Happy Monday!

Last week we asked you all if you thought the Marvel Cinematic Universe needed a reboot in order to reverse its downwards trajectory.

Here are the results:

- 83% say YES to a reboot
- 6% say NO to a reboot
- 11% answered “other”

Time to switch things up, Marvel!!

Innovation

Toothpaste That Might Stop Peanut Allergies?

In a potential game-changer for peanut allergies, a groundbreaking toothpaste, part of an innovative Oral Mucosal Immunotherapy (OMIT), could pave the way for a safer future.
The toothpaste, containing micro amounts of peanuts, showed promising results in a small trial, with participants tolerating the highest dose without severe reactions. Dr. William Berger, an allergy expert, presented the findings at the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology's annual meeting, emphasizing OMIT's potential for desensitization without the need for extensive clinic visits.
While more testing is required, this toothpaste offers of hope for those with severe peanut allergies.

Culture

24 Ancient Statues Discovered in Italy “Rewrite History”

Archaeologists excavating Roman-era baths near Siena, in the Tuscan hills, have made a groundbreaking discovery – 24 perfectly preserved bronze statues and a treasure of over 5,000 Roman coins. Unearthed in an area known for its thermal hot springs, these statues, dating back to the 200s BC, have remained unoxidized due to the mud's oxygenless environment. This period marks a significant historical phase in Tuscany, being around the time the Romans fully assimilated the Etruscan civilization.

The site, now part of San Casiano dei Bagni, was initially an Etruscan settlement, and the baths were utilized first by the Etruscans and later by the Romans until their decline 600 years later.

Jacopo Tabolli, the lead excavator and a historian at the University for Foreigners in Siena, described the discovery as monumental, claiming it could "rewrite history" of the Italian Peninsula. He highlighted the uniqueness of the find, stating it's "the largest deposit of bronze statues of the Etruscan and Roman age ever discovered in Italy and one of the most significant in the whole Mediterranean." He noted that most statuary art from this era is terracotta.

The statues, depicting deities like Apollo and Hygieia, are also significant for preserving inscriptions in Etruscan and Latin. These inscriptions include honors to the gods and names of influential Etruscan families, such as the Velimna of Perugia and the Marcni.

In response to the discovery, the mayor of San Casiano dei Bagni sees not only a cultural and touristic opportunity but also a chance for the town's rejuvenation. He envisions the creation of a new museum and an archeo-park to house these statues, expecting these to be a catalyst for development and to attract young archaeologists worldwide.

World News

Hidden Treasure Trove of Potential Medicines

Marine life is a hidden treasure trove of potential medicines, releasing countless unseen molecules beneath the waves.

The Mediterranean Institute of Marine and Continental Biodiversity and Ecology (wow, that is a mouthful) has pioneered a device that can capture these elusive compounds from seawater for later detailed analysis.

This innovative tool has already demonstrated its ability to focus on specific molecules found in unique environments like underwater caves, showing great potential for research in delicate habitats, including coral reefs while preserving the natural habitat.

One of the study team’s members, Dr. Pérez, highlighted one such find: aeroplysinin-1 was about 20 times more concentrated in seawater than in a yellow cave-sponge.

The device was tested in Mediterranean sea caves, home to various large sponges, at depths of 65 feet.

Excitingly, the findings, analyzed through mass spectrometry, revealed a wide array of compounds with diverse elemental compositions and many previously unknown molecular structures. These results, published in ACS Central Science, are seen as a significant step towards discovering new natural products.

Environment

California's Oil Rig Dilemma: Environmental Hazard or Marine Haven?

More than 25 oil platforms are scattered along the coast of California. Presently, only 15 of these platforms are operational, and plans are underway to decommission more in the near future. The question of how to handle these unused platforms is sparking debate.

Some environmental advocates argue for the removal of these rigs due to potential problems. However, there is a contrasting viewpoint in the environmental community. These man-made structures have unexpectedly turned into rich ecosystems, providing shelter and living spaces for diverse marine life such as plankton, barnacles, rockfish, mussels, and sea lions.

Marine biologist Ann Scarborough Bull, who spoke with The Guardian and co-authored a 2014 study, highlights the productivity of these platforms. Her research indicates that these artificial reefs are 27 times more productive than California's natural rocky reefs in supporting marine life.

In a discussion with PBS, environmentalist Amber Sparks also expressed her support for preserving these structures. She pointed out that years of scientific study have demonstrated the critical role these platforms play as habitats. They serve as breeding grounds and nurseries for fish, contributing to the ecosystem and helping to offset losses in other nearshore habitats.

Here is a video that shows some impressive shots of one such oil rig:

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.

Mind Stretchers

First I am dry, then I am wet; the longer I swim, the stronger I am. What am I?

Answers to yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:
Your Breathe 🫁 

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]