Good morning! 🌞 

There is a new giant in town. Godzilla Minus One is a Japanese film in theaters right now that has blown away everyone’s expectations. It might be the 27th film in the Godzilla franchise, but many are saying it is there favorite one so far. Luckily, you do not have to have seen any of the other films for this one to make sense.

I have not seen it myself yet, but I am going this weekend.

I will let you know how I like it!

Innovation

UK Biobank Unveils Massive Genome Dataset

The UK Biobank has released a groundbreaking genetic dataset, the largest ever for medical research. With whole genomes now available for all 500,000 participants, researchers worldwide can explore links between genetics and conditions like obesity, diabetes, and cancer.

This extensive dataset is anticipated to revolutionize individual risk assessment, early screening, and drug discovery. The release marks a significant leap from the previous 1% accessible, providing scientists with the scale needed for breakthroughs in understanding rare genes and their role in diseases. The anonymized data, available through a protected database, is expected to unlock new scientific discoveries, offering transformative potential for global health research.

Culture

Got Rizz?

Oxford University Press declared "rizz" the 2023 Word of the Year, defining it as "style, charm, or attractiveness." The slang gained popularity, especially among Gen Z, and was featured in memes and TikTok videos, amassing over 36 billion views.

The public participated in the selection process, with "rizz" triumphing over other contenders like "Swiftie" and "beige flag." Casper Grathwohl, president of Oxford Languages, noted that the Word of the Year reflects societal sentiments, citing last year's winner, "Goblin mode," as indicative of pandemic feelings. As people resume socializing, "rizz" continues to shape language trends.

World News

Abandoned Wells Turns into Irrigation for a Village in India

In Tamil Nadu, India, 163 abandoned wells in the rain-dependent Virudhunagar district have been transformed into colorful structures by the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA). Completed last December 2022, the project aims to raise water conservation awareness.

Whimsical designs like a treasure chest, cup and saucer, a wrapped present, and watermelon adorn the well structures. Beyond aesthetics, the wells were recharged using pipes to channel water from surrounding areas, preventing them from becoming dumping sites. The strategic selection of wells near water tanks facilitates natural recharge through overflow, turning these locations into vibrant community spaces.

Environment

Fluke Files

Barra de Potosí in Mexico is renowned for humpback whale sightings, attracting eco-tourism with a conservation focus. The village is a bit off the beaten path. You won't find any mega resorts full of tourists here, but the area is a popular vacation destination for humpback whales, which travel thousands of miles just to breed in this patch of the Pacific.

HappyWhale.com enhances this experience by allowing global users to upload fluke photos, creating a comprehensive database. Ted Cheeseman, co-founder of Happy Whale, introduced an algorithm to streamline whale identification. The website has received 100,000+ submissions, revealing migration links between California and Mexico.

Happy Whale's success lies in making whale research engaging. Users track individual whales, fostering a personal connection and promoting ocean conservation. Updates provide exciting insights for enthusiasts fostering care and awareness for these majestic creatures.

If you have any uplifting stories and experience you might want to share, send those over to [email protected] for the chance to be featured.

Mind Stretchers

❔ 

What has many teeth, but cannot bite?

What has lots of eyes, but can’t see?

What has one eye, but can’t see?

Yesterday’s Answers to the Mind Stretchers
A Candle

Be the first to send us the correct answer for today’s mind stretcher for a shout-out with the answer tomorrow. Just send us the answer and your name to [email protected]