Good Morning! 🌞 

Wellness Wednesday is here again, folks—our gentle nudge to pause, breathe, and remember that self-care isn’t selfish, it’s strategy. ✨
This week, we’re serving up tips, tiny rituals, and maybe a sprinkle of ancient wisdom to help you stay balanced in a world that never stops spinning.
So, refill that water bottle, roll your shoulders back, and let’s get into it.

Health Sciences

New Clues for Treatment

Researchers at the University of Sydney have identified a new brain protein involved in Parkinson’s disease and discovered how to modify it—offering a promising new avenue for future treatments. The team has spent over a decade studying the biological mechanisms behind Parkinson’s, the second most common neurological condition after dementia. In 2017, they discovered that a protein called SOD1, normally protective in the brain, becomes faulty in Parkinson’s patients. Instead of shielding neurons, it clumps together and damages brain cells.

Their latest study, led by Professor Kay Double from the Brain and Mind Centre and published in Acta Neuropathologica Communications, tested whether a copper-based drug could target the defective protein. The result: improved motor function in mice.
“We hoped that by treating this malfunctioning protein, we might be able to improve the Parkinson-like symptoms in the mice we were treating – but even we were astonished by the success of the intervention,” said Professor Double in a media release.
“All the mice we treated saw a dramatic improvement in their motor skills, which is a really promising sign that it could be effective in treating people who have Parkinson disease too.”

The study followed two groups of mice with Parkinson-like symptoms—one treated with a copper supplement for three months, the other given a placebo. Mice on the placebo worsened, while those treated with copper maintained motor function.
“The results were beyond our expectations,” said Prof. Double. “They suggest, once further studies are carried out, this treatment approach could slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease in humans.”

Currently, there’s no cure for Parkinson’s, and treatments are limited. The disease causes dopamine-producing brain cells to die, leading to tremors, stiffness, slow movement, and balance problems. But as researchers dig deeper into the root causes, new possibilities are emerging.
“As our understanding of Parkinson’s disease grows, we are finding that there are many factors contributing to its development and progression in humans – and faulty forms of the SOD1 protein is likely one of them.
“Just as researchers found with HIV, Parkinson’s disease is a complex condition that likely requires multiple interventions. A single treatment may have a small effect when used alone but, when combined with other interventions, contributes to a significant overall improvement in health.”

The team’s next step is to explore the best way to target SOD1 in clinical trials, with hopes of eventually developing a therapy that could slow Parkinson’s disease progression in humans.

Good News

Bikers on the Move

More than a thousand motorcycle riders escorted a bullied teenager to his prom, forming an unforgettable convoy of support that stretched for miles.

Josh Duff, a 16-year-old from Swindon, England, made a grand entrance last week—one he’ll never forget. According to SWNS news agency, Josh had long struggled to fit in at school due to learning difficulties. Hoping to lift his son’s spirits, his father, Craig, reached out to a local biker group. The response left the family stunned.

Josh was “over the moon” when around 1,500 bikers showed up to stand by his side.
“I never in my wildest dreams imagined this many bikers would be in one place for one person.
It’s insane, I’m still in shock. I used to say I felt alone, but I don’t feel that way anymore,” said Josh, dressed in a custom black suit made by his mom.

The family had expected around 50 bikers, but hundreds more arrived, many of them stopping to take photos, shake Josh’s hand, and offer encouraging words. Some even brought birthday cards, as Josh was turning 16 the following day.

“The last three years were very difficult for Josh, but he kept going, did his exams, and now he’s all done,” said his mother, Frances. “We can’t thank Swindon enough, I’m so emotional.
As I turned the corner and saw everyone—and I heard ‘this is for your boy’—I was speechless.”

Photos of the event show crowds and rows of bikers rallying around Josh.
“I know bikers are family, but this is extraordinary; we’ve had messages from all corners of the globe.
Bullying is prevalent in all schools, but SEN children (Special Educational Needs) have the worst experiences because there’s not enough understanding (of their situations). I hope this changes things.”

Josh, who has epilepsy and autism, now hopes to become a pediatric therapist to help kids like him. His parents have since launched a modest GoFundMe page, raising about £1,500 so far for his future.
“The love and support from this community [and] the stories we have heard from people reaching out to us because they—or their children—were bullied as well, it’s overwhelming,” said his father.

Josh shared a message of his own:
“With the bullies, if you just ignore them and power through, you can expect a great result.”

History

Ride Beyond Earth

In June 1983, history was made when Dr. Sally Ride became the first American woman to travel into space—a groundbreaking achievement that shattered barriers and inspired generations to dream beyond the stars.

Today take a moment to revisit that extraordinary milestone with #SALLYfilm, now streaming on @disneyplus and @hulu. Featuring rarely seen archival footage and deeply personal interviews with friends, journalists, and Dr. Ride herself, the documentary offers an intimate glimpse into the courage, quiet strength, and determination that defined her mission.

More than just a passenger aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger, Dr. Ride became a national icon—a living symbol of what was possible for young women and men alike. The film explores her path not only into orbit but also into the broader cultural imagination, challenging long-held ideas about who belongs in space.

As the documentary shows, Ride’s legacy didn’t stop at her historic launch. Her tireless efforts to advance science education and inspire young people—especially girls—to pursue STEM careers remain a powerful part of her story.

At its core, #SALLYfilm is both a tribute and a call to action: a celebration of a woman who dared to go first, and a reminder that with curiosity and courage, anyone can help change the course of history.

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Mind Stretchers

⁉️ 

Yesterday’s Answers to the Mind Stretchers:

I twist and turn, yet never tire.
I reflect the sky, yet burn no fire.
I carry life, carve the land,
Yet slip forever through your hand.
What am I? — a river! Debbie Ettinger got this correct again!

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 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.