Scientists Build Battery on Single Sheet of Paper Powered by Bacteria

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Dec 24, 2016

In the future, instead of ordering batteries by the pack, we might get them by the ream.

Researchers at Binghamton University – SUNY (State University of New York) have created a bacteria-powered battery on a single sheet of paper – a design that could revolutionize the use of bio-batteries as a power source in remote, dangerous, or resource-limited areas. The simple manufacturing technique also reduces the fabrication time and cost.

The stand-alone and self-sustained, paper-based batteries can generate enough power to run biosensors that can monitor glucose levels in diabetes patients, detect pathogens in a body, or perform other life-saving functions.

MORE: Dr. Saves Baby’s Life With $20 Google Cardboard Virtual Reality Glasses

On one half of a piece of chromatography paper, Assistant Professor Sean Choi and PhD candidate Yang Gao placed a ribbon of silver nitrate beneath a thin layer of wax to create a cathode. The team then made a reservoir out of a conductive polymer on the other half of the paper, which acted as the anode. Once properly folded and a few drops of bacteria-filled liquid were added, the microbial cellular respiration powers the battery.

Different folding and stacking methods can significantly improve power and current outputs. Scientists were able to generate 31.51 microwatts with six batteries in a three parallel series and 44.85 microwatts in a 6×6 configuration.

It would take millions of paper batteries to power a common 40-watt light bulb, but on the battlefield or in a disaster situation, usability and portability of power sources is paramount.

ALSO: “World’s First Solar Battery” to Run on Light and Air

“Among many flexible and integrative paper-based batteries with a large upside, paper-based microbial fuel cell technology is arguably the most underdeveloped,” said Choi. “We are excited about this because microorganisms can harvest electrical power from any type of biodegradable source, like wastewater, which is readily available. I believe this type of paper biobattery can be a future.”

The innovation is the latest step in paper battery development by Choi. His team developed its first paper prototype in 2015, which was a foldable battery that looked much like a matchbook. Earlier this year they unveiled a design that was inspired by a ninja throwing star.

(Source: Binghampton University)

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Grieving Man Dresses as Santa Claus to Bring Gifts to Homeless New Yorkers

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Dec 24, 2016

Mike Connell has been struggling with grief since his wife of 25 years passed away from cancer. Although they were not married at the time she died, the two remained close over many years.

In an effort to reclaim his Christmas spirit, the Queens resident dressed up as Santa Claus and handed out ‘blessing bags’ to homeless New Yorkers.

Mike raised the money for the gifts by soliciting donations from pedestrians in exchange for a photo with Santa. Then he wrapped up several packages containing non-perishable food, toiletries, and warm clothing.

Santa was assisted by a little elf as well: the filmmaker’s 7-year-old son, Seamus McGuire, helped to organize, package and wrap the presents, as well as write heartfelt messages inside the Christmas cards.

(WATCH the video below)

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Hawaii’s Newest Species Named in Honor of President Obama

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Dec 24, 2016

As a gesture of appreciation for his administration’s conservation achievements, Hawaiian scientists have named a new species of coral-reef fish after President Barack Obama.

The fish, which now bears the formal scientific name Tosanoides obama, displays a colorful spot reminiscent of the Obama campaign’s famous logo. The species was discovered during a June 2016 NOAA expedition to Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

“We decided to name this fish after President Obama to recognize his efforts to protect and preserve the natural environment, including the expansion of Papahānaumokuākea,” said scientist Richard Pyle of the Bishop Museum. “The expansion adds a layer of protection to one of the last great wilderness areas on Earth.”

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On August 26 of this year, at the urging of Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and many conservationists and marine scientists, the Obama administration expanded Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument to 582,578 square miles, making it the largest permanently protected marine area on Earth.

During the president’s September trip to Midway Atoll within the Monument, deep ocean explorer Dr. Sylvia Earle gave him a photograph of the fish that now bears his name. The exchange will be featured in the National Geographic global broadcast special, “Sea Of Hope” scheduled for January 15, 2017.

The small pink and yellow fish is a kind of basslet, a group that includes many colorful reef fishes popular in the marine aquarium fish trade. There are two other species in the genus Tosanoides, both from the tropical northwestern Pacific Ocean. Males of the new species have a distinctive spot on the dorsal fin near the tail, which is blue around the edge and red with yellow stripes in the center.

“The new fish is special because it is the only known species of coral-reef fish endemic to the Monument (meaning that the species is found nowhere else on Earth). Our research has documented the highest rate of fish endemism in the world — 100% — living on the deep reefs where we found this new species,” said NOAA scientist Randall Kosaki, chief scientist of the research cruise, and co-author on the study.

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However, unlike all the other Hawaiian endemic species, which also occur in the main Hawaiian Islands, this new species is special because it is the only one that is limited to within the Monument itself. “Endemic species are unique contributions to global biodiversity. With the onslaught of climate change, we are at risk of losing some of these undiscovered species before we even know they exist.”

The new fish was first discovered and collected on a dive to 300 feet at Kure Atoll, 1,200 miles northwest of Honolulu. Kure is the northernmost of the Hawaiian Islands, and is the highest latitude coral atoll in the world. Deep coral reefs at depths of 150 to 500 feet, in the so-called “Twilight Zone” (also known as mesophotic coral ecosystems), are among the most poorly explored of all marine ecosystems. Located deeper than divers using conventional scuba gear can safely venture, these reefs represent a new frontier for coral-reef research. Pyle and co-authors Brian Greene and Randall Kosaki pioneered the use of advanced mixed-gas diving systems known as closed-circuit rebreathers for Twilight Zone research, and have been documenting the previously unexplored deep reefs throughout Hawai’i and the broader Pacific for the past three decades.

This is the second new species of fish from Papahānaumokuākea named this year. In August, Pyle and Kosaki published the description of a new species of butterflyfish (Prognathodes basabei) based on specimens collected on deep reefs at Pearl and Hermes Atoll earlier this year. President Obama also has several species from other locales named after him: a trapdoor spider, a speckled freshwater darter (fish), a parasitic hairworm, and an extinct lizard. (Source: Pensoft)

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Adoption Rates Up, Euthanasia Down in Canadian Animal Shelters

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McKinley Corbley

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Dec 23, 2016

According to a recent survey of Canadian animal shelters in 2015, adoption rates have risen while euthanasia has dropped.

The report, conducted by the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, surveyed 89 different shelters across the country. A ‘shelter’ in this survey is described as “humane society and SPCA operating facilities for transitional housing of homeless animals.”

The study showed that cat adoption rates have almost doubled from about 38% in 2007 to 61% in 2015. Canine adoption, on the other hand has maintained a fairly consistent trend at 50%.

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Euthanasia showed an exciting drop from 4,358 dogs and 22,908 cats in 2014, to 2,820 dogs and 15,341 cats.

Shelter intake of cats and dogs has dropped slightly. Shelter intake numbers spiked dramatically in 2011 from about 90,000 to over 120,000. Over the course of the last five years, the rate has returned to a new low of about 80,000. Since 90% of SPCA shelters require animals to be spayed and neutered before adoption, the decline could be due to more diligent population control.

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France Opens World’s First Solar Road

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McKinley Corbley

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Dec 23, 2016

A 0.6 mile stretch of roadway running through a small Normandy town was inaugurated on Thursday as the Wattway: the first solar road in the world.

The route – which leads through the small village of Tourouvre-au-Perche – is covered with roughly 30,000 square feet of solar panels. Though the panels are reportedly less effective when laid flat, rather than tilted, the road is just the beginning in a series of solar projects spearheaded by Colas, the energy company responsible.

In the future, however, Colas plans on reducing solar road cost from the hefty $5.2 million price tag that came with the Normandy installation.

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It will be used by an estimated 2,000 motorists a day over a two-year period to test out the Wattway’s ability in powering the village’s streetlights.

In addition to the Wattway, the Missouri Department of Transportation is currently working with Idaho energy company Solar Roadways, famously crowdfunded last year with $2.25 million, to pave parts of Interstate 70 and the iconic Route 66 with super strong interactive solar panels. The project was kicked off earlier this summer when the company installed a small amount of panels at the Route 66 Welcome Center in Conway, Missouri.

(WATCH the video below)

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Terminally Ill 6-yo Raises $1Mil For Medical Research: “Some kids don’t even make it to 5”

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McKinley Corbley

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Dec 23, 2016

Tijn might not have much longer to live due to his terminal brain cancer. His only mission with the time he has, however, is to raise money for medical research so that other children can get a better shot at living than him.

The Dutch radio station 3FM hosts an annual charity event called the Serious Request. 3FM works alongside the Red Cross to raise money for a different ‘unknown illness’ – this year’s affliction is pneumonia.

Though pneumonia is still a preventable disease, it is one of the most dangerous illnesses to children under 5 years old.

MORE: Daughter Fulfills Dad’s Last Wish With Side-Splitting Obituary

That’s why this brave little 6-year-old arrived at the event and announced that he was issuing a challenge to help raise money for the cause: he asked people to donate one euro for every time he painted someone else’s nails. Anyone on the internet could participate as well just by painting their nails, donating to his page, and then challenging three of their friends to do the same by tagging them.

“Most of the poor kids infected with pneumonia don’t even live to be five years old. That is why we’re standing up to fight,” said Tijn’s father.

Tijn’s courageous story went viral and in just 2 days, he had raised over one million dollars for pneumonia research – and still counting.

(WATCH the video below)

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Traffic Fatalities Decline in States with Medical Marijuana Laws

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Dec 23, 2016

States that enacted medical marijuana laws, on average, experienced a decline in traffic-related fatalities.

According to a study conducted by researchers at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, states that passed medical marijuana laws saw an 11% reduction in traffic fatalities, on average, after enacting the laws, and had 26% lower rates of traffic fatalities compared with states without the laws. The findings are published online in the American Journal of Public Health.

Reductions in traffic fatalities greatly impacted those between the ages of 15 and 44 and were especially striking among those aged 25 to 44 years, a group representing a high percentage of those registered patients for medical marijuana use.

Specifically, the researchers observed an 11% reduction of among those aged 15 to 24 years, 12% for ages 25 to 44, and 9% for those 45 years and older. Operational dispensaries were also associated with a significant reduction in traffic fatalities in those aged 25 to 44 years at 5%.

Lacking was strong evidence suggesting reductions among those aged 45 years and older, which is also a group overrepresented in the population of patients registered in state medical marijuana programs. “This finding suggests that the mechanisms by which medical marijuana laws reduce traffic fatalities mostly operate in those younger adults, a group also frequently involved in alcohol-related traffic fatalities,” said Julian Santaella-Tenorio, a doctoral student in Epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health. In 2004 and 2013, 47% of fatally injured drivers with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or greater were 25 to 44 years old.

The researchers based their findings on data for 1985-2014 from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, a nationwide census of traffic fatalities information maintained by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The association between medical marijuana laws and traffic fatalities for drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians was examined for each state enacting the laws. They also evaluated the link between marijuana dispensaries and traffic fatalities. Overall, a total of 1.22 million deaths were attributed to traffic crashes occurring in the 50 states during the study period.

MORE: Surplus Marijuana Tax Revenues to be Used for Bully Prevention in Colorado

“It is also possible that states with medical marijuana laws and lower traffic fatality rates may be related to lower levels of alcohol-impaired driving behavior in these states,” noted Silvia Martins, MD, PhD, associate professor at the Mailman School and senior author. “We found evidence that states with the marijuana laws in place compared with those which did not, reported, on average, lower rates of drivers endorsing driving after having too many drinks. We can also point to other characteristics such as the strength of public health laws related to driving, infrastructure characteristics, or the quality of health care systems, as a partial explanation for these findings.”

“The evidence linking medical marijuana laws and traffic fatalities lays the groundwork for future studies on specific mechanisms,” said Santaella-Tenorio. “We also expect another area of study will be the association between the laws and nonfatal traffic injuries.”

(Source: Colombia University’s Mailman School of Public Health)

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Spicy Molecule Inhibits Growth of Breast Cancer Cells

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Dec 23, 2016

Capsaicin, an active ingredient of pungent substances such as chili or pepper, inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells.

The experiments were carried out with the SUM149PT cell culture, a model system for a particularly aggressive type of breast cancer, i.e. the triple-negative type. Chemotherapy is currently the only available treatment for this type of cancer.

In the cultivated cells, the team detected a number of typical olfactory receptors. One receptor occurred very frequently; it is usually found in the fifth cranial nerve, i.e. the trigeminal nerve. It belongs to the so-called Transient Receptor Potential Channels and is named TRPV1. That receptor is activated by the spicy molecule capsaicin as well as by helional – a scent of fresh sea breeze.

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In collaboration with Dr. Gabriele Bonatz from the Augusta clinics in Bochum (Brustzentrum), a German-based team of researchers confirmed the existence of TRPV1 in tumor cells in nine different samples from patients suffering from breast cancer.

The researchers activated the TRPV1 receptor in the cell culture with capsaicin or helional, by adding the substances to the culture for a period of several hours or days. As a result, the cancer cells divided more slowly. Moreover, the treatment caused tumor cells to die in larger numbers. The surviving cells were no longer able to move as quickly as heretofore; this implies that their ability to form metastases in the body was impeded.

“If we could switch on the TRPV1 receptor with specific drugs, this might constitute a new treatment approach for this type of cancer,” says Hanns Hatt. An intake via food or inhalation is insufficient for this purpose.

Earlier studies had demonstrated that the chemical arvanil – with a chemical make-up similar to that of the spicy molecule capsaicin – was effective against brain tumors in mice; it reduces tumor growth in the animals. Due to its side effects, however, this substance is not approved for humans. In addition to capsaicin and helional, the endovanilloids, produced naturally in the body, also activate the TRPV1 receptor.

(Source: Ruhr-University Bochum)

Click To Share This Spicy News With Your Friends – (Photo by Maja Dumat, CC)

The Most Impressive Health and Wellness Developments of 2016

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Dec 22, 2016

10. Cancer Treatment Shows “Remarkable” Ability to Reverse Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

A medical treatment intended for cancer patients appears to be able to reverse the effects of multiple sclerosis (MS), as well–and some people paralyzed by the condition have been able to walk again.

9. Dr. Saves Baby’s Life With $20 Google Cardboard Virtual Reality Glasses

Teegan Lexcen was born with only one lung and half a heart. Doctors told her parents that surgery was impossible–and the little girl wouldn’t live long.

But thanks to Google Cardboard, doctors at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami were able to load images from MRI scans into an app called Sketchfab and put on the Google Cardboard goggles. By turning their heads and moving around inside the images with the goggles, doctors could see the heart from all angles — and devise a strategy to repair the damage.

8. Cardiac Arrest Victims Get Warnings Weeks Ahead – Know The Signs

Sudden cardiac arrest may not be so sudden after all. Doctors have discovered that early warning signs may be experienced up to a month before the condition hits–and knowing them could save hundreds of thousands of lives.

7. Researchers Develop ‘Holy Grail’ Eye Drop to Prevent, Treat Cataracts Without Surgery

For millions of people whose vision is clouded by cataracts, surgery has been the only option. Soon, they may be able to treat–and even prevent–the debilitating condition with simple eye drops.

6. Simple Blood Test Could Detect Cancer Ten Years Before Symptoms Show

Now getting tested for cancer at the doctor’s could be as simple as a little prick of the finger – and it could save your life up to ten years in advance, before symptoms even start to show.

5. FDA Finally Bans Antibacterial Soaps Containing Triclosan and 18 Other Chemicals

Companies will no longer be able to market antibacterial wash products with any of 19 specific active ingredients because manufacturers have not demonstrated the safety of long-term daily use or show that they are any more effective than plain soap and water in preventing illness or the spread of infections.

4. What Do You Get When You Cross a Segway With a Wheelchair? Brilliant.

This revolutionary technology combines the hands-free interface of a segway with a wheelchair, giving paraplegics groundbreaking levels of free movement.

3. I Cured My Hemorrhoids in a Week Without Spending a Dime (It’s All About That Pee!)

The doctor told her that the only cure for her hemorrhoids was a painful, invasive surgery – but after doing a bit of research, she found that all she needed was a little 7-inch step stool.

2. Bold Trials to Kill Vicious Cancer Type is So Successful, FDA Will Fast Track to Patients

A bold cancer therapy that uses the polio virus to attack a form of brain cancer has been so successful, it’s been given “breakthrough status” from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The status means hundreds of patients can receive the treatment, before testing is even completed, or the FDA has finally given its approval— a process that can normally take years.

1. First Ever Quadriplegic Treated With Stem Cells Regains Motor Control in His Upper Body

For the first time ever, neuroscientists from Keck Medical Center of USC have treated a total quadriplegic with stem cells, and he has substantially recovered the functions of his upper body only two months into the process.

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Cop Shows a Student How to Tie His Tie Instead of Writing a Ticket (WATCH)

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McKinley Corbley

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Dec 22, 2016

This student was sure that he was in trouble after he got pulled over by Officer Martin Folczyk for speeding.

But after explaining that he was running late for a school presentation and he needed someone who could help him tie his tie, the officer took pity on the tardy student.

LOOK: Rescued Pit Bull is Showered with Love From the Police Who Saved Her

While Trevor Keeney from the University of Wisconsin-Stout was fetching his license and insurance papers, Officer Martin knotted the tie around his own neck before giving it to Trevor and explaining how to adjust it.

Keeney was let off with a warning and – thanks to Officer Martin’s lesson – a chic, properly knotted necktie for his presentation.

(WATCH the video below)

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Black Man Befriending KKK Members Has Led to 200 People Quitting the Organization

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McKinley Corbley

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Dec 22, 2016

Daryl Davis is a black blues musician who has traveled the country for the last 30 years befriending members of the Ku Klux Klan.

This mission is not out of any sort of misplaced empathy with the organization’s racism – the 58-year-old believes that when Klansmen actually sit down and talk with a black man, they will find that their hatred is misplaced – and he’s usually right.

Since Daryl started his outreach goal, over 200 KKK members have told the musician that they had seen the error in their ways and they were hanging up their hoods for good.

MORE: A Trump Supporter and Man He Punched Hug in Court, Vow to Heal America Together

A Grammy award-winning musician himself, Davis has often used rock and roll as a platform to interact with racists. His affinity for Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Muddy Waters has reportedly helped give common ground to conversations with white supremacists.

Though the majority of Daryl’s encounters have ended in empathy and greater racial understanding, only two have turned sour. His preparation for these violent encounters, however, has helped him successfully defend against the attackers. One ended up in jail – the other, in the hospital.

“I never set out to convert anyone in the Klan. I just set out to get an answer to my question: ‘How can you hate me when you don’t even know me?’” Daryl told the Daily Mail. “I simply gave them a chance to get to know me and treat them the way I want to be treated. They come to their own conclusion that this ideology is no longer for them. I am often the impetus for coming to that conclusion and I’m very happy that some positivity has come out of my meetings and friendships with them.”

Accidental Courtesy is Davis’s new feature-length documentary that follows his racial exploits around America. The film has already been given awards by the Nashville Film Festival and the SXSW film festival. His book, Klan-destine Relationships: A Black Man’s Odyssey in the Ku Klux Klan, also documents his interactions with the KKK.

(WATCH the interview below)

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Watch Adorably Determined Panda Wrestle Defiant Winter Snowman

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McKinley Corbley

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Dec 22, 2016

Who will win: a feisty giant panda or a half-finished sedentary snowman?

After several side swipes and tackles, the battle looks like it comes to a draw – but Da Mao the panda didn’t go down without a fight.

In a video filmed by the Giant Panda Cam at the Toronto Zoo, Da Mao can be seen sizing up her opponent before climbing on top of its head.

Unfortunately for both of the fighters, Da Mao tumbles to the ground and is hit in the face with the snowman’s head.

Finally, the bear settles for smothering the headless opponent with his tummy while slowly – but surely – scraping away at its icy body.

(WATCH the video below)

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A Heartwarming Story About the True Meaning of Christmas

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Brad Aronson

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Dec 22, 2016

In our family, we have a special way of transitioning the kids from receiving Santa’s gifts, to becoming Santa. This way, the Santa construct is not a lie that gets discovered, but rather an unfolding series of good deeds and Christmas spirit.

When your kids turn 6 or 7 – or whenever you see start to see the dawning suspicion that Santa may not be a material being – that means the child is ready.

I take them out “for coffee” at the local wherever. We get a booth, order our drinks, and the following pronouncement is made:

“You sure have grown an awful lot this year. Not only are you taller, but I can see that your heart has grown, too. [Point out 2-3 examples of empathetic behavior — consideration of people’s feelings, good deeds, acts of kindness etc., that the kid has done in the past year.] In fact, your heart has grown so much that I think you are ready to become a Santa Claus.

WATCH: Bearded Walmart Shopper Is Mistaken for Santa, Plays Along For Tot

“You probably have noticed that most of the Santas you see are people dressed up like him. Some of your friends might have even told you that there is no Santa. A lot of children think that, because they aren’t ready to BE a Santa yet, but YOU ARE.

“Tell me the best things about Santa. What does Santa get for all of his trouble? [Lead the kid from “cookies” to the good feeling of having done something for someone else.] Well, now YOU are ready to do your first job as a Santa!”

Make sure you maintain the proper conspiratorial tone.

(Read the rest of the story at Brad Aronson’s website)

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These 10 Top Dogs of 2016 Will Warm Your Pup-Loving Heart

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McKinley Corbley

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Dec 21, 2016

10. Stolen Dog Can’t Contain Himself When Reunited with Man After 2 Years (WATCH)

José only relinquished Chaos to his friend because he didn’t have the stability to take care of him post-divorce – when his friend refused to give the pup back, however, José was heartbroken.

Two years later, an animal shelter in Wisconsin said that they had found a lost dog who they believed to be Chaos.

9. Mom is Brought to Tears Over Boy’s Moment of Peace with New Service Dog

Shanna Niehaus’s 5-year-old son has a hard time making friends because of his high-functioning autism – but after meeting Tornado the dog, their connection was instantaneous.

8. They Survived Together, Now Watch 2 Dogs Reunite a Year After Their Rescue

Buddy and Shelby were sibling puppies that were abused – and eventually rescued – together. Though they were adopted into different families, PETA made special arrangements to have them joyously reunited in a dog park one year later.

7. Flight Attendant Adopts Stray Dog That Always Awaited Her Return From Countries Abroad

Every time Olivia Sievers returned to Argentina, it seemed like Rubio was waiting for her – that’s why she made sure that when she flew back to Germany, he was coming with her.

6. Give a Prisoner an Abused Dog and WATCH What Happens, Karmic Connection

A documentary titled “Dogs on the Inside” explores the goings-on of a Massachusetts program that pairs prison inmates with abused dogs.

5. Every View of this Adorable Doggie Video Earns One Pound of Food for a Shelter

This pawsitively adorable video was created by Soul Pancake to celebrate the release of Purina’s new Puppy Chow Natural. For every view it scored, the pet food company donated one pound of food to the Rescue Bank charity.

4. Dog Breaks Out of Kennel to Comfort Frightened Puppies (WATCH)

When Maggie the momma dog heard some new pups nervously barking in the next kennel over, she used her wily canine abilities to sneak out of her pen. She snuggled up to the anxious puppies and eventually lulled them to sleep with her calming presence.

3. Dog Wearing Life Jacket is Found Adrift in Vast Gulf of Mexico (WATCH)

If it hadn’t been for Jagermeister’s bright orange life vest, he might not have been spotted floating above the ocean waves.

2. Cat Rescued by 3 Huskies is Now One of the Pack (Cuteness Overload)

Lilo the husky couldn’t help but fall in love with feeble little feline Rosie – a few months after the cat’s ‘adoption’, she had become one of the family.

1. Hummingbird Refuses to Leave the Dog Who Saved Her Life (WATCH)

When Rex the German shepherd found Hummer the hummingbird, the little birdlet was covered in ants and seemed dead.

But the pup refused to leave the injured creature’s side until his owner rescued Hummer and nursed it back to health.

Now, Hummer is just another member of the family.

Click To Share These Pawesome Stories With Your Friends

California Town is Offering Free College Courses for Residents and Workers

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McKinley Corbley

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Dec 21, 2016

Mountain View, California is giving free college education to anyone living or working in the city.

Through a partnership between online course provider Study.com, the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce, and Thomas Edison State University, prospective participants can apply for the Mountain View Working Scholars program. The program gives working adults the freedom to work with a success coach in orchestrating a degree program, choosing their classes, and completing their workload online at their own pace. This way, they can flexibly earn their degree while continuing to work.

200 people have already applied for the Working Scholars program while over 30 have already started their online courses.

Though most people associate Mountain View with Silicon Valley and the tech industry, the reality is that for every tech worker, there are 5 non-tech workers in service related industries. Approximately 45% of adults over the age of 25 living in Mountain View do not have a bachelor’s degree. With the high costs of rents, home prices and other living expenses in the bay area, a college degree can be the key to unlocking greater earning potential.

Study.com, which offers over 70 different online courses, has already invested $60 million in creating an affordable and accessible platform for getting a college degree.

MORE: Homeless Teen Bikes 6 Hours To College, Sleeps In A Tent —Determined to Be a Doctor

“As an edtech company in the heart of Silicon Valley, we have been grateful to participate in the tech boom, but realize that many outside the tech industry have not prospered and are increasingly burdened by the rising cost of living,” said Adrian Ridner, CEO and Co-founder of Study.com. “We started Mountain View Working Scholars because we wanted to give back to local community by removing barriers to a college education. A bachelor’s degree is the key to upward mobility and the foundation for success in today’s knowledge economy.”

Click To Share The News With Your Friends (Photo by University of Central Arkansas, CC)

D.C. City Council Approves Nation’s Most Generous Paid Leave Program

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McKinley Corbley

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Dec 21, 2016

The Washington D.C. city council just approved one of the nation’s most generous paid parental leave programs.

The Univeral Paid Leave Act passed on Tuesday would ensure up to 8 weeks of paid leave for employees with medical conflict or any parents with newborn or adopted children. The worker would be assured up to 90% of their salary, or $1,000 a week.

Financing for the program would come from a payroll tax increase on the commonwealth’s business. Though the tax has been a rather controversial method of funding, many argue that if the program was instead financed by an employer mandate, it would put small businesses more at risk of being unable to properly pay their employees.

MORE: New Jersey to Become First State That Bans Declawing

After the bill passed by an 11-2 vote, the mayor suggested a veto due to many of the possible recipients of the paid leave being commuters from the surrounding Maryland and Virginia areas.

There is currently only three American states that necessitate paid parental leave, the U.S. is still one of the only countries that does not have a nationwide program in place.

Click To Share The News With Your Friends (Photo by Mynameisharsha, CC)

Postal Worker Rescues Christmas Gifts From Fire (WATCH)

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McKinley Corbley

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Dec 21, 2016

Even though her mail truck had ignited into a blaze, this fearless postal worker made sure that all the Christmas gifts in the rear were properly saved.

The driver was reportedly driving the truck when her dashboard started to smoke, leading her to pull over. As the fire spread from the engine, the worker calmly started removing the packages from the vehicle.

MORE: School Bus Driver Calmly Rescues 20 Children From Flaming Vehicle

A bystander – after making sure that the mail woman was okay – joined in to help. Once local firefighters arrived on the scene, the flames were quickly extinguished.

Only two packages were consumed in the blaze thanks to the worker’s quick-thinking. Since the rest of the packages were mostly products of Amazon, the online retailer issued a statement thanking the woman for her compassion.

There’s nothing more heroic than risking one’s own health for the delivery of a happy Christmas.

(WATCH the video below)

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Las Vegas Now Draws 100% of its Energy From Renewables

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McKinley Corbley

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Dec 20, 2016

Thanks to the tireless work of city officials for over a decade, Las Vegas is now entirely powered by renewable energy.

The goal’s completion is largely in part to a revised utilities deal that the city struck up with NV Energy. Over 140 facilities –including all their streetlights – are powered by geothermal, hydro-electric, and solar energy.

CHECK OUT: Costa Rica Has Been Powered Only By Renewable Energy For 122 Days

Starting at the end of 2017, Sin City will also start drawing power from the Hoover Dam.

As well as becoming one of the only cities in the world powered only by sustainable energy, Las Vegas will reportedly save an estimated $5 million annually.

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Indian School Asks Parents to Plant Trees Instead of Pay Tuition

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McKinley Corbley

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Dec 20, 2016

This Indian primary school is being praised for its unique environmental initiative that asks students’ parents to plant trees instead of pay tuition.

The school, Shiksha Kuteer, is located in the Chhattisgarh’s Ambikarpur area. It provides quality education to 35 different students ages 4-5.

The facility’s establishment was to help poorer families afford quality education for their children.

MORE: India Plants 50 Million Trees in One Day, Smashing World Record

Since its construction one year ago, over 700 saplings have ben planted in the area. Should one of the trees die, the parents are simply required to replace it with another.

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Berlin Senior Uses Spray Paint to Turn Swastikas into Hearts

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McKinley Corbley

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Dec 20, 2016

Irmela Schramm is a 70-year-old woman intent on fighting hate with spray paint.

The Berlin senior always carries a bag reading “Anti-Nazi”, containing red paint, nail polish remover, and a scraper so that if she sees a swastika or hate sign, she can turn it into a big beautiful red heart instead.

The “Polit-Putze” – or “political cleaner” in English – has reportedly removed over 130,000 signs and stickers in just 30 years.

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“I’m really concerned by this hate propaganda. And I want to take a stand,” Irmela told CNN. “Not just hollow words. But to do something. I could look at that swastika and ‘Nazi Kiez’ graffiti and say ‘oh, that’s awful’ and walk by. But no one would dare to do anything. Well, I don’t want to wait for someone else to do something about it.”

Though Irmela has received threats from neo-Nazi organizations and light warnings from the police, this determined woman doesn’t plan on backing down anytime soon.

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