Good Morning! 🌞 

Did you know that coffee is the second most traded commodity in the world, right after crude oil? This beloved beverage fuels mornings, conversations, and even economies! So, whether you’re sipping on an espresso or savoring a latte, you’re part of a global tradition that connects millions! ☕️ 

Health Sciences

New Lupus Treatment

A groundbreaking study has shown that CAR T-cell therapy, a treatment originally developed for cancer, can lead to remission in patients with severe Lupus. Within three months of treatment, participants were able to stop their regular medications, sparking hope for a potential cure for the autoimmune disease that affects 5 million people worldwide. Lupus occurs when the immune system attacks healthy cells, causing symptoms like internal inflammation, joint pain, and swelling.

In two small trials, conducted in Germany and the UK, researchers used CAR T-cell therapy to target the disease’s underlying mechanism. The therapy involves modifying a patient’s immune cells outside the body and reintroducing them with instructions to attack the faulty components driving the disease—in this case, B cells, which are central to Lupus. The German study, conducted in 2022, treated five patients, all of whom showed complete B cell depletion. Remarkably, when B cells later regenerated through normal processes, Lupus symptoms did not return. Dr. Carl June, a leading expert in the field, called the results promising, highlighting CAR T-cell therapy’s potential for broader applications.

The UK trial replicated these findings in patients who had lived with Lupus for over 30 years. Although short-term risks, such as weakened or hyperactive immune systems, exist, participants reported significant relief from their symptoms. Long-term monitoring over 15 years will determine the therapy’s sustained impact. Professor Ben Parker, a rheumatologist at Manchester Royal Infirmary, hailed the breakthrough as a major milestone in Lupus research, with the potential to replace lifelong medication and transform patient outcomes.

Good News

Inheritance from Strangers

David Clarke of Liverpool chose to donate his $125,000 inheritance to strengthen his community, inspired by his late mother’s sense of civic responsibility. After her tragic death in a cycling accident, Clarke sought to honor her values by using the money to make a meaningful impact. He engaged 600 neighbors for input, receiving 38 suggestions, and formed a committee to allocate the funds to four local charities, each receiving £25,000.

Among the beneficiaries is Team Oasis, a charity in one of Liverpool’s most underprivileged areas, offering free meals and activities like dance and football to families, many of whom face challenges like disabilities or mental health struggles. Director Paul Nilson described the donation as “a blessing,” enabling the organization to fund RV holidays in seaside towns, providing families with experiences they might otherwise never have. Gemma O’Brien, a mother whose son has a brain injury and autism, shared how Team Oasis nurtured her son’s love of music, inspiring him to teach himself guitar and piano.

Another recipient, Liverpool Kids Plant to Plate, educates urban children on growing and preparing their own food, fostering sustainability and self-reliance. Clarke’s initiative reflects a broader trend of collective giving, echoing the story of Marlene Engelhorn, an Austrian heiress who entrusted Salzburg residents to distribute her $25 million inheritance. Together, these acts highlight the transformative power of philanthropy driven by community collaboration.

Environment

Invasive Crab vs Otters

In California, southern sea otters are playing a crucial role in protecting coastal ecosystems from invasive green crabs. Introduced from Europe in the 1800s through ballast water, green crabs have caused extensive damage by destroying native crab hatcheries, preying on juvenile salmon, and degrading eelgrass beds. However, in areas like Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, the sea otters' appetite for these destructive crabs has helped curb their population and prevent further environmental harm.

Green crabs are among the most damaging invasive species in U.S. marine environments, costing millions of dollars in control efforts, including over $12 million spent by Washington state alone. Elkhorn Slough, which has harbored green crabs since 2000, witnessed an unexpected decline in their numbers as the sea otter population began to rebound. Once nearly hunted to extinction in the 19th century, southern sea otters are now protected, and their resurgence has coincided with the crabs' retreat, highlighting their role as a natural control mechanism.

Today, approximately 120 sea otters inhabit Elkhorn Slough, the only estuary in the southern U.S. where otters have repopulated. Their predation on green crabs has led to healthier eelgrass beds, improved water quality, and a dramatic reduction in green crab traps, which previously could hold up to 100 crabs at a time. With an estimated 3,000 sea otters now in U.S. waters, their recovery offers hope for restoring coastal ecosystems, reversing damage caused by invasive species, and preventing the spread of green crabs to other vulnerable areas.

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Mind Stretchers

⁉️ 

I’m born from a cherry, but not like you think,
Ground down to powder, I’m poured in your drink.
I wake you up when morning’s near,
My bold aroma brings you cheer.
What am I?

Answers to yesterday’s Mind Stretchers

I fall without a sound, but leave my mark all around. I come in many forms, sometimes gentle, sometimes wild. What am I? —snow, Debbie Ettinger got this correct 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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