Good morning! 🌞 

Did you know that today, October 23, is National Crocs Day. Love them or hate them, Crocs have made their mark as a practical and comfortable choice. Whether you wear them at home or out and about, they definitely stand out!

Now, let’s get into today’s news!

Innovation

Wearable Cuff ‘Rewires’ Brains

A recent study involving stroke patients has found that a discreet armband equipped with electrodes can help restore flexibility in their impaired arms.

Developed by the startup Neubond, the device is designed to integrate into daily routines, enabling patients with limited motor functions to engage more effectively in rehabilitation. Neubond's co-founders, Jumpei Kashiwakura and Patrick Sagastegui Alva, have collaborated with a stroke support group in London, near the Imperial College London campus, to refine their device. The findings were published in the journal NYU Scholars. The prototype armband, worn on the upper forearm, includes electrodes that detect muscle activation and stimulate nerves to help re-establish their connection with the brain. According to Kashiwakura, the device promotes neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to reorganize and form new neural pathways for regaining control over the affected limb. After just eight sessions, one patient, Lisa Vincent, reported significant improvements; her left arm, previously rigid, gained much greater flexibility and control. “Three weeks ago, my daughter put my granddaughter on my lap, and I held her with this arm because I felt in control of the wrist. I cried myself to sleep that night. It was amazing to be able to do that,” Vincent told Reuters.

Neubond was selected as one of five finalists in the Imperial College’s Venture Catalyst Challenge (VCC), which supports early-stage businesses in developing innovative ideas for commercialization. The VCC program includes coaching, expert meetings, workshops, and pitch training over three months, culminating in a competition for a £20,000 Grand Prize, part of a total prize pool of £100,000, making it the largest university competition focused on entrepreneurship in the UK.

World News

China’s Community Kitchen

In Nanchang, near a cancer hospital, two elderly residents, Wan Zuocheng and Hong Gengxiang, operate a “community cancer kitchen” to assist caregivers of cancer patients.
For two decades, they have provided this service, which has recently gained national attention. Mr. Wan is very particular about the importance of good food, stating, “No matter what life throws at you, you must eat good food.” For just 3 RMB (around $0.32), anyone can use the kitchen facilities to prepare meals, whether for patients seeking familiar food or for their caregivers. The couple originally ran a restaurant next to the Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, but after it was demolished in 1993, they set up a breakfast stall. In 2003, they decided to start their charity kitchen after a family came to them with a child who refused treatment but wanted a meal cooked by his mother. They allowed the family to use their kitchen, marking the beginning of their charitable efforts.

Over time, they expanded their kitchen with additional utensils, appliances, and cooking facilities. As costs for utilities increased, community support also grew, allowing them to continue their work. Donations now exceed expenses, and nearly 10,000 people have used the cancer kitchen. Food holds significant cultural importance in China, often serving as a greeting. Research shows that positive experiences, such as receiving home-cooked meals, can enhance cancer treatment outcomes. In 2019, the local government renovated the kitchen, moving it indoors and adding over 20 cooking stations and ventilators. In 2020, they were recognized as one of the “People Who Move China,” a television honor akin to CNN Heroes.

Goood News

Cats and House Rules

Surveillance footage from a family home has captured an older cat teaching a new kitten the house rules. In the video, Frank, a six-year-old cat, picks up five-month-old Whelan by the scruff of his neck and pulls him off the kitchen counter. While Olivia Goodman was on the phone, the camera recorded Frank's method of discipline in another room. Having lived with Olivia since he was a kitten, Frank knows the household guidelines, while Whelan is still learning the ropes.

This clip demonstrates how pets communicate and establish boundaries in their home. Watch the video below to see the interaction.

Support Daily Upsider!

Help our mission to share positive, meaningful news! Your support keeps us going without the need to bombard you with annoying ads!

Mind Stretchers

⁉️ 

We’re trying out a new thing today, it’s called a word ladder— here’s how to do it.

Change the word "cold" into "warm" by altering letters.

1. First, change 1 letter in "cold" to form a new valid word.

2. Next, change 2 letters in the last word to form another valid word.

3. Finally, change 1 letter in the last word to reach "warm".

• Start: COLD

• Step 1: ____

• Step 2: ____

• End: WARM

Hint: Each step must be a valid word!

Goodluck! 🍀 

Yesterday’s Answers to the Mind Stretchers:
It’s almost spooky season again, here’s an anagram for you. Rearrange the letters to come up with words related to Halloween 🎃 

enfantinkers - Linda Runatz got this 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 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.