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This fact will blow your mind: There are more possible iterations of a game of chess than there are atoms in the known universe!

The number of possible unique chess games is astonishingly large, estimated to be around 10^120. In comparison, the number of atoms in the observable universe is estimated to be around 10^80.

Health Science

Lifesaving Guidelines

A new study led by William Sanders of Massachusetts General Hospital and involving 18 trauma centers across the U.S., examined the outcomes of 212 patients with brain injuries. The research, aimed to shed light on the potential outcomes if life support was continued longer than it typically is in such cases. Findings from this research indicate that some patients, who had their life support withdrawn, might have survived and even regained some independence six months post-injury.

The study advocates for a more cautious approach in making early decisions about withdrawing life support. Due to the complexities involved, some guidelines advise medical professionals to delay making early prognostic judgments about patients. Current research has only begun to scratch the surface in understanding the various states of consciousness in comatose patients, and there are no definitive guidelines or algorithms that clinicians can use to predict which patients are likely to experience significant recovery.

Through a sophisticated mathematical model, the researchers compared patients who had life support withdrawn with those who did not, despite similar health conditions initially. The data suggested that among those who continued receiving support, a significant number managed to survive beyond six months, and some even regained functional independence.

This research emphasizes the complexity and long-term nature of managing traumatic brain injuries and suggests that delaying decisions related to life support could sometimes lead to better outcomes. More extensive studies are necessary to provide clearer guidelines and improve the prognosis accuracy in such critical situations.

However, this research is a great first start in helping create those guidelines and could have a significant impact in helping those who have traumatic brain injuries.

The findings have been published in the Journal of Neurotrauma.

World News

Mona Lisa’s Location Revealed!

A scholar believes she's figured out where the backdrop of the "Mona Lisa" comes from, after centuries of debate among art experts. Ann Pizzorusso, a geologist and Italian Renaissance specialist, thinks it's in Lecco, northern Italy.

She points to the 14th-century Ponte Azzone Visconti in Lecco as the bridge in the painting, despite previous theories suggesting other locations like Arezzo and Bobbio.

Pizzorusso's confidence comes from her geological knowledge, which she says supports her claim better than previous hypotheses.

Her research indicates that the limestone rock formations in Lecco match those seen behind the Mona Lisa. Pizzorusso's findings highlight the intersection of art and science in Leonardo's work, according to Michael Daley of ArtWatch UK, who praises her scientific understanding over traditional art history interpretations.

Entertainment

'The Bear' Back for Season 3

Hulu and FX's popular culinary series will premiere its third season on June 27, with all 10 episodes available for streaming that day.

A short teaser trailer accompanies the announcement, showing Jeremy Allen White’s character, Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto, in his white chef’s jacket, entering his newly renovated kitchen early in the morning.

Season 3 will follow Carmy and his team, Sydney Adamu (Ayo Edebiri) and Richard “Richie” Jerimovich (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), as they strive to elevate The Bear, their transformed beef stand turned fine dining establishment, while struggling to stay afloat. The season will explore their pursuit of culinary excellence and the challenges it brings to their relationships and business.

Season 2 chronicled Carmy and his crew's stressful efforts to convert their Chicago sandwich joint into a high-end foodie destination.

Returning cast members include Abby Elliott, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas, and Matheson, with Oliver Platt and Molly Gordon in recurring roles.

Earlier this year, "The Bear" won 10 Emmys, including Best Comedy Series, and three Golden Globes.

Mind Stretchers

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A precious stone, as clear as diamond. Seek it out while the sun’s near the horizon. Though you can walk on water with its power, try to keep it, and it’ll vanish in an hour.

Answers to yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:
The answer is 28. The sequence follows a + 3, + 4, + 5, + 6 and + 7 pattern.   

Jennye Smith 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.

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.