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Did you know that bananas are berries but strawberries aren’t?

Botanically speaking, a banana qualifies as a berry, but strawberries do not. This classification is based on the botanical definition of a berry, which considers factors like the structure of the plant's ovaries. In botanical terms, a berry is a fleshy fruit produced from a single ovary. Bananas fit this definition because they develop from a single ovary of a single flower. Conversely, strawberries are classified as aggregate fruits. Each "seed" on the outside of a strawberry is actually one of the ovaries of the flower, with a seed inside it. Each of these contributes to the strawberry, making it an aggregate of many tiny fruits, rather than a true berry.

It is funny how many common names for fruits don't align with their botanical classifications.

Innovation

Naloxone Vending Machine Saves 900+ Lives from Overdoses

In a realistic move to tackle opioid overdoses, naloxone vending machines are proving effective in various U.S. locations. Cincinnati-based nonprofit Caracole initiated the effort in Ohio, installing a 24/7-accessible vending machine outside its building in February 2021. The machine, designed for rapid opioid overdose reversal, has saved 960 lives in under two years, as per a University of Cincinnati study.

Naloxone nasal sprays work by delivering the medication directly into the nasal cavity, where it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes. The medication then rapidly reverses the effects of opioids by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain and blocking the effects of other opioids. This can quickly restore normal breathing and consciousness in individuals experiencing an opioid overdose. While this self-service system is not widespread in the U.S., it takes inspiration from successful European practices.

Encoura by success in Cincinnati, Dr. Arendt and Caracole are collaborating with other organizations to expand these vending machines nationally. Cities like San Diego, Las Vegas, New York, and Indiana have recently adopted similar programs, providing accessible naloxone and fentanyl resources as part of harm reduction strategies.

Suzanne Bachmeyer, Caracole's director of prevention, underscores the vending machines' role in harm reduction by offering around-the-clock access to life-saving supplies, empowering individuals to manage their health.

As these initiatives gain momentum, the presence of naloxone vending machines is growing, representing a practical stride in overdose prevention and harm reduction efforts across the country.

Culture

The Most Beautiful Photos in the World

The incredible image above was taken by Krystle Wright, and for it was named the winner of the Red Bull Illume contest. The Australian photographer captured the stunning image of climber Angela VanWiemeersch illuminated in a crack, deep within Long Canyon, Utah, in the United States.

Red Bull Illume, the world's largest adventure and action sports imagery contest, recently announced the winners of its 2023 edition. The contest, which has been running for 17 years, invites photographers to submit images of the world of action-and-adventure sports in various categories. This year, the competition received 59,551 entries from photographers around the world.

The contest features 10 categories: Innovation, Masterpiece, Creative, Emerging, Energy, Lifestyle, Photos of Instagram, Reels of Instagram, Playground, and RAW. Each category highlights a different aspect of adventure and action sports, showcasing the talents of photographers and the incredible feats of athletes in various disciplines.

One of the most exciting categories in the Red Bull Illume contest is the Energy Category, which focuses on capturing the power and intensity of athletes in action. The winner of this category in 2023 was photographer Ted Grambeau, who took a spectacular shot of surfer James "Jimmy" McKean at the base of a giant Southern Ocean swell in Tasmania, Australia. The image was described as "electrifying" and showcased the raw power and determination of the athlete.

Other categories in the contest also featured breathtaking images from various sports, including kayaking, surfing, skating, cycling, and ice climbing. The Red Bull Illume contest continues to be a platform for photographers to showcase their work and for athletes to be celebrated for their incredible achievements in the world of adventure and action sports.

You can see the all the pictures from the category winners here, and the incredible full gallery here.

World News

England Boosts Health Support for New Moms

General Practitioners (GPs) in England will provide increased mental health support for new mothers, addressing postnatal depression, PTSD, and related challenges, as per updated NHS guidelines. The revised measures involve a more detailed inquiry during the six to eight-week postnatal check-up to assess the impact of pregnancy or childbirth on mental health.

GPs now have the authority to refer women to specialized maternal mental health teams. NHS England has reported the establishment of numerous new services nationwide, with over 53,000 new mothers receiving specialized perinatal mental health support in the past year.

Developed in collaboration with the Royal College of General Practitioners, the guidance extends beyond mental health to cover aspects like physical recovery, breastfeeding, and family planning support.

Dr Claire Fuller, NHS medical director for primary care, said: “GPs are perfectly placed to offer new mums a welfare check six to eight weeks after giving birth, for not only their physical health but also their mental wellbeing, and this new NHS guidance published today ensures that family doctors have the resources to provide this comprehensive support.”

Environment

Top Developments in Climate News

Renewable Energy Surge:

• Portugal sets a record, relying solely on renewable energy for over six days in a row, demonstrating a clean energy example.

• 2023 projected to witness the largest increase in global renewable energy capacity.

• China surpasses wind and solar targets, with its solar capacity now greater than the rest of the world combined.

• Despite increased coal production in China, hopes rise with a commitment to ramp up renewable energy, following cooperation with the US.

Plummeting Deforestation in Brazil:

• Brazil achieves a 22.3% reduction in deforestation in the 12 months through July, signaling progress in curbing forest destruction.

• Despite impressive results, Brazil's deforestation rate remains twice the all-time low in 2012, highlighting the ongoing challenge.

• President Lula da Silva's pledge aims for zero deforestation by 2030, emphasizing the long road ahead.

Ozone Layer Healing:

• UN-backed experts announce the Earth's ozone layer is on track to complete recovery within decades.

• International cooperation, particularly through the Montreal Protocol, has contributed to the ozone layer's remarkable recovery.

• The ozone layer is expected to return to 1980 levels by 2040 globally, with longer recovery times over polar areas.

Electric Vehicle Sales Surge:

• Electric vehicle (EV) sales reach an all-time high in the US, with 1 million fully electric vehicles sold in 2023.

• EVs account for 8% of all new vehicle sales in the US during the first half of 2023, with similar trends in China (19%) and globally (15%).

• Despite a 47% increase in EV sales in Europe, dealers caution about potential sales drops as consumers await more affordable models in the coming years.

Mind Stretchers

❓️ 

If you have me, you want to share me. If you share me, you don't have me. What am I?

Answer to yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:
The letter “R”

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.