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Paralyzed Farmer Returns to Work Thanks to One-of-a-Kind Tractor

Matthew Evans was as hard a working farmer as there was in the country when the 30-year-old experienced a tragic accident. Left paralyzed from the chest down, Evans would have to turn away from his career as a farmer due to the repercussions of the sudden incident. Injured and desperate to get back on the road and into work, Evans would work alongside another disabled farmer to craft something that would change both of their lives.

Introducing the Valtra Tractor

Matthew had been leaving a Denbigh and Flint Show in late April 2014 when he was struck by a 4×4 truck while walking along the road. Injured and immediately in need of help, Evans would get taken to the Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Rhyl before getting transferred via an ambulance to the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital. It was there that the agriculture contractor would be forced to undergo several operations to fix his spine. Broken in two places, the outcome of the incident was nothing less than dire.

While the incident was seven years ago at the time of this writing, Evans would require only ten months of recovery before he was able to return to some semblance of his normal routine. While the therapy was life-changing it was also painful, slow, and filled with frustration. After leaving rehab behind, Matthew knew that he would want more help in the future so that he could get back to life as he knew it. This would lead to a meeting with an engineer by the name of Andrew Stubbs.

The duo had met after Matthew wrote about his story, submitting it to WalesOnline. Stubbs had read Mathew’s story on the website and due to his relative proximity to the farmer, the duo decided to connect. Stubbs had been living in Astle Farm East of Cheshire at the time and he had been disabled himself, offering another layer of connectivity between the two. Andrew said, “You can see by the smile on his face what it means to be back on the job.”

Andrew Stubbs is a fellow disabled farmer who had been figuring out his own ways back into the industry. In order to get Matthew back on the tractor, the duo decided to work on a Valtra Tractor that had been specially fitted with a hydraulic chairlift. This chairlift would offer Matthew the ability to get in and out of the tractor while remaining in his wheelchair. Matthew says, “I’ve been using it for the past six weeks or so — and so far, no hiccups.”

While working with Andrew, Matthew would request that the tractor be painted white so that he could drive it during his wedding the following year. For his part, Matthew has revered the ability to engage with and develop his independence once again, noting just how difficult the journey has been.

Andrew and Michael have shared their story extensively and it has been covered by the production company known as Funkimation. The video would get posted online to the Vimeo platform where tens of thousands of viewers have already viewed Michael’s journey.

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Scientists Reveal ‘Olo’: A Never-Before-Seen Color Created with Precision Laser Tech

Shannon Jackson

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In a stunning leap forward for vision science, researchers have unveiled a color no human has ever seen before. The new hue—named olo—is described as an intensely saturated blue-green that falls outside the boundaries of the natural human color spectrum.

Published in Science Advances, the study comes from a collaboration between scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Washington. At the heart of the discovery is a new experimental tool dubbed Oz, a laser-based system that allows researchers to stimulate individual photoreceptors in the human retina with unprecedented precision.

“The Oz system represents a new experimental platform in vision science,” the study states. It works by isolating and activating just one type of cone cell—specifically, the M cones responsible for detecting green light—while bypassing the other two (S and L cones, which are sensitive to blue and red light, respectively). This kind of targeted stimulation isn’t possible under natural viewing conditions, where any light usually activates multiple types of cones at once.

In controlled experiments using laser light directed into the eyes of five participants—all with normal color vision—scientists were able to generate a perceptual experience unlike anything in nature. By activating only the M cones, participants reported seeing a blue-green shade that felt completely novel and extraordinarily vivid.

“By activating only the M cones, we elicited a color beyond the natural human gamut,” the researchers wrote. They described olo as a color of “unprecedented saturation.”

This discovery doesn’t just expand our understanding of color—it could also have practical implications. The Oz platform may pave the way for more advanced research into visual processing, new treatments or diagnostic tools for color blindness, and potentially even new types of displays capable of showing colors previously thought impossible to reproduce.

As the study concludes, “This new class of programmable platform will enable diverse new experiments,” including deeper exploration into how flexible and adaptable human color perception really is.

With olo, the boundaries of the visible world just got a little wider.

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From Wheels to Wonder: Paralysed Skater Transforms Old Boards into Bold Sculptures

Kevin Wells

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When Nick Harding lost the ability to skateboard, he never imagined he’d find a new way to stay connected to his lifelong passion — through art.

In 2019, Nick was suddenly paralysed by Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare auto-immune condition where the immune system attacks the nervous system. What started as a sore hamstring quickly escalated into a medical emergency. Within an hour of arriving at the hospital, he was on life support. He spent 13 weeks in intensive care at Southmead Hospital in Bristol and seven months in recovery, relearning how to walk and use his arms.

“Skating has always been a huge part of my life,” Nick said. “Having an outlet for that desire to play with my favourite toy is what brought the sculptures about.”

With his old decks stacked in a corner and his body still rebuilding strength, Nick began experimenting. His early attempts to make practical items were shaky — his hands lacked coordination — so instead, he focused on creating something beautiful. With no prior carpentry experience, he turned to YouTube tutorials, teaching himself to shape, sand, and finish colorful, psychedelic forms from the layered wood of worn-out skateboards.

The process helped rebuild his dexterity, but it also served as a mental anchor. “I just focused on doing a little bit every day,” he said. “It was the process that felt good when I was at my lowest.”

Now, Nick sells his sculptures through his Etsy shop Mobius Maples and has gained fans from around the world. His pieces — all carved from donated, broken, or retired boards — are abstract, swirling forms that capture the movement and spirit of skateboarding.

But for Nick, it’s not just about the art or even the recovery. It’s about staying connected to the Bristol skate scene that shaped him. He donates pieces to skate competitions and charity auctions and even hides small keychains around the city for his Instagram followers to find.

“It wouldn’t be anything if it was just me,” he said. “It’s also people who give me their old boards. Interacting with the art and letting me be involved with things is what’s kept it going.”

“I want it to be something that adds to the community, and I’m so grateful that I still have the opportunity to do that.”

Through creativity, community, and resilience, Nick Harding has transformed adversity into something both healing and inspiring — turning the boards that once carried him across pavement into lasting works of art.

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Community Petition Saves Wally the Beaver from Euthanasia

Shannon Jackson

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Wally, a beloved beaver who became a community favorite in Northern Virginia, was saved from euthanasia thanks to the efforts of thousands of supporters who rallied together through an online petition.

Wally first gained popularity at Huntley Meadows Park in Fairfax County, where locals and visitors often saw him hard at work building dams. However, wildlife officials considered euthanizing him after concerns arose over flooding and tree damage caused by his dam-building activities.

The community swiftly stepped in, launching a petition that quickly gathered over 10,000 signatures. Advocates argued that the beaver’s positive impact on the ecosystem—creating wetlands and habitats for other wildlife—far outweighed any inconveniences.

Local officials eventually agreed, opting instead for a humane relocation effort. Wally will now be safely moved to a suitable habitat rather than being euthanized.

“This shows how much our community values wildlife,” said Julie Ames, the petition’s creator. “We’re thrilled our voices were heard.”

Residents celebrated the decision, highlighting how Wally’s survival symbolizes the growing awareness of peaceful coexistence with local wildlife.

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Third Eaglet Joins Big Bear’s Beloved Bald Eagle Family

Renee Yates

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A third eaglet hatched yesterday in the much-loved bald eagle nest near Big Bear Lake, marking a delightful moment for the growing number of wildlife enthusiasts who have been closely watching the family online.

The nest, located in the San Bernardino National Forest near Big Bear, California, has been streaming live via the Friends of Big Bear Valley eagle cam. Observers were excited to witness the third chick hatch, a significant event considering that bald eagles usually lay two eggs, with three being somewhat unusual.

The parents, affectionately named Jackie and Shadow, are local celebrities among bird watchers. According to the Friends of Big Bear Valley, these parents have gained fame for their caring behavior, ensuring their chicks remain healthy and thriving despite the occasional harsh weather conditions.

“The hatch was smooth and perfectly timed,” said Sandy Steers, executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley. “It’s heartwarming to see this family continue to flourish.”

Wildlife experts emphasize the importance of maintaining a respectful distance, reminding the public that the best way to enjoy and protect these birds is by observing remotely via the eagle cam.

Viewers can continue to monitor the eaglets’ development, celebrating each milestone as the chicks grow into young eagles over the coming weeks.

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Pocatello’s Last Video Rental Store Preserves Tradition for Devoted Patron

Renee Yates

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In an era where digital streaming dominates, the closure of Video Stop marked the end of an era for Pocatello, Idaho. However, for one loyal customer, the spirit of the traditional video rental experience continues, thanks to the store owner’s thoughtful initiative.

For over 15 years, 35-year-old Christina Cavanaugh, who has Down syndrome and is mostly nonverbal, maintained a cherished routine of visiting Video Stop almost daily with her mother, Toni. This ritual was integral to Christina’s daily life, providing her with joy and consistency. The prospect of the store’s closure posed a significant disruption to her routine, causing concern for Toni about how to explain the change to her daughter.

Understanding the importance of this routine to Christina, Video Stop’s owner, David Kraning, decided to preserve a portion of the store’s collection. He dedicated a corner in his adjacent business, K & B Kwik Stop, to house these movies, ensuring Christina could continue her beloved visits. This thoughtful gesture not only maintained a sense of normalcy for Christina but also highlighted the deep bonds formed between local businesses and their patrons.​

Toni expressed immense relief and gratitude for Kraning’s actions, likening the news to “being sentenced to prison and then getting a reprieve.” She praised the community-oriented approach of Kraning and his staff, who have always been attentive to Christina’s unique needs, even training new employees on how to interact with her during checkout.

While the era of video rental stores may be fading, the compassion and dedication demonstrated by Kraning ensure that, for Christina, the magic of selecting a physical movie remains alive. This story serves as a heartwarming reminder of the impact local businesses can have on the lives of their customers, going beyond transactions to form meaningful, supportive relationships.

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