Celebrating the start of the weekend with an eclectic global round up of positive news stories.
Inspired by Cephalopods
A unique material inspired by a pigment in the skin of octopus, squid and cuttlefish has been harnessed to boost the skin-protecting active ingredients in sunscreen, as well as providing a shield against skin damage. And while it comes with all the benefits to humans, including antioxidant properties, it's harmless to the environment, which could revolutionize not just sun protection but skincare in general. Years in the making, Xanthochrome is the creation of Northwestern University chemistry scientists Leila Deravi and Camille Martin. A new study has now confirmed its efficacy across a broad range of applications, as they approach the finish line after years of research. Xanthochrome boosts zinc oxide's ultraviolet protection by 28 percent, and boosts the blocking potential of visible light by 45 percent. Deravi and Martin have founded sea-inspired biotech company Seaspire.
Seafood Surprise
A "one-in-30-million crustacean" was rescued from a restaurant kitchen last week after a "delivery mishap" almost resulted in the animal becoming "someone's seafood supper", said the Daily Mail. Luckily, a staff member at a Red Lobster chain restaurant in Colorado noticed the "ultra-rare" orange creature's "unusual pumpkin hue", which is caused by a rare genetic mutation. The lobster is now "living it up as the star attraction" at Denver's Downtown Aquarium.
Iron-Tipped Teeth
With their huge size, venomous bite and the fantastical connotations of their name, Komodo dragons seem like the stuff of legend. Now, that status has been elevated further: scientists have discovered that their teeth are coated with a layer of iron that helps keep their serrated edges razor sharp. It is the first time such a coating has been seen in any animal, and one the researchers describe as “a striking and previously overlooked predatory adaptation in the Komodo dragon”.
Boy Finds Minerva Ring
While on a hike with his father on Mount Carmel in northern Israel, a 13-year-old was lucky enough to find an ancient Roman-era ring with an engraving of the goddess Minerva. The ring, which experts say is made from bronze, depicts Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, trade, the arts and warfare; her Greek counterpart is Athena. Clothed only in a helmet, she holds a shield in one hand and a spear in the other. It dates to between the second and third centuries C.E.
Piece of History
The winners at the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be taking home a piece of Paris, not only in their hearts but also in their hands: Each of the 5,084 gold, silver, and bronze medals contains an 18-gram hexagonal chunk of iron from the Eiffel Tower.
Good News From SA
South Africa, which is the world's most carbon-intensive major economy, appears to be finally getting its act together about reducing emissions. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Climate Change Bill which aims to enable South Africa to meet its emissions reduction commitments under the Paris climate agreement.
A First For Taxonomy
Researchers at the International Botanical Congress in Madrid have voted to eliminate a “c” in more than 200 scientific names of plants. The nomenclature change will modify the names of species with derivatives of the word caffra, an Apartheid-era racial slur used against Black people in southern Africa, to derivatives of “afr,” signaling the species’ African origins. For example, the coast coral tree Erythrina caffra will be called Erythrina affra. This decision marks the first time taxonomists have voted in favour of changing offensive species names.
"The secret to happiness, of course, is not getting what you want; it's wanting what you get." Alex Trebek
On This Day
27 July 1866: First transatlantic telegraph cable comes ashore at Heart's Content, Newfoundland after being laid out 1,686 miles by Isambard Kingdom Brunel's Great Eastern steamship.
Today's Articles
Stunning Bird Photography: Society of International Wildlife and Nature Photographers staged last year's contest in aid of the UK's RSPB.
Mood Boosting Video
Movie dance scenes mash-up artfully synced to September by Earth Wind and Fire.