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Wednesday, July 17th, 2024
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Today’s Upside
Culture
Provide Free Tuition for Future Doctors
Johns Hopkins University
Bloomberg Philanthropies announced a $1 billion donation to make medical school free for most students at Johns Hopkins University and increase financial aid for students at its nursing and public health schools.
This announcement came in Michael R. Bloomberg’s (JHU ’64) annual letter on philanthropy in the Bloomberg Philanthropies 2023-2024 Annual Report.
Currently, nearly two-thirds of Johns Hopkins medical students qualify for financial aid, with an average total student loan debt of about $104,000. Starting in fall 2024, Johns Hopkins will offer free tuition for medical students from families earning less than $300,000 a year, covering about 95% of Americans. Additionally, living expenses and fees will be covered for students from families earning less than $175,000 a year.
“As the U.S. faces a shortage of doctors, nurses, and public health professionals, the high cost of education often prevents students from enrolling,” said Mr. Bloomberg. “By reducing financial barriers, we can enable more students to pursue these essential careers.”
The donation is expected to reduce the average student loan debt for Johns Hopkins medical students to $60,279 by 2029, with most American families paying nothing. This initiative aims to ensure that talented aspiring doctors from diverse socio-economic backgrounds can graduate debt-free.
The gift will also increase financial aid for students at the School of Nursing and the Bloomberg School of Public Health, as well as for low and middle-income students pursuing graduate degrees in other Johns Hopkins schools, including the School of Education, Whiting School of Engineering, Carey School of Business, School of Advanced International Studies, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Peabody Institute, and the upcoming School of Government and Policy.
This donation follows Bloomberg Philanthropies' 2018 contribution of $1.8 billion to Johns Hopkins to support need-blind admissions, which significantly lowered the net cost of attendance and increased economic diversity among students.
Last year, Michael Bloomberg donated over $3 billion to charity, making him one of the top American philanthropists.
Entertainment
The One Man Castle
If you have never heard about this enormous stone “castle” that was built all by one man, then you will really want to check this video out.
It is absolutely incredible! Not just because it was built by one person, but because it is a genuinely amazing structure.
Innovation
Hi-Tech Whiskers
Dr. Russell Brinkworth and Simon Pegoli with electromechanical whisker models – Credit: Flinders University
Current autonomous robots use rangefinders, cameras, and lasers for navigation, but adding whiskers could be a cost-effective way to avoid expensive collisions.
Whiskers are not exclusive to cats and mice—hundreds of mammals have them, including all non-human primates and many marine mammals like dugongs and seals. This widespread presence indicates their usefulness, as whiskers help animals move quietly and sense their surroundings better.
Australian engineers have developed 3D-printed whiskers that could enhance robots' ability to gather information about their environment, particularly in blind spots, or to assess the weight, shape, and type of objects in their path.
Dr. Russell Brinkworth, Associate Professor in Autonomous Systems at Flinders University, aims to bring robots into real-world applications. He and his team want these whiskers to function like human fingertips. “These 3D printed sensor whiskers could be fitted at low cost and give robots many useful additional capacities,” he told Cosmos Magazine.
“Every space is different, so giving robots effective tactile sensor systems to map their tasks and ‘visualize’ movement in their range will advance their abilities,” adds Simon Pegoli, a Ph.D. candidate at Flinders University and lead author of a paper published in Sensors and Actuators A: Physical. Using mechanical beam theory, they optimized the whisker shape and attachment mechanism to keep costs low and utility high. Long and flexible, these whiskers could help robots in cluttered spaces like warehouses detect the weight and hardness of objects they encounter and potentially prevent collisions.
As robotics advances, animals and their adaptations often serve as examples of smart engineering and problem-solving. Previous robots inspired by animals include a pangolin-inspired rolling robot for delivering medical supplies, a spiraling off-world rover inspired by snakes, and pollinating robots inspired by wind-blown seeds like dandelions.
Superfoods for Health
Maca, a root vegetable native to the Andes Mountains of Peru, has been traditionally used for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Here are some of the key health benefits associated with maca:
1. Energy and Stamina Boost
Maca is often praised for its ability to enhance energy levels and improve stamina. Athletes and individuals engaging in strenuous physical activities use aca to help increase endurance and reduce fatigue.
2. Enhanced Mood and Mental Clarity
Maca may help improve mood and cognitive function. It has been suggested that maca can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, possibly due to its flavonoid content. Additionally, some studies indicate that maca might help enhance mental clarity and focus.
3. Hormonal Balance
Maca is known for its potential to balance hormones in both men and women. In women, it can help alleviate symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. For men, maca is often used to boost libido and improve reproductive health by potentially increasing sperm count and motility.
4. Improved Sexual Health
One of the most well-known benefits of maca is its positive impact on sexual health. It is often referred to as a natural aphrodisiac and has been shown to improve sexual desire and function. This benefit is observed in both men and women.
5. Bone Health
Maca contains nutrients that support bone health, including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. These minerals are essential for maintaining strong bones and preventing conditions such as osteoporosis.
6. Rich Nutrient Profile
Maca is a nutritional powerhouse, providing a good source of essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, copper, iron, and potassium. It also contains amino acids and beneficial fatty acids, contributing to overall health and wellness.
7. Immune System Support
The antioxidants present in maca help in fighting free radicals and reducing oxidative stress, thereby supporting the immune system. This can help the body defend against various illnesses and maintain overall health.
8. Improved Skin Health
Maca may also benefit skin health. Its antioxidant properties help in protecting the skin from environmental damage, and its nutrients promote a healthy, radiant complexion. Some people use maca to address skin issues like acne and blemishes.
9. Stress Reduction
Maca has adaptogenic properties, which means it can help the body adapt to stress. By balancing hormones and supporting the adrenal glands, maca can help reduce the physical and mental effects of stress.
10. Potential Anti-Cancer Properties
Preliminary studies suggest that maca might have anti-cancer properties. Its compounds, particularly glucosinolates, are being studied for their potential to inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells.
Mind Stretchers
⁉️
What is everyone's favorite tree?
Yesterday’s Answers to the Mind Stretchers:
It stalks the countryside with ears that can’t hear. What is it?
Corn
Albert Knox 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.
From the Community
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