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Recent research indicates that a hormone produced by babies, GDF15, may cause extreme morning sickness in expectant mothers, known as hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). A woman's sensitivity to this hormone can predict her susceptibility to HG. This discovery brings us closer to finally finding a cure for this mysterious condition.

Innovation

This Smart Roof Can Cut Heating and Cooling Bills

UC Santa Barbara researchers, Charlie Xiao, Elliot Hawkes, and Bolin Liao, have introduced a solution to address the high energy consumption associated with heating and cooling in buildings. Their creation, outlined in a recent Device journal paper, is an adaptive roof tile designed to autonomously switch between heating and cooling states based on the temperature, without relying on electronics.

The breakthrough came with Xiao's idea of utilizing a wax motor—a technology found in common appliances. The wax motor responds to temperature changes and adjusts louvers on the tile's surface. In colder temperatures, the wax solidifies, closing the louvers and absorbing sunlight. As temperatures rise, the wax melts, opening the louvers to reflect sunlight and emit heat.

The researchers' tests showed a significant reduction in cooling and heating energy consumption—3.1 times and 2.6 times, respectively—compared to non-switching devices with conventional coatings. Remarkably, the device operates without electronics, batteries, or external power sources, relying solely on the wax motor. Its simplicity allows for customization and potential mass production.

While still in the proof-of-concept stage, the researchers anticipate that this technology could positively impact the cost of heating and cooling our houses.

Culture

$3.99 Vase Sells for $100,000 in an Auction!

Jessica Vincent, a thrifting enthusiast from Richmond, Virginia, hit the jackpot when a $3.99 glass vase she bought at Goodwill turned out to be worth over $107,000. Vincent, a regular at the store, spotted the high-quality Murano glass vase with a distinctive swirling design. Recognizing it was rare she went to several glassware Facebook groups to see if anyone could identify its value. One of the members discovered it was from the rare "Pennellate" series designed by architect Carlo Scarpa for Venini in 1942.

The experts at the auction house Wright verified its authenticity, and the vase, initially valued between $30,000 and $50,000, eventually sold for more than double the top estimate.

“I love that I can say that I owned a ‘Pennellate,’” Vincent said. “But I really felt like the right thing, for me, was to send it off into the art world where it can be fully appreciated.” “I needed the money more than I need the vase,” she added, calling the windfall “a blessing.”

Despite the significant payout, Vincent remains committed to her thrifting hobby, always on the lookout for the next exciting find.

Environment

Twin Corpse Flowers Bloom Together, Yielding 700 Seeds!

In a truly extraordinary and rare occurrence, two corpse flowers in a Japanese botanical garden have bloomed simultaneously, leading to natural pollination. This remarkable event has resulted in one of the plants producing a staggering 736 seeds, which are vital for the conservation of this endangered species.

The corpse flower, native to the Indonesian rainforests, blooms at unpredictable intervals, sometimes years apart, making this simultaneous blooming a truly exceptional event. The plant emits a pungent, foul odor to attract carrion flies for pollination. While artificial pollination has been challenging, the rare occurrence in May of a female plant blooming just before a male one has led to a successful pollination and the production of over 700 seeds.

The reproductive process of the corpse flower is unique and fascinating. The plant infects a genus of vines and relies entirely on its host for energy. Its intricate reproductive process makes it an intriguing botanical specimen.

This rare event in the Japanese botanical garden is a significant achievement for the cultivation of the endangered corpse flower.

World News

Lost Rembrandt Portraits Take Center Stage in Dutch Exhibition

The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam recently revealed the smallest formal portraits by Rembrandt, known as "Jan and Jaapgen," after their rediscovery this year. The oval images of a wealthy slater and plumber from Leiden and his wife, valued at £11.2 million ($14.2 million), are now part of the Dutch master's recognized work.

Jonathan Bikker, the museum's curator, expressed the rarity of such discoveries. Painted in 1635, the 19.9-by-16.5-centimeter depictions of Jan and Jaapgen who were family friends of Rembrandt, were likely done as a favor during the artist's peak in Amsterdam. They are smaller versions of two larger works initially not attributed to Rembrandt but later confirmed through extensive research, including X-radiography and paint analysis.

Mind Stretchers

I'm always hungry, I must always be fed. The finger I lick will soon turn red. What am I?

Answers to yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:
Your Breath

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]

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.