Must Reads

• ​This cameraman deserves a gold medal for his Olympics figure skating coverage

• A more affordable mortgage option that many homebuyers don’t realize exists

Environment

The World’s Rarest Primate Is Making a Comeback … Again

You’re looking at the world’s rarest primate: the Hainan gibbon. Back in 2003, there were just 13 of these tree-dwelling apes living on the island of Hainan in the South China Sea due to deforestation and hunting. (For context, roughly 2,000 roamed the island in the 1950s.)
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But against the odds, the species has more than tripled its population to 42 individuals. Not only that, but scientists have found the primates are in surprisingly good genetic health given how close they came to extinction, as low numbers can lead to inbreeding and harmful mutations.
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So what’s the Hainan gibbon’s secret to avoiding such hazards? A new study found the species went through a previous population crash during the last Ice Age, about 20,000 to 26,000 years ago. Over the millennia that followed, the species rebounded and two long-separated genetic lineages reconnected, mixing their DNA in a way that left them with a surprisingly resilient genetic foundation. Learn more about the latest comeback story.​

Together With Timeline

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Tech

Scientists May Have Found a Second Life for Old Mattresses

There’s no shortage of places to buy new mattresses (see: all the Presidents Day sales last weekend), but figuring out what to do with old ones isn’t as easy. An estimated 50,000 mattresses are thrown away every day in the U.S., and they can take over a century to break down in a landfill. Luckily, a team of researchers in Australia may have found a second life for them as fire-resistant building insulation.
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Researchers at Swinburne University of Technology developed a process that combines shredded mattress foam with the fungus Penicillium chrysogenum, a relative of the mold used to make the antibiotic penicillin. The fungus binds to the foam and forms mineral compounds that can withstand extreme heat — up to nearly 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. Interestingly enough, the qualities that make mattresses difficult to recycle (i.e., durability and bulkiness) are what make them effective hosts for growing the fungus.
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In lab tests, the resulting material performed nearly as well as the commercial insulation already in homes and buildings. Looking ahead, the researchers foresee it being used to create fire-resistant insulation, building panels, and other construction materials. “Our work shows how combining biology with waste materials, while leveraging deep manufacturing science, can lead to smart, low-impact solutions that better the environment and the lives of everyone,” co-author The Hong Phong Nguyen said in a statement.

Culture

This Dad Was Voted UK’s Best Wedding Photographer

Hiring a photographer to memorialize one of the most important days of your life is often nerve-racking, but couples who contract Olly Knight can rest assured that he’ll capture the celebration beautifully. The father of two from Kent, England, was named the U.K.’s best wedding photographer at the 2026 Wedding Industry Awards, and his favorite shots showcase the special moments that make these events so meaningful.
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This was Knight’s fifth time submitting his photos for consideration — he was a runner-up for three years in a row. The annual awards comprise 29 wedding vendor categories, and actual wedding clients are involved in the selection process: Entrants request votes from their couples, and those who receive them move on to be evaluated by the judging panel. This year’s winners were honored at a ceremony in Liverpool late last month.
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​See Knight’s favorite submissions.​

In Other News

1. This season’s average tax refund is 10.9% higher than this time last year, early IRS data shows (read more)
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2. Four astronauts successfully arrived at the International Space Station last week (read more)
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3. Larry the cat is celebrating 15 years as the British government’s official Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office (read more)
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4. Lost since 1872, a sunken luxury steamship was discovered at the bottom of Lake Michigan (read more)
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5. Wuthering Heights debuted at No. 1 at the box office, driven by a strong turnout from women (read more)

Something We Love

The Ripple Effect With Jenna Kim Jones
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​What if one small act of kindness could change everything? The Ripple Effect is a heartfelt new podcast exploring how compassion, resilience, and service create lasting impact. Host Jenna Kim Jones talks with people who’ve turned ordinary moments into extraordinary change — from barbers transforming more than a hairdo to unlikely innovations that help those in need. Warm, curious, and uplifting, the show is a reminder that anyone can spark a ripple of goodness.*

*Indicates a Nice News brand partnership or affiliate

Inspiring Story

Living legacy

For more than 60 years, the Clemmons family has welcomed visitors to their 146-acre Vermont farm, sharing Black American history through traditional recipes, dance classes, and songwriting workshops. “It’s about having cultural heritage,” said farm president Lydia Clemmons. “A place where you can feel the history and the legacy and the stories of African Americans.” Meet the Clemmons family.​

Eyes on Milano Cortina

Congrats to Canadian skaters Valérie Maltais, Ivanie Blondin, and Isabelle Weidemann, who won gold yesterday in the team pursuit speed skating finals. The trio has been skating together for nearly a decade, and their win set off an explosion of Canadian pride in the arena (complete with the speakers playing music from Canadian pop star Carly Rae Jepson). “We just knew what we had to get done, and we just did it,” Blondin said, per the CBC.
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The victory brought Canada’s gold medal count to three, and total medal count to 12. Check out the latest standings by country.​

Restore Your Quality of Life

Mitochondria are responsible for 90% of your body’s energy. As they break down over time, you start to feel tired and weak. Renew these cellular energy powerhouses with Mitopure®. Studies show participants who supplement daily feel stronger without exercising more. Enjoy your favorite activities and hobbies to the fullest again. Get 40% off Mitopure, while supplies last.

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Odds & Ends

👀 Grab your tote bags: Trader Joe’s is opening new stores​
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🍦 The coolest ice cream truck we’ve ever seen
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⛺ Shop Backcountry’s semi-annual sale: up to 50% off end-of-season discounts*
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🐱 Courting from a log cabin — cat optional (but encouraged)
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​*Indicates a Nice News brand partnership or affiliate

Quote of the Day

“Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping him up.”

– JESSE JACKSON