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Apr 07 2026SCIENCE

Breaking the wind: what the science of flatulence really tells us

The study that tried to settle the great gas debate started with beans, sugar water, and a very weird setup. Sixteen volunteers ate foods known to turn stomachs into bioreactors, then sat in a lab while tubes were taped to their backsides. Yes, the goal was flatulence. No, the researchers weren’t jo

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Apr 07 2026POLITICS

NASA’s science budget faces another big cut—what’s really at stake?

For the second year in a row, a new budget plan suggests slashing NASA’s science spending by nearly half. If passed, missions studying planets, stars, and Earth’s climate could be delayed or scrapped entirely. The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, set to launch soon, and missions to Titan and near-

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Apr 07 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Inside Springfield Museums: Where Art Meets Blooms for a Spring Spectacle

Every April, the Springfield Museums transform into a vibrant garden of creativity during the Festival of Flowers. Unlike outdoor spring blooms, this event turns indoor spaces into a colorful showcase of floral artistry. Local florists and garden club members craft 54 unique arrangements, each inspi

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Apr 07 2026HEALTH

Online health advice: when guesses beat facts

Many influencers now push quick-fix chemicals sold through short videos rather than proven medicines backed by mountains of research. One doctor reports seeing patients who trust glowing testimonials over decades of clinical trials. A common example is peptides—tiny proteins—hyped online as youth se

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Apr 07 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Dancing for Dollars: How a 70s Disco Hit Became a Gen Z Wealth Hack

A 1979 disco anthem is getting a modern twist as Gen Z’s go-to tool for attracting money. Anita Ward’s “Ring My Bell” isn’t just a nostalgic throwback—it’s being framed as a sonic charm for financial luck. TikTok users swear by looping the track daily, mixing it with affirmations like “cancel my deb

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Apr 07 2026ENVIRONMENT

Community Fixers Bring Life Back to Broken Belongings

In Southern California, a quiet movement is giving old items a second chance. Volunteers at Repair Cafés spend weekends turning junk into usable treasures. A broken phone, a jammed sewing machine, even a cracked vase—nothing is too small for their attention. Among them is David Duran, a handyman who

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Apr 07 2026ENVIRONMENT

New York's Energy Choices: Clean Power or Costly Delays?

Around the globe, countries are realizing the dangers of relying too much on oil. When the Strait of Hormuz—a key oil shipping route—gets disrupted, fuel prices jump fast. This isn’t just a short-term problem. Even places far from the conflict feel the pinch in their wallets. Yet, while many nations

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Apr 07 2026SCIENCE

How Cells Feel Their Surroundings on Fiber-Based Materials

Scientists often ask: how do cells "know" if a surface is soft or stiff when it’s made of tiny fibers instead of a flat sheet? This question matters because the answer helps design better materials for healing wounds or growing new tissues. The study looks at two common ways to measure this stiffnes

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Apr 07 2026FINANCE

The Hidden Cracks in Private Credit and AI's Double-Edged Sword

Private credit has grown into a massive $3 trillion industry, but not all lenders are playing by the same rules. Weak lending standards and shaky agreements mean trouble could be brewing when the next economic downturn hits. Some players jumped into the game late, hoping to cash in without understan

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Apr 07 2026CELEBRITIES

Workplace Tensions: Former Stern Team Member Challenges Confidentiality Rules

A former assistant to a well-known radio personality has taken legal action against their former employer, claiming the workplace became unbearable after moving into the entertainer’s home. Leslie Kuhn, who managed office duties before transitioning to a live-in role, says she faced an aggressive en

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