Upbeat News Thursday
- Editor OGN Daily
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
Today's smorgasbord of tasty news nuggets to get the day off to a sunny start.
Need to Solve a Problem?
You might want to sleep on it - for about 20 minutes. New research suggests that taking a quick, deep nap may help lead to a “eureka” moment, as scientists report in the journal PLOS Biology. Researchers do not fully understand the neural processes at play - that is, how and why a short nap seems to help people solve problems. But they suspect that, after napping, the brain is “more plastic and receptive to new ideas,” says lead author Anika Löwe. Some artists and innovators appear to have intuitively understood that taking a short nap could help boost their creativity. Whenever Thomas Edison got stuck, he reportedly liked to take a quick snooze while holding steel balls in his hands, so that if he fell into a deep sleep, the noise of the balls clattering to the floor would wake him up. Salvador Dalí employed a similar napping technique while holding a heavy key. Worth a try next time you are flummoxed by something?
Daytime Naps Add Years to Your Life: Napping during the day can slow down brain shrinkage and cancel out up to seven years of ageing. Perhaps a study such as this will help reduce any stigma around daytime napping. So, spread the word - it's good for you.
Conservation Win
In a major win for global bird conservation, three chicks from one of the rarest bird species in the world hatched in Brazil. Experts at Ohio’s Toledo Zoo played an integral role in planning protection and recovery efforts of the blue-eyed ground dove after a recent count showed that only 11 adults remained in the wild. “This is science-based conservation at its best. It’s about combining field knowledge, genetics, animal care and international cooperation to give this species a future,” said Joe Wood, manager of international conservation programs at the Toledo Zoo.
Youthful Looks
Japanese researchers have established that a pathway exists through which humble vitamin C can actually regenerate skin cells. As we age, our skin naturally becomes thinner and more fragile due to a decline in cell production. The researchers found that vitamin C works throughout our life to counteract this aging process. These findings suggest that vitamin C may help prevent age-related skin thinning and support healthier, stronger skin in aging individuals.
Thousand-Colour Galaxy
This spectacular image of the Sculptor Galaxy was taken using the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope in Chile. Unlike previous images, which contain just a handful of hues, this one features thousands of colours, representing stars, gas, dust and other galactic building blocks that emit light at various wavelengths. By examining such a detailed map, astronomers can explore the inner workings of this galaxy, and find out more about its age, motion and composition.
F1 Races Ahead
It’s lights out and away we go at the box office as F1, a big-budget racing drama starring Brad Pitt, impressively revs to $55.6 million in its domestic opening weekend, says Variety. With great reviews and a promising “A” grade on CinemaScore exit polls, F1 landed in the middle of expectations of $50 million to $60 million. At the international box office, the film collected a strong $88.4 million from 78 markets. Those initial ticket sales are significant given F1 is an adult-skewing tentpole that’s not part of an existing film franchise - a rarity in today’s I.P.-dominated movie theater landscape. Indeed, it's the best-ever opening for an Apple-produced film. Click here if you want to see the trailer.
The Search Is On
The Dalai Lama has declared in a direct challenge to China that the centuries-old spiritual institution bearing his name will continue after his death and that only his inner circle, not Beijing, will have the authority to identify his successor. In a video message played on Wednesday during prayer celebrations ahead of his 90th birthday this weekend, the 14th Dalai Lama said the Gaden Phodrang Trust, which manages his affairs, would oversee the search for his reincarnation. “No one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter,” he said in Dharamshala, the northern Indian hill town that serves as the seat of the Tibetan government in exile. “In accordance with past tradition, the search for my reincarnation and the naming of a 15th Dalai Lama will be carried out.” You can watch his announcement on YouTube.
"To be able to look back upon ones life in satisfaction, is to live twice." Kahlil Gibran
On This Day
3 July 1861: Pony Express arrives in San Francisco with overland letters from New York. Initially it ran between California and Missouri starting in April 1860 before being extended. Although the Pony Express only lasted for 18 months it played a significant part linking the American West and the East coasts. Later in 1861 it was replaced by the much cheaper and faster transcontinental telegraph.
Today's Articles
Graphene Chips: Scientists already have the solution for averting the vast future energy consumption required for AI.
Brain Boosters: Forgetfulness isn't inevitable, says Professor James Goodwin. Here are 6 ways to boost your midlife brain.
Mood Boosting Video
Brain Beats Brawn: Crafty fox dives head first into the snow in search of food.