Imagine exploring the cosmos without sight. A project at the University of Portsmouth is making that possible, shattering barriers and igniting a passion for astronomy in visually impaired children. Led by Dr. Nicolas Bonne, a blind astronomer himself, the Tactile Universe team is a finalist for the prestigious Royal National Institute of Blind People’s (RNIB) See Differently Award in the “Design for Everyone” category.

Dr. Bonne’s team uses a revolutionary approach: 3D printed models of galaxies. These models allow students to feel the intricate shapes and structures of these celestial wonders, bringing the universe to life through touch. This innovative method bypasses the limitations of traditional, visually-oriented astronomy education.

Dr. Bonne, driven by his own experience with retinopathy of prematurity, is passionate about inspiring young people with disabilities. He wants them to know that science is an achievable dream, regardless of their limitations.

The project has already garnered recognition, having been featured on the BBC’s Sky at Night program. The Tactile Universe team visits schools, conducting workshops that utilize the 3D models to engage both visually impaired and sighted students, fostering a shared love of astronomy.

Their dedication to inclusivity has earned them a well-deserved spot in the RNIB awards. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on May 21st. With their innovative approach, the Tactile Universe project is opening a universe of wonder to a whole new generation of stargazers.

A group of dedicated volunteers has set up a new rehabilitation center in a hidden spot in Derbyshire to help injured badgers heal in a safe place. This center, designed just for badgers, has special cameras that let the volunteers watch the animals without bothering them too much.

The Mid Derbyshire Badger Group, which has been helping badgers for over 30 years, created this facility. They’re also planning to raise money to build another unit so they can care for more than one badger at a time.

A spokesperson for the group shared with the BBC that they are now ready to take in injured badgers. When a badger gets hurt, usually from car accidents, the group steps in. Although sometimes they have to make the tough choice to euthanize a badger if it’s too injured, they try to save as many as they can. If a vet thinks a badger can get better, it’s taken to the rehab center for a few days to a few weeks.

At the center, volunteers keep the badger’s living area clean and monitor its recovery through cameras. Badgers, surprisingly clean by nature, quickly learn to use a soil tray as their bathroom. When the badgers show signs of wanting to escape, it usually means they are ready to go back to the wild.

Besides rescuing and treating badgers, the volunteers also help with badger-related problems in the community, give advice on building projects affecting badger homes, check on flooded homes, and deal with reports of dead badgers. They also advocate for badger welfare and against harmful policies like the badger cull, which is meant to stop tuberculosis in cattle but harms badger populations.

Forget the usual badges! A Williamson County Girl Scout troop is earning gold stars for their innovative project reuniting lost dogs with their owners.

These clever young entrepreneurs used their Girl Scout cookie sales proceeds to purchase and install microchip scanners. Now, anyone who finds a lost dog can easily scan for a microchip, significantly increasing the chances of a happy reunion.

“It feels amazing knowing we helped lost animals find their way home,” said Ainslee Wright, a member of the troop.

This project wasn’t just about helping furry friends; it fostered teamwork and community spirit. “We love spending time together while making a positive impact,” added Maddie Marshall.

The scanners are conveniently located at the John P. Holt Brentwood Library and the Williamson County animal shelter. So, next time you find a lost dog, you can quickly check for a microchip and reunite a pet with its worried family.

These Girl Scouts are proving that delicious cookies can lead to heartwarming results!

A Williamson County teen is making a difference this Child Abuse Prevention Month by collecting stuffed animals for children in need.

17-year-old Kenny Royer launched a Stuffed Toy Drive to benefit Davis House Child Advocacy Center, a Franklin-based non-profit that supports families experiencing abuse.

Kenny’s drive has been a heartwarming success. Since starting in March, he’s collected over 200 stuffed animals and raised more than $3,000 for Davis House.

“Having a stuffed animal can show these children they’re cared for,” Kenny explained. “It gives them a sense of comfort during a difficult time.”

The drive continues throughout April. New stuffed animals can be donated directly to Davis House or dropped off at designated locations: WST Corporation in Franklin and Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville.sharemore_vert

As the war in Ukraine continues to cause widespread devastation, a group of courageous volunteers and activists are being honored for their remarkable efforts to rescue and care for animals caught in the conflict. These individuals, recognized by both animal rights groups and political leaders, have gone above and beyond to ensure the safety and well-being of countless pets and wildlife displaced by the ongoing violence.

One standout among these heroes is Maria Vronska, who manages a shelter near Kyiv. Her facility provides a safe haven for over 700 dogs and cats, many of whom have been abandoned or injured as a result of the war. The shelter not only offers food and medical care but also a temporary home for these animals until they can be reunited with their families or adopted into new ones.

The war has dramatically increased the number of animals in distress as many residents have been forced to flee their homes, often unable to take their pets with them. Shelters and rescue organizations across the country have seen a surge in the number of animals needing care. In response, volunteers like Vronska and her team work tirelessly, often risking their own safety to rescue pets from dangerous areas, provide emergency medical treatment, and keep animal shelters operational despite the challenging conditions.

These efforts are crucial, as the war not only affects human lives but also the animals that share our communities. Pets often provide comfort and companionship to their owners, especially in times of crisis, making their rescue and care a vital part of humanitarian efforts.

International support has also been pivotal, with various global animal welfare organizations stepping in to provide supplies, funding, and support to Ukrainian shelters. This international aid helps maintain the operations of these shelters, ensuring they can continue to offer refuge and care amidst the turmoil.

The dedication of these volunteers and the critical role they play in animal welfare during the war highlight a powerful story of compassion and resilience. Their actions remind us of the profound bond between humans and animals, and the importance of safeguarding all lives in times of conflict.