There’s so much to look forward to in the warmer months, but mosquito bites are not on the list. Just the thought of the pesky insects can make one itchy, and they’re unfortunately difficult to avoid in many climates. The good news is that there are plenty of remedies for bug bites, and you likely already have many of them in your medicine cabinet or pantry. Check out Popular Science’s roundup of common household products that can soothe mosquito bites.
Must Reads
This is how talk therapy helps “rewire your brain”
At first glance, diverging diamond interchanges look unusual and perhaps even scary, but these unique intersections can actually clear up traffic jams and make roads safer. Created by traffic engineer Gilbert Chlewicki, diverging diamonds involve the left and right sides of the road crossing each other, which briefly has drivers feeling like they’re driving on the wrong side. “There were a lot of people who looked at me like I was a little nuts,” Chlewicki told NPR. “Like, why are you putting me on the other side of the road?” The major benefit, he explained, is that the cross-over makes left turns safer and easier because there’s no oncoming traffic. It took some time for people to come around to Chlewicki’s idea, but there are now over 200 diverging diamonds in more than 30 U.S. states. The first was installed in Springfield, Missouri, in 2009. Stacy Reese, a district engineer with the Missouri Department of Transportation, said it immediately cleared an often traffic-clogged intersection. Better yet, it improved safety. “We did see the crashes reduced somewhere in that 40% to 50% range, pretty much instantaneously,” she said. See a clip of a diverging diamond in action.
Together With LMNT
Hydrate the Right Way This Summer
With summer on the horizon, we have hydration on our minds, and that naturally brings us to LMNT. Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium are essential for energy, as well as muscle and brain function. And LMNT has generous portions of them. The versatile electrolyte mix can help a wide range of people: fitness fanatics, hiking enthusiasts, busy parents on the go, and anyone else who wants to stay healthy and hydrated, especially amid warmer temperatures. It doesn’t hurt that LMNT’s various flavors make it easy to drink — use this link to get a free sample pack with any drink mix purchase.
NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Brant Robertson (UC Santa Cruz), Ben Johnson (CfA), Sandro Tacchella (Cambridge), Phill Cargile (CfA)
The James Webb Space Telescope is breaking its own records. In the photo above, the speck of red amid the black sea of sparkles may not look like much, but it’s the earliest known galaxy ever observed — and a window into a mysterious period of the universe referred to as the “Cosmic Dawn.” Called JADES-GS-z14-0, the collection of stars dates back to 290 million years after the origin of the universe, per the Big Bang theory. To put that in perspective, that’s when the universe was just 2% of its current age (13.8 billion years). In addition to being the earliest and most distant galaxy we’ve seen, JADES-GS-z14-0 stands out for its size and brightness, which scientists say primarily comes from young stars. “It is stunning that the universe can make such a galaxy in only 300 million years,” said Stefano Carniani, the lead author of one of three recently released papers on the discovery. The researchers predict this galaxy won’t hold its record for long, though, especially with powerful tools like the Webb Telescope at their disposal. “The early universe has so much more to offer,” added theoretical astrophysicist Brant Robertson, another lead author.
Humanity
Janitor From Indiana Stuns With Jaw-Dropping “America’s Got Talent” Performance
Trae Patton/NBC
File this one under “unforgettable TV moments”: Last week, Richard Goodall, a 55-year-old school janitor from Indiana, took center stage on America’s Got Talent after getting some encouragement from students. “I’m not a fancy person. I take out the trash. I wipe off the tables, I sweep the floors. I’m just having fun and I’m trying to make people happy,” he said on the show. “The kids would hear me sing, and they tell me that I’ve got talent. That’s why I’m here.” After belting out an incredible rendition of “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey, Goodall received a standing ovation and the coveted golden buzzer, joining the likes of Susan Boyle and Grace VanderWaal. “Richard, you are my hero, ’cause that was special. Genuinely special,” judge Simon Cowell said. “I think America is going to love you.” Watch the emotional performance (and maybe grab some tissues).
In Other News
The world’s first wooden satellite, developed in Japan, is set to launch to space in September. See the 4-inch cube, dubbed “LignoSat.”
In an “incredibly exciting” clinical trial, thousands of patients in England are gaining access to personalized cancer vaccines.
“Something is working”: A recent report showed that the rise in renewables has reduced emissions, improved air quality, and yielded billions of dollars worth of benefits.
Get to know some of the breakdancers preparing to represent the U.S. when the sport makes its Olympic debut this summer.
Something We Love
Annie’s Caring Crochet Kit Club Annie’s Caring Crochet Kit Club is perfect for the crafter with a heart of gold (and who has already offered their creations to every friend and family member in sight). Here’s how the subscription works: Every month, Annie’s sends the patterns and materials you need to make a new project, which you can then donate to a worthy cause. The projects include chemo caps for cancer patients, blankets for sick children, beds for animal shelters, and much more.
Recommendations are independently selected by our team but may result in a commission to Nice News which helps keep our content free.
Inspiring Story
Racing to win — and break barriers
Meet 12-year-old Lana Flack, an Australian go-kart driver on a mission to be the first woman to win a Formula One championship. The up-and-coming racer was recently handpicked to be a part of the inaugural More than Equal program to help develop female talent in the world of racing — and she’s leaving naysayers in her rearview mirror. “Most people say it’s not a girl’s sport. I don’t care, I just want to be the best of the best,” she said.
Poppy fields are in full bloom in the U.K. — a beautiful site and a timely reminder of the upcoming D-Day anniversary. Thursday marks 80 years since the Allied invasion of Western Europe during World War II, and poppies serve as a symbol of remembrance of those who have died in war.
Make Your Electrolytes Sparkle
In addition to LMNT’s hydrating drink mixes, the brand has introduced a new way to get your electrolytes with LMNT Sparkling. The bold, 16-ounce can of sparkling electrolyte water is now available in four flavors: Black Cherry Lime, Grapefruit Salt, Citrus Salt, and Watermelon Salt.
