Health shift: In a major public health move, Poland has launched a nationwide program offering free checkups to younger adults. Carried out at clinics across the country, the plan includes lab work and health history screening, aiming to catch warning signs of illness early. It focuses on those ages 20 to 40, encouraging preventative habits before symptoms appear. The initiative also addresses gaps in earlier systems that left many without proper follow-up. Experts say early testing can reduce long-term cases of heart disease, thyroid issues, and diabetes. With growing demand on the country's healthcare services, this approach should ease pressure over time. The rollout comes as Poland faces staffing shortages and rising medical needs.

Buried network: In the heart of Leuven in Belgium, archaeologists unearthed sections of ancient Roman plumbing crafted from hollowed tree trunks. The wooden system had been tucked beneath layers of swampy earth, its preservation aided by the damp conditions. Experts believe this setup was once part of a broader water system used to serve a Roman outpost positioned along a key military route. The location's distance from Rome hints that infrastructure reached even to the quieter corners of the empire. The trunks appear to have carried water across a stretch now hidden under the modern city. Researchers plan to carefully preserve the wood, offering a rare glimpse into how practical needs shaped ancient settlements.

Fungal fix: A new kind of diaper is using fungi to reprocess waste. Instead of lingering for centuries in landfills, these diapers contain a pouch of cultivated spores that activate when tossed out. Moisture triggers the fungi, which then digest the material from within, converting it to nutrient-rich soil and mycelium. The concept comes from a team blending entrepreneurship with fungal science, hoping to shift how single-use items are handled. Unlike traditional disposal methods, this approach avoids heavy processing or emissions. The key lies in enzymes that break down plastic at its core, dismantling stubborn compounds naturally. Subscription access now gives environmentally minded families a simple way to reduce their footprint.

Rice murals: In the countryside of northern Japan, a small village has reimagined farming fields as enormous natural canvases. By planting different, varied-colour rice strains, residents craft massive seasonal images that only fully come into view from elevated platforms. From above, portraits, cultural tributes, and pop culture figures emerge in full clarity. The designs shift with each phase of the growing cycle, creating a moving display that changes by the week. The work reflects not only artistic skill but also ties to local identity. Footpaths, shuttles, and small towers welcome onlookers throughout the region. This unusual blend of agriculture and visual art turns the rice season into a public celebration.

In a gentle way, you can shake the world. ~ Mahatma Gandhi

When the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind. ~ Proverb

Free notices for not for profits declan@coffeenews.co.nz

1. This Elizabeth Taylor movie was about a horse.

2. Who was Britain's Prime Minister during World War II?

3. What U.S. state is known as The Sunshine State?

4. The main ingredient in guacamole is _____.

5. What is a baby goat called?

Bite strength: The masseter, the muscle in your jaw, can clamp down with surprising force when you chew. Though small, it's often considered one of the body's strongest muscles, proving that power doesn't always come from size.

Cloud creators: In the Amazon rainforest, trees help kickstart the rainy season by releasing moisture through their leaves. This process, called transpiration, fills the air with water vapour, helping clouds form before ocean winds even arrive.

Space survivor: Tardigrades are tiny creatures often called water bears. They can handle deep freezes and radiation that would destroy most life. Their survival tricks fascinate scientists looking for ways to help life endure in space.

Day time: Due to slowing rotation, Earth's day grows by about 1.8 milliseconds every hundred years. Many millions of years ago, a day lasted several hours less. This shows how much our planet's pace has quietly shifted over time.

Shower spark: Ed Robertson, lead singer of Barenaked Ladies, composed the theme song for the TV show The Big Bang Theory while showering. That playful tune became a huge hit, bringing the band lasting success.

What do llamas like to eat? Llama beans.

Sign at a pottery shop: Feats of Clay!

I asked my friend, Nick, if he had 5 cents I could borrow. But he was Nicholas.

Mother: Son, wake up it's 20 to 8. Son: In whose favour?

My five-year-old daughter was asked by her teacher what her father does, and she replied, "Whatever my Mom tells him to."

1. National Velvet 2. Winston Churchill 3. Florida 4. Avocado 5. A kid