Good Morning! 🌞 

It’s spring here in Austin, TX. My wife sent me this picture of a blooming peach tree she found on her morning walk. Though I’m sure it may still feel like winter for many, spring is on its way!!

Innovation

Saliva Test for Breast Cancer

For middle-aged women, undergoing a mammogram has long been an uncomfortable yet crucial process for early detection of breast cancer. However, a groundbreaking development promises to simplify breast cancer screening to a mere saliva test. Researchers unveiled a novel hand-held biosensor capable of identifying breast cancer biomarkers from just a small saliva sample, as published on February 13 in the Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology B.

Lead researcher Hsaio-Hsuan Wan, a doctoral candidate at the University of Florida, heralds the device for its convenience and efficiency. "Our device is an excellent choice because it is portable -- about the size of your hand -- and reusable," Wan stated. "The testing time is under five seconds per sample, which makes it highly efficient."

This innovative biosensor operates with paper test strips that are coated with specific antibodies targeting cancer biomarkers. Upon applying a saliva sample to the strip, the device sends electrical pulses that prompt the biomarkers to attach to the antibodies. This interaction changes the electrode’s output signal, enabling the device to assess cancer risk swiftly.

Contrasts this with traditional screening techniques like mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRI scans, which are not only expensive but also demand substantial equipment and expose patients to low doses of radiation. Wan highlighted the particular significance of this new technology for developing countries, where advanced diagnostic tools may be scarce. "Our technology is more cost-effective, with the test strip costing just a few cents and the reusable circuit board priced at $5," she mentioned.

Remarkably, the biosensor can deliver precise results with a mere drop of saliva, detecting cancer biomarkers in concentrations as low as one-quadrillionth of a gram per milliliter. It specifically looks for biomarkers like human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), which is linked to 15% to 20% of invasive breast cancers, and CA 15-3, an antigen associated with breast cancer.

In trials involving 21 human saliva samples, the device successfully differentiated between healthy tissue, early-stage breast cancer, and advanced breast cancer, based on these biomarkers. Wan expressed her enthusiasm for the device's potential impact: “The highlight for me was when I saw readings that clearly distinguished between healthy individuals and those with cancer. We dedicated a lot of time and effort to perfecting the strip, board and other components. Ultimately, we’ve created a technique that has the potential to help people all around the world.”

This is an amazing development that could save many lives!

Environment

Glow-in-the-Dark Petunias

Forest plants don't naturally glow in the dark like in Avatar, but now we have the ability to genetically modify plants to exhibit bioluminescence. The Firefly Petunia, the first commercially available glowing flower, has received approval from the USDA and is currently open for pre-orders.

Produced by Light Bio, these flowers emit a soft glow similar to moonlight and can be cultivated in pots, baskets, or gardens, achieving a size of 8 to 10 inches with abundant white flowers. Indoors, they can thrive in sunny spots, benefiting from at least six hours of direct sunlight to enhance their brightness.

The concept of bioluminescence was inspired by mushrooms that naturally glow in the dark. Scientists transferred four genes from these mushrooms into a tobacco plant, resulting in continuous bioluminescence throughout the plant's life.

Lead author Karen Sarkisyan highlighted the potential extension of bioluminescence to other plants, such as periwinkles and roses. Beyond the creation of marketable products, the experiments aim to reveal insights into plant behavior through the emitted light.

The initiative not only explores scientific possibilities but also seeks to rekindle an appreciation for the natural beauty of the plant world. The company envisions that the introduction of bioluminescent plants, such as the Firefly Petunia, will spark interest and curiosity in nature and science, particularly among younger audiences. Through hands-on experiences with living plants designed to emit light, individuals can engage with the fascinating realm of biotechnology.

Culture

A Touching Moment for this Little Girl

Sadly, this girl’s father passed away a few years ago. Her school had a father daughter dance and she didn’t have anyone to go with.

So her older sister’s fiance got dressed up and asked if she would like him to stand in for her dad. She accepted and looked so happy to go with him.

What a great thing to see. Here is the YouTube short showing the short story.

World News

England’s Centuries Old Pancake Race

In Olney, England, women dressed in matching checkered aprons, headscarves, and various running shoes gathered for the traditional pancake race. They warmed up with synchronized shoulder rolls, toe raises, and squats before positioning themselves at the starting line, each holding a frying pan.

When the race commenced, they sprinted through the streets, attempting to keep their pancakes intact while following the supposed route taken by a hurried housewife in 1445. Kaisa Larkas, a 44-year-old mother of four, won the Olney title with a time of 63.37 seconds, describing the distance as "horrible" but acknowledging the fun of the experience.

The pancake race tradition has endured across centuries, not only in Olney but also in various locations in England and even in the United States. This year, the U.S. participant, 19-year-old college student and nursing assistant Pamela Bolivar, won the race with a time of 63.03 seconds, marking one of the closest competitions in history.

The race takes place on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent begins, symbolizing a period of repentance and sacrifice in the Christian calendar. While reminiscent of festive celebrations like Mardi Gras, the name Shrove Tuesday itself stems from seeking forgiveness or absolution.

The key to winning the race likely involves a blend of skill, athleticism, and a touch of whimsy, positioning it between the Great British Bake Off and quirky local events like the cheese wheel chase. Runners must flip their pancakes both at the start and finish of the 415-yard sprint, possibly serving as a form of penance ahead of Lent.

Mind Stretchers

⁉️ 

What number would come next?

1
11
21
1211
111221
312211
13112221
1113213211
31131211131221

Answers to yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:
A Barber 😆 

Galen Garretson got the correct answer in 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.

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.