Good Morning! 🌞 

March 22nd is apparently a rather eventful day in history. Among other notable events:

1. In 1765 the Stamp Act passed. Which was the 1st direct British tax on American colonists.

2. In 1916 J.R.R. Tolkien got married to his fiancée Edith Mary Bratt.

3. And in 1963, the Beatles release their 1st album, "Please Please Me"

p.s. Perhaps in the grand scheme of things Professor Tolkien’s marriage is of a smaller impact than the others. But what can I say, I am a fan.

Earth Sciences

Art in the Ocean

NASA has released an updated visualization of ocean currents using its Perpetual Ocean 2 model, offering a more detailed look at global water movement. Unlike its 2011 predecessor, which focused solely on surface currents, this new version includes 3D ocean circulation, providing a more comprehensive understanding of how water moves at various depths. The visualization is powered by data from the ECCO (Estimating the Circulation and Climate of the Ocean) model, which integrates satellite, buoy, and observational data from 2021 to 2023.

The video quickly gained attention online, with many comparing its swirling patterns to Van Gogh’s Starry Night. To create the effect, NASA released virtual particles into the simulated ocean, tracking their movement to highlight strong currents. Particles above 600 meters have a three-day trail, while those at deeper levels retain a six-day trail, revealing hidden dynamics beneath the surface. The visualization confirms that the strongest currents are concentrated in narrow bands on the western sides of ocean basins, a phenomenon well-documented in oceanography.

If you think that picture looks good, the video will blow you away. The full video is available on NASA’s website, along with a other fascinating versions that include heat currents and salinity levels.

Did you know that Van Gogh’s Starry Night is scientifically accurate? Learn about that here.

Have a story or video you want to share? Just shoot us a reply!

Health Sciences

Better Concussion Recovery Unlocked

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen may help speed up concussion recovery, according to a new study from the University of Washington in Seattle. Researchers analyzed data from 1,660 athletes and military cadets with concussions, comparing recovery times between those who took painkillers and those who did not. The results showed that patients who used these medications recovered 20% faster than their counterparts who avoided them.

The study found that those who took pain relievers were cleared for unrestricted activities an average of two days earlier at the 50% recovery mark and seven days sooner at 90% recovery. Additionally, they were 15% more likely to become symptom-free faster. Timing also played a role—patients who began taking painkillers on the first day of symptoms recovered about eight days quicker than those who delayed treatment for five or more days. Importantly, the type of pain reliever used did not significantly impact effectiveness.

“These early findings suggest painkillers may be a useful tool for concussion recovery,” said study author Dr. Kyle Arnold. However, he emphasized the need for further research to confirm these results. The study will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting in April, where researchers hope to gain more insights into how pain relievers might support concussion management.

Environment

Monarch Butterfly Surge

The number of monarch butterflies overwintering in Mexico has nearly doubled this year, according to the latest census from the World Wildlife Fund in Mexico and its partners. During the last few months of 2025, eastern monarchs occupied 4.42 acres of central Mexico’s forests, up from 2.22 acres the previous winter. Scientists attribute this growth to improved weather conditions in 2024, with fewer droughts along the migration route. A separate report also found a 10% improvement in forest degradation in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, where illegal logging, natural causes, and tree removal for disease prevention had previously threatened their habitat.

Despite this positive trend, conservationists stress the need for continued efforts to protect monarchs. “Now is the time to turn this increase into a lasting trend,” said Jorge Rickards, director general of WWF Mexico, highlighting the role of governments, landowners, and local communities in preserving critical habitats. Emma Pelton of the Xerces Society also called for finalizing the monarch’s listing as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act to ensure stronger protections. Monarch populations have fluctuated over the past three decades, with western monarchs in California seeing a rebound in recent years before declining again in 2024.

One of the most effective ways to support monarchs is by planting milkweed, the only plant where they lay their eggs and where caterpillars feed. As spring arrives, monarchs begin their 3,000-mile migration back north, relying on milkweed and nectar plants along the way. Different milkweed species thrive in different regions, so selecting the right variety is crucial for conservation efforts. With continued habitat restoration and protection from pesticides, experts hope to turn this year’s increase into long-term population stability.

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Mind Stretchers

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Answers to yesterday’s Mind Stretchers

William is a historian. He takes two from five and gets four. How does he do that? — by taking the letters "F" and "E" from the word "FIVE" which leaves you with the letters "IV", which is the Roman numeral for four. Unfortunate, obody got this right today. 🥸 😢 

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.

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