Vivien Sansour founded the Palestine Heirloom Seed Library to save seeds, crops and memories that link Palestinians to their land. The project preserves local varieties and shares knowledge amid farmland loss and threats in the region.
Photo by Emad El Byed, Unsplash
Soil compaction from heavy machinery and drought makes farming harder. Researchers found how roots thicken, swell and reinforce their outer layer so they can push into dense soil; a protein (a transcription factor) helps this process.
Global supply disruptions, tariffs and rising shipping costs are reducing toy choices and raising prices. Experts say orders are delayed, some products may be scarce, and parents should shop early or choose simple gifts.
A resurvey of mountain sites in the Pacific Northwest compared bird communities from 30 years ago with today. Researchers found many species stable or more abundant at higher elevations despite warmer temperatures.
Researchers led by Alejandro Chade at the University of Missouri studied genes involved in chronic kidney disease using animal models. They found genes linked to kidney damage; silencing one gene lowered fibrosis. The team will map and test gene activity.
Researchers found two special neuron types in the retrosplenial cortex that help navigation. These cells are conserved between mice and rats, linked to spatial disorientation in Alzheimer’s, and are now being studied in humans.
A study finds that parents who are more permissive about alcohol are linked to students joining fraternities or sororities and higher binge drinking during the first college year. Authors suggest parenting programs to reduce risk.
A US study found that older unpaid caregivers who use the internet more often tend to feel less lonely. Researchers analysed 2019–2020 California survey data from 3,957 caregivers aged 65 and older; about 12% had health problems.
A new study led by Texas A&M researchers found that 20 minutes of exercise twice weekly may help slow dementia progression in older adults. The team used 2012–2020 Health and Retirement Study data and noted some study limits.
A national poll finds 84% of people 65 and older drive at least once a week, yet 54% of drivers in that group have no plan if they must stop driving. The survey was done in February 2025 with 2,883 respondents.
Indian courts are using AI for transcripts, research and translation while they face a backlog of several tens of millions of cases. The government and the Supreme Court plan modernization but judges and experts warn of risks.
Independent short films and documentaries in Azerbaijan now record queer lives and history amid frequent rights violations, hate speech and marginalisation in arts. Filmmakers include local trans and non-binary authors and some foreign directors.
Over the last twenty years China has funded infrastructure, industry and energy projects across Central Asia. Cooperation has grown under the Belt and Road Initiative, while local governments try to balance benefits and independence.