Christ’s thorn jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi) also known as the sidr tree is a real, identifiable tree native to the Middle East, and it appears—directly or indirectly—in Islam, Judaism, and later Christian tradition. The connections between the three faiths are not theological agreements but overlapping uses, names, and symbolic associations rooted in the same landscape.
In Islamic tradition, there is a point where creation ends — a boundary that marks the limit of what any created being can reach. That boundary is called Sidrat al-Muntahā, often translated as “the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary.”
Air Tea is a new technology. Instead of drinking tea, you inhale herbal vapor through warm air extraction. There is no water and no combustion. The warm air releases essential oils that are often lost in hot water and digestion.
Health emerges from a continuous energy and material flow from water through food to human physiology. Technical energy systems support this cycle through water treatment, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Christ’s thorn jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi) also known as the sidr tree is a real, identifiable tree native to the Middle East, and it appears—directly or indirectly—in Islam, Judaism, and later Christian tradition. The connections between the three faiths are not theological agreements but overlapping uses, names, and symbolic associations rooted in the same landscape.
In Islamic tradition, there is a point where creation ends — a boundary that marks the limit of what any created being can reach. That boundary is called Sidrat al-Muntahā, often translated as “the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary.”
Air Tea is a new technology. Instead of drinking tea, you inhale herbal vapor through warm air extraction. There is no water and no combustion. The warm air releases essential oils that are often lost in hot water and digestion.
Health emerges from a continuous energy and material flow from water through food to human physiology. Technical energy systems support this cycle through water treatment, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Christ’s thorn jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi) also known as the sidr tree is a real, identifiable tree native to the Middle East, and it appears—directly or indirectly—in Islam, Judaism, and later Christian tradition. The connections between the three faiths are not theological agreements but overlapping uses, names, and symbolic associations rooted in the same landscape.
In Islamic tradition, there is a point where creation ends — a boundary that marks the limit of what any created being can reach. That boundary is called Sidrat al-Muntahā, often translated as “the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary.”
Air Tea is a new technology. Instead of drinking tea, you inhale herbal vapor through warm air extraction. There is no water and no combustion. The warm air releases essential oils that are often lost in hot water and digestion.
Health emerges from a continuous energy and material flow from water through food to human physiology. Technical energy systems support this cycle through water treatment, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Christ’s thorn jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi) also known as the sidr tree is a real, identifiable tree native to the Middle East, and it appears—directly or indirectly—in Islam, Judaism, and later Christian tradition. The connections between the three faiths are not theological agreements but overlapping uses, names, and symbolic associations rooted in the same landscape.
In Islamic tradition, there is a point where creation ends — a boundary that marks the limit of what any created being can reach. That boundary is called Sidrat al-Muntahā, often translated as “the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary.”
Air Tea is a new technology. Instead of drinking tea, you inhale herbal vapor through warm air extraction. There is no water and no combustion. The warm air releases essential oils that are often lost in hot water and digestion.
Health emerges from a continuous energy and material flow from water through food to human physiology. Technical energy systems support this cycle through water treatment, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Christ’s thorn jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi) also known as the sidr tree is a real, identifiable tree native to the Middle East, and it appears—directly or indirectly—in Islam, Judaism, and later Christian tradition. The connections between the three faiths are not theological agreements but overlapping uses, names, and symbolic associations rooted in the same landscape.
In Islamic tradition, there is a point where creation ends — a boundary that marks the limit of what any created being can reach. That boundary is called Sidrat al-Muntahā, often translated as “the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary.”
Air Tea is a new technology. Instead of drinking tea, you inhale herbal vapor through warm air extraction. There is no water and no combustion. The warm air releases essential oils that are often lost in hot water and digestion.
Health emerges from a continuous energy and material flow from water through food to human physiology. Technical energy systems support this cycle through water treatment, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Christ’s thorn jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi) also known as the sidr tree is a real, identifiable tree native to the Middle East, and it appears—directly or indirectly—in Islam, Judaism, and later Christian tradition. The connections between the three faiths are not theological agreements but overlapping uses, names, and symbolic associations rooted in the same landscape.
In Islamic tradition, there is a point where creation ends — a boundary that marks the limit of what any created being can reach. That boundary is called Sidrat al-Muntahā, often translated as “the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary.”
Air Tea is a new technology. Instead of drinking tea, you inhale herbal vapor through warm air extraction. There is no water and no combustion. The warm air releases essential oils that are often lost in hot water and digestion.
Health emerges from a continuous energy and material flow from water through food to human physiology. Technical energy systems support this cycle through water treatment, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Christ’s thorn jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi) also known as the sidr tree is a real, identifiable tree native to the Middle East, and it appears—directly or indirectly—in Islam, Judaism, and later Christian tradition. The connections between the three faiths are not theological agreements but overlapping uses, names, and symbolic associations rooted in the same landscape.
In Islamic tradition, there is a point where creation ends — a boundary that marks the limit of what any created being can reach. That boundary is called Sidrat al-Muntahā, often translated as “the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary.”
Air Tea is a new technology. Instead of drinking tea, you inhale herbal vapor through warm air extraction. There is no water and no combustion. The warm air releases essential oils that are often lost in hot water and digestion.
Health emerges from a continuous energy and material flow from water through food to human physiology. Technical energy systems support this cycle through water treatment, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Christ’s thorn jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi) also known as the sidr tree is a real, identifiable tree native to the Middle East, and it appears—directly or indirectly—in Islam, Judaism, and later Christian tradition. The connections between the three faiths are not theological agreements but overlapping uses, names, and symbolic associations rooted in the same landscape.
In Islamic tradition, there is a point where creation ends — a boundary that marks the limit of what any created being can reach. That boundary is called Sidrat al-Muntahā, often translated as “the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary.”
Air Tea is a new technology. Instead of drinking tea, you inhale herbal vapor through warm air extraction. There is no water and no combustion. The warm air releases essential oils that are often lost in hot water and digestion.
Health emerges from a continuous energy and material flow from water through food to human physiology. Technical energy systems support this cycle through water treatment, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Tel Aviv sets a national standard for clean, sustainable coastlines
Reaffirming its leadership in sustainable coastal management, all 13 of Tel Aviv-Yafo’s public beaches have once again earned the prestigious Blue Flag certification for 2025. This honor, awarded by the International Blue Flag Committee and the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), recognizes beaches that meet exceptional standards in water quality, safety, accessibility, and environmental education.
Each year, the Blue Flag is reassessed to ensure compliance with strict international criteria. For Tel Aviv-Yafo, retaining Blue Flag status across all its beaches reflects a sustained municipal commitment to clean seas, inclusive spaces, and community stewardship. The concept was brought to Israel through a Swedish environmentalist named Andreas Weil.
In Israel, the program is implemented by EcoOcean, a nonprofit organization of scientists and educators devoted to marine conservation. It is founded by Weil.
This achievement is especially significant in light of recent environmental challenges. The ongoing conflict with Gaza, Lebanon, Iran and Yemen.
As Green Prophet reported at the time, thousands of volunteers joined cleanup efforts, collecting sticky, toxic waste by hand. The city’s rapid response and community-driven action helped restore the beaches and laid the groundwork for more rigorous monitoring and preventive strategies.
A rare Mediterranean Monk Seal resting on a beach in central Israel, May 13, 2023. (Guy Levian/Nature and Parks Authority)
Beyond cleanliness and conservation, the Blue Flag also honors beaches for universal accessibility. Tel Aviv has prioritized infrastructure for people with disabilities, including accessible boardwalks, floating wheelchairs, tactile paving, and lifeguard assistance for people with mobility impairments.
This inclusive approach has made Tel Aviv’s beaches welcoming not just for locals and tourists, but for seniors, families, and people of all abilities.
A major focus of Tel Aviv’s beach management has been the elimination of single-use plastics. In 2019, the city passed a bylaw banning plastic bags, straws, and utensils at public beaches. As Green Prophet covered in our report on the ban, this was a bold move to combat marine litter and microplastic pollution.
Today, educational signage, waste separation bins, and awareness campaigns reinforce the city’s message: protecting the sea is a shared responsibility.
With 13 Blue Flags proudly flying, Tel Aviv-Yafo remains a regional and global leader in sustainable urban coastline management. As sea levels rise and marine ecosystems face increasing pressure, the city’s blend of policy, education, and public engagement offers a blueprint for others to follow.
Tel Aviv is about 30 kilometers away from a rare shark attack that killed a man that happened a couple of weeks ago near Michmoret beach and a desalination plant. A source we spoke with said that locals were feeding dead fish straight into the mouths of the sharks for some time, and that he believes the swimmer got caught in a current leading to panic, splashing and then a frenzied shark attack. Shark attacks are rare in Israel. It is the fourth one in decades.
Turkey ranks third globally in the number of Blue Flag beaches, boasting 567 certified beaches as of 2024. The Antalya province leads with 233 Blue Flag beaches, followed by Muğla with 112 and Izmir with 64.
As of 2024, Lebanon does not have any beaches certified with the Blue Flag. While Lebanon offers beautiful coastal areas like Tyre, Batroun, and Byblos, they have not received this specific international certification.
Syria has no Blue Flag.
Cyprus boasts an impressive number of 76 Blue Flag beaches and 2 marinas as of 2024, making it one of the top countries in Europe for clean, environmentally managed, and well-equipped coastal destinations.
Check a beach before you book a destination. See Blue Flag Global.
Kevin Gepford on Aldabra Island, The Tortoise Project
Portland-based environmental journalist Kevin Gepford, currently researching a book on global tortoise conservation spent two months on Seychelles’ Aldabra Atoll between December and January, living at the island’s remote research station with 16 other people. It’s so isolated out there—about 1,000 miles from Seychelles’ main island Mahé—that it might as well be Mars. He agrees that change will be coming fast.
Aldabra’s nearest island neighbor, Assomption, is becoming a playground for Qatari royalty and affluent Middle Eastern tourists. A Qatar-based investment company called the Assets Group, and a reported $25 million USD land-lease agreement with the Seychelles government, means that developers, against public concerns, have extended the landing strip to accommodate international flights, and about 1,000 construction workers are on the island currently laying out plots for 40 high-end villas—touted as a luxury resort. Most suspect they will become private villas.
Tortoise on Aldabra, Kevin Gepford – The Tortoise Project
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aldabra is one of the most ecologically pristine places left on Earth—home to more than 100,000 giant tortoises and the last surviving species of flightless rail in the Indian Ocean. It is managed by the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) and is considered an outpost of evolution. Gepford says what he witnessed there shows how fragile that isolation has become.
Adabra Atoll and Assomption Island are about 20 miles from each other. Image via Google Earth
“I went there to understand how tortoises live—talk with experts about their ecology, and really understand what pressures they and the atoll are facing.”
He observed these pressures in real time:
“I went along with the island staff on a trip around the atoll for an inspection—a part of the day—and unexpectedly came across a catamaran at the edge of the reef,” despite prohibitions on coming close.
Tortoises and breakfast on Aldabra Island, The Tortoise Project
Maritime maps say not to approach within a 40 km radius around the atoll or Assomption Island, says turtle expert Dr. Yaniv Levi who lived and worked as a divemaster on Aldabra for more than two years in the late 1990s. Skippers know that these islands are protected, he tells Green Prophet.
“It was a really nice yacht,” says Gepford.
The skipper of the boat hailed the vessel. “We shouted to talk to us on their hand-held radio on a certain channel—and asked, ‘What are you doing here?’
“We expected them to blame either the weather or engine trouble,” says Gepford,
“They said, ‘We just got blown off course because of the cyclone and thought we’d come by for a look. We’re sailing to Mahé.’”
Gepford said it was clear the crew knew they had crossed a line, and SIF’s skipper warned them to be prepared for a biosecurity inspection when they reached Mahé.
“We took pictures of the yacht and reported it back to the authorities in the Seychelles—to be aware,” Gepford said.
The concern isn’t symbolic. Aldabra’s team enforces one of the most rigorous biosecurity protocols in the Indian Ocean.
“They picked out seeds from my shoes with tweezers, and made me wash the blades of my handheld fan. Look through everything—and look at it twice,” said Gepford. “It’s invasive species, seeds, pathogens—anything that could damage the ecosystem.”
The chartered yacht, he later learned, had come from Zanzibar. Its passengers appeared to be South African or European tourists. As for the charter companies: “That’s their business—to take wealthy people to the ocean and see different things.”
A Growing Worry: Assomption Island
Assets Group plans for 40 ultra-luxury villas on the sand dunes of Assomption.
Gepford’s presence on Aldabra coincided with escalating concerns over the neighboring island of Assomption, the only access point to Aldabra by air. The Assomption runway, once a modest strip, has recently been extended, with signs of construction and development activity tied to Middle Eastern investment.
“Access to Aldabra is through Assomption. Historically, there’s been a runway on Assomption. It’s been extended at both ends because of the development that’s happening,” Gepford said.
“From Aldabra’s perspective—they’re worried. Assomption is one of the last undeveloped islands in the Seychelles, and it’s less than 20 miles away. Assomption’s development will bring a lot of commercial activity, people, boats, and airplanes very close. One of the things that historically helped save Aldabra along with its ecosystems and unique plants and animals has been its sheer inaccessibility.”
This isn’t just a hypothetical threat. The atoll’s recent conservation successes—especially for sea turtles—demonstrate how delicate these ecosystems are. Green turtles have been protected on Aldabra for more than 50 years.
Aldabra tortoise, Kevin Gepford
“The green turtle recovery on Aldabra has been astounding—from less than 2,000 to 3,000 clutches per season in the 1960s to more than 15,000,” he noted. “Assomption may be just as important as a nesting site. But that beach has not been studied for sea turtle research.”
How a small team of Seychellois can defend that is anyone’s guess—but for now, Gepford doesn’t think that’s the biggest threat.
A Book Rooted in Observation
Kevin Gepford
Gepford is documenting this, from a tortoise perspective, for a nonfiction book for W. W. Norton & Company that follows the story of tortoises—and the people trying to save them—from Madagascar to Mauritius, the Galápagos, and now the Seychelles.
“Tortoises in the western Indian Ocean are a microcosm of the challenges facing the natural world today. What’s happening in Assomption reflects broader patterns globally.”
“The biggest challenge globally for nearly every wild species is habitat loss… Our cities are growing, and wildlands are converted to farmland—this crowds out animals of all kinds. Tortoises and turtles are hit really hard.”
The deeper message behind his project is about limits—what we encroach on, and what we choose to leave intact.
“What is our place in the world? Can we tread more lightly, and live with care and concern for all God’s creatures?”
Some people put gold on their car, and others in the bank. Here is a sold gold Mercedes from Dubai.
Gold has a history of maintaining value over time, which has led numerous investors to view the precious metal as a form of wealth preservation, according to Kevin DeMeritt, founder of Lear Capital.
“Gold has a largely inverse relationship to stocks and other types of assets,” DeMeritt says. “It typically is going to give your portfolio stability as other assets become more volatile — [and] is used as a safe haven during recessions, market volatility, and war.”
Physical gold can be portable — this 1-kilo gold bar’s compact size, for example, according to Lear Capital, makes it a convenient way to transport wealth.
Because of qualities like its historic ability to serve as a hedge against inflation, gold is often able to be liquidated fairly easily. As an internationally acknowledged monetary and financial asset, items such as gold coins and bars can be utilized as a means of privately storing wealth and passing it down from generation to generation.
Plans To Give Precious Metals to Family
Approximately 18% of wealthy investors own physical gold assets, and another 23% say they’re interested in obtaining them, according to a Bank of America survey. High-net-worth investors who are aged 21 to 43 appear to be particularly interested in the precious metal: 45% currently own it, and an additional 45% say they’d possibly like to purchase some.
Numerous investors have, in fact, acquired gold and other metals to pass on to family members, according to Lear Capital reviews that have been shared on platforms such as Trustpilot.
“Wealth preservation is critical because you can’t predict future markets and metals [will] have and will always hold value,” Lear Capital customer J. Hasha wrote in a Trustpilot review of the company.
Roger C. contacted Lear Capital when he wanted to purchase precious metals.
“I felt I could trust Lear Capital with my transaction,” he said in his Trustpilot review of Lear Capital. “I received my gold and silver in a timely manner as well. I’m excited to know I have a hedge on inflation and something to leave my children.”
Glenn C. said he had no prior experience buying precious metals when he reached out to Lear Capital.
“I am thinking about what I can do to assure that what I have saved in my lifetime will be there to pass on to my children and grandchildren,” Glenn said in one of the Lear Capital reviews on Trustpilot. “[The representative] and I discussed the relative prices of gold and silver, and he helped me decide how to split my order of metals so both a conservative and a growth approach could work for my investments.”
Jeff L. called Lear Capital “a great find.”
“With uncertainty looming about our economy, I was seeking an option to protect my retirement funds,” he said in one of the Lear Capital reviews shared on Google. “I researched Lear Capital and called. [The representative] was terrific walking me through the process of purchasing precious metals both to leave a legacy to my family and to preserve my funds.”
Additional Approaches
David B. isn’t waiting to give younger generations of his family precious metals.
“Once a year, I buy silver for my five grandchildren to give them for birthdays and Christmas, rather than junk that will be trashed in just a few days or weeks at most,” he wrote in one of the Lear Capital reviews shared on Trustpilot.
Some investors hope to leave specific coins to their family members. Hugh F. contacted two other precious metal providers before speaking to a Lear Capital representative about the coins he wanted to obtain, which included 1/10-ounce and ¼-ounce gold American Eagles.
“One did not respond,” he said in one of the Lear Capital reviews available on Trustpilot. “The second came back with 3/4 of the request. [The Lear Capital representative] did the real deal and I was quite pleased. Thanks to him, I will have fulfilled my eventual gift to my children and grandchildren.”
According to the review Leona B. left on Trustpilot, she at first focused on purchasing gold bullions to pass on to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren — “and watched as they happily doubled in price. I decided it would be a good time to add some silver, and I looked at the internet at the different sellers and prices,” she said. “I called Lear Capital again and [the representative] made the whole process easy and quick.”
That’s one of Lear Capital’s central customer service goals, according to Kevin DeMeritt.
“We try to move as quickly as possible to get people the metals that they want,” he says.
John, another Lear Capital customer, said he appreciates the way Lear conducts business.
“Time is money, and the more money I can make, the more I can convert to gold,” he wrote in one of the Lear Capital reviews on Trustpilot. “In the process, I had also been carrying around silver coins, and they made it super easy to offload them, which will be converted to gold!”
John also mentioned he intends to bequeath the physical precious metals he’s obtained from the company.
“WhenI die, my heirs can liquidate my coins, if necessary,” he said. “Having a multigenerational wealth resource with Lear is a big win for me, my family, and future generations!”
Close-up of the interactive sound garden at the University of Melbourne’s “Song of the Cricket” installation. Visitors walk among embedded speakers and vegetation while the gentle song of crickets reimagines Venice’s lost natural soundscape.
I live in the Mediterranean and this past winter (which is as warm as a New York spring) I had a cricket living outside my window. Every night at dusk he would start up his legs –– at first with a squeaky creak –– and he would ratchet it up to a steady sing for us a marvelous song that would last a few hours. I’d go out and check on him sometimes, hoping to keep him safe but eventually he moved on, or died. My friends say crickets in their garden is their bedtime nightmare. I was dreaming of keeping crickets for my lullabies and the scientists and musicians from Melbourne have helped my dreams come true.
Among the standout exhibits this year is “Song of the Cricket”, a groundbreaking fusion of ecological conservation and interactive sound art brought to life by researchers from the University of Melbourne.
Alex Felson carrying crickets around Venice
Set in the heart of the Venice lagoon, the installation highlights the precarious status of the Adriatic Marbled Bush-Cricket, a once-common singing insect whose habitat has been reduced to a mere 0.57 square kilometers. Fewer than 5,000 adults are estimated to remain. But this project aims to change that.
Taking the crickets through Venice
Led by Professor Alex Felson and the Urban Ecology and Design Lab at Melbourne, the team will collect, breed, and relocate these critically endangered crickets in an effort to reintroduce them into the Venice lagoon. At the same time, they will explore adaptive land-use strategies and smarter conservation approaches to help safeguard the species against future climate shifts.
“This is not just a temporary installation – it’s a step toward reconstructing vital cricket populations in the Venice lagoon,” said Professor Felson.
The exhibit features floating, mobile habitats that serve both as conservation tools and interactive sculpture. Each structure is designed to house the crickets while also offering an immersive audio experience for visitors. Blending science and sound art, the project creates a multisensory call to action for ecological stewardship.
Professor Julie Willis, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, praised the initiative as a vivid example of university-led innovation.
The cricket habitat
“‘Song of the Cricket’ showcases world-leading research from across the University. Combining art and science, the exhibit helps people to reimagine this iconic place as a living, responsive, and biodiverse city,” she said.
Miriama Young
One of the installation’s most unique features is the interactive sound garden and cricket choir, designed by Associate Professor Miriama Young. Set against the backdrop of a 16th-century Venetian shipyard, the soundscape reawakens the natural chorus that once filled the city’s wetlands.
“Antonio Vivaldi’s Venice was once alive with the sounds of nature. This project re-imagines a healthy bioacoustic environment and develops synergies in ecological art practice through architectures of sound and sustainability,” said Young.
This exhibit joins other sustainability-focused pavilions at the Biennale, such as Australia’s “HOME,” which explores Indigenous environmental knowledge, and Seoul’s call for coexistence with nature in urban planning.
“HOME,” is showcasing Indigenous knowledge systems and their relationship with environmental stewardship. The exhibition invites visitors to engage with Australia’s natural environment through Indigenous perspectives, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and cultural heritage.
HOME pavillion
Together, these works underscore a larger truth: that architecture and design are no longer just about buildings, but about reviving the ecosystems and cultural soundscapes that make cities truly alive.
Sustainability Takes Center Stage at the 2025 Venice Biennale
The 2025 Venice Biennale is placing sustainability at the forefront, with several national pavilions and exhibitions highlighting environmental themes and practices.
Image via WikipediaA new wave of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is spreading through Europe and the Near East, and experts at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are urging countries to take urgent steps to stop it. The recent detection of an unfamiliar strain of the virus in Iraq and Bahrain has raised alarms, especially since this version, known as SAT1, is not normally found in this region. It likely arrived from East Africa and could easily spread to nearby countries that are unprepared to handle it. It was recently found in Kuwait.
Slow Food and regenerative farming may be an answer.
FMD doesn’t infect humans, but the damage it causes to livestock—and to farmers’ livelihoods—is severe. The virus spreads quickly among animals like cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats. It causes fever and painful blisters on the mouth and feet, leading to lameness, less milk and meat production, and in some cases, sudden death in younger animals.
Europe, which is usually free of FMD, is now facing its worst outbreak since 2001. Germany detected a case in January 2025 and managed to contain it, but since then the disease has spread to Hungary and Slovakia, and is proving harder to stop. As a result, the UK has banned meat and dairy imports from affected countries, including Austria due to its proximity to Hungary.
Foot and Mouth Disease on hoof, University of Oklahoma
The economic fallout from FMD is enormous. Even in countries where the disease is common, it causes an estimated $21 billion in losses every year—mostly from reduced productivity and the cost of vaccines. But when trade bans, culling, and market disruptions are included, the true financial impact is far greater. For small-scale farmers and rural communities, a single outbreak can be devastating.
In response, FAO is calling on all countries to strengthen their prevention and response efforts. This includes increasing public awareness, especially among farmers and market workers; improving on-farm biosecurity by keeping sick animals isolated and stopping the spread of contaminated equipment or people; and making sure that vaccines, where used, are carefully matched to the circulating virus strain.
Foot and mouth disease, CABI Bioscience
Vaccination can be very effective, but it needs to be part of a larger strategy that includes active surveillance, testing, and fast action when new outbreaks are detected. Countries should also review their contingency plans to ensure they can respond quickly to new outbreaks. This includes having clear procedures for isolating infected areas, investigating the source, and carrying out targeted vaccinations.
FMD may not pose a health threat to people, but its impact on food systems is real. It affects what we eat, how much it costs, and the stability of trade between countries. The recent outbreaks are a reminder that animal diseases don’t respect borders—and that early detection, clear communication, and coordinated action are the best tools we have to protect both animals and livelihoods.
As the FAO warns, staying alert now could prevent much greater harm later.
Imagine an RV painted with SolarPaint — for power at night.
As of 2025, the US solar industry is attracting tens of billions of dollars in private investment. That kind of capital signals more than just market growth—it signals disruption. And nothing screams disruption quite like solar paint: a substance that can generate electricity, just like a solar panel, but goes on like regular paint.
Imagine turning any building—home, school, warehouse, or factory—into a clean energy generator just by painting it. That’s the promise of solar paint. And companies like Israel’s Solarpaint are pushing this vision toward reality, with cutting-edge flexible photovoltaic (PV) solutions that challenge everything we know about how solar energy is captured and used.
What Is Solar Paint?
A solar powered floating home
Solar paint is not one singular product, but rather a set of emerging technologies that can convert sunlight into electricity when applied like regular paint or spray. Instead of needing heavy, rigid panels, solar paint could theoretically be rolled onto any surface—curved, uneven, vertical, or mobile—and generate power.
Three types of solar paint are currently being researched and prototyped:
Hydrogen-Extracting Solar Paint
Professors from the research team at RMIT University who have developed the hydrogen-extracting solar paint. Image source: RMIT
Developed by researchers at RMIT University in Australia, this paint absorbs moisture from the air and uses sunlight to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen can then be stored and used as a clean fuel source.
The key component is synthetic molybdenum-sulfide, which acts similarly to moisture-absorbing silica gel, and is combined with titanium dioxide (already found in conventional paints). The result is a paint that could work in humid regions to produce hydrogen fuel directly from the air.
“Any place that has water vapor in the air… can produce fuel,” says Dr. Torben Daeneke, lead researcher at RMIT.
Quantum Dot Solar Paint (Photovoltaic Paint)
At the University of Toronto, scientists have developed colloidal quantum dots—tiny semiconductors that convert sunlight into electricity. These can be applied like ink or paint to various surfaces.
What’s exciting here is both cost and customizability: quantum dots are inexpensive to produce, and their light-absorbing properties can be tuned simply by changing their size. Researchers believe they can ultimately surpass the efficiency of traditional panels by more than 10%.
Perovskite Spray-On Solar Cells
NREL scientist David Moore paints a perovskite solution onto glass. Image source: nrel.gov
Perovskites are a class of materials that have revolutionized solar science in the past decade. Researchers at the University of Sheffield were the first to develop spray-on perovskite solar cells, which can be applied to glass, plastic, or metal—ideal for windows, facades, or irregular surfaces.
This approach is still being refined for weather resistance and durability but shows huge promise for turning entire structures into solar harvesting systems.
Solarpaint (Israel): Leading the Civilian Leap Forward
SolarPaint and RV awnings
Israeli company Solarpaint is one of the most promising startups in the flexible solar space. Unlike conventional panels that require heavy support structures and extensive installation, Solarpaint offers thin, lightweight photovoltaic films and bendable coatings that can be applied to a wide variety of surfaces—including rooftops, awnings, and walls.
Its goal? To democratize solar power by making it easier, more aesthetic, and more affordable to generate electricity from the surfaces we already use.
SolarPaint has partnered with Lippert Components, an Indiana-based manufacturer of recreational vehicles (RVs) and related products.Together, they are developing a fully flexible and rollable solar awning suitable for RVs, residential balconies, and marine vehicles.This project is part of a broader initiative funded by BIRD Energy, a joint program between the US Department of Energy and Israel’s Ministry of Energy, which supports collaborative clean energy projects.
Applications Already in Sight:
Urban Rooftops: Even rooftops that can’t support traditional panels could be coated with solar-reactive material.
Smart Architecture: Facades and curved surfaces become energy-generating without disrupting the building’s design.
Off-Grid Homes and Cabins: Remote properties could gain reliable power without massive infrastructure.
Mobile Solar: Vehicles, tiny homes, or even boats could one day use solar coatings to charge onboard systems.
Greenhouses and Farms: Surfaces of farm structures could generate energy for irrigation, sensors, or refrigeration.
Second generation Seychellois conservation leader speaks candidly about the Qatar deal on Assomption Island, environmental secrecy, and the rising tide of neo-colonialism in the Indian Ocean
As controversy brews over a Qatari-backed development on Seychelles’ remote Assomption Island, questions are being raised about environmental transparency, geopolitical influence, and the future of conservation. I reached out to Dr. Nirmal Jivan Shah, CEO of Nature Seychelles, for his unfiltered perspective. A second-generation Seychellois conservationist, Shah has led the rescue of endangered birds, worked with luxury hotels on reef restoration, and witnessed firsthand the transformation of his country’s ecological and political landscape.
Nirmal has talked extensively about the problems of managing 155 islands with a small population of 100,000 people. Some of the islands have been isolated for millions of years, but when settlers came 250 years ago they disrupted and devastated ecosystems for hardwood, and to plant coconuts and cinnamon. He is working to restore island ecosystems through his not-for-profit organization.
Karin Kloosterman: You’ve worked with private island owners for decades in Seychelles. How does this current deal on Assomption compare?
Nirmal Jivan Shah: I’ve led some of the most successful island restoration and endemic bird rescue projects in Africa and Indian Ocean with 5 star properties on private islands in Seychelles over a period of more than 15 years. If it wasn’t the alliance we forged with these private owners, frankly birds that were on the brink of extinction such as the Seychelles Magpie Robin would have vanished by now. We’ve also been working with internationally branded hotels to restore coral reefs around Praslin island.
Now we are partnering with 5 star establishments on Mahe island and the Ministry responsible for Environment to restore and co-manage wetlands including mangroves. These are amazing examples of corporate responsibility and private investment in the environment.
However, developments wrapped in mystery and secrecy are not the way to go.
Mangrove tree planting via Nature Seychelles
The high drama around the Assumption project would not have happened if there was transparency and independent conservation organisations like Nature Seychelles would have been involved from day one.
I was not comfortable that the NGO Island Conservation Society which works very closely with the Island Development Co, a State Owned Enterprise leading the push for the Assumption project along with its allied company Green Island Construction, undertook the EIA.
I think the ICS should have been the independent, objective party to assess the EIA and monitor the development. As NGOs, I believe we should be watchdogs and honest-brokers.
Assomption Island
Karin: Some argue Assomption Island was bound to be developed. Do you agree?
Nirmal: Assumption island itself was ecologically ruined with guano mining during colonial times and development there was inevitable at some point. The sensitivity of it though that is that it is the “gateway” to Aldabra. However, no international conservation organisation had expressed interest in it and the Seychelles Government doesn’t have the resources to maintain and monitor Assumption nor all the other far flung islands of the Seychelles.
Cousin Island, Hawksbill Turtles, via Nature Seychelles
Karin: The Seychelles Islands Foundation has raised concerns. Could they help restore oversight?
Nirmal: The Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) responsible for Aldabra has said it was inadequately informed and consulted. If the SIF gains responsibility for biosecurity and monitoring over the operations, I would be more comfortable.
Coral reef restoration via Nature Seychelles
Karin: What about the broader trend of development in Seychelles?
Nirmal: In general in Seychelles it is obvious there is now overdevelopment of hotels on Mahe in particular but other islands as well. There has been resistance from environmental activists and members of the public which have been well covered by the local media. I believe that after so many years of quite good planning and environmental controls Seychelles has succumbed to big money development across the board.
Karin: You told me everything was approved through proper government channels?
Nirmal: As I understand it, the project was legally approved, by the Cabinet of Ministers, then an EIA was made and approved, and finally approval by the Planning Authority. This is the crux of the problem.
Karin: Your father, Kantilal Jivan Shah, was a legendary conservationist. What might he think?
Kanti Shah via family Facebook group
Nirmal: My father was one of a handful of Seychellois who fought to prevent the British from building a naval base on Aldabra, and who was instrumental in getting the owner of Cousin Island to sell it to BirdLife International to save the Seychelles warbler. But I’m not sure what he would think about development on Assomption. His company supplied and bought copra from the outer islands, including as far away as Diego García, so the development of islands was normal to them to run the plantation-based economy.
The Adabra atoll is known as an outpost for evolution. Via Google Earth
Karin: You also revealed a surprising connection between Assomption and sand extraction?
Nirmal: Hundreds and hundreds of tonnes of sand have been taken from Assumption where aeolian dunes build up. In modern times this was done to, reportedly, build the beach at Sun City in South Africa, at the International Airport to welcome the Miss World contestants, and now apparently for the FIFA beach soccer competition this year.
Karin: What are your thoughts on the Qatar connection? Some critics say this feels like neo-colonialism.
Nirmal: There are still neo-colonial forces dominating Seychelles. The EU tuna fisheries is an example that I personally have publicly contested. The difference today is that Seychellois are by and large well-off and successful and not slaves being worked to death or impoverished workers with no future. Which is why it’s difficult to get many people worked up about what’s going on in the far-flung outer islands where 95% of the population have never been. My conversations with people also reveal that quite a few Seychellois feel that a tiny country with few resources has to make trade-offs to remain actually viable in a hugely complex and increasingly difficult-to-navigate world.
Karin: You’ve said the country faces income inequality and a drug crisis. Can you elaborate?
Nirmal: It’s not to say that 100% of the population have been able to take advantage of economic opportunities and income inequality is a growing problem (as in all high income countries). As is a huge heroin addiction problem (but that also takes money to buy. Where are they getting the money?) Seychelles is the only High Income country in Africa and reports say it is also in a sort of narco-corridor in the Western Indian Ocean with Madagascar and Mauritius forming a nexus of drug trafficking and corruption.
Karin: Do you believe anyone—such as Maarco Francis or a new president—could reverse the Assomption deal?
Nirmal: My take is it would be difficult to halt it at this point. I’ve been told all the proper steps were taken, as per the laws, as I said before. Cabinet of Ministers approved it, EIA was submitted and approved, Planning Authority approved the plans.
Karin: Thank you, Nirmal, for being so candid. It’s clear the story of Assomption is not just about one island, but about how a nation balances sovereignty, ecology, and power.
Durupınar Site via Wikipedia. Is there an ancient ark below?
Could the biblical flood actually have happened and is Noah’s Ark still at the site where it rested on Mount Ararat? The legend of Noah’s Ark is one of the oldest and most enduring flood myths in human history. It appears in the Bible, the Quran, and earlier Mesopotamian texts, suggesting deep cultural and symbolic roots across civilizations.
In the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), God sees that humanity has become wicked and corrupt, and decides to cleanse the Earth with a great flood. But one man, Noah, is found righteous:
“Make yourself an ark of cypress wood… This is how you are to make it: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits.” – Genesis 6:14–15
Researchers from California are investigating the mystery in the rugged terrain of eastern Turkey, a formation long shrouded in mystery is once again capturing global attention. The Durupınar site, a 160-meter-long, boat-shaped geological structure buried near Mount Ararat, is at the heart of renewed investigations by the California-based research group, Noah’s Ark Scans.
Their mission: to determine whether this enigmatic formation could be the remnants of the biblical Noah’s Ark.
The Durupınar formation’s dimensions strikingly mirror the biblical description of Noah’s Ark, as detailed in Genesis 6:15. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys have revealed internal features, including rectangular shapes and what appears to be a central chamber, located approximately 22 feet beneath the surface. These findings suggest the possibility of man-made structures within the formation.
Soil analyses have further intrigued researchers. Samples from within the formation exhibit lower pH levels and higher concentrations of organic matter and potassium compared to surrounding areas. Such characteristics are consistent with the decomposition of wooden materials, potentially indicating the presence of ancient timber.
Discovered in 1959 by Turkish Army Captain İlhan Durupınar, the site has been a focal point for both scientific inquiry and speculative theories. While some early studies dismissed the formation as a natural geological occurrence, others have posited that it could be the fossilized remains of Noah’s Ark.
Noah’s Ark on Mount Ararat by Simon de Myle
The current research endeavors aim to apply modern scientific techniques to this age-old question. Sometimes archeologists wait until scientific tools can catch up with the questions –– to make sure they don’t harm what should be preserved.
Noah’s Ark Scans is proceeding with caution. “Excavations at the ‘boat site’ haven’t started yet because we first need more geophysical surveys, core drilling, and careful planning,” the team stated. “The location lies in an active earth flow with harsh winters, so protecting the area is our top priority”.
Collaborations with Turkish universities are underway to ensure that any future excavations are conducted responsibly and with respect for the site’s integrity.
Beyond its potential archaeological significance, the Durupınar site resonates deeply with themes of survival and renewal found in the story of Noah’s Ark. As researchers delve deeper into the formation’s secrets, they not only seek answers to a historical enigma but also engage with a narrative that as inspired countless generations.
These days it’s about your gut microbiome and what you eat: In a breakthrough study published April 30 in Nature Immunology, researchers have uncovered how certain “good” gut microbes can trigger immune cell transformations that contribute to rheumatoid arthritis—and possibly other autoimmune diseases.
The study, led by scientists at The Ohio State University, traces the journey of an unusual immune cell known as a T follicular helper 17 (TFH17) cell. These hybrid cells originate in the gut but go on to drive inflammation and autoimmunity throughout the body.
“This is really the first time it’s been shown that T cell plasticity, which typically occurs in the gut, can have this dramatic impact outside the gut with systemic impact on autoimmune disease,” said senior study author Hsin-Jung Joyce Wu, professor of internal medicine in the Division of Rheumatology and Immunology.
Back in 2016, Wu and her team first discovered that commensal bacteria—harmless microbes that usually benefit human health—could provoke the immune system into producing aggressive T cells that promote autoimmune responses. Since then, they’ve been unraveling how this process unfolds.
In the new study, the researchers show that gut-resident T helper 17 (TH17) cells can transform—or “reprogram”—into TFH cells within Peyer’s patches, a type of lymphoid tissue in the small intestine. The twist: these new TFH cells retain key inflammatory traits from their TH17 origin, making them more dangerous.
“These reprogrammed T helper cells adopt characteristics of a new T helper cell type while preserving some of their original traits, making them ‘super powerful and potent’—and if you are dealing with autoimmune disease, that’s bad news,” Wu said.
The team used fate-mapping mouse models to trace how the transformation unfolds. They found that segmented filamentous bacteria—a known gut microbe—accelerated this cell reprogramming. Fluorescent tagging techniques then revealed the cells’ migration from the gut into other parts of the body.
“That’s how we knew they were really traveling,” Wu said. Unlike conventional TFH cells, which typically stay in B cell follicles, these TFH17 cells move around and retain the ability to produce inflammatory proteins like IL-17. They’re also more effective at helping B cells, another immune cell central to rheumatoid arthritis.
“That’s what makes them ultra-pathogenic TFH cells in RA, a systemic disease, because they are very mobile and can potently help B cells,” Wu explained.
To test their pathogenic power, researchers introduced a mix of conventional TFH cells and just 20% TFH17 cells into mice genetically predisposed to develop arthritis. Mice that received the mixed group developed nearly five times more severe joint inflammation than those given only conventional TFH cells.
The implications extend beyond mice. Gene sequencing revealed that the aberrant TFH cells in these models shared significant similarities with TFH cells circulating in the blood of humans with rheumatoid arthritis—including the same gut-derived signature.
“That, to me, was exciting, to find this cross-species signature, which suggests the translational potential of this research,” said Wu.
An estimated 18 million people globally suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disorder marked by painful inflammation in the joints. While its causes are not fully understood, both genetics and environmental factors—including microbial imbalances in the gut—have been linked to disease risk.
Wu believes the findings may have wider relevance: “We are hoping to improve patients’ health and life. For the future, as TFH17 cells can be found in other types of autoimmune patients, such as lupus patients, if we can determine that these abnormal TFH cells are a potential target not just for RA, but across autoimmune diseases, that would be very useful.”
People who consume more ultra-processed foods—such as packaged snacks, sugary cereals, and hot dogs—may be more likely to show early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease, according to a new study published May 7, 2025, in Neurology, the journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
The research doesn’t prove that ultra-processed foods cause Parkinson’s, but it does suggest a strong association.
Researchers focused on prodromal Parkinson’s disease—the earliest phase of the condition, when neurodegeneration has begun but hallmark symptoms like tremors or slowed movement haven’t yet appeared. These subtle warning signs can develop years or even decades before a formal diagnosis.
“Eating a healthy diet is crucial as it has been associated with a lower risk of neurodegenerative diseases, and the dietary choices we make today can significantly influence our brain health in the future,” said lead author Xiang Gao, MD, PhD, of the Institute of Nutrition at Fudan University in Shanghai, China.
“There’s growing evidence that diet might influence the development of Parkinson’s disease. Our research shows that eating too much processed food, like sugary sodas and packaged snacks, might be speeding up early signs of Parkinson’s disease.”
The study followed 42,853 people with an average age of 48 for up to 26 years. None had Parkinson’s disease at the start. Over time, participants underwent medical exams and completed detailed health questionnaires. Researchers assessed for early signs of Parkinson’s, such as rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, loss of smell, depression, daytime sleepiness, and impaired color vision.
Participants also kept food diaries every two to four years, noting their consumption of ultra-processed foods. These included items like soda, chips, condiments, packaged desserts, and processed meats. One serving equaled a standard portion, such as one soda can or one hot dog.
After adjusting for lifestyle factors like age, smoking, and exercise, researchers found that people who ate 11 or more servings of ultra-processed food per day were 2.5 times more likely to show at least three early signs of Parkinson’s, compared to those who consumed fewer than three servings daily.
The trend held across most individual symptoms—except constipation. “Choosing to eat fewer processed foods and more whole, nutritious foods could be a good strategy for maintaining brain health,” said Gao. “More studies are needed to confirm our finding that eating less processed food may slow down the earliest signs of Parkinson’s disease.”
Kefir is a type of fermented milk that may help manage blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and boost digestive health, among other benefits. However, more evidence is needed to back some of these claims. The name kefir comes from the Turkish word “keyif,” which refers to the “good feeling” a person gets after drinking it.
Fermentation expert Sandor Katz who has helped maintain his health and living with HIV using fermented foods says there is no silver bullet solution: While fermented foods can help, that’s only part of the solution: “I share your perspective that people would be healthier if they moved away from ultra-processed foods. I also believe that fermented foods can improve digestion, immune function, and even mental health. However, it is misleading to suggest that fermented foods cure HIV, Parkinsons, cancer, or any other particular disease,” he warns.
One limitation: participants self-reported their dietary habits, which may have introduced inaccuracies in measuring how much processed food they truly ate.
Why are more young people under 50 being diagnosed with colorectal cancer? That’s the question researchers across the world are racing to answer. Now, a major international study published in Nature offers a new lead: a DNA-damaging toxin called colibactin, produced by certain gut bacteria, may play a key role — and our diets could be fueling it.
Colorectal cancer is historically a disease of aging. But in recent decades, cases have been rising sharply in people under 50 — even in their 30s or younger. The Nature study, led by researchers at UC San Diego and the University of Cambridge, analyzed the DNA of 981 colorectal tumors from patients across 11 countries. They found a distinctive fingerprint of damage left by colibactin, a toxin produced by certain strains of E. coli and related bacteria.
Crucially, the study showed that patients under 40 were 3.3 times more likely to have tumors with this colibactin-associated mutation signature than those over 70.
“This mutational footprint is like a historical record — it tells us these patients were exposed to colibactin, likely early in life,” said Professor Ludmil Alexandrov, senior author of the study and researcher at UC San Diego. “This could be the smoking gun behind the rise in early-onset colorectal cancer.”
Alexandrov believes many of these mutations were acquired during childhood. “The development of colorectal cancer in individuals with colibactin-associated tumors may begin as early as age 10,” he said in a press release, “and manifest as cancer by the time the individual is in their 40s.”
What Role Does Diet Play?
Kefir is a type of fermented milk that may help manage blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and boost digestive health, among other benefits. However, more evidence is needed to back some of these claims. The name kefir comes from the Turkish word “keyif,” which refers to the “good feeling” a person gets after drinking it.
While the study didn’t examine diet directly, scientists widely agree that food plays a critical role in shaping the gut microbiome — the community of trillions of bacteria in our digestive tract. Some of these bacteria are protective. Others, like colibactin-producing E. coli, can be harmful.
According to Dr. David Scott, Director of Cancer Grand Challenges at Cancer Research UK, “It’s unclear how the exposure originates, but we suspect that a combination of factors — including diet — may intersect during a crucial phase in the development of the gut microbiome.”
A Western-style diet, high in saturated fats, processed foods, and red meat, and low in fiber, has been shown to promote inflammation and support the growth of harmful bacteria — while displacing beneficial species. Fiber, by contrast, helps fuel microbes that produce short-chain fatty acids, which protect the colon lining and reduce cancer risk.
In a 2015 study comparing diets in rural Africa and the U.S., researchers led by Dr. Stephen O’Keefe found that a high-fiber, plant-based diet drastically reduced cancer biomarkers — within just two weeks. The rural African diet shifted the microbiome in ways that suppressed inflammation and DNA damage.
Colibactin and the “Unseen Exposure” in Childhood
What makes colibactin so dangerous is that it doesn’t just irritate the gut — it directly alters DNA. This is significant because it means the carcinogenic process may begin decades before diagnosis.
“We’ve identified that a subset of early-onset colorectal cancer patients have had their cancer caused, at least in part, by past exposure to bacteria that produce colibactin,” said Professor Serena Nik-Zainal, co-lead author from the University of Cambridge.
Importantly, these colibactin mutations were more common in countries with higher rates of early-onset colorectal cancer — including the U.S. and U.K. — than in nations with more traditional diets.
The findings raise the possibility of new screening tools — including stool tests to detect high-risk bacterial strains, or even microbial risk profiling in children and adolescents. But prevention may start with something more accessible: what we feed ourselves, and our children.
“In the future, we might be able to identify children carrying colibactin-producing bacteria and take steps early to reduce their cancer risk,” Alexandrov said.
Until then, experts suggest a return to the basics: more plants, less processed meat, and nurturing a diverse, healthy gut microbiome. In an age where chronic disease often begins unseen, diet remains one of our most powerful — and modifiable — tools.
Simplifying everything, even the food you eat will make you healthier: Sandor Katz who cured himself from the effects of HIV with fermented foods.
Are you doing the #vanlife? But want financial stability, be an environmentalist and own a real home? Take a path to financial security and afford a new couch.
Turning 30 can feel like a major moment. It’s not just another birthday — for many people, it’s a time when life starts to get a little more serious. Maybe you’re thinking about buying a house, traveling more, or planning for your future family. Whatever your plans look like, having a few key financial milestones in place can make everything feel a lot easier.
The good news is that you don’t have to be rich or perfect with money to make real progress. You just need to build smart habits early and stick with them. Hitting a few important financial goals before 30 can put you years ahead later. Let’s break down some simple goals you can start working toward today.
Build a Starter Emergency Fund
Solar panels are great for blackouts, but you need an emergency fund for unexpected trips or necessities.
One of the first financial goals to tackle is building a small emergency fund. Life is unpredictable, and having a financial safety net can give you peace of mind when unexpected expenses pop up. Whether it’s a car repair, a surprise medical bill, or even losing your job, an emergency fund means you’re not reaching for a credit card every time something happens.
You don’t need to build a huge emergency fund right away. Begin by aiming to save $1,000 as your first step. After that, focus on gradually setting aside enough to cover three to six months of your living costs. It’s better to build it slowly than not at all.
If you want to get a clear picture of how your savings could grow month by month, you can use a monthly compounding interest calculator. This tool shows how even small amounts saved in a high-yield account can grow over time just from earning interest. Watching your savings grow can keep you motivated to stay consistent.
Pay Off High-Interest Debt
College was great. Pay off student loans ASAP or they will follow you through life.
Debt can be a big hurdle if you’re trying to build a strong financial future. If you have credit cards or personal loans with high interest rates, it’s important to make paying them off a priority. The longer you carry a balance, the more money you’ll end up paying — money that could have gone toward your goals.
Focus on knocking out high-interest debts first. Make a list of what you owe, the interest rates, and minimum payments. Then, put extra money toward the debt with the highest rate while keeping up with minimum payments on the others. Clearing this kind of debt frees up your income for more productive things like saving, investing, or traveling.
Start Saving for Retirement
It’s never too early to think about retirement. In fact, the earlier you start, the better. Time is your biggest advantage because of how compounding has worked over the years.
Even if you can only afford to put a little bit away each month, it’s still worth it. If your job offers a 401(k) plan, contribute enough to get the full employer match if possible. That’s free money you don’t want to leave behind. If you don’t have access to a workplace plan, opening an IRA is a good next step.
The key is to start now and stay consistent. Small amounts add up to big results when you give them enough time.
Build Good Credit
Your credit score plays a bigger role in your financial life than you might think. A strong score can help you get approved for loans, rent apartments, and qualify for lower interest rates when you borrow money.
Start by paying all your bills on time, every time. Late payments can seriously hurt your score. Keep your credit card balances low — ideally, using less than 30% of your available limit. It’s also smart to check your credit reports regularly to make sure there are no mistakes hurting your score.
Good credit doesn’t happen by accident. Building it takes a little effort but pays off in huge ways later on.
Create a Budget and Actually Stick to It
A homemade cold water plunge bath. You can enjoy yourself and spend safe.
Budgeting isn’t about making your life harder. It’s about knowing where your money goes so you can make better choices with it.
The best budget is the one you’ll actually use. Some people like using apps that track spending automatically. Others prefer simple spreadsheets. The tool doesn’t matter as much as being honest about what you earn and spend.
Once you set a budget, review it once a month. Adjust when things change. Keeping track of your money helps you stay focused on your goals instead of wondering where your paycheck disappeared.
Set Short- and Long-Term Financial Goals
Money without a plan tends to disappear. That’s why setting clear goals is so important.
Think about what you want in the next few years. Maybe you want to save for a vacation, buy a car, or move into a better apartment. Those are short-term goals. At the same time, think bigger: buying a home, traveling the world, retiring early. Those are long-term goals.
Write them down somewhere you’ll see them. Check in on your progress at least once a year. Having a roadmap for your money gives you a reason to save, invest, and make smarter choices every day.
Start Investing Even If It’s a Small Amount
Investing can sound complicated if you’ve never done it before, but it doesn’t have to be. The truth is, you don’t need a lot of money to start.
Even putting $50 or $100 a month into a basic investment account can add up over time. Index funds, ETFs, and robo-advisors are all simple ways to get started without feeling overwhelmed.
The key is to get your money working for you early. Saving is important, but investing is what helps your money grow faster than inflation. If you wait until everything feels perfect, you might miss out on years of growth.
You don’t need to hit every financial milestone perfectly by the time you turn 30. Life happens, and everyone’s path looks different. But working toward these simple goals can set you up for a stronger, more secure future.
Start where you are, even if it feels small. Celebrate your progress along the way. The important thing is building habits now that will continue to help you for decades to come. Every smart step you take today makes your life easier tomorrow — and that’s something definitely worth aiming for.
AI can support customers in solar energy, green design, and in understanding carbon credits.
Customer service reigns supreme in today’s crowded digital marketplace. Brands can stand out from competitors by providing reliable, real-time customer service and prioritizing customer needs. Regardless of the company’s size, customers expect — and in many cases demand — their specific requests be handled seamlessly. One way that brands are meeting the needs of these requirements is by leveraging the power of artificial intelligence (AI).
AI is transforming customer service, and therefore a brand’s interactions with customers daily. From replying to on-site queries to following up on questions on Instagram DM to sending customized SMS text messages, AI is reshaping the customer experience altogether. Below are a few common use cases in different industries, as well as tips for using AI in your customer interactions.
AI Use Cases in Customer Service
AI and robots in agriculture can also convert data into machine learning operations.
There are various use cases for AI in customer service. As an example, AI in automotive industries is revolutionizing how customers make showroom appointments and book test-drives. Instead of calling a dealership and waiting on hold until a sales member is available, AI-powered chatbots can make the appointment within seconds. Through generative conversational AI, customers may think that they are in fact speaking with a live agent as opposed to a software program!
In the food delivery space, AI is improving the logistics of creating delivery routes for takeout drivers. More accurate prediction times are calculated so customers know precisely when their stuffed crust pepperoni pizza will be delivered. Not only does this improve customer satisfaction, but it also streamlines processes to boost the efficiency of local drivers.
Airlines are also utilizing AI to assist customers with urgent requests and provide personalized recommendations during their flights. AI-powered chatbots on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines are assisting with rebooking and providing real-time flight information via Facebook Messenger.
Delta Air Lines is using AI to store frequent travelers’ in-flight entertainment preferences and suggesting relevant content during their travels.
Health and wellness-based brands are using AI to manage appointments and schedules. AI can help coordinate different bookings based on staff availability. This can help maximize a staff person’s productivity while also making the customer’s booking experience as easy as possible. AI can remind clients of an upcoming appointment to help avoid any last-minute cancellations.
Tips for Using AI in Your Customer Interactions
Can AI robots get personal?
Now that you have a sense of the types of use cases for AI in customer service, here are some practical tips to keep in mind as you begin to leverage this technology for your specific industry needs.
Tip #1: Be Personal
Whether you are leveraging AI or not, customers want their needs to be heard. They don’t want to feel like they’re speaking with a bot. Instead, they want to feel like they’re being taken care of uniquely and treated as a human being. For this reason, personalization is key.
Through data analysis, AI can assist in personalizing experiences by looking at past customer behaviors such as purchase history and site interactions. Any former conversations can also be tracked to ensure that conversations are picked back up and customers don’t need to repeat themselves.
In addition to real-time personalized conversations, AI can also provide applicable product recommendations and tailored content. Amazon, for instance, creates a dynamic homepage experience for each Amazon Prime customer based on recent shopping purchases. These recommendations can lead to new purchases and keep customers loyal to specific brands.
Tip #2: Provide 24/7 Support
Long gone are the days of picking up the phone and calling customer service when a problem arises. Customers today are looking for their issues to be resolved ASAP, meaning brands need to be able to provide 24/7 support. No matter the time of day, AI-powered chatbots can augment your customer service team and respond to inquiries immediately.
AI can handle frequently asked questions and point users to specific content to help answer their questions. These chatbots can track packages and provide real-time shipping updates. For any delays, they can let customers know of the problem before it becomes a major issue.
By answering these questions, your customer service department can focus on more complex issues, such as handling broken items during delivery. By passing these queries to human support agents, your customers’ needs are taken care of seamlessly.
This around-the-clock support can be handled via on-site chatbots as well as SMS text messages. SMS is becoming an increasingly popular solution for brands to automate customer conversations and even remind users when a sale is occurring or to reorder a recently purchased product.
Tip #3: Integrate Platforms
On the backend, one way to ensure an easy transition is to integrate any AI-driven tools into existing platforms. Your team has enough to manage besides learning a new system entirely. After all, the purpose of AI is to ease the burden of your employees, not create new hurdles or challenges for them to overcome!
Fortunately, many of today’s AI tools and systems can be easily integrated. CRM (customer relationship management) platforms and customer service portals can likely adapt to new AI technology. This way, all of your prior customer information is saved, and there are no gaps in customer experience or service.
Of course, in addition to integrating platforms, be sure that your team is up to speed on these new advancements. Employees should be well-trained in understanding what AI can handle and what is best kept with the team. As an example, AI can quickly answer FAQs and point leads in the right direction in terms of recommending certain products; however, a loyal customer who has yet to receive an expected package after due time should likely be handled by a human customer service agent.
Support Your Service Team With AI
While AI cannot do the work of your customer service team altogether, it can ease common pain points for both your employees and your customers. Regardless of your industry, AI can create personalized communications that are handled 24/7 across your already executed platforms. Leaning into AI today can help power your team and the future of your business.
Europe goes black after a renewable energy failure at the grid
On April 28, 2025, Spain and Portugal experienced a massive power outage that disrupted daily life for tens of millions. The blackout, which began around 12:30 p.m., led to halted transportation, communication failures, and significant economic losses. This event has sparked a critical examination of the challenges associated with the integration of renewable energy sources into national power grids.
According to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, the country experienced a sudden loss of 15 gigawatts of power—approximately 60% of its electricity demand—in just five seconds. This abrupt drop overwhelmed the remaining supply and led to a cascading failure that affected Portugal due to the interconnected nature of their power grids. The blackout was one of the most significant in recent European history, affecting around 60 million people.
Investigations and Potential Causes
While the exact cause of the blackout remains under investigation, several factors are being considered: Grid Inertia: The lack of inertia in renewable energy systems, particularly solar and wind, may have contributed to the instability. Unlike traditional power plants, renewable sources do not provide the kinetic energy needed to stabilize the grid
Preliminary reports suggest that a series of disconnection events in southwestern Spain, a region rich in solar power, may have triggered the collapse.
Authorities have ruled out cyberattacks but are investigating other possibilities, including equipment failures and potential sabotage.
Spain’s Prime Minister Sánchez has called for a thorough investigation into the blackout’s causes and emphasized the need for collaboration between the government and private energy firms. He stated, “All the necessary measures will be taken to ensure that this does not happen again.”
The Spanish government has convened meetings with major energy operators, including Red Eléctrica and Iberdrola, and announced the creation of a commission to investigate the incident.
Implications for Renewable Energy Integration
The blackout has raised concerns about the resilience of power grids heavily reliant on renewable energy. While renewable sources are essential for reducing carbon emissions, their intermittent nature and lack of inertia pose challenges for grid stability.
Experts suggest that integrating advanced energy storage systems and enhancing grid infrastructure are crucial steps toward mitigating such risks. Investments in technologies that can provide synthetic inertia and rapid response capabilities are also being considered.
As Europe continues its transition toward renewable energy, the Iberian blackout serves as a stark reminder of the importance of grid modernization and resilience. Ensuring a stable and reliable power supply will require a balanced approach that combines renewable energy integration with robust infrastructure and advanced technologies.
The incident underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to support the continent’s ambitious climate goals without compromising energy security.
Energy resilience at home – what you can do
A Tesla Powerwall can stabilize the grid and keep your home running during a blackout
At the household level, energy storage systems like Tesla’s Powerwall can be game-changers. These units store solar energy and automatically provide backup power during outages. Tesla’s Storm Watch feature even preps the system in advance of predicted grid instability, making homes part of the solution—not the problem.
SolarEdge and Enphase inverters with smart load balancing.
Sonnen batteries, which allow home-to-grid energy sharing in cooperatives.
There are several clean technology companies working to solve precisely these challenges:
Neoen (France): Developers of large-scale battery storage like the Hornsdale Power Reserve in Australia. Their solutions are designed to provide the kind of grid stability Spain and Portugal lacked during the blackout.
Moixa (UK): A pioneer in smart home batteries and virtual power plant technology, enabling homes to store and share solar energy efficiently.
GridBeyond (Ireland): Uses AI to manage grid demands in real time, helping to smooth out variability in renewables.
CorPower Ocean (Sweden): Developing wave energy as a consistent, grid-friendly complement to wind and solar.
While the resurrection of the dire wolf has captured global headlines, an equally significant achievement has been unfolding alongside it: the birth of four healthy red wolf pups named Hope, Blaze, Cinder, and Ash. Using the same groundbreaking technologies developed for de-extinction, Colossal Biosciences has potentially altered the fate of North America’s most endangered canid, demonstrating how ancient DNA science can directly benefit species still clinging to existence.
The Red Wolf Crisis
The red wolf (Canis rufus) faces a dire situation that makes the term “endangered” seem almost inadequate. Once roaming throughout much of eastern North America in the thousands, today fewer than 20 remain in the wild, making them the most endangered wolves on the planet.
By 1960, red wolves were nearly extinct. The Endangered Species Act and a captive breeding program helped secure their reintroduction into eastern North Carolina through the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Red Wolf Recovery Program. This effort successfully grew the wild population to more than 120 wolves—a conservation success story in the making.
However, when the program was halted in 2015, the population crashed to as few as seven wolves. Though the program resumed in 2021, the species has struggled to regain its numbers, hampered by a critical challenge: dangerously low genetic diversity. All existing red wolves descend from just 12 founder individuals, creating a genetic bottleneck that threatens their long-term viability.
Four New Genetic Lifelines
Into this precarious situation, Colossal has introduced four potential saviors: Hope, a female red wolf pup, and three males named Blaze, Cinder, and Ash. These wolves were born through the same innovative cloning approach developed for the dire wolf project, but with a crucial difference—they represent genetic lineages that could significantly expand the species’ genetic diversity.
As Colossal announced alongside the dire wolf news: “The three litters of Colossal’s dire wolves include two adolescent males (Romulus and Remus) and one female puppy (Khaleesi). Colossal also birthed two litters of red wolves from three different genetic founder lines. These litters include one adolescent female red wolf (Hope) and three male red wolf puppies (Blaze, Cinder, and Ash).”
The significance of these new wolves extends beyond their individual lives. The pups come from cell lines collected from the southwest Louisiana population—a region critical for red wolf conservation. Adding these new lineages to the captive breeding population would increase the number of founding lineages by a remarkable 25%, potentially addressing one of the most critical threats to red wolf recovery.
Non-Invasive Blood Cloning Technique
The technical innovation that made these births possible is Colossal’s novel method of “non-invasive blood cloning.” Rather than requiring invasive tissue sampling, scientists established viable cell lines from red wolves using a simple blood draw—a routine procedure already performed during veterinary checkups of sedated wolves.
From these blood samples, Colossal isolated expandable endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which are cells involved in vascular repair and neovascularization. These cells were then used for successful cloning through somatic cell nuclear transfer, resulting in healthy red wolf pups.
This technique represents a significant advance for endangered species conservation, as it allows genetic material to be collected with minimal impact on wild animals. “The collection of whole blood is a rapid and noninvasive procedure that is routinely carried out on sedated wolves for veterinary monitoring purposes,” Colossal notes, making the approach highly practical for field conservation.
From Dire Wolves to Conservation Solutions
The connection between the dire wolf project and red wolf conservation is direct and explicit. As Colossal stated, “The technology developed within the Colossal de-extinction pipeline has immediate applications for conservation efforts globally. The research undertaken to birth the dire wolf has been successfully paralleled to the birth of two litters of the red wolf.”
Dr. Christopher Mason, a scientific advisor to Colossal, emphasized this relationship: “The same technologies that created the dire wolf can directly help save a variety of other endangered animals as well. This is an extraordinary technological leap for both science and for conservation.”
This demonstrates how de-extinction science, often portrayed as distinct from or even competing with traditional conservation, can directly support efforts to save extant species. The red wolf pups represent not just a theoretical application but a tangible conservation outcome from technologies initially developed for a de-extinction moonshot.
The ‘Ghost Wolf’ Connection
Beyond the cloned pups themselves, Colossal’s red wolf work connects to another fascinating project: the study of “ghost wolves”—unique canids found only on the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana that carry lost genetic diversity from red wolves.
The company notes that “the research program for the dire wolf has also helped efforts to develop technologies for the red ‘ghost’ wolf.” Working with researchers Dr. Bridgett vonHoldt of Princeton University and Dr. Kristin Brzesk of Michigan Technological University, who lead the Gulf Coast Canid Project, Colossal has accelerated understanding of these animals’ genetic ancestry.
This connection to ghost wolves is particularly important because these animals may harbor genetic diversity lost from the official red wolf population during its decline. “The technology and understanding developed through Colossal’s red ‘ghost’ wolf project has now unlocked additional genetic diversity and red wolf ancestry that can be a resource to create a genetic rescue program for the red wolf population,” the company explains.
The Path to Rewilding
The long-term vision for these red wolf pups extends beyond captivity. Colossal has stated that its “long term goal is for their red wolves to be re-wilded through current US conservation efforts in collaboration with the US government.” This would integrate the cloned wolves into existing recovery programs, potentially helping to rebuild the wild population.
Matt James, Colossal’s Chief Animal Officer and Colossal Foundation Executive Director, emphasized this conservation mission: “Colossal’s successful de-extinction of the dire wolf represents a massive coup for conservation. The technologies developed on the path to the dire wolf are already opening up new opportunities to rescue critically endangered canids.”
For now, Hope, Blaze, Cinder, and Ash reside alongside their dire wolf counterparts at Colossal’s 2,000+ acre protected reserve, receiving round-the-clock care and monitoring. The facility, certified by the American Humane Society and registered with the USDA, provides the specialized care these genetically valuable wolves require.
Expert Support for the Approach
Conservation experts have responded enthusiastically to Colossal’s red wolf achievements. Aurelia Skipwith, J.D., former Director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, noted: “The company’s work to combat extinction of the red wolf creates hope for so many other critically endangered species fighting for survival.”
Similarly, Mike Phillips, Director of the Turner Endangered Species Fund and project lead for rewilding gray wolves in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, praised the technological approach: “By collaborating with Dr. vonHoldt on red wolf recovery, Colossal creates potential to increase the genetic diversity of this species which exists only because of a captive population founded by a paltry 14 individuals.”
Dr. Bridgett vonHoldt herself highlighted the broader significance: “I am beyond thrilled that such technologies are also being leveraged to support programs of preventing extinction in endangered species like the red wolf.”
Hope for the Future
The names given to these red wolf pups—Hope, Blaze, Cinder, and Ash—seem particularly apt for their role in red wolf conservation. Hope, the female pup, embodies the promise these animals represent for their species’ future. The male names—Blaze, Cinder, and Ash—evoke both wildfire imagery (appropriate for predators once nearly lost) and the phoenix-like renewal these wolves may bring to their kind.
As these pups grow and potentially integrate into breeding programs, they represent a new chapter in red wolf conservation—one where cutting-edge genetic technologies complement traditional conservation approaches. The same scientific breakthroughs that brought back dire wolves after 12,000 years may help ensure that red wolves don’t disappear in our lifetime.
In this way, Hope, Blaze, Cinder, and Ash stand as living proof that the technology of resurrection can become the technology of prevention—turning the science of de-extinction into a powerful new tool for conservation.
