Good Morning! 🌞

Have any of you all been able to see the aurora borealis that have happened over the last few days?

Unfortunately it was cloudy were I live when it happened. But I have heard that quite a few areas around the US got to see them.

What a fantastic thing to have happen. There will likely be more this year because of the current cycle the sun is in.

Innovation

Revolutionary New ‘Living Plastic’

Scientists claim to have developed a method to enhance the durability and biodegradability of plastics by incorporating bacterial spores that have undergone evolutionary selection. This innovation, dubbed "living plastic," can decompose within approximately five months without requiring additional microbial assistance.

Led by researchers from the University of California San Diego (UCSD), the team engineered this living plastic using thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a common material in various consumer products like footwear and cushions.

The plastic contains bacterial spores that, when exposed to nutrients found in compost, activate and break down the material at the end of its life cycle. Specifically, the spores originate from Bacillus subtilis, a strain known for its ability to degrade plastic polymers.

By utilizing bacterial spores instead of active bacteria, which are more resilient to harsh conditions, the team ensured the material's stability. This biodegradable plastic was created by combining Bacillus subtilis spores with TPU pellets and extruding them into thin strips.

In experiments conducted in both microbial-rich and sterile compost environments, the plastic strips degraded by up to 90% within five months without the presence of additional microbes. This self-degradation property enhances the versatility of the technology, making it applicable even in microbe-free settings.

While further research is needed to assess any residual effects after degradation, the team believes that any remaining bacterial spores are likely harmless. Bacillus subtilis is a safe strain commonly used in probiotics and agriculture.

The study, published in Nature Communications, also highlights the evolutionary refinement of the bacterial spores to withstand the high temperatures involved in TPU manufacturing. This process not only enhances the material's mechanical properties but also ensures its suitability for industrial-scale production.

Moving forward, the researchers aim to expand the range of biodegradable materials that can be produced using this technology. However, the widespread adoption of such innovations hinges on their cost-effectiveness and scalability in mass production—a challenge that the team is actively addressing.

Health Sciences

Type 1 Diabetes Drug Protects Pancreas

Johns Hopkins scientists have reported promising results regarding an experimental antibody drug that could potentially prevent and reverse the onset of type 1 diabetes in mice, potentially extending their lifespans. The drug, known as mAb43, is distinguished by its direct targeting of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, aiming to protect them from attacks by the body’s immune system cells.

Researchers highlight mAb43's specificity for these cells, suggesting it could be used long-term in humans with minimal side effects. Monoclonal antibodies like mAb43 are produced by replicating animal or human cell lines.

Published in the May issue of Diabetes, these findings offer hope for a new treatment for type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune condition affecting around 2 million Americans with no current cure or prevention method.

Unlike type 2 diabetes, where the pancreas produces insufficient insulin, type 1 diabetes occurs because the immune system targets and destroys pancreatic cells responsible for insulin production, disrupting blood sugar regulation.

Dr. Dax Fu, leading the research team at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, explains that mAb43 binds to a specific protein on beta cells' surfaces, providing a shield against immune system attacks.

Initial trials involved administering weekly doses of mAb43 to non-obese mice predisposed to type 1 diabetes. By 35 weeks, all treated mice showed no signs of diabetes. Even when doses were delayed until later stages, only one out of five mice developed diabetes, with no adverse effects noted.

Moreover, mice treated with mAb43 lived significantly longer than untreated mice, showcasing the drug's potential longevity benefits.

Further analysis revealed that mAb43 prompted beta cells to multiply while reducing inflammation in the pancreas, suggesting a potential reduction in insulin dependence with continued use.

The researchers are now focused on developing a humanized version of mAb43 for future clinical trials to assess its safety and efficacy in preventing type 1 diabetes.

World News

Belgium's First White-Tailed Eagle in 500 Years

White-tailed eagles nesting and breeding in Belgium have been observed for the first time since the era of Florentine explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano, who was the first European to lay eyes on the island of Manhattan, around 500 years ago. Although not classified as endangered, this marks a remarkable resurgence for a bird that had been significantly reduced in numbers across much of Western Europe.

At De Blankaart nature reserve in West Flanders, a single chick has been recorded hatching to a pair of mates named Paul and Betty, with another expected soon.

While in places like Norway, Russia, and Germany, where this bird, also known as the sea eagle or grey sea eagle, is a familiar sight, in Belgium, it's a rare occurrence.

To safeguard Paul and Betty, the local government has established a protected area around their nest, imposing a hefty fine of up to €500,000 for intruders.

The decline of white-tailed eagles, particularly notable in the 20th century, coincided with the widespread use of agricultural chemicals, a burden that has now been largely lifted from the landscape. Consequently, there are now over 6,000 breeding pairs in Europe, leading to the species being classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.

Yet, for Belgians who have scarcely seen this animal for half a millennium, its reappearance is noteworthy. These eagles have held significance in European culture for millennia, evident in their representation on coats of arms, ancient carvings, and even their symbolic burial alongside human remains dating back thousands of years.

Entertainment

Spider-Man 4: Release Date, Cast, & More

Spider-Man 4 is reportedly in the works, but there's no confirmed release date as of May 2024. The usual two-year gap between MCU Spider-Man movies was disrupted when Spider-Man 4 didn't hit theaters in December 2023, leaving fans in anticipation for a longer period.

Sony has marked June 27, 2025, for an untitled Marvel film, potentially hinting at the return of Tom Holland's Spider-Man. However, production would need to kick into gear soon to meet that date. Alternatively, this slot could be for the delayed release of Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, although fans hope for a shorter wait for the animated sequel.

As for Holland's future as Spider-Man, while he initially hinted at moving on after Spider-Man: No Way Home, he later clarified his stance, expressing openness to the possibility of continuing if it serves the character's development. However, he made clear that any future installment must justify its existence and contribution to Spider-Man's narrative.

Mind Stretchers 

⁉️ 

It’s shorter than the rest, but when you’re satisfied, you bring it up. What is it?

The answer to yesterday’s Mind Stretcher was:
Rice 🍚 

Debbie Ettinger got the correct answer first!

No one got this one unfortunately. But I did like one persons answer of “Pineapple upside down cake?”

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 this 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.