A significant milestone in wildlife conservation has been achieved at the Bankapur Wolf Sanctuary in Karnataka’s Koppal district, where an endangered Indian grey wolf recently gave birth to eight pups. The announcement was made by Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre, who attributed the wolves’ thriving population to enhanced safety measures implemented by the Karnataka Forest Department.

A Growing Population of Indian Grey Wolves

The Bankapur Wolf Sanctuary, spanning 332 hectares, consists of scrub forests, hills, and natural caves, providing an ideal habitat for Indian grey wolves. With the birth of these eight pups, the sanctuary’s wolf population now stands at approximately 35-40 individuals. Minister Khandre noted that while typically only 50% of wolf pups survive in the wild, forest officials are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of all the newborns.

Conservation Efforts and Eco-Sensitive Designation

To further bolster protection efforts, a decision was taken on January 18 at a subcommittee meeting chaired by Minister Khandre to designate the sanctuary as an eco-sensitive zone. This designation aims to minimize human interference and ensure the continued conservation of the species.

A Thriving Wildlife Habitat

Apart from wolves, the sanctuary is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including leopards, peacocks, blackbucks, foxes, hares, and porcupines. Its rich biodiversity makes it a valuable site for conservation and potential ecotourism.

Future Plans for Ecotourism

Recognizing the sanctuary’s potential as a wildlife destination, officials have been directed to assess the feasibility of setting up a safari. A report is expected to determine whether tourism can be developed in a sustainable manner that does not disturb the sanctuary’s inhabitants.

Bankapur Wolf Sanctuary, located just 15 kilometers from Gangavati town, was officially designated as Karnataka’s first Wolf Wildlife Sanctuary during the 15th Wildlife Board meeting. The latest birth of eight wolf pups marks a hopeful step forward for the conservation of this endangered species, reinforcing the importance of dedicated wildlife sanctuaries in preserving India’s natural heritage.

A New Approach in Cancer Treatment

Cancer remains one of the most challenging diseases to treat, with its ability to evolve and resist therapies often outpacing medical advancements. However, scientists have now developed an innovative strategy that uses cancer’s own adaptability against it, effectively turning tumor cells into their own worst enemy. This cutting-edge technique, referred to as a “dual switch selection gene drive,” was recently detailed in Nature Biotechnology and could represent a major leap forward in cancer treatment.

How It Works: Turning Cancer Cells Suicidal

Unlike traditional therapies that rely on new drugs or therapeutic targets, this approach exploits cancer cells’ rapid evolution to introduce self-destructive mechanisms. The process begins by genetically engineering cancer cells with a “suicide gene” and introducing two molecular “switches” to guide the cells’ behavior.

• Switch One: When exposed to a specific drug, the engineered cells rapidly outgrow the original cancer cells, taking over the tumor population.
• Switch Two: Once the engineered cells dominate, the second switch is triggered using a harmless compound. This activates a gene that releases a potent toxin, killing both the modified and original cancer cells.

In proof-of-concept experiments, researchers used lung cancer cells and the drug erlotinib. While erlotinib typically works by inhibiting the EGFR protein responsible for unchecked cell growth, the engineered cells were designed to bypass this effect, multiplying even faster under the drug’s influence. Once these cells took over the tumor, the researchers introduced the compound 5-FC, which triggered the second suicide gene. This gene produced an enzyme that converted 5-FC into a highly toxic anti-cancer drug, 5-FU, eradicating the entire tumor.

Promising Results in Animal Models

When tested on mice with non-small cell lung cancer—the most common type of lung cancer—the results were striking. The engineered cells overtook the tumor population within 20 days, and by day 80, the tumors had completely disappeared.

This method addresses a critical limitation of current cancer treatments: resistance. Tumors often develop mechanisms to inactivate drugs or bypass their effects, requiring patients to undergo complex, multi-drug regimens. The dual-switch approach could sidestep this problem by forcing tumors into a controlled self-destructive cycle.

A Potential Revolution in Oncology

The research team is now exploring the application of this method to other cancer types and drug combinations. If successful, this strategy could revolutionize cancer treatment, particularly for hard-to-treat cancers lacking effective therapeutic options. By turning cancer’s adaptability into a tool for its own demise, scientists may have found a way to outsmart one of medicine’s most formidable adversaries.

For most professional athletes, reaching the NBA is the pinnacle of achievement. But for Brooklyn Nets star Mikal Bridges, it’s only part of the story. The 6’6″ forward has a lesser-known aspiration: becoming a teacher.

“I’ve always wanted to be a second-grade teacher,” Bridges shared during a recent visit to PS 134 in Brooklyn. “Helping kids has always been something I’m passionate about.”

Bridges’ dream stems from his own childhood in Philadelphia, where a standout teacher left a lasting impression. “Second grade was one of my favorite years,” he said. “Ms. Porter made school special for me. She showed me how impactful a teacher can be, and that stuck with me.”

While Bridges’ basketball journey took center stage, his classroom ambitions took a temporary spotlight when he stepped into the role of a substitute teacher for the day. Despite arriving in Brooklyn at 1:30 a.m. after a commanding 120-101 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Bridges was ready to meet the energy of the students.

A Star on the Court and in the Classroom

The day began in the gym, where Bridges organized a game of knockout with a group of fourth graders. The students were brimming with excitement, not just to meet an NBA player but to engage with someone who genuinely cared about their experience.

“Their energy got me going,” Bridges admitted. “They made it easy to jump in and have fun.”

The students seized the rare opportunity to pepper him with questions. One curious child asked, “How do you balance your personal life with basketball?” Bridges, drafted in 2018 and a rising star in the league, took the question in stride.

“Time management is the key,” he explained. “During the season, I travel a lot, so it’s hard. But over the years, I’ve learned to balance it with hanging out with friends and preparing for games.”

In between the laughter and learning, a student’s practical question brought smiles all around: “If your family comes to games, do they get free tickets?” Bridges confirmed with a grin, “Yes, they do.”

Learning Alongside the Kids

After gym class, Bridges joined a first-grade music lesson, where the tables turned. “The kids were teaching me how to play the xylophone,” he said, chuckling at his struggles. “One of them had to point to the notes on the board for me. I finally got it!”

Lunch brought more laughs as Bridges entertained riddles from first graders, and recess became a playground full of awe-struck students marveling at his height and requesting hugs.

Math Class with Mr. Bridges

Perhaps the highlight of the day came during math class, Bridges’ self-proclaimed favorite subject. “Math was always easy for me growing up,” he shared. “I’d help my classmates by breaking down problems in ways that made sense to me. Teaching it felt natural.”

His enthusiasm for numbers translated into lively engagement with the students. They eagerly soaked up his tips and tricks for problem-solving, enjoying their time with their temporary math instructor.

A Shared Dream

While students saw their hero in an entirely new light, the experience was just as meaningful for Bridges. “Teachers shape us,” he reflected. “We spend so much time with them, and they help us grow as people. They don’t always get the recognition they deserve.”

Bridges has already begun to envision life beyond basketball. “This is just the first part of my journey,” he explained. “Teaching is next. Maybe even becoming a principal one day. Who knows?”

For the students at PS 134, the visit was unforgettable. And for Bridges, it was a chance to live out a childhood dream—proving that he’s just as impactful in the classroom as he is on the court.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which ravaged parts of North Carolina, a unique story of recovery and humanity emerged. Amid the destruction, Taylor Schenker of Canton, North Carolina, took it upon herself to reunite families with cherished photographs scattered by the storm.

Hurricane Helene struck in October, leaving widespread devastation in its wake. While Schenker’s home remained intact, her friend’s house near the Swannanoa River was completely destroyed. “We spent hours digging through the mud, trying to salvage anything we could,” Schenker recalled. During this process, she found a handful of photographs and laid them out with other recovered items, hoping their owners might return for them.

But the idea of those photos being lost haunted her. “These little pieces of history had survived the storm,” she said. “I couldn’t bear the thought of them being swept away again.” The next day, she returned to collect the photos and soon found more, realizing they belonged to multiple families. By the end of her efforts, Schenker had amassed over 200 photos, some contributed by search and rescue teams. She carefully cleaned and organized them, determined to return them to their rightful owners.

Reuniting Memories

Using an Instagram page she named “Photos from Helene,” Schenker began posting the pictures. Her efforts quickly gained attention, and families started recognizing their long-lost snapshots. To date, she has reunited approximately 15% of the photos with their owners.

One particularly poignant reunion involved a mother who had lost all photographs of her late son when her home was destroyed. “When I met her to return the photos, it was incredibly emotional,” Schenker shared. Later, during another search, she found yet another picture of the boy, deepening the connection between her efforts and the lives she was touching.

Becky and Nancy Tate, a mother and daughter, also discovered their photos through the Instagram page. Nancy described the surreal moment of scrolling on social media and seeing a childhood Christmas picture of herself. “It was covered in dirt, but I immediately recognized it,” she said. Becky Tate expressed her gratitude, describing the discovery as “a moment of joy and disbelief.”

The Power of Community

Schenker’s project has become a collective effort, with many former neighbors tagging each other in Instagram comments and helping connect families to their photos. “The sense of community is amazing,” she said. “People recognize each other’s memories and come together to help.”

Her Instagram page’s name reflects her mission: while most images from the hurricane depict destruction, the photos she shares capture joyful moments and milestones. “These are snapshots of the lives lived here,” she explained. “Amid all the debris, they’re reminders of what makes this community special.”

Looking Ahead

Despite the challenges of recovery, Schenker’s work continues to provide hope. She mails photos to families who have relocated and hand-delivers them to those still nearby. Her story exemplifies the resilience and kindness that have come to define Asheville in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

“Seeing the joy these photos bring makes it all worthwhile,” she said. “In the face of such loss, even small wins mean so much.”

The Andes Mountains, stretching across South America, are a natural wonder rich in biodiversity. Among the towering peaks roam spectacled bears, pumas, and the mighty Andean condor. Yet, nestled high in these rugged landscapes grow forests of polylepis trees—often called “cloud trees” for their incredible ability to capture and release water. These ancient trees, though lesser-known, are vital to both ecosystems and the millions of people who rely on the Andes’ water sources.

The Unique Role of Polylepis Trees

Polylepis trees thrive at altitudes of up to 5,000 meters, making them the world’s highest-altitude trees. Their significance lies in their ability to absorb moisture from clouds and melting glaciers. The spongy moss that drapes their trunks stores and gradually releases this water, feeding mountain streams and, eventually, the Amazon River’s headwaters.

However, centuries of deforestation, grazing, and development have reduced the once-vast polylepis forests to a fraction of their original range. Today, only around 500,000 hectares remain—estimated to be just 1% to 10% of the historic coverage. The consequences are far-reaching: degraded ecosystems, eroded soil, disrupted water cycles, and increased vulnerability to flooding. For the millions living in the Andean foothills, these changes pose a growing risk to water security.

Reviving the Forests: A Community-Led Effort

One man determined to reverse this decline is Peruvian biologist Constantino Aucca Chutas. Inspired by his indigenous Quechua roots and deep respect for nature, Aucca co-founded Acción Andina in 2018. This ambitious reforestation initiative, in partnership with the US-based nonprofit Global Forest Generation and Peru’s Asociación Ecosistemas Andinos, aims to restore one million hectares of Andean forests by 2045.

“I grew up enjoying rivers and nature,” Aucca reflects. “I thought it would be fantastic if we could pass this to future generations.”

The effort began in Peru but has since expanded to Ecuador, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia. To date, Acción Andina has planted more than 10 million polylepis trees, thanks to the participation of thousands of indigenous families. This collective approach mirrors the Incan concept of Ayni and Minka—working together for the common good.

A Festival of Trees

One of the most striking events in this initiative is the annual Queuña Raymi festival, held in the valleys around Cusco. The festival is a cultural and environmental celebration that begins with traditional music, dances, and rituals to honor Pachamama (Mother Earth). Participants—men, women, and children in colorful traditional attire—then climb the mountains, carrying saplings of native polylepis trees on their backs.

In a single day, communities have planted as many as 100,000 trees using propagation methods that ensure healthy growth. Recognizing the unique adaptations of polylepis trees to their environments, Acción Andina ensures that only local species are planted.

The work doesn’t stop with planting. To safeguard the saplings, the initiative installs protective fencing, develops fire prevention programs, and works closely with local communities to maintain the growing trees.

Benefits for Communities and the Planet

The collaboration extends beyond reforestation. In exchange for their efforts, communities receive support such as improved medical care, solar energy installations, and help securing legal rights to their land. These protections are crucial to preventing exploitation from industries like mining, logging, and oil extraction.

Aucca highlights the importance of indigenous knowledge, noting that locals, who have lived alongside these forests for generations, understand the trees in ways that outsiders cannot. This shared wisdom strengthens the initiative and ensures its long-term success.

“They’ve seen how these trees grow their whole lives,” Aucca explains. “Their knowledge is invaluable.”

Global Recognition and the Power of Collective Action

Acción Andina has become a model for community-driven conservation. In 2022, the initiative earned Aucca the United Nations’ “Champion of the Earth” title. Two years later, it received the prestigious Earthshot Prize, established by Prince William, for its groundbreaking work in restoring nature.

Elizabeth Mrema, Deputy Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme, praised the project’s global significance. “The nature benefits of polylepis forests are immense. They capture moisture, prevent soil erosion, and play a major role in water security,” Mrema told CNN.

The success of Acción Andina highlights the importance of collaboration. By uniting indigenous communities, environmental groups, and policymakers, the initiative demonstrates that large-scale conservation is not only possible but essential.

“Protecting Mother Earth is a responsibility for all of us,” Aucca says. “We cannot do it alone.”

A Future Built on Tradition

The work of Acción Andina reminds us of the wisdom of past generations. The Inca civilization thrived by living in harmony with nature, a philosophy that resonates today. With millions of trees already planted and millions more to come, polylepis forests are slowly being restored, ensuring a sustainable future for the Andes and the people who call them home.

By honoring traditions, empowering communities, and embracing collective action, these ancient cloud trees are once again nurturing life across the mountains—one sapling at a time.