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- 🌞 Radiation Resistant Bacteria
🌞 Radiation Resistant Bacteria
Daily Upsider - Monday, January 20th, 2025
Julia Mejia & James Linder
January 20, 2025
Monday January 20th, 2025
Good Morning! 🌞
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do." – Steve Jobs
Welcome to today's edition! Let's dive into another day of inspiration and fresh ideas to keep you motivated and on track toward your goals.
Today’s Upside
Earth Sciences
Radiation Resistant Bacteria
Freepik
In the 1950s, scientists exposed a tin of meat to radiation, expecting it to kill all life. To their surprise, a microorganism survived: the bacteria Deinococcus radiodurans, known for its extraordinary ability to withstand radiation levels thousands of times higher than what would kill a human. This resilience earned it the nickname "Conan the Bacterium."
For years, researchers have been puzzled over the source of its remarkable resistance. A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences sheds light on the mystery. The research reveals that three key components—manganese ions, phosphate, and peptides—combine to form a powerful antioxidant that enhances resistance to radiation.
Co-author Brian Hoffman, a chemist at Northwestern University, was surprised by the synergy of these components. "There’s something new that forms when these components interact," he explained. "The combination makes it more effective than any single part on its own." This breakthrough could lead to advancements in protecting humans from radiation, whether in deep space exploration or during radiological emergencies on Earth.
Lifestyle
‘Washing’ Your Brain
Credit: Nadia Alzoubi and Natalie Hauglund
Recent research suggests that sleep plays a crucial role in clearing waste from the brain, similar to how a dishwasher cleans dishes overnight. This process, known as the glymphatic system, removes waste accumulated during waking hours, including toxic proteins linked to neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s. While the system’s function was previously unclear, new findings shed light on how it works.
Danish scientists from the University of Copenhagen discovered that norepinephrine, a brain molecule, is essential for this cleaning process in mice. During deep sleep, the brainstem releases norepinephrine in small waves every 50 seconds, triggering blood vessels to contract and creating rhythmic pulsations that help clear brain fluid and waste. Professor Maiken Nedergaard of the University of Rochester likened it to turning on a dishwasher, allowing the brain to “wash away” waste while we sleep.
The team also tested zolpidem, a common sleep aid, on mice and found it reduced norepinephrine waves by 50%, which decreased brain fluid transport by over 30%. This suggests that sleep aids may interfere with the brain's natural waste clearance process, potentially impacting brain health and contributing to disorders like Alzheimer’s. The study, published in Cell, emphasizes the importance of natural sleep for brain health and suggests that understanding norepinephrine’s role could lead to better strategies for improving sleep quality.
Good News
Kite Surfer’s Heroic Rescue
While testing video equipment on his board, Brazilian Olympic-level kite surfer Bruno Lobo became the unexpected rescuer of a stranded swimmer. Lobo, 31, described the event as “the day that God used me as an instrument to save this young woman, all honor and glory to Him ☝🏻 🙏🏻.”
A husband and father, Lobo unintentionally recorded much of the rescue while trying out a new camera mount on his board.
Watch the video below!
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Mindful Monday: Start Your Week with Clarity
As we dive into a new week, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush of tasks and responsibilities. But what if you could start your Monday with a sense of calm and focus? Practicing mindfulness can help you do just that.
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, free from distractions. It helps you tune into your thoughts and emotions, allowing you to approach your tasks with a clear mind. Whether it’s through deep breathing, meditation, or simply being aware of your surroundings, incorporating mindfulness into your Monday routine can set a positive tone for the week ahead.
Start with a few minutes of mindful breathing before jumping into your to-do list. Take note of how you feel in the moment, and let go of any tension or stress. This simple act of mindfulness can increase your productivity, reduce anxiety, and help you stay focused on what truly matters.
By making mindfulness a part of your Monday, you’re not just preparing for a productive day—you’re also nurturing your mental well-being for the rest of the week.
Mind Stretchers
⁉️
I can glow without a flame, but I’m not a star. I change the world when I light up. What am I?
Answers to yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:
I fit in your hand, yet connect you far and wide. I speak, show, and listen, but I’m not alive. What am I? — cellphone! Debbie Ettinger got this again early! 🌞
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.
From the Community
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
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