In this science news update, new public affairs content creator Breyton Hill discusses some cool science and research news that has been happening around the triangle.

With the weather happening this weekend, Breyton gets into the science of snowflakes, discussing what makes each one unique.
[Link to a graph of how snowflake shape changes as temperature and humidity changes. https://www.snowcrystals.com/science/SnowflakeMorphology2.jpg]

Next, Breyton talks about how astronomers at Duke University are photographing the cosmos as part of Legacy Survey of Space and Time at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chili.
[Link to Duke article about the first images out of this astronomy mission. https://trinity.duke.edu/news/when-picture-worth-billion-worlds-duke-cosmologists-celebrate-rubin-observatorys-first-images]

Breyton then gets into updates from the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science’s “Dueling Dinosaur” exhibit. Get excited, there has been a new classification. What was originally thought to be a baby Tyrannosaur is actually a Nanotyrannus.
[Link to NC Museum of Natural Science Press Release on the Nanotyrannus. https://naturalsciences.org/calendar/news/nanotyrannus-confirmed/]

Lastly, Breyton discusses different ways to get involved in science around the triangle with events at the NC Museum of Natural Science and the Durham Life and Science Museum.
[Link to NC Museum of Natural Science Website. https://naturalsciences.org/]
[Link to Durham Life and Science Museum Website. https://www.lifeandscience.org/]

This episode explores blind hockey and the role of adaptive sports in expanding accessibility and inclusion in athletics. Through a conversation with Craig Fitzpatrick, a blind hockey player and disability advocate, the episode looks at how sports can be reimagined to serve a wider range of participants.

The discussion covers how blind hockey works, the challenges disabled athletes face in traditional sports environments, and why accessibility should be treated as a fundamental part of athletic design rather than an accommodation. The episode also addresses common misconceptions about disability in sports and the importance of representation in competitive spaces.

Craig is also the author of a book focused on his experiences and advocacy work, His book is available for purchase on Amazon.

WKNC's Evie Dallmann speaks with Amanda Mills from the NC State Wilson College of Textiles about the evolution of smart textiles and the wearable electronics.