Things That Happened in October

Another month has passed, which means new, incredible things have happened! Following up on the school’s last article about positive news, today I’ll share some recent changes in the world that you might not have heard about. Get ready for some awesome stories—maybe after reading this, you’ll even feel inspired to make your community a better place.

Huntington’s Disease Treated for the First Time

Huntington’s disease is a brain disorder that kills a person’s brain cells, acting like Parkinson’s, dementia, and motor neuron disease all at once. It’s typically fatal within two decades. The great news is that, as of this month, doctors have successfully treated someone with this disease for the first time in history using gene therapy during brain surgery.

Researchers report that their data shows the disease slowed down by 75% in patients who have Huntington’s. With this new treatment, people diagnosed early may never experience lasting effects. While the treatment will likely be expensive, this discovery proves that one day, we may have the knowledge and resources to fight back against deadly illnesses.

Green Sea Turtles Are No Longer at Risk

For decades, Green Sea Turtles were close to extinction due to commercial hunting and nest destruction. Many thought this beautiful species was doomed. But thanks to consistent effort and dedication, humans were able to conserve their habitats and save these turtles.

According to the IUCN, the Green Sea Turtle population has increased 30% globally since the 1970s. People have helped by banning commercial hunting, prohibiting egg harvesting, and guarding nesting areas from poachers. Even though the population is rising, there is still more work to do, and communities have no plans to stop protecting these incredible animals.

World’s First Upcycled Skyscraper is a Finalist for the 2025 Earthshot Prize

Standing 206 meters tall in Sydney, the Quay Quarter Tower has been renovated to be eco-friendly—the world’s first fully upcycled skyscraper. Originally built in 1976, the skyscraper was saved from demolition in 2018 and reopened in 2022.

The renovation saved 12,000 tonnes of carbon, 65% of the original structure, and 95% of the building’s core. Beyond being a cool, eco-friendly project, it’s a powerful example of what humans can achieve while keeping our Earth clean and healthy. While smaller than some skyscrapers, it shows that sustainable building can positively impact both people and the planet.

Hopefully, this article has brightened your day! If you’re feeling down or think the world will never get better, just remember: people are making big progress, and you can make a difference too. Whether it’s donating food, clothes, or hygiene products to people in need, or picking up trash in your neighborhood, your actions matter. Our Hughson community supports every positive change you strive to make.

Sources

• Gallagher, J. (2025, September 24). Huntington’s disease successfully treated for first time. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cevz13xkxpro

• Tomassoni, T. (2025, October 31). After decades of protections, green sea turtles have been saved from the brink of extinction—for now. Inside Climate News. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/31102025/green-sea-turtles-protections/

• Starr Charles. (2025, October 7). World’s first fully upcycled skyscraper finalist for 2025 Earthshot Prize. Dezeen. https://www.dezeen.com/2025/10/07/quay-quarter-tower-earthshot-prize-finalist-2025/