Good Morning! 🌞 

Why don’t scientists trust atoms?
Because they make up everything! ⚛️

But don’t worry—we’re all facts and zero fluff here. Let’s dive into today’s newsletter with tips, insights, and ideas you can actually count on!

Innovation

Toxic Metals Transformed

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have discovered a special kind of charcoal, called biochar, that can help clean up toxic chromium pollution. Chromium(VI)—the dangerous form of chromium—often comes from industrial processes like leather tanning and steel production and is known to cause cancer. By contrast, chromium(III) is a much safer form and is even found in nutritional supplements.

In the study, researchers used oak-based biochar on water contaminated with chromium(VI). They found that within five days, 85% of the hazardous chromium(VI) had been converted into the safer chromium(III). The biochar not only trapped the chromium but also changed most of it into its less toxic form. Tests at the Canadian Light Source confirmed the transformation and gave more insights into how the biochar works.

Interestingly, the researchers also noticed that lighter chromium particles (isotopes) were more quickly converted than heavier ones. This finding could help experts monitor how well these cleanup efforts are working by tracking which isotopes get changed first. The study, published in the journal Chemosphere, shows that biochar might be a powerful tool for protecting both the environment and human health from chromium pollution.

Good News

A Hidden Million!

Jacqueline Mangus, a Virginia woman, was stunned to discover that a lottery ticket she had tucked into her Bible for safekeeping was a winner. She bought the ticket on Christmas Eve, but it wasn’t until after New Year’s that she learned a ticket from her town of Moneta had won the New Year’s Millionaire Raffle. Mangus, who purchased ticket #081604 at Lake Mart & Deli in Moneta, was one of five $1 million winners.

Excited about her good fortune, Mangus told Virginia Lottery officials, “I was tickled to death!” While it’s not yet clear whether she will take her winnings as a lump sum or annuity, it’s possible she may donate a portion to her local church. The Virginia Lottery also contributes to about 10% of the state’s K-12 education funding. Despite her win, Mangus returned to her job as a nurse in Bedford County the next day.

Environment

Antarctica’s Hidden Giants

Marine biologists are heading into Antarctica’s freezing waters to study the massive creatures that survive in one of the planet’s most extreme environments. Their research is revealing how these giants manage to thrive where most life can't. We'll be featuring a National Geographic video that dives (no pun intended 😆) straight into this groundbreaking expedition.

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Mind Stretchers

⁉️ 

I can make you laugh or leave you groaning,
Sometimes clever, sometimes moaning.
I’m told by many, short or long,
But without me, something feels wrong.
What am I?

Yesterday’s Answers to the Mind Stretchers:

Act out of character— Debbie Ettinger got this early! 🌞 

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.