205 years ago today, three brave Americans defeated El Guapo at the Battle of Santa Poco to give Mexico its independence.
Happy Cinco de Mayo to all who celebrate.
🚨🚨Statement from the president of the University of Alabama Chapter of Theta Chi, Jimmy Gracey's fraternity:
"Jimmy is a beloved brother and a man of upstanding character. He serves as a mentor to younger classes in our chapter and guides our brothers on their journey with their Faith as our Chaplain. He also serves as one of our Philanthropy Chairmen and devotes his time to giving back to others. He’s the guy that goes out of his way to be there when someone needs it.
"We’re working closely and appreciate the support from Senator Britts office, the State Department, the US Embassy here in Barcelona, the UA administration and student body, Theta Chi IHQ, local authorities, and everyone else involved. Thank you to everyone sharing the story and helping to raise awareness.
We’re keeping our heads up and remaining hopeful that we find him safe." — Cavin McLay, via @AshleyMPapa
Today is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, #FLETC extends our sincere gratitude to all law enforcement officers and agents who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our communities. Thank you for all you do! #LawEnforcementAppreciation
A black fungus feeds on radiation in Chernobyl.
In the radioactive ruins of Chernobyl’s Reactor 4, scientists found an extraordinary black fungus, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, thriving in one of Earth’s most toxic environments.
Rather than merely enduring radiation, this fungus seems to harness it through radiosynthesis—a process akin to photosynthesis but driven by gamma radiation, converting it into chemical energy. It’s among the rare organisms capable of this feat.
Even more remarkable, when tested on the International Space Station, the fungus flourished, forming a biofilm that blocked up to 84% of cosmic radiation, hinting at its potential as a living radiation shield for astronauts. With radiation posing a major hurdle for deep-space missions to Mars and beyond, this self-regenerating biological layer could revolutionize spacecraft design by replacing heavy, bulky shielding.
On Earth, researchers are exploring its use in bioremediation to detoxify radioactive sites too hazardous for humans, potentially transforming nuclear disaster recovery. As one scientist put it, “It’s like nature crafted a biological radiation shield.” From Chernobyl’s ruins to space, this humble fungus could help humanity thrive in the universe’s harshest environments.