Good Morning 🌞

Happy Friday, Upsiders! As another busy week draws to a close, you might be feeling a bit worn out. I can relate!

As I read today’s Lifestyle article, it occurred that there are few things more rejuvenating than a quiet moment outside in the morning. I encourage you to step outside, even if it’s only for a minute!

Take note of the little details around you, take a deep breath, and remember: You are capable of more than you think!

After you’ve done that, tell me, how is the weather where you are? Reply to this email and let me know!

— Sophia

Health Science

A New Kind of Antibiotic

For the first time in nearly 30 years, there’s a new oral antibiotic approved to treat urinary tract infections—a condition that will affect millions of American women and girls in the coming years. Developed by GSK, the drug, called Blujepa (gepotidacin), is expected to be available in the second half of 2025. It's designed specifically to treat uncomplicated UTIs and works in a way that helps avoid the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.

Blujepa represents the first new class of oral antibiotics for UTIs in over two decades. It works by blocking two enzymes bacteria need to replicate, making it harder for infections to return—particularly important for the one-third of women who experience recurrent UTIs. In clinical trials involving 3,000 participants, the drug outperformed the current standard treatment, nitrofurantoin. Reported side effects were mostly mild, including diarrhea (16%) and nausea (9%).

With about half of all women likely to experience a UTI in their lifetime—and 8 million ER visits annually in the U.S. tied to the condition—Blujepa offers a long-overdue alternative. While home remedies may help with milder cases, more persistent or poorly timed infections often require reliable medical intervention. For many, especially frequent travelers or those with recurring cases, this new option could make a meaningful difference.

Environment

Saving 150,000 Bikes

For 25 years, Working Bikes—a nonprofit based in Chicago’s Little Village—has been collecting, repairing, and redistributing used bicycles to communities in need. Since 1999, the organization has rescued over 150,000 bikes from landfills and curbs, giving them a second life both locally and globally. About 12% are sold through their Western Avenue storefront to fund operations, 15% are donated to Chicago residents through local partners, and the majority—over 100,000 bikes—have been shipped abroad to countries including Uganda, Mexico, Cuba, and Albania.

The effort is powered largely by volunteers, who help with everything from simple repairs to full refurbishments. A small staff focuses on higher-end models and ensures quality standards for the bikes sold. But at its core, the mission remains accessible: anyone can walk in and learn basic bike repair. “There’s always a need in Chicago,” said executive director Trevor Clarke. “Disinvested communities and newly arrived populations often lack basic transportation.”

Working Bikes also supports international efforts like Uganda’s Bwindi Bicycle Program, which teaches women to manage bike repair shops. The nonprofit provides the tools, parts, and training—creating a sustainable cycle of employment and mobility. Even bikes shipped overseas in poor condition are repaired locally and sold at affordable prices, with some programs offering microloans to help residents make a purchase. It’s a model rooted in sustainability, access, and community—one pedal at a time.

Lifestyle

Camping in the Rain

We came across a video we thought would be interesting to share: Solo Camping in the Rain with Relaxing Rain Sounds - one person, a tent, steady rainfall, and not a single word spoken. No music, no narration, just the crackle of a fire, the patter of rain on canvas, and the slow, quiet rhythms of solo camping. It's pure nature “ASMR” and might be one of the most calming things you watch all week.

Nature-based ASMR isn’t just aesthetically pleasing; it has real effects. Research shows that natural sounds like rain, wind, and crackling wood can lower heart rate, reduce anxiety, and even improve sleep. Watching the simple rituals of solo camping taps into a primal calm. Something many of us forget we need amid the noise of daily life. Even virtually, the experience offers a brief but powerful reset.

Camping itself has proven mental health benefits, from boosting mood to resetting sleep cycles, and solo camping deepens that effect by removing all distractions. Watching someone camp alone - moving slowly, quietly, intentionally - can trigger some of the same feelings of stillness and peace. This video isn’t just content; it’s a reminder to unplug, to listen, and maybe to plan that long-overdue walk into nature, even if it’s just down the street. Put on your headphones. Let it rain.

Mind Stretchers

⁉️

What has a head, a tail, is brown, and has no legs?

Yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:

James Godfrey got the answer first!

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 the 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.