🌞 Reprogramming Cells

Daily Upsider - Tuesday, March 18th, 2025

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Julia Mejia & James Linder
March 18, 2025

Tuesday, March 18th, 2025

Good morning! 🌞 

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” — Peter Drucker

Another day, another chance to take charge of your goals, rewrite the script, and make things happen! Whether you're here for fresh insights, a quick brain boost, or just a reason to smile, we’ve got something lined up just for you. So, grab your coffee (or tea!), and let’s dive in!

Today’s Upside

Health Sciences

Reprogramming Cells

Credit: Andrew Ridley

A Canadian study has found that a common fungal component called beta-glucan may help protect against flu-related lung damage. Researchers at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre gave beta-glucan—which is found in mushrooms, yeast, oats, and barley—to mice before exposing them to influenza. The treatment not only reduced lung damage but also improved lung function and lowered the risk of severe illness and death. These promising results were published in the journal Nature Immunology.

Led by Professor Maziar Divangahi, the research team discovered that beta-glucan’s unique structure enhances the body’s defense against pathogens by regulating the immune response. While most flu studies focus on stopping viral replication, this work instead examined “disease tolerance”—the ability to control excessive inflammation. According to first author Nargis Khan, beta-glucan can reprogram neutrophils, immune cells typically associated with inflammation, to reduce rather than exacerbate lung damage. Co-first author Kim Tran echoed the importance of shifting neutrophils’ role from driving inflammation to controlling it.

Divangahi noted that beta-glucan is present in all fungi, including those within the human microbiome, suggesting that an individual’s fungal composition could influence their immune responses. With flu season and the ongoing threat of avian influenza (H5N1), the need for effective respiratory treatments is more urgent than ever. Supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the team aims to investigate beta-glucan’s therapeutic potential in human trials.

Culture

97 Year-old Businesswoman

In the mountains of Japan, a 97-year-old woman runs her small restaurant every single day—no breaks, no days off. For her, this isn’t just a job; it’s what keeps her going. This video takes you inside her daily routine, from preparing traditional dishes to serving customers with unwavering dedication. Retirement isn’t an option—because this is her life’s purpose.

Watch how she keeps her restaurant running at 97, proving that passion and hard work don’t have an age limit.

Environment

Biggest Underground Thermal Lake

Largest-known underground thermal lake, Albania – Credit: Neuron Foundation

Albania is now home to the world’s largest geothermally heated underground lake—Lake Neuron—originally discovered in 2021 by a team of Czech scientists. The researchers first spotted a massive steam plume near Leskovik, which led them to a 330-foot (100-meter) abyss concealing an expansive, turquoise subterranean lake. Due to rising geopolitical tensions near the Greek border, they had to leave before conducting a comprehensive study.

Backed by a Neuron Foundation research grant, the team returned in 2024 to fully map the Atmos Cave system using advanced LiDAR scanners. They measured the lake at 454 feet (138 meters) in length and 138 feet (45 meters) in depth, with a volume exceeding 8,000 cubic meters—equivalent to more than 3.5 Olympic swimming pools—surpassing Hungary’s previously recognized largest heated subterranean lake.

“This could significantly enhance our understanding of underground ecosystems and geological processes,” noted team member Marek Audy. In recognition of the support that made the project possible, the explorers named the site Lake Neuron. Monika Řasa Vondráková, director of the Neuron Foundation, emphasized that the breakthrough highlights the importance of on-site scientific work and continued funding for field research.

Top 3 Online Scams to Watch Out for in 2025

As the internet continues to evolve, so do online scams. Cybercriminals are getting smarter, using advanced technology and psychological tactics to trick people into giving away their personal information, money, or even access to their devices. To help you stay safe, here are the top three online scams to watch out for in 2025.

1. AI-Powered Deepfake Scams

Deepfake technology has become more sophisticated, making it easier for scammers to create fake videos, voice messages, and images that look and sound real. In 2025, cybercriminals are using AI-generated deepfakes to impersonate family members, company executives, or even government officials to trick victims into transferring money or revealing sensitive information.

How It Works:

  • You receive a call or video message from a "loved one" claiming they need urgent financial help.

  • A "CEO" or "boss" asks employees to approve unauthorized transactions via email or video chat.

  • A "celebrity" or influencer promotes fake investment opportunities using AI-generated endorsements.

How to Protect Yourself:

  • Verify requests through another communication channel before taking action.

  • Be cautious of urgent financial demands, even from familiar voices.

  • Use AI-detection tools to spot manipulated media.

2. Fake Job and Work-From-Home Scams

With remote work continuing to rise, scammers are exploiting job seekers by offering fake work-from-home opportunities that require upfront fees or personal data. These scams often promise high salaries, flexible schedules, or easy earnings with little effort.

How It Works:

  • A fake recruiter contacts you with a too-good-to-be-true job offer.

  • You're asked to pay for training materials, background checks, or equipment.

  • The "employer" asks for your banking details or Social Security number before hiring.

How to Protect Yourself:

  • Research the company and recruiter before accepting any offers.

  • Never pay for a job opportunity—legitimate employers don't charge fees.

  • Be wary of vague job descriptions and high pay with no required experience.

3. Subscription Renewal and Tech Support Scams

Scammers are now sending fake subscription renewal notices for services like antivirus software, streaming platforms, or online security tools. Many people fall for these scams, thinking their subscription is about to expire. Tech support scams also continue to trick users into granting remote access to their devices.

How It Works:

  • You receive an email or pop-up alert claiming your subscription is about to expire.

  • The message urges you to click a link and enter payment details to "renew."

  • A fake "tech support" agent calls, saying your computer has a virus and needs remote access.

How to Protect Yourself:

  • Always verify subscription renewals directly through the official website.

  • Never click suspicious links in emails or pop-ups.

  • Legitimate companies won’t call you out of the blue for tech support.

Final Thoughts

Scammers are constantly adapting, so staying informed is your best defense. Always double-check information, avoid sharing personal details with unverified sources, and trust your instincts. If something feels suspicious, it probably is. By staying alert and cautious, you can protect yourself from falling victim to online scams in 2025.

Mind Stretchers

❓️ 

I trim and I shape, but never my own,
With scissors or clippers, your hair I’ve known.
People come in looking rough and wild,
But leave my chair looking sharp and styled.
Who am I?


Yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:

feeling under the weather, Debbie Ettinger got this first and early! ☀️ 


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]

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