This October marks the 40th Breast Cancer Awareness Month — and today is Breast Cancer Awareness Day. These designations are more than just pink ribbons; they’re critical fund- and awareness-raising opportunities, and we’re happy to report that much has changed for the better since the first observance in 1985. Breast cancer death rates have been steadily falling since the late ’80s, and five-year survival rates steadily increasing. Learn more about what’s driving the improvements.
“Exercise Snacks” Linked to Improved Strength and Fitness in Adults, New Study Finds
Zorica Nastasic/ iStock
Got five minutes? A new study found that “exercise snacks” — and in this case we’re talking about short spurts of physical activity, not nutrition bars — can deliver big portions of health benefits. Researchers analyzed data from more than 400 previously inactive participants aged 18 to 80, most of them women. They performed short, intentional bursts of activity at least twice a day for several weeks, like climbing stairs, walking, doing tai chi, or lifting small weights. They found these “snacks” significantly boosted cardiorespiratory fitness in adults younger than 65, while older adults saw notable improvements in muscular endurance. Adherence to the routine was also strikingly high, with 91% of younger adults and 83% of older adults consistently completing their daily sessions. The approachable alternative to long workouts that are often all too hard to fit into a busy schedule, these bouts of exercise are ones you can do in a pinch and still reap benefits from. But ideally, they pave the way for extended sessions, Dr. Tamanna Singh, director of the Sports Cardiology Center at Cleveland Clinic, told NBC News. “The main takeaway here is that anything is better than nothing, but that does not mean you should just get three minutes of exercise,” said Singh, who was not involved in the study. “Use that as a base, hopefully these exercise snacks will make people want to have an exercise meal.” Read our list of snackable exercises you can do in just a few minutes.
Together With LifeStraw
A Water Filter That Actually Works (and Looks Great on Your Countertop)
Do you know what your current water filter actually does? If you dig a little deeper, you might be surprised to find out it’s not removing contaminants like bacteria, microplastics, or PFAS (forever chemicals). Enter LifeStraw Home — the handblown glass water pitcher that filters more than 30 contaminants and improves the taste of your water. The modern design comes in an array of sleek colors like rosy pink (Bubble) and Stormy Blue, adding a stylish touch to your countertop. It’s easy to use and maintain, with a long-lasting dual filtration system. And for every product sold, LifeStraw provides a child in need with a year of safe water — 11.8 million and counting. It’s the perfect time to upgrade your water filter and enjoy the peace of mind that it’s doing its job.
At the 2025 Native All-American High School Football Event, Boys and Girls Will Take the Field
Stacy Revere/Getty Images
It’s Indigenous Peoples Day, a celebration of Native history and culture and an acknowledgement of the injustices Indigenous people have faced in America (the commemoration coincides with today’s federal holiday, Columbus Day). In that spirit, sports fans will have another reason to celebrate Native pride and talent this December. The 2025 Native All-American Football Game will bring together the nation’s best Native high school playersat U.S. Bank Stadium, home of the Minnesota Vikings — and this year, Native girls will join in on the fun for the first time. In partnership with the NFL and the Vikings, a new flag football clinic the day before the big game on Dec. 14 will give girls in grades six through 12 an opportunity to develop their skills, build leadership, and gain mentorship from NFL alums, collegiate coaches, and community leaders. As for the boys, the All-American Football Game will feature 70 top high school seniors selected from tribes across the country. “This game is a great opportunity for young Native American players to showcase their talent, teamwork, and dedication,” Anna Isaacson, the NFL’s senior vice president of social responsibility, said in a statement. Beyond the matchup, the players will participate in a college prep and leadership camp designed to help prepare them for success on and off the field. Know someone who may be a fit? Applications are now open.
Environment
The World’s Next Reusable Cup? A Farm-Grown Gourd, This Design Studio Says
Taran Wilkhu/ The Gourd Project
Looking for a sustainable vessel to drink your morning coffee out of and unclear on which is better, a cardboard cup or a ceramic mug? Actually, there’s a third option: one made out of a gourd. Such a cup, in addition to making for great conversation when you have guests over, has the benefit of being 100% biodegradable, uses only sun and water in its manufacturing, and looks pretty cool in a cabinet. The concept is the brainchild of designer Jun Aizaki, whose Brooklyn-Based design company Créme is spearheading The Gourd Project. Also the mind behind Silicon Valley’s Treehouse Hotel, Aizaki began thinking about The Gourd Project after feeling frustrated by how “stagnant” the conversation around single-use waste had become, he tells Nice News. “I couldn’t ignore how much plastic was being thrown away every day — it pushed me to look for alternatives that felt both natural and thoughtful,” says Aizaki. “I became fascinated with gourds — plants that have been used for centuries around the world as containers. Their rapid growth and natural durability made them incredibly compelling.” See more pics of his products.
In Other News
Astronomers identified a rogue planet that’s behaving like a star — check out the cosmic rebel (read more)
Some food chains are offering free or discounted meals to federal workers amid the government shutdown (read more)
One of the largest great whitesharks ever recorded has unexpectedly resurfaced off Canada’s coast (read more)
A “cash prescription program” for new moms in Michigan will expand to help cover more childcare expenses (read more)
Ferrari gave a sneak peek at its first fully electric vehicle, set to launch late next year (read more)
Something We Love
Lexicon Valley John McWhorter is my go-to “if you could invite one person to dinner…” answer, and his podcast Lexicon Valley really sums up why. The linguist is funny, brilliant, and shares tidbits about language in an accessible, culturally relevant way. It’s a perfect podcast for language lovers. – Rebekah Brandes, Assistant Editor
Superheroes, villains, and comic book characters of all kinds went all out at New York Comic Con 2025 over the weekend. See some of the striking cosplay looks.
Fisher Investments: 7 Ways to Take Control of Your Legacy
Planning your estate might not sound like the most exciting thing on your to-do list, but trust us, it’s worth it. And with The Investor’s Guide to Estate Planning from Fisher Investments, preparing isn’t as daunting as it may seem. Inside, you’ll find straightforward advice on tackling key documents to clearly spell out your wishes and tips on having those all-important family conversations about your financial legacy. Why leave things to chance when you can take control?
