Burning waters: Deep in the Peruvian Amazon, Shanay-timpishka is a river whose name means boiled with the heat of the sun. Flowing for miles through dense rainforest, its waters reach temperatures hot enough to kill animals that accidentally fall in. Unlike other thermal rivers linked to volcanic regions, this one is heated by underground springs releasing geothermal energy into the current. Steaming waterfalls tumble into pools, giving the river an almost unreal appearance. It's sacred to local communities which tie the marvel to cultural practices and healing traditions. Scientists study its origins while conservationists call for stronger protections.

Wood spark: A Finnish forestry company is using leftover tree pulp scraps to rethink how batteries are made. They've taken lignin, the stiffening compound in wood, and developed a new way to turn it into carbon that's fit for battery use. This carbon can replace graphite, but with far less heat and pollution needed to produce it, making the process more sustainable. Unlike traditional methods that depend on mining and fossil fuels, this approach relies on waste from paper manufacturing. Early results show this design supports energy flow efficiently, helping speed up device charging times. This group sees their tree-based approach as a promising way forward from less sustainable options.

Roadside rescue: A pair of French travellers had barely begun their Australian adventure when a collision with a kangaroo left them stranded near a small rural town. With no insurance and little money left, they weren't sure what to do, until local residents stepped in. A nearby family offered them shelter, while neighbours came by with warm meals, conversation, and support. What began as a setback slowly turned into an unforgettable few weeks of shared dinners, local events, and learning how to fix up the car together. Donations and repairs followed as the town rallied around them. The trip didn't go as planned, but it gave them something richer than a photo album. Sometimes being stuck is what gets you grounded.

Breeze shift: Some engineers are reimagining wind power without the sweeping blades or towering structures we've come to expect. One compact design vibrates instead of spinning, quietly producing electricity in places large turbines can't go, like rooftops or along busy streets. Others use tethered kites to gather energy from high above, while some draw power from the air pushed aside by passing vehicles. These tools are nearly silent, easy to install, and leave a smaller mark on wildlife and scenery. Instead of dominating landscapes, they blend into everyday settings, offering subtle ways to generate power. It's a quieter revolution, tapping the wind in new and unexpected ways.

Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree. ~ Martin Luther

Just be yourself, there is no one better. ~ Taylor Swift

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1. How many lakes comprise North America's Great Lakes?

2. Who was Darth Vader's voice in the Star Wars movies?

3. Cyclones are rated by barometric pressure and _____ speed.

4. This famed knitting character appeared in A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens.

5. Is yeast a bacteria, fungus, or mould?

Mini marvel: One of the world's tiniest reptiles can perch on a fingertip. This tiny, newly discovered chameleon shows how incredibly scaled-down animals can be, while maintaining all the essentials of their larger cousins.

Volcanic flashes: When a volcano erupts, ash clouds can create static sparks near the ground, while ice crystals clash higher up to unleash lightning. These strange bursts of light turn eruptions into dramatic shows that scientists are still working to explain.

Butter boost: In Tibet, mornings often begin with yak butter tea, a rich mix of tea, salt, and butter that warms the body and fuels long days in the harsh mountain climate. More than a drink, it's also a gesture of hospitality.

Plastic pavement: Some road builders blend waste plastic into the road mix. The result can be more flexible, longer-lasting surfaces that reuse discarded material instead of sending it to landfill, an idea that is gradually gaining interest around the world.

Pebble presents: In the frozen Antarctic, penguins win affection by carrying small stones to their partners. These gifts help build sturdy nests that keep eggs safe and dry, turning a simple pebble into the perfect symbol of love.

Teacher: Correct this sentence: 'It was me who broke the window.' Student: I wasn't the one who broke the window.

What does a bankrupt frog say? Baroke, baroke, baroke.

Never trust an escalator. They are always up to something!

The magician was driving down the street when poof he turned into a driveway.

If I eat equal amounts of dark chocolate and white chocolate, is that a balanced diet?

1. Five 2. James Earl Jones 3. Wind 4. Madame Defarge 5. Fungus