Welcome to the Good News Roundup for January 5, 2026
Perseverance pays off for young carer
We have an uplifting story of youthful perseverance to kick off the new year; West Australian teenager Joshua Patrick has overcome the demands of helping to care for his severely disabled sister, to secure a place in medical school.
The 17-year-old from Northam had almost given up his dream of studying medicine after missing large chunks of school to care for Charlotte, who has cerebral palsy, a seizure disorder, intellectual disability and non-verbal autism.
Joshua managed to secure the necessary grades and has been offered a place at the University of Western Australia.
Read more here.
New subtypes of MS signal breakthrough
Scientists have identified two previously unknown biological subtypes of multiple sclerosis (MS) by analysing blood protein levels and MRI scans with the help of artificial intelligence.
The subtypes, called early sNfL and late sNfL, reflect distinct patterns of nerve-cell damage and disease progression, offering doctors clearer insight into how aggressively the condition may develop in individual patients.
Researchers say the breakthrough paves the way for more personalised treatment approaches, that could improve outcomes for millions living with MS.
Read more here.
New analysis uncovering history of million-year-old fossil bones
Advances in technology are allowing researchers to learn more from fossil bones than ever before, with a new study revealing hidden insights into ancient pathogens and environments.
Scientists found metabolic molecules preserved in million-year-old fossils allowed them to reconstruct aspects of prehistoric lives that were previously inaccessible through traditional fossil studies.
Analysis was so precise in one case, that researchers could identify traces of asparagus and aloe in the diet of a 1.8 million year old squirrel from Tanzania’s Olduvai Gorge.
Read more here.
New Year’s Day Ice Rescue for Firefighters
A chilly start to 2026 for firefighters in Rhode Island, who rescued a Labrador after he fell through a frozen lake during a New Year’s Day walk with his owner.
The volunteer crews from nearby departments quickly donned ice-rescue gear to reach the struggling dog, Phoenix and bring him safely back to shore.
The successful rescue was celebrated as the first call of the year, and Phoenix Is set to make a full recovery.
Read more and see the pictures here.
