Simple science: An elementary school student named Eniola Shokunbi at the Commodore MacDonough STEM Academy in Middletown, Connecticut USA, led her classmates in creating an innovative air filter to combat airborne viruses. Using simple materials like a box fan, furnace filters, and duct tape, the team designed a device tested by the Environmental Protection Agency, which found it removed over 99% of airborne particles. This practical and affordable invention earned the young innovator recognition, awards, and support to further its development through a local university program. Her work highlights that accessible science can protect public health without fancy tools, just a curious mind, collaboration, and a bit of tape.

Trackless train: China has introduced a groundbreaking transport system. The world's first trackless train offers a fresh approach to sustainable urban mobility. This advanced train uses sensor technology to navigate dotted lines painted on roads, eliminating the need for traditional railway tracks. Running on electricity, it can travel significant distances on a short charge and accommodates hundreds of passengers in its carriages. Designed to resemble a tram, its sleek, twin-head system removes the need for U-turns. The train's rubber wheels, paired with a durable design, provide a lifespan comparable to traditional trains, enhancing its appeal for long-term urban use.

Hidden city: Hidden beneath the iconic rock formations of Cappadocia in central Turkey, lies Derinkuyu, a sprawling underground city built for survival. This ancient site, rediscovered by accident in 1963, contains a maze of tunnels, living spaces, and storage rooms that once sheltered thousands of people seeking refuge from invasions and persecution. Its chambers housed livestock, preserved food, and included places of worship, community areas, and secure hiding spaces. Stretching deep beneath the surface, it likely connected to other underground settlements, forming a vast hidden network. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, Derinkuyu continues to reveal the ingenuity and resilience of those who once called it home.

Turbine wall: A striking new wind turbine wall, known as Airiva, is bringing clean energy into urban spaces. The design features sleek, vertical turbines arranged in captivating geometric patterns that mesmerize as they spin in the wind. These systems can line highways, bridges, or campuses, blending artistry with practicality while generating renewable energy. Built from mostly recycled materials, the turbines show promise in reducing energy costs while supporting long-term sustainability goals. Testing will determine their full potential, but the idea is gaining attention as a creative energy solution. It's a reminder that the future of power can also be a stunning work of art in motion.

Just be. Let your true nature emerge. Don't disturb your mind with seeking. ~ Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

Your heart often knows things before your mind does. ~ Polly Adler

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

1. Glaciers are found on mountains near the equator - T/F?

2. Who wrote the play Othello?

3. What sculpted monument is featured in the film North by Northwest?

4. What type of animal is a nightjar?

5. A funambulist is a tightrope walker, shell collector, or dog trainer?

Laugh it off: A study reveals that laughing can actually burn calories. Ten to 15 minutes of laughter could help burn up to 40 calories, adding up to a few lost pounds per year. It's no replacement for a workout, but every bit helps.

Green blood: Certain lizards in New Guinea have green blood due to the presence of a pigment called biliverdin. While this pigment is typically toxic to most animals, these lizards have adapted to it without harm.

Cheese craze: Canadians are the world's biggest mac and cheese lovers, eating about 50% more than Americans each year. Some say that's because the dish is affordable, quick, and easy, but who needs an excuse for cheesy pasta indulgence?

Fading flavours: If your favourite treats taste a bit duller lately, aging taste buds might be the reason. Over time, taste buds shrink, regenerate less, and gradually weaken, making sweet and salty flavours fade.

Whale whispers: Humpback whale calves whisper to their mothers. Research has shown that these young whales produce soft, quiet sounds, likely to communicate with their mothers without attracting predators, ensuring their safety in the vast ocean.

Which two words have the most letters in them? Post office.

When an ant saw an anteater, he bugged out.

Turtle to turtle: Don't you love the sound of the rain on your roof?

Ted: I work the midnight shift as a short order cook. Ed: That sounds like a fry-by-night occupation.

What did they call the canary that flew into the pastry dish? Tweetie Pie.

1. True 2. Shakespeare 3. Mt. Rushmore 4. Bird 5. Tightrope walker