Buzz
If something uplifting has made headlines in the last week that could bring a smile to your face, it’s probably on this list. For the more unusual stories that are likely to surprise or amaze you, check out the quirky list right here.
This week, we highlight some thrilling discoveries, like an ancient city unearthed and an innovative solar panel that could one day change the world. We’re also inspired by a young child who conquered leukemia and an athlete who triumphed after a double amputation. And we can’t help but admire New Zealand’s creative approach to getting men to undergo testicular checks.
10. Homeless Man Stumbles Upon Priceless Artwork in a Dumpster
A few weeks back, Adam, a homeless man from Edmonton, was rummaging through a dumpster, hoping to find small items he could sell to a nearby antique shop. One of the things he brought in—a framed animation cel from the movie Bambi—caught the interest of shop owner Alex Archbold. Archbold bought it from Adam for $20.
Initially, Archbold believed the cel was a replica that could be cleaned up and sold for around $80 to $100. But when he removed it from the frame and flipped it over, he was astonished to find a copyright date from 1937 and a certificate of authenticity. It turned out to be an original piece used in the movie. Archbold sold it for C$3,700.
This could have been where the story ended. After all, Adam had already accepted the $20. But Archbold decided to make sure Adam received his fair share. The challenge was tracking down the homeless man.
For two weeks, Archbold searched every morning, asking around town and reaching out to Adam’s friends, hoping to get a message to him. Eventually, Adam showed up at the shop, where he was handed his portion of the sale—$1,600, plus an extra $100 and a complimentary lunch.
9. Lab-Cultivated Heart Tissue Pulses Just Like the Real Thing
A groundbreaking study recently published in Stem Cell Reports reveals that scientists in Germany have successfully created heart tissue that beats just like the real thing.
In particular, they grew tissue that mimics the function of the atria—the upper heart chambers responsible for pumping blood into the ventricles and throughout the body. Along with its rhythmic beating, the tissue also expresses genes and reacts to drugs in the same way human heart tissue would.
To achieve this, the team used human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPCSs) and exposed them to all-trans retinoic acid, a vitamin A derivative. This treatment encouraged the cells to grow into 3-D strips of muscle, rather than a flat layer, to more closely resemble authentic atrial tissue.
The researchers hope this advancement will provide new possibilities for treating atrial fibrillation, the most common type of irregular heartbeat. At present, no effective treatment exists, partly due to the difficulty in isolating and maintaining heart muscle cells for extended testing of new drugs.
8. Amateur Birder Uncovers Triple Hybrid
Bird-watching enthusiast Lowell Burket encountered one of the rarest phenomena in the birding world—a bird that is a combination of three species in one.
While hybridization isn’t uncommon in nature, it typically occurs between two species. In this case, however, the bird’s mother was already a hybrid and mated with a male from a third, entirely separate species.
In May 2018, Burket filmed an intriguing bird in Pennsylvania. He noticed its coloration, which resembled both the golden-winged and blue-winged warblers, a well-known hybrid called Brewster’s warbler. However, the bird’s song made him think of the chestnut-sided warbler.
After spotting the bird a few times, Burket reached out to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and persuaded researcher David Toews to come see it. Together, they managed to capture the bird, take measurements, and collect a blood sample.
Toews later sent Burket an excited text with “several exclamation marks,” confirming his suspicions. The bird was indeed a triple hybrid and marked the first known hybridization between these three species. It was subsequently named the “Burket warbler” in recognition of its discoverer.
7. Frostbite Survivor Runs His First Marathon
A former runner who lost both his feet to severe frostbite achieved the remarkable feat of completing his first marathon.
Originally from Kenya, Marko Cheseto received a full scholarship to the University of Alaska Anchorage a decade ago, where he competed in track and field and cross-country running. In 2011, a friend and fellow runner from his hometown of Kapenguria tragically took his own life, plunging Cheseto into a deep depression.
In November, Cheseto ventured into the Alaskan woods when a blizzard struck. Dressed in regular clothes, he was missing for more than two days. When found, he was suffering from severe hypothermia and frostbite, and both of his legs had to be amputated above the ankles.
Since then, Cheseto has overcome his depression, gotten married, and become a father. He’s also been fitted with running blades and has learned to run using prosthetic legs.
This year, on November 4, he participated in the New York City Marathon, finishing in 613th place out of nearly 53,000 participants. Cheseto completed the race in two hours, 52 minutes, and 33 seconds, just 10 minutes shy of the world record for a double-leg amputee. His next goal is to break that record. As a reward for his achievements, Cheseto was granted US citizenship a few days after the marathon.
6. Innovative Solar Panel Generates Power While Providing Cooling
Researchers from Stanford University have developed a solar panel that not only captures sunlight to generate electricity but also helps cool the planet by directing heat away into space.
The technology is based on the principle of radiative cooling, a process where objects release heat as infrared radiation. Under normal circumstances, much of this heat doesn’t escape through the atmosphere and instead stays trapped on Earth.
However, certain regions of the atmosphere are more transparent to specific infrared wavelengths. This innovation can absorb heat from buildings and emit it at the proper infrared wavelength, allowing it to escape into space.
Currently, the device exists as a prototype about the size of a plate. Engineers at Stanford are optimistic that one day, this technology could be used to cool buildings so effectively that air conditioning may no longer be necessary.
5. Get Your Testicles Checked With The Testimatic
New Zealand is introducing the Testimatic, a machine where men can have their testicles examined for cancer without the need to see a doctor face-to-face.
Testicular cancer is unusually prevalent among young men in Western countries. However, if diagnosed early, it has a very high survival rate—up to 99 percent. The challenge is that many men avoid regular checkups, often due to the discomfort of being in a room with someone physically examining their testicles.
An organization named Testicular Cancer New Zealand is working to reduce the stigma surrounding these checkups as part of its 'Go Balls Out' initiative. A key part of the effort is the introduction of the Testimatic, which is promoted as 'the world’s first automatic ball checker.'
Despite its name, the device isn't as advanced as one might think. It consists of two separate booths. The patient enters one, removes their pants, and in the other booth, a urologist is present. Through a small opening between the booths, the doctor performs the checkup. The goal is to reduce the discomfort by keeping the doctor out of sight and not sharing the same room.
The Testimatic will make its first appearance at the Big Boys Toys Expo—a convention teeming with testosterone-driven displays, including gadgets, cars, construction tools, and all sorts of items that are supposedly of interest to men.
4. Stan Lee Becomes Part of Granada Police Family
Police officers in Granada, Spain, have requested the public's help in naming a puppy they rescued from a cruel owner.
After authorities received a report, they found a man kicking a German shepherd in the street. The man was arrested on charges of animal abuse, and the puppy was taken to a veterinarian. Although the dog had some bruising and stomach injuries, there was no internal harm. Since then, the pup has fully recovered.
The next issue was what to do with this adorable dog. The police in Granada decided to adopt him and integrate him into their team. In search of a name, they turned to the Internet to involve the public in the decision-making process.
3. Discovery of an Ancient Lost City
Archaeologists are now convinced they’ve unearthed the ancient lost city of Tenea.
Our knowledge of the settlement remains limited. As legend tells it, Tenea was established shortly after the Trojan War when Agamemnon permitted prisoners of war to leave and build their own town. This led to the creation of Tenea. The city thrived during the Roman period due to its strategic location on the trade route connecting Corinth and Argos.
According to Greece’s culture ministry, tangible proof of Tenea’s existence has now been uncovered. Archaeologists began excavations near the modern-day village of Chiliomodi in 2013, but it wasn’t until recently that they made significant discoveries, unearthing ruins, pottery, jewelry, hundreds of coins, and even several burial sites.
Several findings have already shed light on the culture of Tenea. Pottery reveals Eastern influences, while a rare coin discovered was intended as payment for the journey to the afterlife. One grave contained the remains of a woman and child. The excavations are expected to continue for years, promising more revelations about the ancient Greek city.
2. Batkid Triumphs Over Cancer
In 2013, five-year-old Miles Scott captured the hearts of the world when he revealed his alter ego, Batkid. Battling leukemia, Scott’s wish to become Batman’s sidekick for a day was brought to life by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The result was one of their most ambitious projects, with over 10,000 volunteers transforming San Francisco into Gotham City for the day.
Five years ago, Batkid’s story made headlines worldwide. He dressed up as his beloved superhero, cruised around in the Batmobile, and embarked on thrilling adventures such as saving a damsel in distress and outsmarting the Penguin and the Riddler.
The entire event cost over $100,000, with two philanthropists covering the expense. The heartwarming story of Batkid’s day in the spotlight significantly boosted donations to Make-A-Wish.
The event took place shortly after Miles completed his final leukemia treatment. Since then, he has been in remission for several years and has now officially been declared cancer-free.
1. Wildfire Tragedy Inspires Unwavering Kindness
California is currently battling some of the most devastating wildfires in its history. Among them, the Camp Fire has become the deadliest the state has ever witnessed, with over 60 lives lost and many more unaccounted for. Yet, in the face of such calamity, the best of humanity shines through with stories of people going above and beyond to help others in need.
Tracy Grant went to deliver food to evacuees at the Forebay Aquatic Center near Paradise, California. There, she met 93-year-old World War II veteran Lee Brundige, who was alone and sleeping in his car after being forced to evacuate. Grant offered him a place to stay, saying he could live with her for as long as necessary if his home was destroyed in the fire.
Meanwhile, Canadian couple Paul and Destee Klyne had planned a vacation to Paradise, but when the fires broke out, they decided to use their funds to buy supplies for evacuees living in a makeshift ‘tent town’ set up in a Walmart parking lot in Chico.
Finally, there’s Dane Ray Cummings, a garbageman who rescued 93-year-old Margaret Newsum, who was stranded in her home in Magalia as the fire rapidly encroached. Despite being instructed to cut his route short, Cummings insisted on checking on elderly residents in his area to ensure their safety, making Margaret his final stop.
