In today’s Good News, a teacher whose goal is to bring educational resources to villages across India wins a $1 million prize, allowing her to expand her mission even further. And in China, the mighty, 3,900-mile-long Yangtze River is healing after an expansive fishing ban goes into effect.

Catherine Garcia
The Week Digital

A test that uses menstrual blood to screen for human papillomavirus could become a non-invasive alternative to traditional cervical cancer screening. Current HPV testing involves a clinician using a small brush to collect cells from the cervix. In a Chinese study of 3,068 women, researchers found that a blood testing strip placed on top of a sanitary pad could pick up cervical cell abnormalities. More testing is needed, but researchers say these initial results are promising.

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At Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in St. Paul, Minnesota, all eyes are on two polar bears that zookeepers hope will soon breed, helping safeguard their species. Astra, a 5-year-old female, and Kulu, a 6-year-old male, were introduced after genetic research showed they would be a good match. The bears enjoy playing, eating and “snuggling” together, senior keeper Allison Jungheim told The Minnesota Daily, and if they do successfully breed, their cubs will delight visitors and serve as “ambassadors” for their “wild counterparts.”

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Aquatic life in China’s Yangtze River is showing substantial signs of recovery, thanks to a fishing ban and government investment to help 200,000 fishers find new careers. Since the ban was put in place in 2021, fish biomass has doubled and biodiversity has improved by 13%, according to a new study published in the journal Science. The endangered Yangtze finless porpoise is also slowly coming back, with its population increasing to 600 from 400.

Over the last 24 years, teacher Rouble Nagi has opened more than 800 learning centers around India, giving kids who have never attended school the chance to begin structured learning. Through her Rouble Nagi Art Foundation, she also transforms empty village walls into educational opportunities, painting murals promoting science, history, math and literacy. For her efforts, she received the 2026 Global Teacher Prize, and will use the $1 million award to build a vocational training center with free tuition.

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