Air travel is a means to an end for many people, but for others, hopping aboard a plane is an adventure in and of itself. Those in the latter group may want to clear their schedules at the end of the year: Starting Dec. 4, China Eastern Airlines will be operating twice-weekly flights between Shanghai and Buenos Aires — claiming the title of the world’s longest flight. With the journey covering 12,500 miles and taking 29 hours one way, passengers will be able to check a lot of movies off their watch lists. But due to a quick stopover in New Zealand, the China Eastern flight won’t be the longest direct flight; that title will go to this route starting next year.
Must Reads
The science behind your dog’s oh-so-happy reaction when you come home
Surreal “WearableArt” Creations Take Center Stage in Global Competition
2025 World of WearableArt
Part avant-garde fashion show, part Cirque du Soleil — the World of WearableArt Competition in New Zealand is underway, bringing creativity to new heights (often quite literally). This year’s event features 85 finalists from 17 countries competing for over $100,000 across 25 awards, all centered on the goal to “take art off the wall and out of static display,” according to the show’s founder, Dame Suzie Moncrieff. Indeed, there’s nothing static about it. Leading the pack with the WOW Supreme Award is “Tsukumogami,” a striking creation (pictured) by U.S. husband-and-wife design team Dawn Mostow and Ben Gould, featuring two figures clad in blue-and-white latex costumes topped with ikebana flower arrangements. Described by the judges as “a work that captivates the eye and refuses to let it go,” the piece pays homage to Japanese classical ceramics and folklore, inspired by the belief that objects gain spirit over time. Scroll through more of the unique scenes on display this year, including a Medusa-esque ensemble and looks that resemble birds, butterflies, and sea creatures.
Together With HeartSciences
A “Bullish” Diagnosis From Wall Street
One Wall Street analyst projects this stock will reach $15 over the next year. But you can still invest at $3.50 per unit. HeartSciences (Nasdaq: HSCS) is a technology leader in AI that helps make heart disease easier to detect on the frontlines — and the software platform can be used with existing ECGs. With 1 billion ECGs performed every year and the market expected to reach $30 billion by 2034, it’s no surprise Wall Street is bullish. Right now, you can get preferred HeartSciences stock for $3.50, which can be converted into Nasdaq-traded common stock anytime, plus a warrant. The company has already received an AI algorithm FDA Breakthrough Device Designation, and FDA submission of their device is next. Invest in HeartSciences at $3.50 per unit today.
This is a paid advertisement for HeartSciences Regulation A+ offering. Please read the offering circular at https://invest.heartsciences.com/.
Health
Newly FDA-Approved Device Offers Hope for People With Rheumatoid Arthritis
SetPoint Medical
A device as small as a lima bean may be the secret weapon in treating stubborn rheumatoid arthritis. In July, the Food and Drug Administration approved this novel implant for adults whose disease isn’t improved by conventional treatment, giving newfound hope to patients running out of options. Here’s how it works: The device, made by SetPoint Medical, is implanted in the neck and delivers a daily one-minute pulse of electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve. This signal travels to the brain and then to the spleen, instructing certain cells to dial down production of inflammation-triggering proteins called cytokines. The aim is to relieve the joint pain and swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis without the need for immunosuppressants, particularly for patients who don’t respond to them in the first place. One such patient is Lynn Milam, whose days previously revolved around crippling joint pain that therapy, acupuncture, and drugs failed to improve. But that changed about two years ago when a surgeon implanted the nerve stimulator. “Three weeks in, my elbow pain was completely gone. Then my hands didn’t hurt anymore, the swelling started going away,” the 60-year-old told NPR. She added, “It’s like a rebirth.” Milam described the procedure as less involved than some dental surgeries. While she did experience a complication affecting her vocal cords that left her voice quieter than it once was, she said the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. She can now climb stairs, cook, and travel — her husband Donald shared that the device has allowed them to get back to the little things (that aren’t so little) like “walking the dogs, holding hands … and hugs.”
Environment
$60 Million Deal Protects the Largest Swamp in North America
HUM Images/ Universal Images Group via Getty Images
When a mining project seemed on the verge of approval near the Okefenokee Swamp, The Conservation Fund stepped in with a $60 million deal to halt the development, safeguarding the vast wetland in Georgia and Florida — home to 700 square miles of winding waterways, cypress trees, and more than 1,000 plant and animal species (including epic alligator congregations). “This is the most important conservation project that we’ve ever worked on because of how imminent the threat was, not only to this site, but to the entire Okefenokee Swamp,” Stacy Funderburke, vice president of The Conservation Fund’s central Southeast region, told the Georgia Recorder. Though the mining company claimed its plans would not harm the swamp, scientists and advocates warned that pumping more than a million gallons of water daily could trigger droughts and increase wildfire risk. As resident and environmental advocate Josh Howard told CBS News: “What we’re trying to mine for will make a few people a little richer, but it could potentially ruin something that, I believe, is good for humanity.” Ultimately, the nonprofit’s deal ended a yearslong controversy, preserving the largest swamp in North America and the wildlife that depends on it, from beavers and black bears to tree frogs and turtles. “Everywhere you look, there’s just life,” Howard said — and now, that life is set up to keep thriving.
In Other News
A newly identified dinosaur was found in Argentina with a crocodile leg clutched in its jaws (read more)
Starting next year, the MLB will allow players to challenge ball and strike calls for the first time (read more)
NASA’s first crewed Artemis moon mission is on track for an April launch — or maybe even sooner (read more)
When a bull moose fell into a well in Maine,a rescue team pulled out all the stops to lift it to safety (read more)
Mystery solved: Scientists believe they’ve finally found the origin of Siberia’s puzzling giant craters (read more)
Inspiring Story
Sideline legend
At 97, Eddie Conyers is the University of Alabama’s most iconic referee — whistling fouls, throwing flags, and keeping coaches in line for more than six decades of Crimson Tide football. Though he retired from on-field officiating this season, he remains a mentor and fixture at practices. “Eddie’s the man. He’s the legend,” said Mark Ingram, Alabama’s first Heisman winner and a former NFL running back. See Conyers in his element.
Photo of the Day
LUIS ACOSTA/AFP via Getty Images
“What does happiness mean in a city like Bogotá?” That’s the central question of the Colombian city’s first International Art Biennial. The event features 250 artists from 12 countries showcasing their work in 18 public spaces, including the mind-bending installation above. Titled “Arrancada de raíz” (“Uprooted”), by Argentine artist Leandro Erlich, it’s meant to symbolize the dream of owning a home.
Sweater Weather Essentials, Courtesy of Quince
Fall has settled in, which means it’s officially sweater weather. Quince’s chic sweaters are made with premium fabrics, like cashmere, merino wool, and 100% organic cotton — all at an affordable price. From oversized and casual to structured and elevated, these versatile pieces will make you look cozy and stylish, whether you’re relaxing at home or heading to the office.
