With fall just around the corner, why not embrace the new season by picking up a new hobby? Research shows that engaging in an activity you love isn’t just a fun way to fill your time; it can also boost your brain health and general well-being. Win-win! To give you some hobby inspiration, Good Housekeeping curated a list of 10 neuroscientist-approved ideas that are particularly great for helping keep your mind sharp, hands busy, and heart happy.
A Queen Classic, Reimagined: “Bohemian Rhapsody” Makes History With Zulu Rendition
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In 1975, “Bohemian Rhapsody” became an instant classic. While countless covers (from The Muppets to Glee) have paid tribute to what’s considered one of rock’s most enduring anthems, Queen has never authorized a translation of the song — until now.Fifty years after the single was released, a new version is delighting fans, this time in the Zulu language and performed by South Africa’s acclaimed Ndlovu Youth Choir. Though the words may not be familiar to most fans, the melody remains unmistakable. The choir — which you may recognize from their appearance on America’s Got Talent — worked for years to preserve the original song’s meaning while adapting the words to fit the Zulu language, although some lyrics intentionally remain unchanged (like “Galileo, Galileo!”). “We realized that we’d be the first translation that’s been commercially released,” the choir’s artistic director, Ralf Schmitt, told NPR, noting front man Freddie Mercury was born in Zanzibar. “So, we’re very honored to have got the permission, and we hope that we’ve done the piece justice.” We’d say mission (above and beyond) accomplished: Watch the music video to decide for yourself.
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Living Near the Ocean Linked to a Longer Lifespan, Study Finds
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Longevity discourse seems to be everywhere (and is something we often cover in this newsletter). There’s advice on what to eat, how to move, and how to spend our time — and now, new research is adding another factor to the list: where to live. Researchers at Ohio State University analyzed data from more than 66,000 U.S. census tracts and found that people residing within about 30 miles of an ocean or gulf tend to live around a year longer than the national life expectancy of 79. In contrast, people living near inland rivers or lakes in urban areas were found to have shorter life expectancies, around 78 years. As for why, there’s no one conclusive reason, lead researcher Jianyong “Jamie” Wu explained in a statement: “The coastal residents probably live longer due to a variety of intertwined factors,” with the data suggesting milder temperatures, better air quality, more recreational opportunities, improved transportation, decreased susceptibility to drought, and higher incomes as some of the key contributors that can promote a healthier, longer life. And although the study found that living near inland water in rural areas offers some “lifespan advantages,” those benefits paled in comparison to coastal areas and were not observed at all in urban environments. “We were surprised to find such a significant and clear difference between those who live near coastal waters and those who live near inland waters,” Wu added. Contemplating a move closer to the coast? Check out Realtor.com’s most affordable beach towns.
Environment
Scientists Create Buzz-Worthy “Superfood” Supplement to Fight Bee Colony Losses
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Superfoods aren’t just for humans trying to boost their health — they might also help honeybees amid rising environmental challenges. In a recent study, researchers developed a “superfood” supplement that delivers six essential sterols critical for bee development but often missing from commercial pollen substitutes. In feeding trials conducted over three months, colonies that consumed this supplement produced up to 15 times more larvae that reached the pupal stage (the developmental stage right before adulthood) compared to those on a regular feed. The supplement also enabled the colonies to sustain brood care for a longer period, and researchers say it could fill critical nutritional gaps caused by pollen shortages. “Our technology allows beekeepers to feed bees in the absence of pollen,” study senior author Geraldine Wright explained to New Scientist. “When incorporated into a pollen substitute that’s been optimized for all other nutrients, the bees will be healthier and produce stronger, longer-lasting colonies.” While more testing is needed, the findings offer a hopeful step toward strengthening pollinator populations, which help sustain nearly one-third of the world’s crops, and by extension, global food security. If you want to support the pollinators in your backyard in the meantime, here are some bee-friendly tips.
In Other News
An “upgraded” stethoscope can detect three heart conditions within 15 seconds, a new study found (read more)
Redheads, unite: A Dutch city celebrated its annual Redhead Days festival — and had a strict attendance policy (read more)
Known as “God’s Influencer,” a teen who died of leukemia will become the first millennial saint on Sunday (read more)
Two rare leopard cubs were born at St. Louis Zoo last month: See them snuggle with mom (read more)
Disney World’s Cinderella Castle is getting a “magical” new color palette (read more)
Inspiring Story
Ocean of love
Step inside fourth-grade teacher Dakota Chance’s classroom and you’ll see pink starfish pillows, jellyfish streamers, and hues of blue in every corner. But this nautical decor is more than just a fun theme for the students — it’s a heartfelt tribute to her late father, who loved the beach, fishing, and everything about the ocean. “It feels like carrying a piece of him with me each day, and I hope my students can feel the same sense of calm and comfort that the ocean gave him,” Chance said. Take a tour of her ocean-inspired classroom.
Photo of the Day
BRIAN CASSEY/AFP via Getty Images
You’re looking at the Maclean brothers — Jamie, Ewan, and Lachlan — who set a world record over the weekend for the fastest unsupported, non-stop row across the entire Pacific Ocean. Over 139 days, the Scottish trio traveled 9,000 miles from Peru to Australia aboard a carbon fiber boat named Rose Emily, in memory of their late sister, and they raised over $900,000 to support clean water initiatives in Madagascar. Watch their arrival, complete with bagpipes.
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