520-million Year Old Fossil Solves Mystery

Daily Upsider on August 16, 2024

A 520-million-year-old worm fossil has solved the mystery of how modern insects, spiders, and crabs evolved.

The fossil, named Youti yuanshi, dates back to the Cambrian period and offers a glimpse into one of the earliest ancestors of many species today. Its exceptional preservation, including the larva and its internal organs, makes it particularly noteworthy. Led by Durham University in the UK, the research team identified the fossil as one of the first arthropod ancestors belonging to the group euarthropoda, which includes modern insects, spiders, centipedes, and crustaceans. Their findings, published in the journal Nature, suggest that early arthropod relatives were more advanced than previously thought.

Dr. Martin Smith, Durham’s lead researcher, emphasized the rarity of such a discovery: “Finding a fossilized arthropod larva is almost impossible due to their tiny, fragile nature. When I saw the intricate structures preserved under its skin, I was astonished. How could these features avoid decay for half a billion years?” Using advanced scanning techniques at Diamond Light Source, the UK research team produced 3D images revealing miniature brain regions, digestive glands, a primitive circulatory system, and even traces of nerves in the larva’s legs and eyes. Dr. Katherine Dobson of the University of Strathclyde noted the near-perfect preservation achieved by natural fossilization.

This ancient larva offers crucial insights into the evolutionary steps from simple worm-like creatures to complex arthropods with specialized limbs, eyes, and brains. The fossil reveals an ancestral proto-cerebrum brain region, which would later develop into the segmented and specialized arthropod head with various appendages.

The complex head structure allowed arthropods to adopt diverse lifestyles and dominate the Cambrian oceans. The remarkable specimen was originally discovered in China and is housed at Yunnan University.

Cooling Paint for Cars

Daily Upsider on August 16, 2024

Nissan unveiled a new “cool paint” designed to keep vehicle interiors cooler, though its thickness, six times that of standard paint, presents commercialization challenges.

The announcement coincided with record-breaking heat in Japan, making the news particularly relevant. Nissan tested the paint on vehicles at Tokyo’s Haneda airport, an area with minimal shade, providing a prime environment to evaluate the technology.

While the cars with the special paint appeared ordinary, they were noticeably cooler to the touch. Nissan reported that the paint lowered roof-panel temperatures by 12 degrees Celsius (22 degrees Fahrenheit) and reduced interior temperatures by 5 degrees Celsius (9 degrees Fahrenheit).

Cooling materials are already common in buildings and other applications. Cooler cars can reduce air conditioning use and alleviate heat stress on engines and electric vehicle batteries. Toyota Motor Corp. is also experimenting with sun-reflective paints to lower cabin temperatures, primarily focusing on colors.

Nissan’s cool paint not only reflects sunlight but also generates electromagnetic waves to block the rays, redirecting energy away from the vehicle. This paint was developed in collaboration with Radi-Cool of China, which also creates heat-reducing films, fabrics, and coatings, including cooler-feeling hats and sun parasols. Nissan is the sole Japanese automaker partnering with Radi-Cool.

Susumu Miura, a manager at Nissan Research Center, assured that the electromagnetic waves emitted by the paint posed no health risks, noting that such waves are ubiquitous.

I live in Austin, TX and if this actually works, it would be a game changer in the hot summer months!!

3D-Printed Tracheal Splint

Daily Upsider on August 15, 2024

At Georgia Tech, a new 3D-printed tracheal splint has successfully treated a rare birth defect affecting a young child. Developed in collaboration with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, the splint has allowed 4-year-old Justice Altidore to start preschool without breathing issues.

Tracheomalacia (TM), a condition where the windpipe’s cartilage is weak, affects about 1 in 2,100 children. This defect causes the trachea to collapse and obstruct breathing, often requiring ventilation and other treatments.

The Georgia Tech splints are made from bioabsorbable material that supports the trachea as the child’s cartilage strengthens and the splint is eventually absorbed. Dr. Kevin Maher and Dr. Steven Goudy oversaw Altidore and three other children receiving these splints as part of an FDA-approved trial.

All four children have shown significant improvement in their breathing. This success marks a significant advancement in treatment for TM. Previously, 3D printing has been used for tracheal recovery, including a recent case where a 3D-printed windpipe was transplanted into a patient in Seoul.

‘Gulf War Syndrome’ Cause Discovered

Daily Upsider on August 15, 2024

Nearly one million veterans from 41 nations participated in the Gulf War, with 25 to 32 percent of them suffering from Gulf War Illness (GWI), often known as Gulf War Syndrome.

A groundbreaking study has identified a probable cause for this illness, which has affected soldiers since their deployment in 1990 and 1991. Symptoms such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), persistent fatigue, headaches, and joint pain affect approximately 200,000 veterans in the United States and 30,000 in the United Kingdom.

Many armed forces members were exposed to hazards like depleted uranium, nerve agents, pesticides, and anti-nerve agent medications. Researchers from Australia’s Griffith University suggest that GWI is most likely caused by the damaging effects of biological and chemical substances on cell structures due to prolonged and intensive exposure. These chemicals can disrupt normal cellular activity due to their sensitivity and vulnerability.

The research found that veterans have faulty integral cell structures responsible for transferring calcium. Cellular calcium is a signaling chemical that regulates fundamental processes such as muscle contraction, nerve conduction, and hormone production. The study reveals that GWI veterans experience a malfunction in cell ion channels, particularly transient receptor potential ion channels. This finding marks a significant advancement in understanding this complex disease.

Identifying a cause is crucial to alleviating the often debilitating symptoms. And with this understanding, we can work towards finding a cure to support our veterans in the future.

Teen Donates $1.3M in School Supplies

Daily Upsider on August 14, 2024

An 18-year-old from Oklahoma organized his ninth annual Back-to-School Book Bag, distributing 6,000 backpacks filled with school supplies.

Over the past nine years, the event has provided more than 33,000 backpacks and $1.3 million worth of supplies to students and families in Reed Marcum’s hometown and neighboring states including Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas. The drive-thru event is part of Reed Marcum’s efforts to support the McAlester community in Pittsburg County.

“I want to help kids get their school year started right,” said Reed, a rising sophomore at Oklahoma State University. “We’ve been doing this for nine years, and it’s fulfilling to know we’re helping kids get excited about their education.”

Inspired by his involvement in 4-H, a youth organization focused on leadership, Reed’s giveaway is part of his annual 4-H service project. His work has earned him the 4-H Youth in Action Award and national recognition, including a $5,000 scholarship and opportunities to network with 4-H alumni. Since 2016, Reed has also hosted an annual 4-H Toy Giveaway. Last year’s event saw over three miles of cars lined up at the Southeast Expo Center in McAlester, where he distributed more than 10,000 toys.

“I’m grateful to 4-H for the support and opportunity to make a difference in my community.” Reed’s efforts are supported by the Sergeant Miles Tarron Foundation and Hudson Strong. To contribute, click here.