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Matthew Bennett and his team from Bournemouth University have made a groundbreaking discovery at White Sands National Park in New Mexico, revealing that humans were using wooden sledges more than 20,000 years ago—thousands of years before the invention of the wheel! This incredible find marks the earliest known form of human transportation. The archaeologists uncovered fossilized drag marks alongside ancient human footprints, suggesting the use of makeshift carts with wooden poles. These primitive sledges, resembling the "travois" used by indigenous people of North America, provide the first concrete evidence of how early humans moved heavy and bulky loads during their migrations. Until now, the oldest known depictions of transport were cave art dating back around 10,000 years, showing animals pulling heavy loads. This discovery, published in the journal Quaternary Science Advances, pushes that timeline back by more than 10,000 years, offering fascinating insights into human ingenuity and adaptability. Great News Summary made with help from ChatGPT. https://lnkd.in/eQux8sHA

Alo Slebir may have just made surfing history! The 24-year-old surfer rode an estimated 108-foot wave—the height of a 10-story building—at the legendary Mavericks surf break in Northern California, potentially setting a new world record for the largest wave ever surfed. Alo’s meticulous preparation paid off. He had been tracking data from buoys in the Pacific Ocean for days, knowing that the monster swells would hit the West Coast just before Christmas. When the moment came, his friend towed him in with a jetski, and Alo found himself hurtling down the near-vertical face of the “giant wall of water” at breakneck speed. Even legendary big-wave surfer Jeff Clark , who has spent 50 years riding Mavericks’ waves and was once named one of the world’s best by Surfer magazine, was stunned by the sight. Jeff’s reaction says it all—when a seasoned pro is gobsmacked, you know it’s something special! The surfing world now eagerly awaits official confirmation of whether Alo’s ride will set a new world record. In the meantime, it’s safe to say that this fearless surfer has cemented his place among the sport’s elite. Great News Summary made with help from ChatGPT. https://lnkd.in/eafiD4jm

Robin Hood Foundation volunteers brought love, comfort, and essential gifts to 80 new moms at Victoria Mxenge Hospital in Durban, spreading joy and hope to those in need. The caring team spent quality time with the mothers, offering beautifully packed bags filled with toiletries, donated baby clothing, blankets, toys, and exquisitely knitted items crafted by talented knitters from Durban and even the United Kingdom. The foundation’s outreach extended to the children's ward, where young patients received bags filled with coloring books, crayons, children’s books, toys, and delightful handmade dolls and dresses. These special gifts brought big smiles, particularly to children who have endured long hospital stays—some for as long as a year. The day was also a testament to the incredible dedication of the hospital staff, from the security personnel and nurses to the administrative staff, matrons, and doctors, who showcased unwavering commitment and care. Assistant field director Mohsen Kamel expressed the profound impact of the visit, highlighting the joy and gratitude felt by the mothers and children alike. The possibility of a second visit filled with more support and love is a bright prospect for all involved. Original author Nothando Mthembu . Great News Summary made with help from ChatGPT. https://lnkd.in/dEDVssxk

Benjamin Shindel and his research team at Northwestern University have discovered yet another reason to love tea—its remarkable ability to remove heavy metals from water! Their study revealed that tea leaves, including black, green, oolong, and white varieties, effectively absorb toxic heavy metals like lead and cadmium, making our drinks safer and healthier. The process is simple yet effective. Heavy metal ions stick to the surface of tea leaves, where they remain trapped, ensuring they are not consumed. According to Shindel, the longer you steep your tea, the better it works. In fact, brewing tea overnight, like when making iced tea, can potentially recover nearly all the metal in the water. Finely ground black tea and cellulose tea bags proved especially effective due to their high surface area, offering more space for metal ions to cling onto. It's an innovative and natural solution to a modern problem, making your next cup of tea even more refreshing! Original author Benjamin Shindel . Great News Summary made with help from ChatGPT. https://lnkd.in/ee-_5VD2

Robin Hood Foundation volunteers brought love, comfort, and essential gifts to 80 new moms at Victoria Mxenge Hospital in Durban, spreading joy and hope to those in need. The caring team spent quality time with the mothers, offering beautifully packed bags filled with toiletries, donated baby clothing, blankets, toys, and exquisitely knitted items crafted by talented knitters from Durban and even the United Kingdom. The foundation’s outreach extended to the children's ward, where young patients received bags filled with coloring books, crayons, children’s books, toys, and delightful handmade dolls and dresses. These special gifts brought big smiles, particularly to children who have endured long hospital stays—some for as long as a year. The day was also a testament to the incredible dedication of the hospital staff, from the security personnel and nurses to the administrative staff, matrons, and doctors, who showcased unwavering commitment and care. Assistant field director Mohsen Kamel expressed the profound impact of the visit, highlighting the joy and gratitude felt by the mothers and children alike. The possibility of a second visit filled with more support and love is a bright prospect for all involved. Original author Nothando Mthembu. Great News Summary made with help from ChatGPT. https://lnkd.in/d37ZsteJ

Piers Litherland and his team of archaeologists have made an extraordinary discovery in Egypt—the first tomb of a pharaoh found in over a century! Thutmose II's tomb, identified near the Valley of the Kings, offers an incredible new opportunity for scholars to study ancient Egyptian royalty, even though the tomb itself was empty. The tomb was found to be intentionally emptied and had been flooded, possibly due to its location beneath a waterfall. Despite the absence of artifacts, the team identified Thutmose II through alabaster shards bearing his name and a beautifully decorated ceiling with the Amduat—a religious text reserved for kings. The discovery was a decade in the making for Litherland, who initially believed the tomb belonged to a royal wife. His excitement peaked when he saw the stunning ceiling covered in a dark sky motif with golden stars. Assistant field director Mohsen Kamel added to the excitement, suggesting the possibility of a second, potentially intact tomb of Thutmose II. If true, this could mark a historic moment in Egyptology, providing fresh insights into a royal lineage that includes Hatshepsut, a powerful female pharaoh, and Thutmose III, a brilliant military commander of ancient Egypt. Original author Andy Corbley . Great News Summary made with help from ChatGPT. https://lnkd.in/d3vN3SaT

Smart-home technology is transforming lives, and Todd Stabelfeldt , CEO of C4 Database Management, is a perfect example. Living with quadriplegia, Todd uses smart devices not just for convenience but for independence. His story, shared in Wirecutter’s latest guide by Rachel Cericola, highlights how technology like Amazon Echo Show 8 and Apple iPad can make everyday tasks—from turning on lights to managing security—easier for people with disabilities. suria nordin , CPA and co-owner of SunKirb Ideas, also shares how smart technology changed her home, bringing multiple devices under one hub for seamless control. Similarly, ian mckay , executive director of Ian’s Ride, champions smart home devices, balancing privacy with the incredible gift of independence. Experts like Lucy Greco, accessibility evangelist at UC Berkeley, and Jeremy Boothe from Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation’s Smart Homes Made Simple project, emphasize the role of smart devices in promoting accessibility. Brian Hart, chief strategy officer for LADD, points out how smart locks like the Schlage Encode make life simpler, and Claire P. , Wirecutter’s lead editor of Accessibility and Aging in Place, shares her own experience of how smart plugs were a game-changer. This guide not only showcases the best smart-home devices but also offers insights from a diverse group of voices, including Clark Rachfal PLY of the American Council of the Blind and Howard A Rosenblum, CEO of the National Association of the Deaf. The collective wisdom of these experts brings invaluable guidance to anyone looking to enhance independence through technology. Original author Rachel Cericola . Great News Summary made with help from ChatGPT. https://lnkd.in/ejxnAkj9

Elena Hershey's incredible act of kindness has given Shawn Moyer a new lease on life, showing that sometimes, old connections can lead to lifesaving miracles. Decades after attending prom together at Dallastown Area High School, Elena, now a teacher in Boulder, Colorado, stepped up when she learned that Shawn, a chief quality officer at UPMC and a dedicated family physician, needed a kidney transplant. Shawn had already undergone two kidney transplants in his lifetime, and as his current kidney's function declined, his situation became critical. His wife, Alyssa Moyer, had previously donated a kidney in a paired exchange program but was unable to donate again. That's when Elena's generosity made all the difference. Elena had already decided to donate a kidney altruistically, and when she discovered Shawn’s need through a mutual friend, she didn't hesitate. Though not a direct match, Elena participated in a paired exchange program, donating her kidney to help another patient, which ultimately secured a compatible kidney for Shawn. Her close friend, Julie, traveled from Pennsylvania to support her during the surgery, showcasing the strength of friendship and community. Last Friday, Shawn received the long-awaited call that a matching kidney was available. The emotional moment brought tears of joy to Elena, whose selflessness turned hope into reality. Now, Shawn is looking forward to a healthier future, all thanks to Elena’s remarkable gift. Elena’s message to others is clear: organ donation isn’t as daunting as it might seem. “I started driving a couple of days later. It really was no problem at all,” she shared, hoping to inspire others to consider making a similar difference. This heartwarming story is a beautiful reminder of how compassion and generosity can transform lives, proving that it’s never too late for a meaningful reunion. Great News Summary made with help from ChatGPT. https://lnkd.in/eh-akUEh

A heart-pounding rescue in Saratoga Springs showcased the bravery and quick thinking of local heroes on Monday, February 24th, when a horse fell through the ice of a frozen pond. With freezing temperatures threatening the animal’s life, officers from the Saratoga Springs Police Department (SSPD) sprang into action to save the struggling horse. The officers arrived at the scene without delay, immediately launching a rescue operation. Working together, they managed to pull the horse to solid ground, where it stood up and made its way to a nearby barn for veterinary care. The entire rescue was captured on police bodycam, showing the incredible teamwork and dedication of the officers. The SSPD shared the story on Facebook, expressing pride in their team and gratitude for the chance to contribute to their community. "We are proud of their work and are grateful for the opportunity to share this incident with the Saratoga Springs community," the department wrote, encouraging everyone to celebrate this remarkable success. Summary made with help from ChatGPT. https://lnkd.in/eEVaGeAE

Ralph DesLauriers and his family are keeping the spirit of accessible skiing alive at Bolton Valley Resort, a gem in Vermont offering 1,200 acres of powder for just $100. Originally opened in 1966 by Ralph and his father with the goal of making skiing affordable for Vermonters, Bolton Valley continues to embody that mission today under the leadership of Ralph’s daughter, Lindsay Des Lauriers, and her brothers Evan Des Lauriers, Adam Des Lauriers, Eric Des Lauriers, and Rob Des Lauriers. While many East Coast ski resorts lean into luxury, Bolton Valley keeps things grounded, offering affordable passes, floodlit slopes for after-work skiing, and a friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere. The resort's 1,200-acre backcountry network, saved by locals and the Vermont Land Trust in 2011, remains a haven for adventurous skiers, ensuring that the mountain stays open to all who love the sport. After reclaiming the resort in 2017, the DesLauriers family turned it into a profitable venture for the first time in decades. With six ski lifts, minimal wait times, nighttime skiing, and a welcoming 60-room hotel, Bolton Valley offers a refreshing alternative to pricier and more crowded options like Stowe and Sugarbush. Bolton Valley's inclusion on the Indy Pass also means skiers can enjoy this charming resort alongside other smaller, independent operations, adding even more value to its already remarkable offerings. The DesLauriers family's dedication to providing an accessible, enjoyable skiing experience shines as a testament to their love for the community and the sport. Original author: Andy Corbley Great News Summary made with help from ChatGPT. https://lnkd.in/dgAvBmq5