Good morning! 🌞 

Why did the coffee file a police report?
It got mugged! ☕ 😆 

Now that we’re perked up (pun intended), let’s dive into today’s edition to keep your week brewing smoothly!

Innovati0n

3D Bioprinting

3D bioprinting has seen remarkable advancements since its inception, building upon the foundation of traditional 3D printing technology. While 3D printing has been around for decades, with Charles Hull patenting the first commercial technology in 1984, the journey toward bioprinting began in 1988 when Robert J. Klebe adapted inkjet printing to print living cells. This breakthrough marked the beginning of 3D bioprinting, which has since evolved rapidly, unlocking new possibilities in various fields of science and medicine.

At its core, 3D bioprinting is the process of creating structures layer by layer using bioinks—combinations of biomaterials and living cells. These structures aim to replicate the behavior and function of natural tissues. Bioinks can be tailored to suit specific needs and are crafted from either natural or synthetic materials. By supporting cell growth, these bioinks enable the creation of biologically realistic models of human tissues, which are invaluable for research purposes, offering a significant improvement over traditional 2D lab methods.

The applications of 3D bioprinting extend far beyond tissue modeling. It plays a critical role in tissue engineering, bioengineering, and pharmaceutical development. Bioprinting is also crucial in creating clinical solutions, such as skin and bone grafts, implants, and, in the future, potentially even fully functional 3D-printed organs. The use of bioinks in tissue engineering is especially important for regenerative medicine and drug testing, as they help in developing functional tissues that can repair or replace damaged organs, offering new hope for medical advancements. Selecting the right bioink, with the appropriate composition and density, is vital to ensure the survival and growth of cells in the printed tissues.

World News

124 Year-Old Woman

A Chinese woman from Nanchong City recently celebrated her remarkable 124th birthday, as recorded by local civic authorities. Qiu Chaishi, born in 1901, credits her longevity to an optimistic attitude and a love for lard. On January 1st, she marked the milestone surrounded by five generations of her family, including her 60-year-old granddaughter, Taohua, with whom she now resides.

Chaishi’s life spans over a century of profound change, having been born during the Qing Dynasty, which ended in 1911. Though she lost some of her eyesight after turning 100, her family describes her as still sharp and articulate. Known for her accounting skills and physical strength in her youth, Chaishi could plow fields and stack stones with ease. Today, she remains active, continuing to walk stairs, light fires, feed geese, and cook. Her disciplined routine includes three meals a day, a post-meal walk, and an 8 p.m. bedtime. Despite medical advice to reduce her intake of lard, her favorite dish remains pumpkin porridge with lard.

Overcoming significant personal loss, Chaishi lost her husband at 40 and later raised four children on her own. At 70, she endured the death of her son, and when her daughter remarried, she took on the responsibility of raising her granddaughter. Despite these hardships, Chaishi has always bounced back with laughter and positivity. Her story, which was widely shared by Tencent, continues to inspire many, with one commenter noting, “She has witnessed over a century of China’s incredible history. What a legendary journey!” Nanchong, where Chaishi lives, is home to the highest number of centenarians in China, reflecting the country's growing life expectancy, which recently surpassed 78 years.

Good News

Goodyear Highway Hero Award

In June 2023, New York trucker Timothy VanNostrand became a "highway hero" for his quick thinking and bravery when he helped stop a shooter who had injured a state trooper. VanNostrand, who owns a logging transport company in Northville, New York, was driving on Interstate 88 when he saw a trooper approach a car that had just been pulled over. Initially unsure of what was unfolding, he quickly saw the trooper stumble and then witnessed the driver fire a gun from the back window, triggering a 12-minute exchange of gunfire.

Without hesitation, VanNostrand used his 18-wheeler to block the shooter’s vehicle, forcing it off the road and effectively stopping the threat. While details about the shooter’s fate—whether arrested, wounded, or killed—remain unclear, backup soon arrived to secure the scene. For his heroic actions, VanNostrand was recognized by the New York State Police and awarded the Goodyear Highway Hero Award, which honors truckers for their contributions to road safety and community well-being.

In addition to the award, VanNostrand received a cash prize and a ride on the Goodyear blimp. Reflecting on the tense moments, he noted, “It felt like forever when you’re sitting there,” but he felt it was the right decision. Despite the recognition, he humbly downplayed his actions, emphasizing that many of his colleagues would have done the same. “We all look out for each other—and for everyone else too,” he said, underscoring the camaraderie among commercial drivers.

Mind Stretchers

❓️ 

I’m chased but never caught,
I’m tossed but never lost.
I soar high, yet stay in bounds,
What am I?

Yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:

I can glow without a flame, but I’m not a star. I change the world when I light up. What am I? — lightbulb, James Godfrey got this correct early! ☀️ 

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]

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.