Good Morning! 🌞 

Environment

A Thriving Ecosystem

When a massive iceberg the size of Chicago broke off from Antarctica’s King George VI ice shelf, researchers aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s vessel Falkor (too) seized the rare opportunity to explore the newly revealed seafloor. The 209-square-mile chunk of ice calved into the Bellingshausen Sea, exposing an area no human had ever seen. Quickly adjusting their plans, the team conducted the first geological, biological, and oceanographic survey of the region, eager to uncover its hidden secrets.

Over eight days, scientists used a remotely operated vehicle named SuBastian to explore depths nearing 4,000 feet. To their astonishment, they found a thriving, undisturbed ecosystem teeming with life—large corals, sponges, icefish, giant sea spiders, and even the elusive giant phantom jellyfish. The size and condition of these organisms suggest the ecosystem has flourished in isolation for decades, if not centuries. “We didn’t expect to find such a well-established, thriving community,” said Dr. Patricia Esquete, co-chief scientist from the University of Aveiro in Portugal.

The discovery sheds new light on life beneath Antarctica’s ice shelves, a realm that remains largely unexplored. Previous findings in 2021 hinted at life beneath the Filchner-Ronne ice shelf, but this mission marked the first time researchers used an ROV to conduct such an extensive survey in this environment. What surprised the team most was the sheer biodiversity and presence of potentially undiscovered species, despite the lack of sunlight and organic matter from above. “This was a rare moment,” said Dr. Jyotika Virmani, Executive Director of the Schmidt Ocean Institute. “The iceberg calving happened while we were in the area, giving us a unique chance to explore untouched territory.”

Culture

Best Naples Pizza…In America?

For many Italians, the idea that the world’s best Neapolitan pizza isn’t made in Naples—or even in Italy—might seem unthinkable. But that’s exactly what happened at the 2025 International Pizza Challenge in Las Vegas, where Mirko D’Agata, a chef originally from Turin now living in Montreal, Canada, took home the top prize for pizza Napolitana. D’Agata, who has led Pizzeria No.900 for 13 years, won the prestigious Umberto Fornito Award with his prize-winning marinara pizza, which costs just $8—plus the price of a plane ticket to Quebec.

D’Agata’s victory was years in the making. He has competed in the Challenge annually since 2017 but had never claimed the top spot until now. His award-winning pizza follows a traditional recipe that’s famously difficult to master. “There are strict rules,” he explained, noting that everything from the dough’s fermentation to the sauce, weight, and precise cooking time must be flawless. With only four ingredients—tomato sauce, garlic, olive oil, and oregano—there’s no margin for error. It’s a test of pure skill and precision.

Despite the skepticism of purists, who might argue that the best Neapolitan pizza is still baked by an old master in an unassuming Napoli shop, D’Agata’s win is proof that culinary excellence can travel far beyond its birthplace. He embraces the pressure of competition and finds joy in mentoring young pizzaioli in Montreal, carrying forward the tradition with passion and precision. His victory is a reminder that great pizza doesn’t just belong to Naples—it belongs to anyone who dedicates themselves to the craft.

Innovation

Healing Ultrasound Beam

Most medical breakthroughs come with a long list of caveats—“shows promise in mice,” “more research needed,” or “maybe someday.” But this story out of Palm Beach, Florida, skips the fine print. Seventy-two-year-old Orlando Avendaño has been fully cured of his essential hand tremor, and remarkably, the entire treatment was covered by Medicare.

Avendaño had struggled with the debilitating tremor for over 30 years, making everyday tasks like writing, eating, or even lifting a glass a challenge. But at Delray Medical Center, he underwent a noninvasive procedure called focused ultrasound. Using high-frequency sound waves guided by MRI and a specialized headgear known as Neuravive, doctors precisely targeted and neutralized the brain area causing the tremor. In just a few hours, with no surgery, no anesthesia, and no lengthy recovery, the tremor disappeared. As Avendaño emerged from the machine and saw his steady hand, he could only say: “Oh my God, it’s unbelievable.”

Led by neurosurgeon Dr. Lloyd Zucker, the treatment has been described as his “magic track,” delivering life-changing results time and again. Developed by Insightec, the technology is now available at 79 Medicare-approved centers across the U.S., and many private insurance plans also cover it. This isn’t an experimental hope—it’s a real, accessible cure for people suffering from essential tremors. No hype. No maybes. Just results.

Support Daily Upsider!

Help our mission to share positive, meaningful news! Your support keeps us going without the need to bombard you with annoying ads!

Mind Stretchers

⁉️ 

What occurs once in a second, twice in a week, and once in a year?

Yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:

—too hot to handle, Chris Hostetler got this correct early! 🌞 

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