New research from Germany has found that oak trees can delay sprouting their leaves by three days to avoid being infested by hungry caterpillars. This clever tactic was detected using satellite data, which showed that many insects, particularly caterpillars, hatch in the same period every year. The trees’ ability to adjust their behaviour in response to previous years’ experiences is a fascinating example of adaptability in nature.
Oak Trees Delaying Leaf Sprouting
Oak trees have been found to delay sprouting their leaves by three days to avoid being infested by hungry caterpillars. This behaviour was detected using satellite data, which showed that many insects, particularly caterpillars, hatch in the same period every year. The trees’ ability to adjust their behaviour in response to previous years’ experiences is a fascinating example of adaptability in nature. The research was conducted in Germany and used data from satellite imagery to track the trees’ behaviour.
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London Marathon Runner Applauded
A London Marathon runner, Liam Williams, was spontaneously applauded by subway passengers after completing the race in honour of his niece who passed away last year. The emotional moment was captured on video and shows the crowd erupting in applause as Williams walked through the station. Williams had taken the wrong train and ended up in a station where passengers were waiting to congratulate him. The moment was a touching display of kindness and support from strangers.
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Women DJs Over 60 Rocking the Crowd
A group of female DJs over the age of 60, called Forever Fresh, has been performing at music festivals in Germany, including a recent event in Cologne. The group was formed as part of an initiative to involve older demographics in the music scene. The DJs have been well-received by audiences and have proven that age is no barrier to enjoying and performing music.
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Pandemic’s Positive Impact on Young People
Research suggests that the pandemic may have had a positive impact on young people, with many taking on new responsibilities and developing new skills. In one example, teenagers in New York took over running the local emergency medical service when older volunteers had to step away due to COVID-19 concerns. The experience gave them a sense of purpose and responsibility.
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Good News in History
On this day 73 years ago, two men were rescued from a semitrailer that crashed over the side of the Pit River Bridge before it fell into the Sacramento River. The rescue effort was photographed by amateur photographer Virginia Schau, who won the Pulitzer Prize for Photography as a result. Schau became the first woman to win the award.
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Medieval Floor Tiles Returned
A man who stole 700-year-old floor tiles from a Medieval monastery when he was a child has finally returned them to English Heritage after finding them inside a candy tin where they’d been kept for nearly 60 years. The tiles were taken from Wenlock Priory and were returned by Simon White, who had been encouraged by his father to take them as a souvenir.
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Hemp Alternative to Plastic
Scientists have developed a robust and green alternative to plastic packaging using the hemp plant. The non-toxic plastic alternative is a stretchy thermoplastic that can extend up to 1,600% of its size and has a high “glass transition temperature”. The material is biodegradable and could replace traditional plastics in packaging.
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American Hockey Fans Finish Canadian Anthem
During a hockey game in Buffalo, New York, American fans spontaneously finished singing the Canadian national anthem after the singer’s mic went out. The crowd’s actions were a display of kindness and respect towards the opposing team.
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London Charity-Led Restaurant Relaunches
A London restaurant that employs people who have experienced homelessness has relaunched with a new chef, a MasterChef judge. The restaurant provides a supportive environment for its staff and helps them to develop new skills.
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Good News from the Week
A law boosting renters’ rights has come into force, and the kiwi has made a comeback in New Zealand. Additionally, the myth of a return to coal has been debunked, and other positive news stories have emerged.
Today’s stories highlight the adaptability of oak trees and the kindness of strangers, as seen in the applause for the London Marathon runner. The development of a hemp alternative to plastic is also a notable example of innovation. The stories from today show that even in unexpected places, such as a subway station or a music festival, people can come together and show kindness and support for one another.
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