Good Morning! 🌞

Today I wanted to share this beautiful and captivating piece of history.

Santa Maria, Strela do Dia is a medieval cantiga from the reign of Alfonso X of Castile (1221–1284 A.D.). It is part of a larger collection of music dedicated to the Virgin Mary called the Cantigas de Santa Maria. The language is an early Medieval Galician-Portuguese.

This version was performed by the incredible Apollo’s Fire group.

Health Sciences

Reversing Cancer Cells

A new study from South Korea suggests that the most effective way to tackle cancer may not be destroying the tumor but reversing the changes that turn cells cancerous. Rather than killing mutated cells outright, researchers aim to reprogram them, guiding the cells back to a healthy state at a critical point when they are neither completely cancerous nor fully normal.

Although this experiment, conducted on a lab-grown tumor, is in its early stages, it offers valuable insights into how cells can be coaxed back to health. The team focused on pinpointing genetic network changes that fuel cancer, identifying key moments when tumor cells are most amenable to being redirected.

The study also highlights an enzyme that prevents the breakdown of cancer-related proteins, effectively feeding tumor growth. By blocking this enzyme in the lab, researchers halted the tumor’s expansion and prompted a return to normal cell function. While much remains to be discovered, the team is now investigating how this enzyme behaves in both tumor and healthy cells—and whether it might be a viable target for new pharmaceutical treatments in the future.

Culture

Turning Sand into Swords

Ever wondered what goes into making a legendary samurai sword? This video takes you through the meticulous process of crafting a katana—from gathering iron sand and smelting steel to the precise forging that gives the blade its strength and iconic sharpness. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the skill, tradition, and artistry behind one of Japan’s most revered weapons.

Good News

Never Too Late…

Ted Midgely, a dyslexic Englishman, struggled with reading throughout his life, never receiving proper education on the matter. At 58 years old, with the help of a tutor, he finally learned to read, opening the door to enjoy a magazine he had bought in 1985.

Born in Bradford, England, Midgely faced challenges in school and was labeled "lazy" by teachers. It wasn’t until middle school that his parents were informed he might be dyslexic. After transferring to a school for students with learning difficulties, he still struggled and eventually dropped out of the education system to work in a textile mill.

Despite his literacy challenges, Midgely had a successful career as a mechanic in the British motorsport "speedway." His work allowed him to travel internationally, which sparked his desire to learn to read. After deciding to pursue a role as a manager for an Australian rider, Midgely began taking reading lessons. With the help of his tutor, Duncan Livsey, Midgely was able to read emails and, for the first time, enjoy the Speedway Star magazine he had bought decades earlier.

"I’ve had this for so long and never been able to read it… it was amazing to do it," Midgely said.

Mind Stretchers

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Yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:

—beady eyes! Chris Hostetler got this early 🌞 

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.

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.