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Did you know that Maine is the closest U.S. state to Africa?

While Florida might seem closer to Africa on a map, the easternmost point of the United States is actually in Maine (West Quoddy Head). Due to the curvature of the Earth, this point is technically closer to parts of Africa (like Morocco) than Florida is.

Innovation

‘Bacteria Batteries’

A UK ag-tech firm, Bactery, is developing bacterial batteries that aim to power computing equipment with the soil itself, helping farmers collect precise soil condition data.

These batteries work by harnessing bioelectrochemical processes from soil microbes, using a cost-effective array of electrodes to collect electrons. This power can then run sensors and computers that monitor moisture and other key markers to boost crop yields.

Bactery’s technology builds on 'soil microbial fuel cells' (SMFCs) created in 2019 for a water filtration system in Brazil. Dr. Jakub Dziegielowski, part of the original SMFCs research team, has spent the last five years improving the design to enhance bacterial processes and energy collection.

“We’ve learned much more about bioelectrochemical processes and the roles of bacteria and soil,” Dr. Dziegielowski told Euronews Green.

Current soil data collection tools have drawbacks, needing power sources like rechargeable batteries, fuel-consuming generators, or solar panels, which aren't always viable.

Bactery's soil-powered batteries cost $29.00 and require no maintenance. “Farmers increasingly value data for resource-efficient practices,” said Professor Mirella Di Lorenzo, one of Bactery’s directors. “We’re providing a sustainable, low-maintenance, and low-cost solution to power sensors, making them always-on and easy to use.”

We have covered a lot of new innovative battery designs. This one has to be one of the most unique. Surprisingly, it also seems to be one of the most usable currently. It also has a great name…

World News

Neanderthal Child Fossil with Down’s Syndrome Found

Archaeologists examining a Spanish cave network in 1989 found skull fragments of a 6-year-old Neanderthal, which revealed two major surprises.
First, the analysis of the inner ear canal showed signs of Down Syndrome, marking the earliest-known evidence of the condition.

Second, the child survived until age 6, indicating that the group showed compassion and took extra care of those who couldn’t care for themselves. This offers new insights into the kindness and caring instincts of early humans. The discovery was made in the Cova Negra cave complex in the Valencia region, with Homo neanderthalensis activity at the site dating between 273,000 and 146,000 years ago.

An analysis of the temporal bone fragments, which protect the inner ear canal, showed alterations typical of Down Syndrome. Other abnormalities included a smaller cochlea and irregularities in the semicircular canals, affecting hearing and balance.

"The pathology resulted in disabling symptoms, including complete deafness, severe vertigo, and an inability to maintain balance," said Mercedes Conde-Valverde, a paleoanthropologist at the University of Alcalá in Spain.

The study, published in Science Advances, refers to the individual as "Tina," though the sex is unknown. Conde-Valverde noted, "Given these symptoms, it is highly unlikely that the mother alone could have provided all the necessary care. The group must have continuously assisted the mother, either by helping care for the child or with her daily tasks."

It has taken years for scholars to agree that Neanderthals had similar capacities for what we might call ‘humanity’ as Homo sapiens. They created art, used symbolic objects, possibly had a spoken language, engaged in group hunting, and demonstrated reciprocity.

Environment

Endangered Baird’s Tapir Calf Born

The San Diego Zoo recently welcomed a female Baird’s tapir calf, an important addition to this endangered species. The calf and her mother, Luna, are now visible in the zoo’s elephant compound, sharing space with the capybaras.

Tapir newborns have camouflage patterns that help them stay hidden in the wild. Normally, mothers leave them concealed while foraging. However, Luna is keeping her calf close, grooming, nursing, and vocalizing toward her.
The zoo reports that the calf is becoming more active, playing with leaves and food even when she’s not eating.

As adults, tapirs' coats turn a dark solid color with white markings on the chest, chin, and ear fringes. They play a crucial role in tropical forests as seed dispersers, aiding the growth of new plants and supporting other species by fertilizing the forest floor.

The species faces threats from hunting and habitat loss due to farming, cattle grazing, and plantations. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting their habitats and promoting them as a draw for tourism, which could create jobs and inspire conservation efforts.

Mind Stretchers

⁉️ 

What binds two people, but touches only one?

Answers to yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:
What has a neck but no head, two arms, and no hands?
- A Shirt!

Gerry Moore got the correct answer first!

The first to send us the correct answer for today’s mind stretcher for a shout-out with the answer tomorrow. Just send us the answer and your name to [email protected] or reply to the email.

If you have any uplifting stories and experience you might want to share, send those over to [email protected] for the chance to be featured