Webb used its huge 6.5m-wide primary mirror and sensitive infrared instruments to make the discovery. The telescope's previous record holder was a galaxy seen at 325 million years after the Big Bang.
“Honest criticism is hard to take, particularly from a relative, a friend, an acquaintance, or a stranger.” Franklin P. Jones
On This Day
4 June 1919: The Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave women the right to vote, was passed by the Senate, two weeks after being approved by the House of Representatives; the amendment was ratified the following year.
Today's Articles
Sea Change For Women: Energy scientist has been elected as Mexico's first woman president - in a race that pitted two women against each other.
'Ultimate Championship': New athletics championship launches with a whopping prize pot - hoping to become athletics’ answer to the Super Bowl.
Loving Canada Geese: As if a Canada goose named Arnold isn't endearing enough, his partner came looking for him when he was injured.
Mood Boosting Video
Polar bear cubs emerge from their arctic den and gaze out into their new world for the first time.