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Chewing Gum Can Boost Your Memory! Studies have shown that chewing gum can enhance memory, reduce stress, and increase alertness. The act of chewing increases blood flow to the brain, which may improve cognitive performance.

Innovation

Cancer Vaccine

In a groundbreaking human clinical trial, a mRNA cancer vaccine developed at the University of Florida has effectively triggered the immune systems of patients to aggressively combat glioblastoma, an extremely aggressive and deadly brain tumor.

The outcomes observed in four adult patients mirrored those in 10 pet dogs also suffering from brain tumors, whose owners consented to their participation in the study.

This discovery presents a potential novel approach to engage the immune system in fighting resistant cancers by utilizing mRNA technology and lipid nanoparticles, akin to COVID-19 vaccines, albeit with notable distinctions: the vaccine is tailored to each patient using their own tumor cells, and it employs an innovative delivery mechanism. Elias Sayour, M.D., Ph.D., the senior author and a UF Health pediatric oncologist, described the delivery mechanism as clusters of particles enveloping each other, which effectively alert the immune system in a more potent manner than individual particles.

One of the most remarkable findings was the rapidity with which this method prompted a robust immune response against the tumor. Within 48 hours, tumors transitioned from a state of low immune activity to a highly active immune response.

Glioblastoma is one of the most devastating diagnoses, with a median survival of about 15 months. The current standard treatment involves surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy in various combinations.

The culmination of seven years of research, published in the journal Cell on May 1, showcases promising results starting from preclinical mouse models to human patients. In this trial, RNA extracted from each patient's tumor was used to produce mRNA, which was then packaged in lipid nanoparticles and reinjected into the bloodstream to stimulate an immune response.

While it is too early to assess the clinical impact of the vaccine, patients in the trial either lived longer without disease progression or survived longer than expected. The next phase involves an expanded clinical trial to validate these findings, followed by further trials involving pediatric patients.

Dr. Sayour envisions this approach as a potential new paradigm in cancer treatment, offering a platform for modulating the immune system and potentially synergizing with other immunotherapies.

Sports

Simone Biles Wins US Classic, the Olympics Next?

Simone Biles looks more than ready for Paris, even with over two months to go before the Olympic Games begin.

The gymnastics superstar kicked off her quest for a third Olympic team in dominant fashion at the U.S. Classic last weekend, posting an all-around score of 59.500, nearly two points ahead of runner-up Shilese Jones.

The 27-year-old Biles, the 2016 Olympic champion, achieved the highest scores on vault and floor exercise, and placed second on uneven bars and balance beam in her 2024 debut.

“I was just happy to be back out there, get through those nerves again, feel that adrenaline,” Biles said. “I can’t really complain how the first meet back was.”

She performed several of her signature skills, including the Yurchenko double pike on vault and a tumbling pass ending with a triple-twisting double-flip.

Although Biles wasn’t flawless—she took a couple of big steps back on her vault dismount and landed out of bounds on the triple-double—her blend of difficulty and precision continues to set the standard in the sport.

Biles is a virtual lock for the five-woman U.S. Olympic team if she remains healthy. The big question over the next six weeks is who will join her in France.

Below is Simone Biles’ floor routine from this years US classic. The video below is of each category winner.

World News

Vietnam’s Luxury Train

Anantara, a major player in the hospitality industry, has introduced a new five-hour luxury train service in southern Vietnam. This route connects the resort destinations of Nha Trang and Quy Nhon and follows the success of "The Vietage by Anantara," a six-hour journey launched in 2020 between Da Nang and Quy Nhon.

Kate Jones, Anantara’s head of PR and marketing for Vietnam, explained to CNN that the new route aims to showcase more of Vietnam’s scenic views. Unlike the first route, this one passes through numerous coastal areas, offering views of stunning bays, coastline, mountains, rice paddies, and lotus ponds.

The trains on this route travel at an average speed of 51.9 kilometers per hour (32.2 mph), allowing guests to enjoy a complimentary afternoon tea set, including local caviar, Vietnamese artisanal cheeses, cold cuts, and premium teas. The six-hour Da Nang to Quy Nhon journey offers a three-course gourmet meal. Both routes provide complimentary snacks, drinks, and a 15-minute head and shoulder massage. The Vietage carriages feature a sit-up bar, restrooms, and six private booths equipped with power outlets, Wi-Fi, pillows, and blankets.

Seats can be reserved online at Thevietagetrain.com. Packages combining rail journeys with stays at Anantara’s properties can be booked through the respective hotel websites. A one-way Vietage journey costs $420 per person, with the new route departing Nha Trang at 2 p.m. and arriving in Quy Nhon at 6:29 p.m

Mind Stretchers

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Yesterday’s Answers to the Mind Stretchers:
Pink (The pattern is Green Yellow Blue Navy Pink Red and goes from bottom to top starting with green on the left side)

Chris Hostetler got the correct answer first!

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] or reply to email.

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