Good Morning! 🌞

I used to think that Manuka honey was terribly overpriced - after researching for today’s article I have changed my opinion…

Health Sciences

Manuka Honey Reduces Breast Cancer Cell Growth

Manuka honey has shown significant potential in reducing the growth of breast cancer cells, particularly ER-positive types, by 84% in a recent study by UC Los Angeles Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. Unlike other types of honey, Manuka honey, derived from the nectar of the manuka tree in New Zealand and coastal Australia, has a unique chemical composition that includes antibacterial properties effective against severe infections.

In the study, Manuka honey not only reduced tumor growth in mice without harming normal cells but also triggered natural cell death, known as apoptosis, which is usually bypassed in cancerous cells. The combination of Manuka honey and the anti-estrogen drug tamoxifen was found to significantly suppress the growth of ER-positive breast cancer cells and had a notable effect on triple-negative breast cancer, a more aggressive form.

Manuka honey undergoes rigorous testing in New Zealand to ensure it meets the necessary chemical and physical standards, including the presence of methylglyoxal, dihydroxyacetone, leptosperin, and traces of Manuka plant DNA. This ensures its authenticity, especially given the high prevalence of counterfeit products in the market.

These findings suggest that Manuka honey could be developed as a natural, less toxic alternative to traditional chemotherapy, although further research is needed to fully understand its potential in cancer treatment.

World News

Ancient Viking Legal Code Found

A recent analysis of the oldest known Viking legal text in Scandinavia has revealed unexpected complexity in their society.

The text, found on an iron ring in Sweden dating back to the 9th century, is known as the Varsa Ring. The inscription, initially thought to dictate that fines had to be paid with an ox and two öre of silver, has been reinterpreted. The word "auk," previously understood as "and," can also mean "or." This suggests that fines could be paid with either an ox or two öre of silver, according to Rodney Edvinsson, Professor of Economic History at Stockholm University.

This flexibility in payment methods reflects a sophisticated legal system where both oxen and silver were acceptable forms of currency, depending on availability. For a Viking often away on raids or trade missions, silver might be more accessible than an ox, while for a farmer, an ox could be a more feasible payment.

Viking trading settlements like Birka and Gotland, where large quantities of silver coins from across Europe have been found, highlight the integration of these payment systems. The valuation of an ox at two öre, or 50 grams of silver, in 10th-century Sweden aligns with contemporary valuations in other parts of Europe, indicating significant economic exchange.

The Icelandic sagas, written in the 13th century by Snorri Sturlsson, frequently depict how Norse legal customs resolved disputes across the scattered Scandinavian regions. These laws, which granted rights to women and required restitution for property crimes, were enforced by community-established norms. Persistent offenders could face severe penalties, including the forfeiture of property or exile.

Culture

Postcard Finally Arrives after 121 Years

This postcard was intended to be delivered over 100 years ago, but it only just arrived.

Dated 1903, the Christmas-themed postcard was addressed to the Swansea Building Society’s Cradock Street branch, which still exists today. The staff there are now trying to find the relatives of Miss Lydia Davis, the intended recipient.

According to the BBC, the sender, Ewart, wrote to "L" expressing his regret that he couldn't "pick up" a "pair" of something unspecified. With 10 shillings in pocket money, not counting train fare, he mentioned that he was "doing alright." He ended the note by asking Lydia to "remember me to (Mssrs) Gilbert and John, with love to all."

When asked about the delayed delivery, the Royal Mail stated that they are obligated to deliver any item in their system to the correct address. They believe the postcard was re-entered into the system rather than being lost for over a century.

Henry Darby, marketing and communications officer for Swansea Building Society, told the BBC that the postcard was delivered with the regular mail. Despite efforts, they haven't had much success in finding Lydia’s relatives. The only clue is that the rest of her family, including her father, John F. Davis, has been identified. Lydia was 16 when the postcard was written.

“So we thought we’d pop it on our social media and thought maybe someone locally may be connected to her, a few generations down,” he said.

Support Daily Upsider!

Help our mission to share positive, meaningful news! Your support keeps us going without the need to bombard you with annoying ads!

Mind Stretchers

⁉️ 

A month has exactly four Fridays, four Saturdays, and four Sundays. What day of the week does the 1st of the month fall on?

Answers to yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:
Find a two-digit number such that when squared, the resulting number ends in the same two digits as the original number.
- The two-digit number is 25. 25^2 = 625, which ends in 25.

Linda Runatz got the correct answer first!

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