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Did you know that sloths can hold their breath longer than dolphins—they can slow their heart rate and stay underwater for up to 40 minutes. Enjoy today’s stories! 🦥 

Innovation

Nanoparticle Therapy

Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading global causes of death, largely due to the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to inflammation and heart attacks.

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed an innovative nanotherapy aimed at treating arterial plaque inflammation. This cutting-edge therapy specifically targets inflamed areas in the arteries, activating the immune system to break down and eliminate harmful plaque. There are two types of arterial plaque. One type can cause 95% to 99% blockages, resulting in symptoms such as chest pain, nausea, and dizziness; this type is often treated with stents to enhance blood flow. The other type is highly inflammatory and presents a greater risk of rupture, which can lead to sudden heart attacks. The new nanotherapy focuses on this dangerous type of plaque.

Bryan Smith, an associate professor at MSU, emphasizes the urgency of addressing this issue: "That’s the scarier one that leads to most heart attacks. These plaques may not significantly block the artery, but if they rupture, blood flow can be completely obstructed very suddenly." The research team developed the nanotherapy using nanoparticles, which are thinner than a human hair. This therapy precisely targets immune cells within the plaque, stimulating them to dismantle the plaque's core while also reducing inflammation in the blood vessel. To assess its effectiveness, safety, and potential side effects, the nanotherapy was tested on pigs. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in plaque inflammation without any adverse effects.

“Using PET scans, we measured the therapy's impact on pig arteries,” Smith explained. “We showed that we could decrease inflammation levels in the plaque through both PET imaging and molecular assays, with no observed side effects from the targeted therapy.” Initial tests on mice required only small quantities of the nanotherapy, but researchers have successfully scaled up production to liters for use in pigs. This advancement marks a significant step toward making the therapy accessible for patients suffering from arterial plaque inflammation.

World News

First Female 'Brother' Joins Veterans

The Lord Leycester in Warwick, an institution for senior or infirm army veterans since the 1500s, has welcomed its first female member, Janet Brodie-Murphy. Historically housing over 400 male residents since its establishment in 1571 by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, this site retains its original purpose as a home for soldiers from the reign of Elizabeth I, with structures dating back to the 14th century. Janet, who served in the Women’s Royal Army Corps, and her partner, Alan Gill, a fellow veteran, will be recognized as "Brother Jan" and "Brother Alan," honoring Tudor traditions.

Janet expressed her honor in joining the Lord Leycester and her commitment to raising awareness of its significant history. The site is known for its medieval architecture and government protection, and it continues to serve former servicemen from the Army, Royal Air Force, and Navy. Heidi Meyer, the first female Master of the Lord Leycester, celebrated Janet's membership, highlighting the ongoing role of the Brethren in welcoming visitors and leading tours.

Environment

‘Huge Environmental Win’

Australia will add over 10,000 square miles to the protected area of the Heard and McDonald Islands in its southern territorial waters. This, along with expansions of existing marine sanctuaries, will bring the total percentage of protected ocean territory in Australia to 52% by the end of the current administration—more than any other country. Australian Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek stated, “This is not just a huge environmental win for Australia; it’s a huge environmental win for the world.” Heard and McDonald Islands, located more than 2,000 miles south of the Australian mainland, encompass about 144 square miles of volcanic terrain and are among the most remote places on Earth.

The islands serve as breeding grounds for 19 bird species, including four types of penguins, and host numerous other bird species. They are recognized as a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site and a RAMSAR Wetland, in addition to being designated as a national marine sanctuary. The recent expansion increases the sanctuary's size by 11,500 square miles (30,000 square kilometers), but this only accounts for one-tenth of the total proposed marine protected areas. The planned marine protected areas will collectively cover an area comparable to Italy. Under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the administration aims to establish a new environmental protection agency and set high standards for conservation commitments in line with the “30x30” initiative, which advocates for 30% of land and waters to be protected by 2030 to mitigate environmental degradation.

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Mind Stretchers

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I'm gentle enough to soothe your skin, Light enough to fly through the sky, Strong enough to crack rocks. What am I?

Answers to yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:
The shape of my form will waver and bend By the things I’m destroying and those I will rend. My color changes from bright red to blue, The power I’m using will dictate my hue.

What am I?

Flame! 🔥 — you got this right first again Chris! 😎 

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