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Prep talk: Oaks Christian girls' water polo team setting standard for excellence
The defending Southern Section champion Lions are off to 10-1 start this season in a bid to repeat as Open Division champions.
What’s next for closed Sarasota County icon Snook Haven? See photos
Snook Haven, a popular waterfront restaurant and park in south Sarasota County, has been closed since May. See photos of what’s next for the icon.
Oklahoma State tops No. 25 UCF 87-76
STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) Parsa Fallah scored 24 points and Kanye Clary added 18 and nine rebounds to help Oklahoma State defeat No. 25 UCF 87-76 on Tuesday night.
Brevan Howard's biggest funds trail other macro players
Last year was a big one for many macro-oriented hedge funds, including Bridgewater and Discovery.
Breakthrough lets scientists watch plants breathe in real time
Scientists have created a new way to watch plants breathe—live and in high definition—while tracking exactly how much carbon and water they exchange with the air. The breakthrough could help unlock crops that grow smarter, stronger, and more drought-resistant.
Waterbury businesses get eviction notices despite active leases
A landlord-tenant dispute in Waterbury is headed to court in a dispute over rent payments.
20 Delightfully Strange New Deep Reef Species Discovered In “Underwater Hotels”
Featuring several ghostly-looking critters and a crab with spaghetti vibes.
SF legacy business restaurant shuts down after more than 50 years on Embarcadero
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — A legacy San Francisco restaurant is no longer in business after more than half a century on the Embarcadero. The Waterfront Restaurant at Pier 7 officially closed on D…
NASA- French SWOT Satellite Provides Global Estimate of River Discharge
Developed using data from the SWOT (Surface Water and Ocean Topography) satellite, this resource makes it possible to estimate river discharge, defined as the
Appropriations Committee Releases Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; Interior and Environment Funding Package | House Committee on Appropriations
Today, the House Appropriations Committee released text for the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment fiscal year 2026 funding package.
Bringing marine microbiome research into the classroom is an essential step toward a climate literate society
npj Climate Action - Recognizing the ecological roles of microorganisms as drivers of marine biogeochemical cycles and how they are influenced by seawater pollution, warming, and acidification is...
Excited about 2026. Lainey Wilson, Mötley Crüe, water park, HOF art
Entertainment writer Ed Balint anticipates 2026. Lainey Wilson at the Concert for Legends, wiener dog races at the fair, and Mötley Crüe at Blossom.
What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Hibiscus Water Regularly
Hibiscus water can support heart, immune, gut, and kidney health while also boosting hydration and aiding in allergy and weight management.
Calendar Jan. 5-11
CoPo’s weekly political calendar will help you find political and public-policy events throughout Colorado. It includes candidate and issue campaign events, public policy meetings, court hearings, state and local party conventions, assemblies, debates, rallies, parades, speaking engagements, traveling dignitary appearances, water meetings, book signings, county commission hearings, city council meetings and more. As a subscriber, […]
Coast Guard suspends search for people who abandoned ship after US strikes on alleged drug boats
The US Coast Guard announced Friday night it has suspended its search for people in the water after US strikes on alleged drug boats in the eastern Pacific Ocean earlier this week.
Steubenville High School science program gains research grant
STEUBENVILLE — Steubenville High School science students will utilize a $3,400 grant to review water quality and the presence of microplastics in fish found in local tributaries. Teacher Jessie Clark received the Environmental Stewardship Research Grant from the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio and will begin the project with her class this month. Clark said the […]
Google ex-CEO Eric Schmidt jumps into the AI data center business with a failed, 150-year-old Texas railroad turned oil giant
Bolt and Texas Pacific Land aim to attract hyperscalers with bespoke land, power, and water services for data center campuses.
After Watergate, the Presidency Was Tamed. Trump Is Unleashing It.
In the 1970s, Congress passed a raft of laws to hold the White House accountable. President Trump has decided they don’t apply to him.
After Watergate, the Presidency Was Tamed. Trump Is Unleashing It.
In the 1970s, Congress passed a raft of laws to hold the White House accountable. President Trump has decided they don’t apply to him.
Trump says water pipeline veto was because of cost, but critics say it's retribution
President Trump has vetoed a bill to help finish a water pipeline in Colorado, saying it's about "fiscal sanity." Critics say the president's veto is a form of political retaliation.
Petkit’s first automatic wet food feeder keeps track of how much your pet eats
The feeder is joined by a new water fountain that uses AI and a camera to track your pet’s drinking behavior and health.
New year, new tattoo? Here are the emerging health risks to consider
While most people worry about the pain of tattooing, studies suggest that being inked — and removing ink if you change your mind — may increase the chance of health issues down the track.
After a breakup, I traveled for a year to learn how to be alone again. It led me to move to a country I'd never imagined calling home.
When Claire Drinkwater boarded a plane alone to India, she wondered if she'd finally lost her mind.
Longtime MAGA ally Boebert lashes out at Trump over veto
The Colorado Republican said she hopes Trump’s action on a water infrastructure bill benefiting her district “has nothing to do with political retaliation.”
Colorado Democrats rip Trump over water bill veto: ‘Politics at its worst’
Colorado Democratic Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper on Wednesday slammed President Trump for vetoing a bill aiming to complete a water project in The Centennial State. The president issu…
26 Popular Science stories you loved in 2025
From radioactive water to $25 vintage airplanes to a WWII shipwreck mystery.
Scientists just found the best places to look for ancient life on Mars
Mars once had sprawling river systems that rivaled major watersheds on Earth, and scientists have now identified the biggest ones for the first time. Researchers mapped 16 massive drainage basins where water likely flowed long enough to support life. Even though these areas cover just 5% of ancient Martian terrain, they account for a huge share of erosion and sediment movement. That makes them some of the most promising places to search for ancient life.
'Excitement With a Little Dash of Fear': Polar Plunges Ring in the New Year With a Splash. But What Actually Happens to Your Body?
Three experts share the science behind taking a dip in cold water—and offer safety tips that any potential plungers should bear in mind
Enquirer presents 2025 all-city teams for cross country, golf and more
The Cincinnati Enquirer announces the 2025 all-city teams for cross country, field hockey, golf, girls tennis and water polo. Which players stood out?
Is finding "flow" the key to happiness?
“There’s nothing like cold water, icky garbage and a little bit of danger to get you out of your head,” said Susan Baur, founder of the group Old Ladies Against Underwater Garbage.
Scientists stunned by a massive hydrothermal field off Greece
Scientists have uncovered an extensive underwater vent system near Milos, Greece, hidden along active fault lines beneath the seafloor. These geological fractures act as pathways for hot, gas-rich fluids to escape, forming clusters of vents with striking visual diversity. The discovery surprised researchers, who observed boiling fluids and vibrant microbial mats during deep-sea dives. Milos now stands out as one of the Mediterranean’s most important sites for studying Earth’s dynamic interior.
Do saunas really boost your health?
Saunas and cold water swims are booming, but what does science actually say about the benefits?
Arts & Entertainment January 2026
• The Planets and Beyond! • Paint Watercolor Trees With Confidence • Oak Hills Squares Dance Lessons • Village Gallery of Arts January 2026 • The Reser Presents 2025–26 Season
Were you paying attention to the big scientific discoveries of 2025?
From dire wolves to dementia risk, this quiz will test your knowledge on some of the biggest science news stories of the year.
After hammering Russian ships on the open ocean, Ukraine's drone boats appear to be taking the fight into new waters
Ukraine has used its pioneering naval drones to hit Russian targets like expensive warships. Now it has a growing fleet designed to fight on rivers.
There's a Surprisingly Easy Way to Remove Microplastics in Drinking Water
You may already be doing it.
How a Prentiss County fossil park changed science history
Northeast Mississippi is hundreds of miles away from any ocean waters that could make for a suitable home for an oyster. But roughly 74 million years ago, most of the state was submerged below the present-day Gulf of Mexico.
On Indonesia’s longest river, a Borneo community passes crucial public health milestone
SEKADAU, Indonesia — Children’s laughter skimmed over water the color of mud as mothers wrung laundry over banks where the Sekadau joins the Kapuas, the longest river in Indonesia. Local testimony along the Kapuas River, which flows 1,143 kilometers (710 miles) east to west from Borneo’s Müller Mountains out into the Natuna Sea, suggests this […]
University of Melbourne vice-chancellor dies, aged 52
University of Melbourne vice-chancellor Emma Johnston has died from complications associated with cancer, aged 52.
Panthers shine through ups and downs in 2025 fall sports
Record-breaking performances, thrilling matchups and standout athletes defined Chapman’s season across football, soccer, volleyball, water polo and cross country.
The deep ocean has a missing link and scientists finally found it
Scientists have uncovered why big predators like sharks spend so much time in the ocean’s twilight zone. The answer lies with mid-sized fish such as the bigscale pomfret, which live deep during the day and rise at night to feed, linking deep and surface food webs. Using satellite tags, researchers tracked these hard-to-study fish for the first time. Their movements shift with water clarity, potentially altering entire ocean food chains.
Zombie worms are missing and scientists are alarmed
When researchers lowered whale bones into the deep ocean, they expected zombie worms to quickly move in. Instead, after 10 years, none appeared — an unsettling result tied to low-oxygen waters in the region. These worms play a key role in breaking down whale remains and supporting deep-sea life. Their absence hints that climate-driven oxygen loss could unravel entire whale-fall ecosystems.
Waterbury's Water Disaster is a Political Lesson For All
Waterbury suffered another catastrophic breakdown of its water system this month, the second since September, with most of the city and parts of its suburbs having to go without water […]
Portland waterfront fire ravages 4 businesses
'We're not going to do anything but rebuild what was here,' wharf co-owner John Jabar said.
Bemidji Lions Club donates to Headwaters Science Center
Following a demonstration from the Headwaters Science Center, Bemidji Lions Club President Bob Sandbo presented a $1,000 donation to the center.
Scientists may have found the best place for humans to land on Mars
A newly identified region on Mars may hold the key to future human landings. Researchers found evidence of water ice less than a meter beneath the surface, close enough to be harvested for water, oxygen, and fuel. The location strikes a rare balance between sunlight and cold, helping preserve the ice. It could also offer clues about whether Mars once supported life.
I Drink Lemon Water Every Morning and Noticed These 3 Benefits in My Body
Lemon water is the first thing I consume every morning. It hydrates, supports digestion, and supports heart health. It might also keep me younger.
Cold water changes your cells—and science says it only takes one week - Futura-Sciences
A daily dip in cold water might do more than wake you up — it could actually reprogram your body at the cellular level. According to researchers from the University of Ottawa, this simple habit ... Read more
US contemplates sending more resources to forcibly board oil tanker near Venezuela
The United States hasn’t given up its pursuit of the massive, rusted oil tanker it chased into international waters near Venezuela last weekend, and officials are now contemplating moving additional resources into the area to forcibly board the ship, people familiar with the matter said.
Aren't Oregon's farmers, ranchers and stewards 'Oregon business'?
Both Gov. Kotek's Oregon Prosperity Roadmap and the Oregon Business Plan have elicited fanfare and criticism. As the director of an organization whose members’ livelihoods are tied to businesses inside and outside our urban growth boundaries, I am concerned that these roadmaps emphasize industrial and tech development, calling to pave over our farms, forests, and watersheds.
Police: Man arrested after stealing $3,000 in tools from Watertown business
A 32-year-old Philadelphia man was arrested after police said he broke into a local business and stole thousands of dollars worth of tools.
Opinion: Slow walking compliance with PFAS regulations delays protection of public health
Study reveals that PFAS exposure in New Hampshire may lead to increased infant deaths. The EPA's proposed weakening of drinking water standards raises concerns.
Oceans are supercharging hurricanes past Category 5
Deep ocean hot spots packed with heat are making the strongest hurricanes and typhoons more likely—and more dangerous. These regions, especially near the Philippines and the Caribbean, are expanding as climate change warms ocean waters far below the surface. As a result, storms powerful enough to exceed Category 5 are appearing more often, with over half occurring in just the past decade. Researchers say recognizing a new “Category 6” could improve public awareness and disaster planning.
New technology eliminates “forever chemicals” with record-breaking speed and efficiency
A new eco-friendly technology can capture and destroy PFAS, the dangerous “forever chemicals” found worldwide in water. The material works hundreds to thousands of times faster and more efficiently than current filters, even in river water, tap water, and wastewater. After trapping the chemicals, the system safely breaks them down and refreshes itself for reuse. It’s a rare one-two punch against pollution: fast cleanup and sustainable destruction.
What are asteroids really made of? New analysis brings space mining closer to reality
Scientists are digging into the hidden makeup of carbon-rich asteroids to see whether they could one day fuel space exploration—or even be mined for valuable resources. By analyzing rare meteorites that naturally fall to Earth, researchers have uncovered clues about the chemistry, history, and potential usefulness of these ancient space rocks. While large-scale asteroid mining is still far off, the study highlights specific asteroid types that may be promising targets, especially for water extraction.
Ikea has made some of its Matter-compatible smart home devices even cheaper.
As the cost of some electronics continues to skyrocket, Ikea has dropped the price of several of its new smart home accessories. The Myggspray motion and Klippbok water sensors are now down to $7.99 from $9.99, and while the three-pack of the colorful two-button Bilresa remotes launched in the US for $19.99, they’re now $14.99. [Image: Two of Ikea’s new Matter-compatible smart home sensors and its two-button remote are now cheaper in the US. https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/ikea_matter.jpg?quality=90&strip=all]
I Tried Honor's Win Gaming Phone: It's Built Like a Tank and Has a Behemoth Battery
The Honor Win is the first flagship gaming phone with a cooling fan and a 10,000-mAh battery that's rated for both dust and water resistance.
When local news and science go dark, the river loses its voice: A warning and a rallying cry from Stroud Water Research Center
As federal money fades and science comes under fire, supporters of the Delaware River should find ways to advocate for the waterway.
Kalamazoo salon owner faces financial uncertainty after car crash damages business
WWMT-TV Newschannel 3 provides local news, weather forecasts, notices of events and entertainment programming for Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Battle Creek, South Haven, Paw Paw, Portage, Otsego, Texas Township, Oshtemo, Plainwell, Allegan, Holland, Saugatuck, Holland, Wayland, Kentwood, Middleville, Hastings, Marshall, Three Rivers, Sturgis, Constantine, Coldwater, Albion, Wyoming, Hudsonville, Allendale, Byron Center, Hudsonville, Grand Haven, Muskegon, Sparta, Rockford, Belding, Greenville, Ionia, Cedar Springs and their surrounding areas.
Entertainment District With 3,500 Seat Live Music Venue Planned for Water Street Tampa
Florida YIMBY says "Yes In My Backyard" to positive new development in Florida.
Balancing Water and Wildlife: How Science Guides the State Water Project
As a series of atmospheric rivers bring rain and high elevation snow to communities throughout California, the winter storms are crucial for the State Water Project, helping fill reservoirs and support water deliveries.
Top Blue Water Area high school performers of the past week, Dec. 15-20
Here are the top performances from local high school athletes for the week of Dec. 15-20.
US pursuing another tanker ship near Venezuela amid Trump blockade
The US is pursuing a vessel in international waters near Venezuela on Sunday after attempting to intercept it, a US official said, as President Donald Trump’s administration tightens its crackdown on the country’s oil industry.
Hidden seismic signals hint at a tsunami threat in Alaska
Researchers studying a massive landslide in Alaska have detected strange seasonal seismic pulses caused by water freezing and thawing in rock cracks. These faint signals could become an important early clue to changes that might someday trigger a dangerous landslide-driven tsunami.
Georgia Southern alumnus lives on through posthumous work
The December 2025 issue of "Freshwater Science" will feature a special publication dedicated to the late José Sánchez-Ruiz, a former graduate student from Georgia Southern University's Department of Biology. His research on leaf decomposition in the Ogeechee River will be published posthumously, honoring his legacy.
Health officials warn of "toilet rats" following Washington flooding
According to an advisory, floodwaters can displace rodents, sweeping them through sewer systems and occasionally into homes.
DEP funds water quality improvements in Indian River Lagoon
The DeSantis administration continues to work on water quality.
Was 2025 the year that business retreated from net zero?
From retailers to banks, carmakers to councils, the bold pledges for carbon-neutral economies are being watered down or scrapped
Water Street entertainment district plan includes 3,500-seat music venue, hotel and retail in Tampa
What scientists found inside Titan was not what anyone expected
For years, scientists thought Saturn’s moon Titan hid a global ocean beneath its frozen surface. A new look at Cassini data now suggests something very different: a thick, slushy interior with pockets of liquid water rather than an open sea. A subtle delay in how Titan deforms under Saturn’s gravity revealed this stickier structure. These slushy environments could still be promising places to search for life.
Is winter warmer in Sacramento than it was 50 years ago? What the science says
Climate change has warmed Sacramento’s winters, shrinking Sierra snowpack and threatening water supplies statewide.
News | Strategic Property Partners unveils Water Street Tampa's new entertainment district
Developer to partner with Vinik Sports Group to enhance programming across downtown
Titans Sports Network and Overnght Announce Multiyear Partnership
Overnght Media Group and Titans Sports Network have entered a multiyear partnership that will provide Cal State Fullerton students with hands-on experience in live sports production across a wide range of sports, including water polo, football and more. Through this partnership, students will have the opportunity to work alongside Overnght’s production teams, gaining real-world experience […]
Water Droplet Science
NASA astronaut Don Pettit demonstrates electrostatic forces using charged water droplets and a knitting needle made of Teflon. This series of overlapping
New family entertainment: Explore the underwater-themed Mermaid Bay Kids Indoor Play
With play sessions starting at just $8, Mermaid Bay's owner says the West Michigan venue inspired by his young children is family-focused and affordable.
How Scientists Are Decoding Hawaiian Monk Seal Communication
Researchers uncover 20 new underwater calls from Hawaii’s endangered monk seals.
Water Street Tampa expanding with new entertainment district in downtown
Soon, Tampa will have a new spot to see concerts. The parking lot across the street from Benchmark International Arena will become a small concert venue that will allow new artists to have a sell-out show in Tampa.
New downtown entertainment district announced as part of Water Street Tampa expansion
The team behind the transformative Water Street Tampa development announced plans for a new entertainment district in downtown that will build upon Water
Tampa’s Water Street will get new concert venue, hotel, parking and more
Vinik Sports group will manage the entertainment venue, located near Benchmark International Arena.
4-acre entertainment district to be built in downtown Tampa
The developer behind Water Street Tampa is bringing a live music venue with retail and a hotel to a lot across from Benchmark International Arena.
4-acre entertainment district to be built in downtown Tampa
The developer behind Water Street Tampa is bringing a live music venue with retail and a hotel to a lot across from Benchmark International Arena.
Australian Surf Crew Captures a Real-Life Ocean 'Glitch' That Repeats
The converging waves swirl until they finally break into a 130-foot pillar of saltwater, in a process that scientists have yet to fully explain.
Proposal would bring stadium, sports complex to Clearwater
The Landings Golf Course, which first opened in 1970, would be replaced. The stadium does not currently have any sports franchise as a potential suitor.
Water pollution puts Floridians at risk of severe health problems
Chemicals foul wells used for drinking water and fuel harmful algae that can make people sick, a Times investigation shows.
ESF artist creates comic book bringing Adirondack science to life
An artist from SUNY ESF created a comic book highlighting ecology by showing how water travels from the Adirondacks to the Hudson.
Worlds apart in water politics, Denver and Phoenix seek similar solutions to a drier Colorado River Basin
Western cities are stuck planning for potential cuts, without knowing what the cuts might be, as they wait for news about future Colorado River management.
WHO highlights health risks and opportunities in the global waste crisis
A new World Health Organization (WHO) report, Throwing away our health: the impacts of solid waste on human health – evidence, knowledge gaps and health sector responses, warns that poorly managed solid waste is driving a public health crisis and calls for urgent action to protect people and the environments they live in.Globally, the volume of municipal solid waste is growing at an unprecedented rate. Yet, many countries still lack the systems and resources to manage this waste safely. “Solid waste reflects how our societies produce and consume, and how we treat people and the environment in the process,” said Dr Ruediger Krech, Director a.i., Department of Environment, Climate Change, One Health & Migration at the World Health Organization. “If we continue to treat waste as an afterthought, we will lock in avoidable disease, climate pollution and deep social inequities. This report is a clear call to put health and equity at the centre of how we design, manage and ultimately reduce waste.”The report summarizes evidence on how solid waste – especially municipal solid waste – affects health through polluted air, water, soil and food. When waste is not collected, or is dumped, burned or not poorly treated, it can release hazardous chemicals, contaminate drinking-water sources and create breeding grounds for insects and rodents.Communities underserved by waste management services, those living near dumpsites and poorly managed landfills and incinerators, children and pregnant women, as well as waste workers – particularly those working informally – face the greatest risks. For the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) community, the report underlines that safe management of municipal and health care waste is integral to safely managed, climate-resilient systems.A large share of municipal solid waste is still not collected or is disposed of in uncontrolled conditions, including open dumpsites and open burning. These practices damage ecosystems, contribute to climate change and undermine efforts to build healthy cities. When waste is properly managed, however, it can become a resource – generating energy and creating green jobs. The report calls for a coordinated, multisectoral response grounded in the waste hierarchy: preventing waste where possible, then reducing, reusing and recycling, with safe recovery and disposal.Key actions for governments and partners include reducing waste generation at source; expanding affordable and reliable waste collection services, especially in underserved communities; improving control at recovery and disposal facilities; and eliminating open dumping and burning, including hazardous waste. The new report identifies a central role for the health sector in addressing solid waste as a public health threat. The health sector can prevent and minimize health-care waste at source, improve segregation and safe treatment, invest in cleaner climate-resilient technologies, and advocate for health-protective policies and standards. The report also encourages more surveillance, research and biomonitoring to strengthen the evidence base, and promotes social protection and inclusion of informal waste workers.“This report gives countries and health authorities a very practical agenda,” said Mr Bruce Gordon, Head, Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Health Unit, WHO. “Health ministries can start now by ensuring safe management of health-care waste, developing strong occupational health programmes for waste workers, and working with municipalities to reduce health risks from solid waste by closing open dumps and burn sites and gradually improving towards safe services. These concrete steps save lives today and will make cities cleaner and healthier in the future.
Entertainment and more in the Mid-Ohio Valley
PARKERSBURG — The Artsbridge calendar of events for the Mid-Ohio Valley: TODAY * Anything Goes: Wild Things, all member exhibition of the West Virginia Watercolor Society, Parkersburg Art Center * Belpre Holiday Lights, Civitan Park * Christine Rhodes, multi medium artwork display, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., WesBanco, Market Street, Parkersburg * Here the Pioneers Landed, exhibit, […]
Spears Business marketing and communications director honored at 2025 Distinguished Service Awards
Multiple Spears School of Business staff members were recognized at the Staff Advisory Council Distinguished Service Award ceremony Dec. 11 in the Student Union. Stephen Howard, Spears Business director of marketing and communications, was a finalist and placed third among all eligible OSU-Stillwater staff members.
Bermuda's waters are hiding a mysterious giant structure that's...
The Bermuda Triangle may not be the biggest mystery of the Atlantic.
Waterville business accelerator's new program manager brings business, policy experience
Jeff Frank brings a diverse background in private-sector innovation, public policy and community development to his new role at Dirigo Labs.
Seaport Entertainment: I Sold After The Sale Of 250 Water Street (NYSE:SEG)
Seaport Entertainment sells 250 Water Street, shedding $61M debt and strengthening finances despite Q3 losses.
Israeli scientists work to remove atmospheric CO2 by mimicking weathering of rocks
Hebrew University experts continue in footsteps of Open University researcher who built special reactor that flushes CO2, seawater through rock, before his untimely death from cancer
Why Porsche Switched From Air-Cooled To Water-Cooled Engines
Porsche switched to water cooling to meet stricter emissions and noise rules, handle more power and heat, improve efficiency, and cut costs.
Sponsored: Science vs. Spin: The Truth About Menhaden Fishing in Louisiana Waters
Louisiana’s coast supports a wide variety of uses, including conservation, recreation, commercial fishing, energy, and shipping. The debate over menhaden harvest and the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC)’s proposed
Boil water advisory hits Waterbury, forcing closures and disrupting businesses
Teen’s video a ‘Breakthrough’ in science communication
Seventeen-year-old Grace Lee from Chula Vista is gaining national attention as a finalist in the global Breakthrough Junior Challenge, an annual competition that invites students to create original videos explaining complex scientific ideas in creative and engaging ways. Founded in 2015, the contest encourages young people to break down advanced scientific theories using imagination and storytelling— “Steven Spielberg meets Albert Einstein,” as organizers describe it. Lee’s submission centers on the principle of least time in physics, a concept that explains why light always travels the path that takes the least amount of time. To bring the idea to life, she used intricate origami characters and stop-motion animation, along with simple at-home experiments, she said. “The fact that light always travels via the path that takes the least amount of time sounds simple at first, but nature is full of surprises,” she said. “This principle is actually very profound and underlies many different fields in physics that seem completely unrelated, from optics to Newton’s laws to Einstein’s theory of relativity.” Also, origami has long been one of her passions and integrating it into her project felt natural. She often makes origami gifts for friends and teaches origami in her school clubs. “A single 10-second scene would take hours to craft,” she said, noting the mixture of stop-motion and post-production editing required to animate expressions and movement. To ensure the science remained accurate and accessible, she spent time reading books and online resources, writing a script, creating a storyboard, and filming and editing repeatedly until the visuals worked.The experiments were among the biggest challenges. To demonstrate water waves, she used everyday household items — “a spatula and an electric toothbrush to vibrate the waves, glass in a baking pan for different depths, and an iPhone flashlight so the waves would be visible.” She also put careful thought into explaining the principle through analogies, including a gingerbread man and a fox. “Analogies and visuals are incredibly important,” she said. “Visual demonstrations allow viewers to see how the science actually works.” Beyond the competition, Lee is deeply involved in science leadership and advocacy. She serves as International President of miRcore, the world’s largest student computational biology organization, with 136 chapters across five countries. She leads a 20-member executive board, organizes outreach connecting schools worldwide, and has helped run workshops at locations including Scripps Research Institute and the University of Michigan. “I used to be intimidated,” she said, but she gradually grew her skills and confidence. “Now I am no longer afraid to use my voice and enthusiasm to bring out the best in others.” Her research experience includes two peer-reviewed papers on asthma and vaping. Misconceptions around vaping, she said, show why clear science communication matters. “Our research shows that there is long-term harm to your lungs on the cellular level that isn’t obvious unless you come down with an illness like the flu,” she said. Lee also founded Full Hearts at Eastlake High School, transforming the small club into one of the school’s largest, with hands-on service projects in partnership with local nonprofits. She continues mentoring younger students to sustain the mission. If she wins the Breakthrough Junior Challenge, Grace hopes the $100,000 science lab prize for her school will expand opportunities for students who have limited access to equipment and hands-on science outside the classroom.
Committee rejects Debbie Wasserman Schultz language protecting Everglades from pipeline fast-track
Legislation streamlining pipeline approvals will head to the House floor without any exemptions for Florida waterways.
Steve Adelstein: PFAS water contamination has met its match
PFAS-free drinking water is finally achievable through fast, scalable, lab-verified technology.
Award of Merit, Sports/Entertainment: New Alamein City Tourist Promenade
Located along the Mediterranean coast, the $36.6-million project transforms the waterfront into a vibrant public promenade.