Mid-week collection of upbeat news nuggets to brighten the day.
First Mum/Daughter Crew
They are the first mother and daughter crew to compete in the arduous Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. But Amanda Shehab, 56, and her daughter Megan, 26, are ready for their adventure, armed with boxes of Kit Kats and ginger biscuits. Their 11 month journey started this week from Portsmouth, on England's south coast, and passes through Punta del Este in Uruguay, Airlie Beach in Australia, QingDao in China and Seattle in the US. "When you're cold, miserable and tired, you just need chocolate sometimes," said Megan.
Game-Changer Drug
Researchers from Monash University, Cleveland Clinic, and Eli Lilly have developed an oral drug to target a form of cholesterol that has previously been untreatable and is largely caused by genetics, making it difficult to control by way of exercise, diet or other lifestyle factors. Phase One trials show that the drug lowers the genetic form of “bad cholesterol” by up to 65 percent. “This drug is a game-changer in more ways than one,” says Stephen Nicholls, the study’s lead author. “Not only do we have an option for lowering an elusive form of cholesterol, but being able to deliver it in an oral tablet means it will be more accessible for patients.” The study was published in the journal JAMA Network.
Trees for Searches
Ecosia is a search engine (just like Google) that uses its search revenues to pay for the planting of trees (unlike Google). By simply switching which search engine we use, each of us has the ability to fill the world with more trees… and, over time, entire forests. To date, Ecosia has planted over 180 million trees. How about switching to Ecosia? It's the simplest way to plant trees and be climate active every day.
Gharial Miracle
In a significant conservation achievement, the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas has proudly announced the birth of a rare and endangered species, the gharial crocodile. The gharial, also known as fish-eating crocodile, is among the longest of all living crocodilians. It is well adapted to catching fish because of its long, narrow snout and 110 sharp, interlocking teeth. The wild gharial population - in the northern rivers of the Indian subcontinent - has declined drastically since the 1930s and has been listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List since 2007. So, Fort Worth Zoo's achievement is significant, particularly as it's estimated that only about 200 reproducing adults remain in the wild.
Seen a UFO?
The Pentagon has officially launched its website for reporting and cataloging sightings of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) from government and military personnel. Managed by the All-Domain Resolution Office (AARO), the new website exists, in part, to help raise public awareness about ARRO's work and, interestingly, have an official mechanism for reporting their sightings to the organization.
Same Birthday
A couple with the same birthday are thrilled after their twins were born - on the same day. The entire family now shares the same birthday. Scierra Blair couldn’t believe it when her doctor revealed their babies were ready to be born ten days earlier than their due date, and she was told to go straight to the hospital to deliver the twins. She and her partner José Ervin welcomed the babies, José Jr. and Aria, 30 minutes after midnight on 18 August in Cleveland, Ohio.
“I do have reasons for hope: our clever brains, the resilience of nature, the indomitable human spirit, and above all, the commitment of young people when they're empowered to take action.” Jane Goodall
On this Day
6 September 1991: The Soviet Union recognized the independence of the Baltic states -Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
Mood Booster
A man in Nebraska was pulled over by police for driving his bull around in his car. Yes, really!