## Short Segments Europe's electric flight era could begin within four years, as startups make strides in sustainable aviation. Later, we'll explore how 6,000 digitized portraits of Black history are now available to the public for the first time. But first, let's dive into the details of these electric aircraft developments. Electric aircraft startups are on the brink of transforming European air travel. Battery-electric and hybrid planes, with ranges up to 500 kilometers, could soon cover a quarter of Europe's flight routes. This includes popular short hops like London to Dublin and Athens to Santorini, where rail alternatives are not feasible. French startup Aura Aero is developing a 19-seat hybrid-electric aircraft, aiming for certification by 2029. Their design promises to cut emissions by up to 80 percent and reduce operating costs by half. Meanwhile, Dutch company Elysian Aircraft is collaborating with KLM on a larger model. These advancements could make short-haul travel more sustainable and less reliant on imported jet fuel. As these technologies near readiness, the potential for greener skies in Europe becomes increasingly tangible. Florida runner saves massive loggerhead sea turtle flipped upside down in the sand. In Florida, Sage LaJoie turned her morning run into a rescue mission at Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge. Spotting a massive loggerhead sea turtle stranded on its back, LaJoie sprang into action. With careful effort, she managed to flip the turtle back onto its belly, allowing it to return to the ocean. Loggerhead turtles are a vulnerable species, and such interventions can be crucial for their survival. LaJoie's quick thinking and dedication to wildlife highlight the impact individuals can have on conservation efforts. Her actions not only saved a life but also raised awareness about the challenges faced by marine animals. Bullfrog protein could be the antidote to shellfish poisoning. Researchers have discovered that a protein from the American bullfrog may counteract paralytic shellfish poisoning. This condition, caused by the neurotoxin saxitoxin, can be fatal and currently lacks a specific antidote. The bullfrog protein, saxiphilin, acts like a molecular sponge, neutralizing the toxin before it affects nerve cells. In studies, saxiphilin rescued nine out of ten mice from lethal doses of saxitoxin. This breakthrough offers hope for developing a treatment for a condition that affects thousands worldwide. As research progresses, saxiphilin could become a vital tool in combating shellfish-related illnesses. Kayak guide interrupts tour in the Florida Keys to rescue a sea turtle in distress. Allison Calhoun, a kayak guide in the Florida Keys, paused her tour to assist a juvenile green sea turtle in need. Upon receiving a call, she paddled out to find the turtle covered in tumors on its eyes and flippers. Calhoun successfully transported the turtle, named Logan, to shore and into the care of Marathon's Turtle Hospital. Her swift response ensured Logan received the necessary medical attention. This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and quick action in wildlife conservation. Calhoun's dedication exemplifies how individuals can make a difference in protecting marine life. ## Feature Story 6,000 digitized portraits of Black history are now available and free to the public for the first time. The University of South Carolina Libraries has unveiled a remarkable collection of nearly 6,000 historic photographs by Richard Samuel Roberts, capturing the lives of Columbia's Black community in the 1920s and 1930s. These images, now digitized and accessible online, offer a window into the cultural, social, and economic history of the era. Roberts, a renowned photographer of his time, documented everyday moments and significant figures, including the first Black woman licensed to practice medicine in South Carolina, Dr. Matilda Evans. His work, discovered in the 1970s beneath the Roberts family home, has been largely unseen by the public until now. The digitization project, led by the special collections library and the Center for Civil Rights History and Research, aims to preserve and share this vital historical record. For scholars, community members, and the general public, these portraits provide an invaluable resource for understanding the lived experiences of Black South Carolinians during a pivotal period in history. As these images become widely available, they not only honor the legacy of Richard Samuel Roberts but also enrich our collective understanding of American history. Looking ahead, this collection may inspire further research and storytelling, ensuring that the stories of Columbia's Black community continue to be told and celebrated.
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