Scientists in Australia are using cutting-edge DNA techniques to help save one of the world’s rarest marsupials — the critically endangered Gilbert’s potoroo, with fewer than 150 left in the wild. By analyzing tiny traces of DNA in the animals’ scat, researchers uncovered clues about the elusive fungi the potoroos depend on for survival. The findings could help conservationists identify safer new habitats and establish backup populations before disasters like bushfires wipe them out.

Why did T. rex have such tiny arms? Scientists now think it’s because its giant head became the ultimate hunting tool. Across multiple dinosaur groups, stronger skulls and crushing jaws evolved alongside shrinking forelimbs, especially in predators hunting enormous prey. In other words, once the bite became deadly enough, the arms may have stopped mattering.

Low vitamin D levels could be quietly making breast cancer surgery recovery far more painful. In a new study, patients deficient in vitamin D were three times more likely to experience moderate to severe pain after mastectomy surgery and ended up using significantly more opioid medication to cope. Researchers say vitamin D may help regulate how the body processes pain through its effects on inflammation and the immune system.

Scientists have uncovered an astonishing new chapter in humpback whale migration: two whales were found to have traveled between breeding grounds in Australia and Brazil, crossing more than 14,000 kilometers of open ocean. One whale shattered records by covering at least 15,100 kilometers between sightings, marking the longest confirmed journey ever documented for an individual humpback whale.

For decades, scientists believed ancient humans avoided dense rainforests, treating them as nearly impossible environments for early survival. But a groundbreaking discovery in West Africa is rewriting that story. Researchers uncovered evidence that humans were living deep within rainforest environments in present-day Côte d'Ivoire around 150,000 years ago — far earlier than anyone thought possible.

Scientists have discovered that a topical anti-aging drug called ABT-263 can dramatically improve wound healing in older skin. The treatment works by removing damaged “senescent” cells that accumulate with age and slow the body’s repair process. In aged mice, wounds healed much faster after treatment, while the drug also activated genes tied to collagen production and tissue regeneration.

More Than 670 Americans Applied to Join First FarmPath Cohort as Demand Signals Urgent Need for New Pathways into Farming

Farm Foundation launches first FarmPath cohort on May 20 with support from The Mosaic Company Foundation for Sustainable Food Systems and the PepsiCo Foundation.

Libertyville, IL – May 20, 2026 – Farm Foundation today announced the official launch of the first FarmPath cohort, welcoming more than 550 aspiring and beginning farmers from across the United States into the national, multi-year program designed to help build the next generation of American agriculture.

Originally created with a goal of enrolling 300 participants, FarmPath received overwhelming interest from more than 670 applicants representing 48 states, signaling a strong national demand for accessible pathways into farming and agricultural entrepreneurship.

FarmPath is a program of Farm Foundation supported by The Mosaic Company Foundation for Sustainable Food Systems and the PepsiCo Foundation. Designed to help meet the needs of the next generation in agriculture, the program equips participants with practical agronomic and business education, mentorship, professional networks, and long-term support designed to help them navigate the realities of modern agriculture.

“What we saw through this application process was both inspiring and revealing,” said Todd Van Hoose, Farm Foundation Interim President & CEO. “People across the country are deeply interested in farming and building a future in agriculture, but many are struggling to find clear pathways, trusted guidance, and systems designed to help them succeed. The response to FarmPath sends a powerful message: the interest is there, and the need is real.”

Applicants reflected a broad cross-section of emerging agriculture in America, including individuals from multigenerational farm families looking to diversify existing operations, urban and community growers seeking to scale, career changers pursuing farming later in life, and early-stage operators searching for stronger business and market knowledge.

The applicant pool also highlighted broader shifts happening across American agriculture, including growing interest in regenerative production practices, regional food systems, diversified farm models, and local food entrepreneurship.

“The overwhelming interest in FarmPath highlights both the opportunity and the gap facing the next generation of farmers,” said Ann Steensland, Executive Director of The Mosaic Company Foundation for Sustainable Food Systems. “There is real momentum, but also real need for practical training, trusted guidance, and systems designed to help new farmers reach their full potential. FarmPath is helping to close that gap.”  

“Supporting the next generation of farmers is essential to building a more sustainable food system,” said Monica Bauer, Senior Vice President, Social Impact, PepsiCo, and President, PepsiCo Foundation. “Farmers are at the heart of our communities and play a vital role in local economies. The overwhelming response to the first FarmPath cohort underscores both the demand for opportunity and the potential of this next generation to shape the future of agriculture. We’re proud to support programs like FarmPath that expand access to the tools, knowledge, and networks farmers need to succeed and help strengthen the agricultural communities that grow the crops at the core of our products.”

FarmPath was designed to go beyond teaching production skills alone. The three-year pathway helps participants better understand the systems, markets, business planning, and strategic decision-making required to succeed in today’s agricultural landscape.

Year One participants will take part in monthly virtual learning modules focused on business management, operations, sustainability, relationship-building, and market development while gaining access to Farm Foundation’s national network across food and agriculture. Select participants will later advance into years two and three for deeper mentorship, business planning support, and implementation funding of up to $10,000.

Farm Foundation leaders say the launch of the first cohort is only the beginning of a broader national conversation about the future of farming in America and the barriers many aspiring producers continue to face.

“Behind every application was a story,” said Tim Brennan, Farm Foundation’s Vice President of Programs and Strategic Direction. “Some applicants grew up on farms and want to carry on a family legacy in a changing economy. Others are entering agriculture for the first time because they believe deeply in food production, stewardship, and community. Together, they paint a picture of a generation ready to engage in agriculture if pathways are visible, practical, and achievable.”

Over the coming months, Farm Foundation and its partners will continue sharing insights and stories emerging from the inaugural cohort to help deepen understanding around the future of farming, barriers to entry, and the evolving needs of next-generation producers.

Applications for the current FarmPath cohort are now closed.

About Farm Foundation

Farm Foundation is an independent, nonpartisan organization invested in building a vibrant future for food and agriculture. We bring together people with diverse perspectives to exchange ideas, spark collaboration, and turn insight into action. Our Campus in Libertyville, Illinois is a living, breathing space where learning, connection, and practical solutions come to life, helping move food and agriculture forward, together. Farmfoundation.org

About The Mosaic Company Foundation for Sustainable Food Systems

The Mosaic Company Foundation for Sustainable Food Systems supports transformational investments in food and nutrition security, sustainable agricultural productivity, and community development in the United States, India, and Brazil. The Foundation is funded through contributions from The Mosaic Company.

About the PepsiCo Foundation

The PepsiCo Foundation, the philanthropic arm of PepsiCo, works to support positive change for people and the planet by expanding access to essential resources that help meet immediate needs and unlock pathways to opportunity. Guided by PepsiCo Positive (pep+), our philanthropic investments focus on four key areas: food access, safe water access, farming, and workforce development. Through collaboration with nonprofits, community organizations and global partners, the Foundation works to strengthen food systems, support farmers, expand access to nutritious food and safe water, and advance workforce development to build lasting economic resilience. Learn more at www.pepsicofoundation.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.

Media Contact:
Jordyn Landberg
Director of Marketing and Communications, Farm Foundation
jordyn@farmfoundation.org

The post More than 670 Americans Applied to Join FarmPath appeared first on Farm Foundation.

A joint survey administered by AASA: The School Superintendents Association and the National Association for Pupil Transportation indicates how much rising diesel costs are hurting school district bottom lines, not simply in budgets but also in the classrooms. 

About 54 percent of the 188 school districts that responded to the survey, conducted the week of May 4, said they are paying 6 percent more for diesel since the Iran war started. Fourteen percent reported that diesel costs are running 20 percent or more over budget. Meanwhile, 22 percent have seen their fuel bills increase by 11- to 20 percent over budget and 20 percent said they are 6- to 10 percent over budget.

“The data suggests that many districts have, to date, prioritized limiting impacts on core instructional programs, instead relying on strategies such as route optimization, deferred maintenance and targeted spending adjustments,” NAPT said in an email Monday to members. “While some districts report fuel costs exceeding planned amounts, the overall approach reflects a deliberate effort to manage rising expenses while maintaining stability in educational services.”

Nearly two-thirds of the districts said they are absorbing the rising diesel prices within their current transportation budgets, as their states do not provide dedicated transportation funding that rises with fuel prices. Over 30 percent said they are transferring funds from other district programs, 19 percent are using rainy-day funds, and 15 percent have yet to cover the increased costs.

Consolidating routes/adjusting route efficiency is the leading response to reducing the impact of rising diesel costs, according to 40 percent of the responses. Other operational changes are enforced anti-idling procedures at 27 percent, reducing the number of routes at 25 percent, limiting non-required bus trips (20 percent), and changing fuel purchasing practices at 14 percent. Other responses are increasing walk-to-stop ratios (8 percent), moving away from “yellow bus to non-diesel vehicles” (7 percent), meaning either school buses, vans, SUVs or sedans, an AASA spokesperson clarified for School Transportation News, and negotiating contracts with transportation vendors (6 percent).

Dipping Into Other Programs to Pay for Diesel

Meanwhile, 55 percent of the districts reported that they have yet to implement offsets in their current general budgets to address the fuel price hikes, and 17 percent said they have so far avoided making cuts through the reliance on rainy-day funds. But of those that have, 16 percent have deferred maintenance/facilities work, 13 percent reduced support personnel, 13 percent trimmed administrative staff/spending, and 12 percent reduced summer instruction. Less than 5 percent selected one of the following: Reduced instructional staff; increased class sizes; delayed instructional improvement initiatives; cut extracurricular programs; and cut spending on instructional materials.

While 52 percent of districts said they have yet to address budget cuts or they are still in development, one-third have added a contingency or reserve fund to address fuel volatility. Another 16 percent have negotiated contracts or adjusted vendor terms. Fourteen percent have drawn down reserves, and 10 percent have sought local/state revenue specific to transportation.

To address the next school year’s budget, 37 percent said they are likely to use reserve or rainy-day funds, while 36 percent said they are not sure what their plan will be. Thirty percent are considering cutting athletic/extracurricular transportation, and 29 percent would defer maintenance and facilities. Foregoing professional development or consulting services, or technology purchases and replacements, came in at 22 percent of responses, respectively. Fourteen percent said they could skip purchasing  supplies, materials and textbooks next year, and 6 percent said they would pause instructional staffing and programming.

Despite higher initial purchase costs, alternative-fuel school buses are providing relief at the pump. Bibb County School District near Macon, Georgia is tapping into about $1 million in savings a year from less expensive propane school bus fueling and maintenance to pay for its few dozen gasoline-powered school buses. Director of Transportation Anthony Jackson, who presented the findings earlier this month at ACT Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada, told School Transportation News his staff has not purchased diesel fuel since February.

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Related: Propane Autogas Gains Momentum with Low Costs, Near-Zero Emissions, and Ready-Now Innovation
Related: Report Highlights Propane and Electric TCO for School Bus
Related: (STN Podcast E307) Buy With Confidence: Fuel Price Frustration, School Bus Buying Tips

The post Survey: Half of School Districts Paying At Least 6% More for Diesel appeared first on School Transportation News.

While some districts are still waiting for the promise of electric buses to catch up to reality, others are already reaping the benefits of cleaner, more cost-effective school transportation right now.

Across the country, more than 1,000 school districts are turning to propane autogas buses and seeing the benefits firsthand: healthier rides for students, happier drivers behind the wheel, and real cost savings that make a difference in the classroom. From public health experts to veteran drivers and transportation directors, those closest to the issue see how propane autogas is transforming student transportation for the better.

Healthier Rides and Cleaner Communities

For districts looking to make an immediate impact on air quality and student health, propane autogas buses are a smart choice. Compared with diesel, propane autogas reduces nitrogen oxides (NOx) by up to 96 percent and virtually eliminates particulate matter (PM). These pollutants contribute to asthma, respiratory issues, and other serious health concerns. By cutting emissions in the neighborhoods, school parking lots, and bus stops where children are most exposed, propane autogas can improve air quality.

Bailey Arnold, director of healthy air solutions for the American Lung Association (ALA), shared on a recent School Transportation News (STN) webinar why acting now, with proven technology like propane autogas, matters more than ever.

“Doing something today is really vital in the fight to combat all these climate change impacts that we’re seeing,” Arnold said. “When you can’t breathe, nothing else matters. So, anything we can do to lower emissions is going to benefit our health.”

In addition to reducing NOx and PM, Arnold emphasized that the cumulative effects of carbon output are significant and avoidable. According to NASA, CO₂ emissions can remain in the atmosphere for 300 to 1,000 years. Arnold also pointed to information from Clean Fuels Alliance America that found that every five years of delay in introducing cleaner options requires reducing 13 times the emissions in the future.

That’s why it’s important to start today. Propane autogas reduces lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by more than 24 percent compared with diesel, and renewable propane cuts that even further, reducing emissions by up to 80 percent depending on the feedstock. That means over a 10-year lifespan, a single renewable propane autogas school bus can cut carbon emissions by 1,600 tons compared with diesel.

“There’s a lot of benefit to using technologies like propane — fuels like propane autogas — to reduce those emissions so that we’re lowering its impact and protecting our lung health,” Arnold said.

Driver-Approved Experience

School bus drivers are on the front lines of student transportation. They know what makes a bus safe, reliable, and comfortable for themselves and for their passengers. And they know how propane autogas buses deliver on those benefits every day.

Drivers across the country consistently report that propane autogas buses provide a smoother ride with stronger acceleration than diesel, which is a major improvement in stop-and-go traffic. The buses are also quieter than diesel, so drivers can better hear activity inside the bus for improved safety.

Most importantly, drivers say they can instantly notice the difference in the smell of a propane autogas bus compared with diesel. With propane autogas, there’s no odor, no fumes, and no more headaches from harmful emissions. It’s why veteran drivers like Dawn Tiemann of Henrico County Public Schools in Virginia firmly believe in the benefit of propane autogas buses.

“There’s no smell, no fumes — nothing for the children to smell,” she said. “It’s so quiet, sometimes I have to ask myself, did I even start the bus?”

For transportation directors, that driver satisfaction can translate into stronger staff retention and more consistent operations, especially at a time when many districts are facing staffing shortages.

Savings That Help the Budget Go Further

Students and drivers aren’t the only ones benefiting from propane autogas buses. Transportation directors are seeing the impact where it matters most: in their budgets. Propane autogas school buses provide the lowest total cost of ownership thanks to reduced fuel and maintenance costs. Most districts report up to 50 percent savings on fuel costs alone compared with diesel. Those savings quickly add up and can be reinvested into other important areas like classrooms, driver pay, or fleet expansion.

Amy Rosa, director of school safety and transportation at Wa-Nee Community School Corporation in Indiana, has seen the value firsthand. Her district operates a mixed fleet that includes 25 propane buses.

“I was excited about buying buses for less money and realizing that the overall cost of ownership was going to be significantly lower,” Rosa shared during the STN webinar.

Those savings aren’t just theoretical. They’ve helped Wa-Nee keep extracurricular travel free for students.

“We offer all of our extracurriculars at no cost to students, so they don’t have to pay for travel,” Rosa said. “Every year we save money so that our kids can continue in sports and music programs with no fees there. That’s our goal. To save money for our students and our taxpayers.”

A Proven Solution That’s Working Today

While some school districts are waiting for the next wave of clean technology to arrive — and delaying significant emissions reductions in the process — others are already leading the way with propane autogas. Across the country, school transportation leaders are proving that a smarter, cleaner fleet doesn’t have to be years away. It can start now.

Explore what propane autogas can do for your district at propane.com.

The views expressed are those of the content sponsor and do not reflect those of School Transportation News.

The post Why Transportation Directors Are Choosing Propane Over Promises appeared first on School Transportation News.

We discuss fuel cost anxiety and the impact of a proposed federal fuel tax suspension, plus safety lessons to learn from the latest student pedestrian fatality in New York City.

What should you consider before buying a bus? Isaac Linson, CEO of BusesForSale.com, joins us to discuss current school bus market trends and tips for buying or selling buses remotely.

Read more about operations.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

Message from Kajeet.

 

Conversation with BusesForSale.com.

 

Stream, subscribe and download the School Transportation Nation podcast on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, iHeartRadio, Spotify and YouTube.

The post (STN Podcast E307) Buy With Confidence: Fuel Price Frustration, School Bus Buying Tips appeared first on School Transportation News.

An upstate New York school bus driver has been fired after video allegedly shows him repeatedly slamming on the brakes and yelling at student riders during his route, reported KTTC News.

Sarah and Matt Martineau, whose three children attend schools in the Boquet Valley Central School District, said their daughter first told them in early March that the driver had been “brake-checking” students during a bus ride.

Video obtained by local news reporters from cameras inside and outside the bus appeared to support the children’s account. Speed data from the footage showed the bus slowing by nearly 10 mph during the brake-checking, or sudden braking incidents. Students were seen jolting forward in their seats, while exterior footage showed no vehicles immediately in front of the bus.

The Martineaus said their son later complained of neck pain after an incident. According to the parents, the boy stood up and moved into the aisle to sit near his sister when the driver allegedly brake-checked again.

“I had told her to have him go sit with her to make sure he was OK, and as he got up to go sit with her, the bus driver brake checked the bus again and then started screaming at him,” Sarah told local news reporters

School Bus Video Tells the Tale

The video also appeared to show the driver arguing with a student and suggesting the braking was related to students not following directions. “There’s no need for anyone to drive a vehicle of that size to brake check for any reason,” Matt Martineau said.

Matt Martineau reportedly said he contacted the district superintendent, who acknowledged there had been inappropriate yelling and braking but considered the braking justified.

After weeks without further action, the Martineaus raised their concerns during a school board meeting in late April. Five days later, the school board voted unanimously to fire the driver, identified as Jeremy Ward. District officials did not provide details about the dismissal. School officials declined immediate comments to reporters.

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Related: Arizona School Bus Driver Fired After Transporting People Illegally
Related: Rhode Island School Bus Driver, Safety Monitors Fired for Leaving Student in Bus
Related: Connecticut School Bus Driver Charged After Alleged Failure to Stop Assaults
Related: New York School Bus Aide Arrested for Allegedly Abusing Children

The post Alleged Brake-Checking Results in Firing of New York School Bus Driver appeared first on School Transportation News.

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