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Are you both near and short sighted? If yes - make sure to read the article below! 🤓 

Innovation

Magic Eyesight

Ophthalmologists have developed a practical spiral-shaped contact lens designed to maintain clear focus at various distances and in different lighting conditions.

This innovative lens functions similarly to progressive lenses used for vision correction but without the typical distortions associated with those lenses. Its potential applications extend to advancing contact lens technologies, intraocular implants for cataracts, and miniaturized imaging systems.

The inspiration for this design originated from analyzing severe corneal deformations in patients, leading to the conceptualization of a lens with a unique spiral design. This design causes light to spin, creating an 'optical vortex' phenomenon with multiple clear focus points, enabling the lens to provide clear focus at different distances.

Laurent Galinier, the paper's first author, explained that while creating an optical vortex usually requires multiple optical components, their lens incorporates the necessary elements directly into its surface. This simplification marks a significant advancement in optics.

Published in Optica, the researchers refer to their creation as the "spiral diopter," and Bertrand Simon from another optics laboratory believes it could revolutionize ophthalmology. Unlike existing multifocal lenses, this lens performs well under various light conditions and maintains multifocality regardless of pupil size.

The lens was created using advanced digital machining for precision in molding the unique spiral design. Validation involved imaging a digital 'E' similar to those used on an optometrist's board, with satisfactory image quality regardless of aperture size. Adjusting the topological charge, or the number of windings around the optical axis, modified the optical vortices.

Volunteers using the lenses reported noticeable improvements in visual acuity at various distances and lighting conditions. Simon emphasized that this lens could significantly enhance depth of vision under changing lighting conditions and might lead to advancements in compact imaging technologies, wearable devices, and remote sensing systems for drones or self-driving cars.

Entertainment

Rock Icons Unite for Charity Song

Renowned guitarists and rock icons have joined forces to create a charity single supporting teens with cancer, initiated by Mark Knopfler of the Dire Straits. The star-studded lineup, including David Gilmour, Eric Clapton, and Jeff Beck, contributes to a track set to release on March 15th, reviving Knopfler's film anthem 'Going Home.' Proceeds will benefit Teenage Cancer Trust in the UK and Teen Cancer America in the US.

In addition to the music, funds are raised through signed guitars, with four of eight already sold for the US charity. Knopfler's guitar collection sale at Christie's, totaling over $8 million, allocates 25% to charity. The record label, NeoFidelity Recordings, makes a significant donation, and the cover artist, Sir Peter Blake, contributes limited edition prints for sale, each signed, benefiting Teenage Cancer Trust.

A guitar earmarked for charity will be auctioned by Knopfler in Newcastle on March 1, preceding Newcastle United's match on March 2, where a sneak peek of the song will be played. Knopfler expresses gratitude for the overwhelming support, emphasizing the unexpected success of the initiative.

You can preorder the EP extended play on CD or vinyl—or preorder digital tracks on iTunes and other platforms here.

U.S News

Volunteers Gift Home to Fallen Soldier's Family

Operation Coming Home, a mission dedicated to assisting injured troops and families of fallen service members, recently unveiled "Hero Home #27" in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. The home was gifted to the family of Staff Sgt. Juantrea Bradley, who lost his life in Iraq. Ava Bradley, his widow, expressed gratitude, saying, 'We thank God for everybody who had anything to do with it. We appreciate everybody. Everybody.'

The house, constructed by volunteers from Garman Homes, was made possible through contributions from local and national businesses. Windows, air conditioning, and other components were donated to ensure the comfort of Ms. Bradley and her children. The ceremony on the front lawn included singing, tears, and tributes before Ava received the keys. She appreciates the significance of the gesture, stating, 'It shows they appreciate what their dad and my late husband did. We are not alone. They see it, and they love us, too.'
The event highlighted the community's support for the Bradley family and honored the sacrifice made by Staff Sgt. Juantrea Bradley.

Sports

Throwback Monday

On this day last year, 
Stenhouse won the Daytona 500 in double overtime and under caution on Sunday in the longest running of "The Great American Race.'' The two overtimes pushed the 65th running of the event to a record 212 laps -- a dozen laps beyond the scheduled distance and a whopping 530 miles.

It provided anxious moments before a landmark celebration: The first Daytona 500-winning team co-owned by a Black man and a woman. Stenhouse's win for JTG Daugherty Racing was the third of his career. JTG is the first single-car team to win the Daytona 500 since Wood Brothers Racing did it with Trevor Bayne in 2011.

Mind Stretchers 

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There are two fathers and two sons. They walk into a candy store and each buys a candy bar for 50 cents. The total for all of the candy bars was $1.50. How is that possible?

The answer to yesterday’s Mind Stretcher was:
24! —25 if you want to get fussy (some say the triangle in the artists’ signature is considered a triangle)

Shout-out to Debbie Ettinger who got her answer (25) in 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 this 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.