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In today’s newsletter we touch on a dark topic - war. But nevertheless it’s still a very hopeful and positive article!

Science

‘Gulf War Syndrome’ Cause Discovered

Nearly one million veterans from 41 nations participated in the Gulf War, with 25 to 32 percent of them suffering from Gulf War Illness (GWI), often known as Gulf War Syndrome.

A groundbreaking study has identified a probable cause for this illness, which has affected soldiers since their deployment in 1990 and 1991. Symptoms such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), persistent fatigue, headaches, and joint pain affect approximately 200,000 veterans in the United States and 30,000 in the United Kingdom.

Many armed forces members were exposed to hazards like depleted uranium, nerve agents, pesticides, and anti-nerve agent medications. Researchers from Australia’s Griffith University suggest that GWI is most likely caused by the damaging effects of biological and chemical substances on cell structures due to prolonged and intensive exposure. These chemicals can disrupt normal cellular activity due to their sensitivity and vulnerability.

The research found that veterans have faulty integral cell structures responsible for transferring calcium. Cellular calcium is a signaling chemical that regulates fundamental processes such as muscle contraction, nerve conduction, and hormone production. The study reveals that GWI veterans experience a malfunction in cell ion channels, particularly transient receptor potential ion channels. This finding marks a significant advancement in understanding this complex disease.

Identifying a cause is crucial to alleviating the often debilitating symptoms. And with this understanding, we can work towards finding a cure to support our veterans in the future.

Entertainment

Mom Goes Viral After Cutting Daughter's iPad Time

A mom who took away her child’s iPad is sharing the experience on TikTok.

Stephany Faublas, a 34-year-old single mom from Charlotte, North Carolina, decided to replace her 5-year-old daughter Cadence Gray’s iPad with educational activities. Faublas, who works as a content creator and recruiter, noticed that Cadence was spending too much time on the screen, so she cut it off entirely.

Watch their journey to an iPad-free time below as it turns into a more positive experience than she expected.

@stehfuhnee_

Day 1 of resetting that frontal lobe (pray for us both) #momsoftiktok #kumon #singlemom #motherdaughter

Innovation

3D-Printed Tracheal Splint

At Georgia Tech, a new 3D-printed tracheal splint has successfully treated a rare birth defect affecting a young child. Developed in collaboration with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, the splint has allowed 4-year-old Justice Altidore to start preschool without breathing issues.

Tracheomalacia (TM), a condition where the windpipe's cartilage is weak, affects about 1 in 2,100 children. This defect causes the trachea to collapse and obstruct breathing, often requiring ventilation and other treatments.

The Georgia Tech splints are made from bioabsorbable material that supports the trachea as the child's cartilage strengthens and the splint is eventually absorbed. Dr. Kevin Maher and Dr. Steven Goudy oversaw Altidore and three other children receiving these splints as part of an FDA-approved trial.

All four children have shown significant improvement in their breathing. This success marks a significant advancement in treatment for TM. Previously, 3D printing has been used for tracheal recovery, including a recent case where a 3D-printed windpipe was transplanted into a patient in Seoul.

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Mind Stretchers

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How do you go from 98 to 720 using just one letter?

Yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:

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 the email.

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