Best News of Last Week
Hi again! Erica here with this week’s Feel Good News — take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy these stories.
1. Mexico’s monarch butterfly population jumps 64%, offering hope for at-risk species
The population of monarch butterflies in Mexico has increased by 64% this winter compared to 2025, offering a glimmer of hope for this iconic insect that has been at risk of extinction. The area occupied by monarchs expanded to 2.93 hectares from 1.79 hectares the previous winter, the largest coverage since 2018. This recovery is attributed to conservation efforts that have helped reduce illegal logging in the monarch’s core habitat. However, the species still faces threats such as habitat loss from deforestation, climate change, and the use of herbicides that have decimated the milkweed plants monarchs rely on. While the recent population increase is encouraging, more work is needed to ensure the long-term survival of these magnificent migratory butterflies.
2. Woman who never stopped updating her lost dog’s chip reunites with him after 11 years
Jourdyn Koziak’s beloved pit bull, Forty-Cal, went missing 11 years ago from her backyard in Philadelphia. Despite the long time that had passed, Koziak never stopped updating Forty-Cal’s microchip information in the hopes that he would one day be found. This weekend, Koziak received a call from a man claiming that her long-lost dog had been found. To her disbelief, it turned out to be true - Forty-Cal had been found by a little girl in Philadelphia and taken to the local animal shelter, where his microchip was scanned. Overjoyed, Koziak drove to the shelter with her family to reunite with Forty-Cal. The reunion was an emotional one, as Koziak had not seen her dog in over a decade. Though she is saddened by the lost time, Koziak is thrilled to have her beloved pet back and says it feels like “Christmas morning every day” now that Forty-Cal is home.
3. United Airlines, flight attendants reach tentative labor deal for first top pay raises of $100 an hour at the end of the contract, pay for flight attendants during boarding and “a signing bonus for every flight attendant worth a total of $740 million,” since the Covid-19 pandemic
United Airlines and its flight attendant union have reached a tentative labor deal that will include their first raises in roughly six years. If ratified by flight attendants, the agreement will provide immediate raises and top pay of $100 an hour at the end of the contract, as well as pay for flight attendants during boarding and a signing bonus worth a total of $740 million. The deal also includes additional compensation for flight disruptions and new restrictions on overnight flight assignments. This agreement comes as United is planning an aggressive expansion of its higher-touch premium cabins, with new seats featuring elevated dining options and seats that convert into beds.
4. Wikipedia has banned AI-generated text, with two exceptions
Wikipedia, the popular online encyclopedia, has decided to ban the use of large language models (LLMs) in article content, with a few exceptions. Editors can use LLMs for writing assistance, such as suggesting refinements to their own writing, as long as they check the accuracy of the edits. They can also use AI tools for the initial translation of text, but they must still be proficient in both languages to catch errors. This policy applies only to the English Wikipedia, as other language versions may have different rules. While identifying LLM-generated text is still challenging, Wikipedia has provided guidelines for spotting such content. The goal is to maintain the quality and reliability of the information on the platform.
5. Scientists uncovered the nutrients bees were missing — Colonies surged 15-fold
- A team of researchers has developed a breakthrough food supplement that could help reverse the decline of honeybees. - The supplement mimics the key nutrients bees normally get from pollen, which are critical for their growth and development. - When tested, colonies fed this supplement produced up to 15 times more young compared to those on standard diets. - The supplement is made using engineered yeast that produces a precise mix of six essential sterols bees need. - This breakthrough could be a game-changer for beekeepers and help strengthen bee health without increasing competition for limited wildflowers. - Larger field trials are still needed, but if successful, the supplement could reach farmers within two years. - The same technology could also be adapted to support other pollinators or farmed insects, opening new paths for sustainable agriculture.
6. Scientists discover Alzheimer’s hidden “death switch” in the brain
A team of researchers led by Prof. Dr. Hilmar Bading at Heidelberg University has identified a key molecular process that drives the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. They found that a harmful interaction between the NMDA receptor and the TRPM4 ion channel, forming a “death complex,” can damage and kill nerve cells, leading to cognitive decline. The researchers used a compound called FP802 to disrupt this toxic protein interaction in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s, which slowed disease progression and preserved memory. This approach differs from traditional Alzheimer’s strategies by targeting a downstream cellular mechanism rather than amyloid formation. The researchers believe this inhibitor could represent a broadly applicable strategy for slowing or stopping neurodegenerative diseases, but clinical use is still far in the future, requiring further refinement and comprehensive testing.
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That’s it for last week :)
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