Wrapping up the week with a global selection of upbeat news stories.
Lady Di
Diana, Princess of Wales, has long been lauded as a fashion icon. And now, in the biggest sale of her dresses since 1997, some her outfits are up for auction to raise money for charity. Following the sale of one of Diana's evening dress for more than $1.1 million in December, Julien’s Auctions says that interest in her garments has skyrocketed. More than 150 items will be on the auction block at Julien's Auctions, and people can start bidding today on their website, ahead of the online and in-person sale on 27 June in Los Angeles.
Cosmic Butterly
A fascinating discovery was made recently in the vast expanse of our universe: a giant cosmic butterfly, officially known as IRAS 23077+6707, is fluttering through space about 1,000 light-years away from Earth. This giant cosmic butterfly isn’t just a beautiful sight; it is a massive protoplanetary disk, a swirling cloud of dust and gas where planets are born. “What we found was incredible - evidence that this was the largest planet-forming disk ever discovered. It is extremely rich in dust and gas, which we know are the building blocks of planets,” said astrophysicist Kristina Monsch.
Honeybee Comeback
Data from the Census of Agriculture shows that the U.S. added nearly 1 million bee colonies between 2017 and 2022. That boosts the total number of colonies to an all-time record high of 3.8 million, CBS News reports. You may recall that not too long ago bee populations - and the ecosystems they support - were declining rapidly due to pesticides, habitat destruction, and other factors. Happily, conservationists began the rallying cry to “save the bees” and it seems to be working, as honeybees are now the fastest-growing livestock segment in the country. However, it's definitely a case of 'the more the merrier' when it comes to honeybees and we should all be doing what we can to help them thrive. Take a look at How to Encourage Pollinating Bees Into Your Garden.
Good News For Cyclists
A substantial body of evidence supports the health benefits of cycling, everything from strengthening the immune system to boosting the likelihood of living longer. Now, a new study finds people who are in the habit of riding a bike are significantly less likely to have osteoarthritis and experience pain in their knees by age 65, compared to people who don't bike.
Once Thought Extinct
Black-footed ferrets are North America’s only native ferret species and were thought to be extinct in 1979. Miraculously rediscovered in 1981 in Wyoming, they quickly became the focus of dedicated conservation efforts. Thanks to captive breeding, wildlife reintroductions and habitat restoration, one of the continent's most endangered mammals is now seeing a comeback - including a new litter born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute earlier this month.
Elephant Crossing
Today marks 141 years since the Brooklyn Bridge opened in New York, linking Manhattan and Brooklyn, then distinct cities, over the East River. At the time, the structure was the longest suspension bridge ever built, and even dubbed “the eighth wonder of the world.” It took a little convincing, though, for some residents to feel safe crossing it. So P.T. Barnum came up with a real whopper of an idea to help. So, in May 1884, the legendary circus founder marched 21 elephants and 17 camels across the bridge, which held up perfectly fine.
"Within our dreams and aspirations, we find our opportunities." Sugar Ray Leonard
On This Day
24 May 1956: The first Eurovision Song Contest was held, in Lugano, Switzerland. It was won by Switzerland's Lys Assia (pictured). The contest is now the most watched non-sporting event in the world.
Today's Articles
"Miracle" Breakthrough: Cambridge scientists have discovered a way to make zero-carbon concrete and recycle steel at the same time.
Presley's Home: In good news for Elvis fans, a judge in Tennessee has blocked the contentious auction of Graceland.
Mood Boosting Video
Meet Grizzly 399: The most famous bear in Grand Teton National Park, and probably the world.