Cherry blossom season has officially commenced in Japan: As of Monday, blooms had been spotted on trees in three different cities — a bit earlier than usual, likely due to low rainfall this winter. It seems that many of the U.S. cherry blossom groves won't be far behind, with Washington, D.C.'s famed trees expected to hit peak bloom between March 29 and April 1. Learn about nine other places in the U.S. to see cherry blossoms this spring.
Take notes, parents: Albert Einstein played with these toys as a child
Sports
Stars, Stripes, and Soccer: Here's What the US Team Will be Sporting at the World Cup
Nike
The countdown is on to the FIFA Men's World Cup! While we still have a little under three months to go, the official U.S. Soccer National Team uniforms were unveiled earlier this week — and they were brought to life with input from some of the players themselves. On Monday, Nike and U.S. Soccer shared a peek at the new kits, noting that the men's team helped steer the design. In workshops, the players weighed in on fabric weight, fit, and even seam placement to ensure the jerseys were "built to perform in the high-intensity conditions expected during the summer World Cup," per a press release. The uniforms come in two patriotic styles — stars and stripes — and will be worn across all 27 U.S. national teams, from youth to seniors. "A national team jersey represents the pride of wearing the crest, not just for players on the field, but also for the fans who support them every step of the way," said Dave Wright, chief commercial officer of U.S. Soccer. Take a closer look at the kits and learn about some of the more subtle design details.
Together With Show Me the Baby
A Guide for Anyone Helping to Raise a Child
It takes a village to raise children, and navigating the challenges of parenting can be overwhelming. If you're a parent, grandparent, or caregiver seeking guidance on family dynamics, wellness, leadership, organization, and more, you may want to consider adding this book and podcast from Kristyn Lee to your village. Show Me the Babyoffers short, simple tips on life's challenges, with one-page book chapters and 20-minute (or less) podcast episodes. It's to-the-point advice, to help you.
So This May Be Why Cats (Almost) Always Land on Their Feet
Akimasa Harada—Moment/Getty Images
Among cats' many party tricks is their knack for landing on their feet after a fall. Now, researchers in Japan have new insight into how the four-legged friends execute this acrobatic ability. In a recent study led by veterinary physiologist Yasuo Higurashi, a team analyzed different segments of cat spines and conducted experiments by (safely!) dropping a pair of cats onto cushions from about 3 feet up. After comparing their observations with the footage, they found that the upper thoracic vertebrae in the feline spine were extremely flexible while the lower lumbar vertebrae were stiffer and heavier. "The thoracic spine of the cat can rotate like our neck," Higurashi explained to The New York Times. This anatomical structure aligns with the previous theory that cats extend then retract their hind legs when falling — a move dubbed "legs in, legs out" that allows them to spin their upper torso to face the ground and then twist the rest of the body to land gracefully. The cats also showed a preference for the right side when landing, with one cat correcting itself by turning right 100% of the time, and the other turning right six out of eight times. All that said, cats are not invincible to injury, so we don't recommend trying this experiment at home!
Tech
First Modern Rocket Launched 100 Years Ago, Beginning a Century of Innovations and Challenges
Esther Goddard—Hulton Archive/Getty Images
This article was written by Michael Carrafiello, a professor of history at Miami University, for The Conversation. Apollo 11 first landed astronauts on the moon in 1969, but the journey to the lunar surface actually began 43 years before, in snowy Massachusetts. One hundred years ago this week, on March 16, 1926, Robert H. Goddard launched the first liquid-fueled rocket. Liquid-fueled rockets would eventually provide the power to send humans to the moon. Still, Goddard's vehicle was small, flew for only 42 seconds, reached a height of a mere 184 feet, and sustained damage that created more doubters than believers in the prospects for human space flight. Despite this less-than-spectacular start to the space age, Goddard's rocket was the beginning of a century of innovation. Today, hundreds of rockets launch each year. Giant liquid-fueled rockets combine liquid oxidizer — a substance that releases oxygen — and liquid fuel. These create chemical reactions that produce the explosive thrust necessary to propel humans to the moon. Fly through the history of spaceflight.
In Other News
A new type of planet may exist beyond our solar system, with oceans made of magma and a sulfuric atmosphere (read more)
The end of sleeping sickness, a parasitic infection, could be near thanks to a novel pill (read more)
Google Maps released an upgrade that will answer users' "real-world questions" and save your parking spot (read more)
Meet the first class of incarcerated women in California to earn bachelor's degrees from a Cal State college (read more)
Bull sharks have BFFs, too: Researchers found the fish can form friendships and prefer mingling with females (read more)
Something We Love
Budsies Custom Stuffed Animals This company turns a kiddo's drawing into a custom stuffie. You upload the art and let the team bring it to life. I'm eyeing it as a gift for my 3-year-old nephew who loves to draw dinosaurs. Even if you're not thinking of buying one, I recommend scrolling through the adorable example pictures. – Marika Spitulski, Writer
At Denver eatery Casa Bonita, the secret ingredient for better communication at work was staff-wide language lessons. During four months of restaurant renovations, Spanish-speaking team members took English classes and English speakers took Spanish classes. "Now we're all connected more as a family," said worker Beau Gentry.
Photo of the Day
Richard BOUHET—AFP/Getty Images
When lava meets the sea. For the first time in 19 years, lava from the Piton de la Fournaise volcano has reached the ocean on France's Réunion island, drawing crowds to witness the rare moment. See footage of the scene.
"Show Me the Baby" Is Your Parenting Companion
When you need guidance on navigating the roles of raising children, being a leader, and staying organized, turn to Show Me the Baby. The book and its companion podcast of the same name deliver thoughtful ideas and advice via short, to-the-point tips.
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