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Did you know that it was recently discovered that an active volcano in Antarctica spews out about $6,000 worth of gold every day?

Mount Erebus, one of the most intense and southernmost active volcanoes on Earth, is estimated to release approximately 80 grams of gold each day.

The gold has been detected in the air up to 621 miles away from Mount Erebus.

Also, here is a great video with some slow-motion Olympic gymnastics clips from the women’s team finals. It includes gymnasts from multiple countries. So there is footage there that we have not shared yet.

Innovation

Common Drug as Cobra Venom Antidote

In a recent study, scientists from Sydney and Liverpool discovered that a commonly available blood thinner can also act as an antidote to cobra venom. The research utilized CRISPR gene-editing technology to identify cells immune to snake venom and determine a mechanism to prevent necrosis from snake bites.

The authors describe snake bites as "the deadliest neglected tropical disease," noting that approximately 140,000 people die and 400,000 suffer permanent injuries annually due to snake bites. Cobra venom, in particular, causes necrosis and can affect the nervous system, heart, and brain.

Antivenom is often prohibitively expensive, costing about seven times the average daily wage in countries where cobra bites are prevalent. This has led some pharmaceutical companies to discontinue production.

The study, led by Professor Greg Heely and Ph.D. student Tian Du at the University of Sydney, found that cobra venom targets the "heparan/heparin sulfate biosynthesis pathway" in human cells. This pathway produces heparan and heparin, the latter being a blood thinner. The venom binds to these molecules, attacking the cells.

The researchers used this information to repurpose heparin as an antidote. By introducing exogenous heparin, they were able to prevent necrosis in human cells and mice by diverting the venom away from endogenous heparin. Cobras, part of the Elapidae family, are responsible for more bite deaths and amputations in parts of Asia and Africa than any other snake group.

The team also suggested that their method could be used to develop antivenoms for other venomous species. Professor Neely noted that the three-finger toxins found in cobra venom are also present in the blue bottle jellyfish, a subject for future research.

Sports

ISS Crossing the Sun Captured in Stunning Detail

Portuguese astrophotographer Miguel Claro has once again enchanted the public with his stunning imagery. This time, he captured a detailed image of the International Space Station (ISS) as it transited the Sun. Traveling at an average speed of 17,500 miles per hour, the ISS only takes a few seconds to cross the Sun while it is orbiting the Earth.

This makes the clarity of Claro's image particularly remarkable. He had to develop his own processing method to get the image because it is unlike anything he has taken before.

“I hope that this image can give emotions that can transmit the beauty of the universe, and in this case, how spectacular the Sun is,” said Claro. “But also our capacity to make huge achievements as humanity: work in teams, put politics aside, and build the largest manmade structure in space, the International Space Station, capable of carrying on board astronauts permanently, an incredible artificial satellite orbiting our planet.”

To support Claro's work and have this piece of art in your home, you can purchase fine art prints of the ISS transit online.

Here is an amazing video of the shot being taken.

World News

Tang Dynasty Mural Unearthed

In north-central China, roadwork near Taiyuan city unearthed a Tang Dynasty tomb notable for its well-preserved murals depicting everyday life.

Unlike the expected imagery of dragons and heavenly palaces, this tomb features scenes of household chores and a glimpse of the Silk Road, including a blond haired foreigner.

Discovered in 2018 on a hillside along the old Jin Ci West Central Ring Road in Taiyuan, the tomb comprises a brick chamber, entranceway, and corridor, and dates back to around 736 AD during the Tang Dynasty.

The Tang Dynasty marked the height of the Chinese Empire, known for its vast territory, cultural richness, and development in arts, literature, and commerce. Notable rulers from this period include Empress Wu Zetian and Emperor Taizong.

The murals on the tomb's three walls and four ceiling faces depict scenes of Tang life, such as men and women stepping on and scooping rice, grinding grain, making noodles, bathing, and using a device in an orange tree to draw water from a well.

One panel shows a "Westerner," likely a Sogdian trader, with blond hair holding the reins of an Asian camel and several horses. The Sogdians were prominent traders along the Silk Road, distinct from the Turks with whom the Tang Emperor often clashed.

Other panels possibly depict the tomb's owners, an older man and woman, shown under trees in the "figure under a tree" style, a traditional Chinese art form dating back to the Han Dynasty.

The final panels feature yellow-robed sword bearers at the tomb entrance, with doormen holding the coffin, welcoming visitors. The ceiling is adorned with mythical beasts, likely dragons or phoenixes.

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Mind Stretchers

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Yesterday’s Answers to the Mind Stretchers:
Paul is 5 and goes to bed at 6 o’clock every evening. His older sister Olivia is 7 and doesn’t go to bed untill 7 o’clock. Melanie is 13 and goes to bed two and a half hours after Paul. Stephen is 9 and goes to bed one hour after Olivia. Who goes to bed latest?
- Melanie

Chris Hostetler got the correct answer 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.