Today's good news

A study suggests psilocybin, a compound in magic mushrooms, may protect against nerve damage caused by chemotherapy. Researchers found it prevented pain hypersensitivity in mice and human tissue. They are starting a mid-stage trial to test its effects in people.

Frank Kuo, a codeveloper of ALOHAnet, the precursor to Ethernet, has died at 91. He was a professor at the University of Hawaii and contributed to early wireless data networks. His work laid the foundation for modern networking technology.

Scientists and volunteers in Florida are working to plant heat-resistant coral on reefs as ocean temperatures rise. They are monitoring how coral survives in warmer waters to better understand and protect marine ecosystems. The effort is part of a broader response to climate change impacts on ocean life.

Proxima Fusion is investing €140 million to build a factory that will produce high-temperature superconducting tape, a key component for fusion reactors. The company is relying on existing Asian suppliers for this material, which is essential for creating the magnetic fields needed for fusion. The factory will be partially funded by the German state of Lower Saxony.

A plan to extract 23.5 million tonnes of ash from a site near Drax Power Station has been approved. The ash will be used in construction, and the project will run until 2045 with land restoration by 2055. The council approved the plan with conditions to limit noise and environmental impact.

NASA has responded to the president's request to create a United States Space Academy. The initiative aims to develop a program focused on space education and training. Details about the academy's structure and goals are expected to be released soon.

New York City launched a free 2-K program for 2,000 toddlers, aiming to reduce childcare costs for families and support early education. Parents faced initial challenges like payment delays and emotional goodbyes. The program is part of a larger plan to expand access to childcare across the city.