Meet the amphibious mouse: Scientists uncover 27 new species in Peru’s Amazon

Science and Health

LIMA, Dec 22 — An “amphibious mouse” with partially webbed feet that eats aquatic insects was among 27 new species discovered during a 2022 expedition to Peru’s Amazon, according to Conservation International.Scientists also discovered a spiny mouse, a squirrel, eight types of fish, three amphibians and 10 types of butterflies, Trond Larsen, head of Conservation International’s Rapid Assessment Program, told Reuters this week.He added that another 48 species found by investigators were potentially new, but needed further study.The new species were found in Alto Mayo, a protected area with several ecosystems, Indigenous territories and villages.“Discovering so many new species of mammals and vertebrates is really incredible, especially in such a human-influenced landscape as Alto Mayo,” Larsen said. A specimen of spiny mouse (Scolomys sp.). — Reuters pic/Conservation International/Ronald Diaz The expedition between June and July 2022 was made up of 13 scientists plus local technicians and members of Indigenous groups.“It was really fantastic to work so closely with the Awajun people. They have extensive traditional knowledge about the forests, animals and plants they live side-by-side with,” Larsen said.Among the new species, Larsen highlighted the spiny mouse that has stiff fur, the amphibious mouse, and a dwarf squirrel that measures 14 cm.“(The squirrel) fits so easily in the palm of your hand. Adorable and beautiful chestnut-brown colour, very fast,” Larsen said. “It jumps quickly and hides in the trees.”Another favourite discovery was the blob-headed fish, a type of armoured catfish, he said. A ‘blob-headed’ fish (Chaetostoma sp.) specimen. — Reuters pic/Conservation International/Robinson Olivera A total of 2,046 species were recorded during the 38-day expedition using camera traps, bioacoustic sensors and DNA sampling. Among them, 49 were classified as threatened, including the yellow-tailed woolly monkey and the tree monkey.Larsen said the discoveries reinforced the need to protect the area.“Unless steps are taken now to safeguard these sites and help restore parts of the landscape … there’s a strong chance they won’t persist in the long term,” Larsen said. — Reuters

RCSD science test scores significantly lower than state average, data shows

Science and Health

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The New York State Education Department has released test data for the 2023-2024 school year. The Rochester City School District (RCSD) scores are significantly lower than the state average.Only 12% of 5th and 8th grade students in Rochester tested proficient in science, compared to the state average of 44%.The Department of Education notes that over 20,000 students are enrolled in the district this year. In contrast, previous results from 2018 and 2019 showed nearly four times better proficiency, with 5,000 more students enrolled at that time.An RCSD teacher, Erica Rzepka, shared her perspective on the current situation. “The new superintendent and the department of learning and teaching are working hard, working together to collaborate to really improve student achievement. I can speak for myself as a teacher; you know we’re working hard as well in the classroom to build relationships, to help the social and emotional part of the learning as well to make it a more successful school year,” said Rzepka. Antonina reached out to the district on Saturday afternoon for its thoughts on these scores and any plans for improvement, but she hasn’t heard back. To read the NYSED’s full report for RCSD, click here. The department has data on test scores for the following: Grades 3-8 English Language Arts Grades 3-8 Mathematics Grades 5 & 8 Science Annual Regents Exam Total Cohort Regents ExamsNYS English as a second language achievement test NYS alternate assessments National assessment of education progress (NAEP)A.I. assisted with the formatting of this story. Click here to see how WHEC News10NBC uses A.I.
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JCHS educator named Georgia Science Teacher of the Year

Science and Health

W. John WoodA keen interest in science, biology specifically, will normally lead to some kind of career in the medical field. However, Jefferson County High School Biology teacher Jasmine Change-Jones found the gross anatomy of the medical field, gross.“I have always loved science, particularly biology. I was excited about going into the medical field but I just didn’t enjoy all of the blood and fluids,” Change said. “Even that certainly didn’t change my feelings about biology. I had teachers when I was a student at JCHS that believed in my ability to be able to teach biology, so that is what pushed me in the direction.”Evidence of her passion for educating and teaching high school students was on full display with Change being selected as the 2023-2024 Jefferson High School Teacher of the Year and also represented Jefferson County for Georgia State Teacher of the Year.Change’s accolades keep ascending but the latest award is one that she really takes pride in. She was recently named the Georgia Science Teachers Association Teacher of the Year.“I’m so honored and humbled to receive any award but this is special because this is something from science colleagues and peers,” she said. “A committee of science teachers throughout the state looked at the candidates. These people love science as much as I do and are constantly working on fresh ways to present science to students in a way that students can make real world connections.”STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) has been a focus across the United States and a burgeoning field in Georgia. Change wants to create new avenues that are based in real world application and wants students to understand and apply what they learn in the classroom to science in the 21st century.“The way science is taught has changed overtime from more lecture based to more real world. Honestly, you can look around the world and see that the United Stated remains woefully behind the world,” Change said. “We are doing some good things but there is so much more we can do that we get students excited and willing to embrace science more. Science is all around us and I want students to be able to take their prior knowledge coupled with their coursework and put that into real life application.”Finding new ways to teach science and inspire the next generation of scientists is what motivated her undergraduate degree in Biology at Valdosta State University, Masters in Biology Secondary Education from Augusta University, and most recently acceptance to the University of Georgia’s Ed.D program in Science Education.“I just found out that I was accepted to UGA for my doctorate. I’m really excited about this next part of the this journey and my goal is to transform the way students learn, apply, and use science in their own lives,” Change said.Her Jefferson County roots beat steadily in her heart and influence all she does.“First of all, I want to give our kids as much exposure to other places and experiences that will create an appreciation and understanding of science and how it’s all around us. Only 11% of minorities are working in STEM fields and I know we can do better with that,” Change said.One of her favorite activities that also shows students about the processed food they eat is the McMush lab which looks at molecules in a blended up McDonald’s Happy Meal. When students study food webs she takes them to the archery course in the woods at JCHS so they can see real life food webs.“We are taking a field trip with AP Biology to Jekyll island in the spring to see the ocean and the difference in environments compared to Jefferson County,” Change said.This past year since she just recently began teaching a new AP Biology course and last spring saw students pass the test and earn college credit.Change’s excitement and passion has certainly influenced some of her students.“I have former students that are considering STEM fields as careers,” she said. “I am honored that I was able to show them how important science is and how there are so many ways to the real world and their own lives and even their careers. I can’t wait to help make science education real world but not just to students here but all over,”

What are the biggest changes a travel expert has seen in the past 25 years?

Travel

That led me to years of exploring Europe while guiding groups of young travellers. On returning home I continued to work in the travel industry and found myself back working for the same company that helped me book my first trip – House of Travel.How did your early experiences as a tour guide shape your perspective on the industry?Working as a tour director in 2001 was the best way to experience Europe while getting paid. I led American high school students on charter tours through Italy, France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland.On the first day of my first tour, I met Giovanni, a Neapolitan bus driver who didn’t speak English, and I didn’t speak Italian. We set off on a six-week journey from Rome to Madrid. Balancing history lessons for 36 students, co-ordinating with teachers, managing hotel accommodation, dietary needs and restaurant bookings was a baptism by fire.AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.But the experience taught me that travel has the power to turn strangers into family.Peta Aberhart as a tour guide. Photo / SuppliedYou’ve spent 25 years in travel and returned to where it all began. What’s changed the most over the years?I started in the travel industry before the digital age reshaped how we navigate the world. Back then, mobile phones and GPS were for the elite. I relied on maps and memorised route notes to direct my drivers and navigate my way around Europe. Hours were spent in the library reading books and encyclopaedia to learn about European leaders, significant figures and historical events.Restaurants and activities were pre-booked, but everything had to be re-confirmed standing in hot, cramped phone booths in places like Piazza Navona, Rome. What now takes seconds via text once took hours of effort.I carried a paper diary filled with contact details, camcorder and film camera, and used traveller’s cheques for payments. We all carried a heavy copy of Lonely Planet, Europe on a Shoestring. I sent postcards home – but I still do!If you could relive one moment from your 25-year journey in the travel industry, what would it be?There are so many, but a few include arriving at Machu Picchu after four days on the Inca Trail, battling altitude sickness. Completing it with my brother, Ben, made it even more unforgettable.My adventures in 50 countries have taken me to the farthest reaches of this Earth, like Macquarie Island in the Southern Ocean.Turning a corner in The Masai Mara and locking eyes with a lone bull elephant will remain etched in my memory forever. There is a reverence that elephants hold and there was a silent exchange of respect and wonder that passed between us.Enduring a New York City blizzard – where the silence of a shut-down city was almost surreal – is another extraordinary memory.AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.Peta Aberhart and brother Ben Aberhart at Machu Picchu Picchu. Photo / SuppliedWhat was the most surprising aspect of travelling in the 90s compared to today?One of the biggest changes I’ve seen over the years is the shift from paper documents to digital. On my first overseas trip, I carried a paper airline ticket, irreplaceable and as important as a passport. Losing it meant buying a new one, and the necessity of carrying a paper document now seems archaic.The digital revolution has transformed travel, making everything, from boarding passes to hotel bookings, accessible online from multiple digital access points. This shift not only makes travel more convenient but also reflects our growing environmental awareness, as many travellers choose digital options to reduce paper waste.Crossing borders has also become much easier. In the 1990s, checkpoints and passport stamps with long queues was a regular part of travel. Today, many (but not all) borders are crossed with ease.This month marks 37 years for House of Travel Calder & Lawson. How has the role of the travel agent changed over the past decades?The role of a travel agent has changed with customers wanting personalised itineraries, expert advice and guidance. As a team, we’re not just travel professionals, we’re travellers too, and we live vicariously through the experiences of our clients. We craft itineraries that take them to once remote or inaccessible destinations, like the Subantarctic Islands on a luxurious 5-star cruise or trekking the renowned W Trek in Torres del Paine. We have firsthand knowledge and a love for exploration, too.AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.How travel has changed and evolved over the years. Photo / Ian Dooley on UnsplashDo you think travel has become more accessible for the average person today, or are there new barriers to overcome?Travel has become more accessible and budget-friendly, as there are more airlines, tour companies, and cruise ships operating to and from New Zealand, which help to drive costs down.What trends or innovations in travel are you most excited about in the next 10 years?The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in the travel industry is exciting. While there’s often talk about how AI might disrupt various jobs, I truly believe that, far from replacing us, it will enhance the work we do. It’s not something to fear, rather it’s something to embrace.AI has the potential to completely streamline the way we work, helping us complete tasks faster and more efficiently. From automating administrative tasks to providing faster, more accurate data analysis, AI will give us more time to focus on what really matters, which is creating memorable travel experiences for travellers.Routes can change – patience, flexibility and tolerance to roll with the punches are qualities that every traveller needs. Photo / Marten Bjork on UnsplashWhat’s one lesson you’ve learned through travel that you think everyone could benefit from?AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.Patience, flexibility and tolerance to roll with the punches are qualities that every traveller needs. I’m off to see the Northern Lights in Iceland in January. While this is an absolute dream trip, weather is unpredictable and, with the volcano in Iceland recently bubbling, there is a possibility the unexpected might disrupt my plans. But that’s the reality of life and travel and it makes unexpected travel moments more cherished.Travel was once reserved for the wealthy and is now within reach for many people. Ultra-long-haul international flights are now commonplace. Gone are the days of bunny-hopping across the globe to get to the other side – it’s generally just one stop to most European destinations.Airport experiences have changed using facial recognition and kiosks at airports, swimming pools now overlook runways. Airports are also exciting places for a layover with stunning architecture, amenities and innovation in technology.Even travel attire has evolved over the past 40 years. In the past, flying was seen as a major event with Kiwis often dressing formally. Nowadays, travellers choose comfort and dress for the destination.

Northwest Film Forum Announces Winner of the Fifth Annual Lynn Shelton ‘Of a Certain Age’ Grant

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Chinese filmmaker Jing Zou, director of the narrative feature film “A Girl Unknown,” has been named as the winner of the fifth annual Lynn Shelton “Of a Certain Age” Grant from Seattle’s Northwest Film Forum (NWFF). This grant includes an unrestricted cash award of $25,000 to support her directorial debut, which follows a girl from age six through her 30s as she’s passed between multiple families and is inspired by the true story of generations of Chinese girls who were abandoned as a result of the country’s defunct one-child policy.

“I am absolutely honored to be selected as the recipient of the 2024 Lynn Shelton ‘Of a Certain Age’ award for my first feature, ‘A Girl Unknown.’ Thank you for this recognition and for your support,” Zou said in a statement. “I am committed to making the most of this award and to creating a film that honors the spirit of Lynn Shelton.”

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“A Girl Unknown” previously received the top prize at the Next Step Initiative at Cannes Critics’ Week and Zou’s short film, “Lili Alone” (“Duo Li”) won the Leitz Cine Discovery Prize at Critics’ Week in 2021. Born in 1984, the filmmaker has a literary background, but found her passion for filmmaking working as a director and editor of documentaries at Shanghai International TV Station. She is currently based out of Shanghai and Los Angeles.

Following her sudden passing in 2020, the Lynn Shelton “Of a Certain Age” Grant was co-established by Duplass Brothers Productions, who collaborated frequently with Shelton, and NWFF —with major ongoing support from COLOR, Eliza Flug, CB Shamah, Lacey Leavitt Gray, Megan Griffiths, Olivia Newman, Marc Maron, Jennessa & Rob West, Sean Donavan, Michaela Watkins, and additional community members. It aims to support a U.S.-based female, non-binary, and/or transgender filmmaker – age 39 or older – in the process of developing and directing their first narrative feature.

Of the grant’s impact, filmmaker and NWFF Board Member Megan Griffiths said, “Knowing that there are now five extraordinary filmmakers ‘of a certain age’ that have received support for their work and affirmation of their dreams through this grant would have brought Lynn so much joy. I’m so grateful to Northwest Film Forum and all of the people who make this grant possible, and thrilled to be introduced to the work of Jing Zou and the rest of this year’s amazing finalists.”

NWFF Grants Manager Emily Zimmerman added, “This grant does something absolutely unique in the context of the United States by offering support to a woman or gender diverse filmmaker 40-and-over embarking on their first feature length narrative film. It has been a singular honor to be part of this award.”

Jennifer Phang, Sarah Smith, and Avril Speaks served as this year’s Award Selection Committee and in a collective statement wrote, “We were overwhelmed and overjoyed by the sheer volume of talent that submitted their projects to this grant. There were countless artistic reasons to get behind each filmmaker and their project, so it was challenging to select the finalists, let alone the final awardee.”

“Ultimately we as jurors shared a deep appreciation for Jing Zou’s distinctive filmmaking style and the subject of her next project ‘A Girl Unknown.’ The story follows the tumultuous journey of a young Chinese girl who has three names as she navigates the complexities of her past, present, and future amidst a tapestry of three distinct family dynamics. This work and Jing Zou’s subject of choice stood out in the global relevance of a story about how women are collectively undervalued around the world.”

15 other filmmakers were also considered for the award, including Cat Solen, Cynthia Wade, Fatemeh Hosseini, Gabriela Garcia Medina, Kate Marks, Katrina Whalen, Lana Wilson, Marissa Chibas, Michele Atkins, Missy Hernandez, and Sonia Malfa. Honorable Mentions from the Award Selection Committee went to Catya Plate, Elizabeth Sargent, and Masami Kawai.

You can contribute to the Lynn Shelton “Of a Certain Age” Grant by donating to NWFF through their NetworkForGood portal. The Shelton/Seal Family Fund for the Northwest School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children and Seattle’s Northwest Film Forum are also accepting donations in Shelton’s honor.

How the US Uses ‘Spy Craze’ to Crack Down on Chinese High-Tech Firms

Technology

Amid escalating tensions between the United States and China, particularly during the trade war ignited by President Trump’s first term, US authorities have increasingly targeted Chinese tech companies, accusing them of posing national security risks. This trend has intensified, with the latest target being TP-Link, a major Chinese router manufacturer, which has found itself under investigation by US officials over allegations that its routers contain security flaws allowing malicious actors to conduct cyberattacks.TP-Link, which controls about 65% of the US market for routers used in homes and small businesses, has become a key player in American internet infrastructure. According to The Wall Street Journal, the company’s products also power internet communications for the US Department of Defense and other federal government agencies. However, despite its widespread use, TP-Link now faces scrutiny from US authorities who claim its routers could be exploited for espionage or cyberattacks.This investigation comes on the heels of an October Microsoft report that uncovered a network of compromised devices, predominantly TP-Link routers, being used by Chinese hackers to launch cyberattacks. The report further stoked fears in Washington that Chinese companies are enabling covert surveillance and espionage through their products.In response to these allegations, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington criticized the US government, accusing it of using the national security excuse to suppress Chinese companies. The spokesperson emphasized that these accusations are often unfounded and part of a broader geopolitical strategy aimed at curbing China’s growing influence in global technology markets.This is not the first time Chinese tech firms have faced such scrutiny. In 2022, the US government imposed a ban on the import and sale of communications and video surveillance equipment from five major Chinese companies – ZTE, Huawei, Hikvision, Dahua, and Hytera. Washington justified these actions by asserting that the products posed a significant risk to US national security, potentially enabling Chinese espionage. Huawei, in particular, was prohibited from building 5G networks in the United States and several allied nations, with the US government warning that the company’s equipment could be used for spying.The increasing crackdown on Chinese tech firms is part of a broader trend where national security concerns are frequently cited as a rationale for blocking Chinese technological advancements. While the US government argues that its actions are necessary to protect its digital infrastructure from foreign threats, critics argue that such measures may be driven more by geopolitical rivalry than genuine security risks. The growing tensions between the US and China continue to shape the global tech framework, with both sides vying for dominance in the high-tech sector.

Home Alone star recalls Joe Pesci biting Macaulay Culkin’s finger during filming: ‘He’s a scary dude’

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Your support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.CloseRead moreHome Alone co-star Daniel Stern has recounted the time Joe Pesci accidentally, and surprisingly, bit Macaulay Culkin’s finger while filming one of the Christmas classic’s intimidation scenes. Stern, 67, and Pesci, 81, co-starred in the 1990 holiday comedy as the Wet Bandits, two criminals who target the home of Culkin’s character, 8-year-old Kevin McCallister. In order to protect his family home, Kevin sets up a series of booby traps to fend off the conmen. Stern was reminded on Entertainment Tonight of the very up-close encounter with Pesci, which Culkin recently revealed left him with a scar. “I totally forgot about that,” Stern said. “Joe is … he’s wonderful, I love him, he’s a dear friend, but he’s a scary dude,” said Stern. “He was carrying it all. We were trying in the first movie to actually be scary to start with, and then you realize we’re idiots. But there was a fear factor that set up the drama of the thing,” Stern continued.Pesci appeared to bite Culkin’s finger in the scene, then he actually “ bit it — like, ‘Oh crap, I didn’t really mean to,’” Stern recounted. “Joe was like, ‘Ahh, sorry I did that.’ But the only time you might see Pesci break” character, he added.During a recent question and answer, the now-44-year-old Culkin remembered the scene when bandits have his character up against a door, with Pesci’s Harry threatening to bite Kevin’s finger off. “He was trying to scare me,” the My Girl star recalled. “He was like, I want to be menacing to this kid. I saw his face — and I’ve never, ever seen Joe Pesci actually scared. Because he’s like, I just bit a kid!”Joe Pesci accidentally bit Macaulay Culkin’s finger while filming ‘Home Alone’