πŸ“… News: 2025-06-21
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Harvard's $100M Slavery Fund: Descendants Unearth 940 Ancestors

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The disbanding of the Harvard Slavery Remembrance Program, which identified 913 enslaved people and 403 living descendants, has left many questioning the university's approach to reconciling its past. Critics argue that outsourcing the research may dilute the authenticity and depth of the investigation.

Image & Source: theguardian

Harvard's $100 million slavery fund led to the discovery of 940 enslaved ancestors, yet the university's sudden dismissal of its research team raises questions about its commitment to confronting its past.

ETH Zurich's Living Concrete: Cyanobacteria Build Carbon-Negative Skyscrapers

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Beyond carbon capture, this bio-hybrid material enhances structural integrity as cyanobacteria produce calcium carbonate, a natural cement. This development prompts questions like 'can bacteria strengthen concrete' and 'what are the benefits of living building materials,' showcasing a fusion of biology and engineering.

Image & Source: ethz

ETH Zurich's living concrete, infused with photosynthetic cyanobacteria, transforms buildings into carbon-negative structures, merging biology with architecture.

Florida AG's 'Alligator Alcatraz' Plan: Detention Center Amid Everglades Predators

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Environmentalists, recalling the 1969 halt of the Everglades Jetport due to ecological concerns, argue that introducing a prison could disrupt the delicate ecosystem. Uthmeier counters, emphasizing the site's isolation and existing infrastructure as ideal for rapid deployment.

Image & Source: fox19

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier proposes a 1,000-bed detention center in the Everglades, encircled by alligators and pythons, sparking debate over its feasibility and ethics.

UK Heatwave: Sleeping Naked? Think Again, Say Experts

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Beyond attire, experts suggest unconventional methods to beat the heat at night. Sammy Margo, a Dreams Sleep Expert, recommends hanging a damp sheet in front of an open window; as the breeze passes through, the evaporating water cools the room. Additionally, placing a pet cooling mat under your fitted sheet can provide a refreshing sleep surface. ([redcross.org.uk](https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/heatwaves-uk/advice-and-tips/keep-cool-night?utm_source=openai))

Image & Source: mirror

Sleeping naked during a UK heatwave might seem logical, but experts warn it's a common mistake. Wearing loose cotton pyjamas can actually keep you cooler by wicking away sweat. Curious about other heatwave sleep myths? Discover why a warm shower before bed might be your best bet.

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Okra and Fenugreek Extracts Remove 90% of Microplastics from Water

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The study also tested real-world water samples from Texas, finding that okra extract was most effective in ocean water (80% removal), fenugreek in groundwater (80–90%), and their combination in freshwater (77%). This suggests that the efficiency of these natural polymers varies with water composition. The researchers propose that these biodegradable extracts could serve as safer alternatives to synthetic polymers in wastewater treatment. ([acs.org](https://www.acs.org/pressroom/presspacs/2025/may/research-update-okra-fenugreek-extracts-remove-most-microplastics-from-water.html?utm_source=openai))

Image & Source: independent

Okra and fenugreek extracts can remove up to 90% of microplastics from water, outperforming synthetic polymers. Researchers found these plant-based solutions effective across various water types, offering a biodegradable alternative to traditional methods.

Russian Soldier's Cannibalism in Ukraine: Intercepted Call Reveals Shocking Act

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The soldier, identified as 'Brelok,' allegedly killed and ate fellow serviceman 'Foma.' This incident highlights the severe psychological toll and breakdown of discipline among Russian troops in the conflict.

Image & Source: tvpworld

Intercepted call exposes Russian soldier's cannibalism in Ukraine, revealing a comrade's gruesome fate. How did this act unfold amid the chaos of war?

GUBI's $1,600 Monthly Stipend: Digital Nomads' New Reality

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This initiative challenges conventional economic frameworks by prioritizing presence over productivity and trust over control. As automation threatens jobs, GUBI offers a parallel track: a basic income system untethered from labor metrics, surveillance scoring, or centralized ownership models.

Image & Source: github

GUBI's $1,600 monthly stipend lets digital nomads unplug from traditional work, sparking debates on universal income's impact on productivity and autonomy.

Cone Snail Shells: Deadly Beach Souvenirs Lurking in Plain Sight

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Despite their captivating appearance, cone snails are among the ocean's most dangerous creatures. Their venom, delivered through a harpoon-like tooth, can induce symptoms ranging from intense pain to fatal respiratory paralysis. Experts advise against picking up these shells to avoid life-threatening stings.

Image & Source: mirror

Cone snail shells, alluring yet lethal, conceal venom potent enough to paralyze or kill. Beachcombers beware: that beautiful shell might be your last find.

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TUI's Β£15K Family Holiday Derailed by Poolside Bacchanalia

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The family, expecting serene watersports and kids' pools, instead witnessed festival-goers 'vomit in the pool,' shattering the resort's family-friendly facade. Complaints to TUI yielded Β£150 vouchers per person, a gesture deemed insufficient given the holiday's derailment.

Image & Source: mirror

A Β£15,000 family getaway to Jamaica's Grand Palladium Resort turned surreal as a 700-strong adults-only festival transformed the family-friendly pool into a scene of public debauchery, leaving children amidst unexpected 'vomit in pool' incidents.

Timothy Treadwell's Final Moments: Grizzly's Deadly Embrace in Alaska

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Despite warnings from park officials about the dangers of his close proximity to bears, Treadwell believed he had a special bond with them. His tragic death underscores the risks of human-wildlife interactions and has sparked discussions on wildlife conservation and safety practices.

Image & Source: mirror

Timothy Treadwell, the 'Grizzly Man,' spent 13 summers living among Alaskan bears. In 2003, his final words, 'I'm getting killed out here,' were captured as a grizzly ended his life.

Kuwait City Heatwave: Birds Drop, Fish Boil, Residents Flee

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The city's concrete infrastructure intensifies the heat, with temperatures reaching a record 54Β°C in 2016. Climate projections indicate a potential rise of 5.5Β°C by century's end, raising concerns about the city's future habitability.

Image & Source: mirror

Kuwait City, where summer temperatures soar past 50Β°C, witnesses birds plummeting mid-flight and fish boiling in the sea, as residents retreat to air-conditioned shelters.

Eastmoreland's 3-Hour Lockdown: Police Hunt for Armed Suspect

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The suspect, a 32-year-old male, was found hiding among garden tools, prompting discussions on community safety. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the shooting, with residents expressing concerns over the unexpected violence in their area.

Image & Source: katu

Eastmoreland's 3-hour lockdown ended as police captured an armed suspect hiding in a backyard shed. Residents, urged to stay indoors, now question the safety of their tranquil neighborhood.

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Tennessee Schools Purge 574 Books, Including 'Magic Tree House' and 'Calvin and Hobbes'

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The removal of these books, many considered classics, has left educators and parents questioning the criteria for such bans. Critics argue that the laws are too vague, leading to the exclusion of valuable educational materials.

Image & Source: pen

Tennessee schools have removed 574 books, including 'Magic Tree House' and 'Calvin and Hobbes,' citing new state laws. This purge raises questions about censorship and educational freedom.

Taiwan Parents' Graduation Gift: Pole Dancers Prompt Police Intervention

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The performance, featuring scantily clad dancers, took place immediately after the official ceremony, drawing significant attention from students and passersby. Authorities were called to manage the situation, highlighting the tension between personal celebrations and public decorum in Taiwan's evolving cultural landscape.

Image & Source: hindustantimes

Taiwan parents hire pole dancers for son's graduation, causing police to disperse crowd. Is this the new trend in graduation celebrations?