Love your Airpods? Thank NASA


Daily Edition • January 18, 2025

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Quite unfortunately, cases of norovirus are spiking across the U.S. If the stomach bug has struck your household or you simply want to be extra prepared for illness, check out Good Housekeeping’s roundup of the best foods to eat (and which to avoid) when you have an upset stomach.

Must Reads


Tech


From Airpods to Velcro Shoes, Thousands of Everyday Items Trace Back to NASA

The proverb goes, “All roads lead to Rome.” But when it comes to many everyday items, it seems that all roads lead to NASA.

Although the space agency is known for its work “out there,” NASA’s research is also impactful “down here” — changing the way we eat, clean our homes, listen to music, and navigate the world. NASA Spinoff is a section of the agency that highlights some of the ways the agency’s research has benefited life on Earth when it comes to commercial products.

This week, WIRED rounded up a few of the myriad items that can be traced back to NASA, including wireless headsets (to free astronauts from cables), wireless vacuums (to collect moon rocks), and Velcro (to prevent things from floating away in microgravity conditions).

As the NASA Spinoff website states, “There’s more space in your life than you think!” Check out more of the inventions propelled by space research and explore a map breaking down the success stories by state.

Together With Nautilus


The Best Kept Secret in Science

Ever wonder how your intellectually eclectic friends keep up with the latest news in science? They read Nautilus — a newsletter with over 500,000 curious subscribers. Delivered to your inbox three times a week, Nautilus dives into the depths of anthropology, geology, paleontology, astronomy, genetics, physics, and more through captivating storytelling.

Written by some of the world’s most esteemed scientists, researchers, and writers, the publication piques your curiosity with fresh perspectives that will expand your understanding of the universe — and give you plenty of dinner party talking points. Ready to join the conversation? Subscribe to Nautilus for free below.

Health


New Alzheimer’s Drug May Be Available Within Months

A drug that may temporarily help people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s is expected to be available at pharmacies by the end of March. Zunveyl approved by the Food and Drug Administration in July — is an equally effective but better tolerated version of the drug Razadyne, Verywell Health reports.

Like other medicines for the neurodegenerative disease, Zunveyl cannot cure, reverse, or slow its progression. But it might help people with Alzheimer’s retain some memory and cognitive skills, per psychiatrist Elaine Peskind, a former director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Center at the University of Washington.

As a cholinesterase inhibitor, Zunveyl helps preserve a brain chemical involved in thinking and memory a brain chemical made by cells that Alzheimer’s destroys. The medication was also designed to reduce gastrointestinal side effects, which cause many patients to stop taking Razadyne.

“We believe that Zunveyl’s unique combination of these attributes will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by this debilitating disease,” Lauren D’Angelo, the chief operating officer of the biopharmaceutical company that makes the drug, said in a press release.

Culture


The 1-3-1 Travel Rule Can Help Make Flight Cancellations Less Overwhelming

You’ve probably heard tons of travel hacks — when to book, what to pack/wear/leave behind, and how to make your dollar stretch. But even with the best of intentions, things can still go awry, and flights can get canceled. That’s where the 1-3-1 travel rule comes in handy.

Scott Keyes, founder of flight-deals app Going, took point from an existing problem solving framework to create a formula that can help travelers quickly execute a Plan B in the case of service disruptions. “It’s a handy all-of-the-above approach to maximize your chances of getting a good replacement flight,” he told Reader’s Digest.

The numbers simplify the process of finding a new flight: Stay up to date with one travel app (such as Flightly or FlightAware), keep three contact methods up your sleeve (in person at the airport, through the airline’s app or website, and over the phone with customer service), and use one new federal resource (like the Airline Customer Service Dashboard).

Nearly every time I’ve had a flight disrupted, I’ve been able to get a decent replacement flight — no dayslong waits — through an airline’s mobile app or by quickly getting in touch with an agent,” Keyes said.

In Other News


  1. Cigarettes with less nicotine may be on the horizon, as a new FDA proposal aims to make them less addictive (read more)
  2. Progress is being made in the fight to reduce tick-borne illnesses on a reservation in Arizona (read more)
  3. Wild chimpanzees may protect themselves against pathogens by adapting genetically to their habitats (read more)
  4. Japan is donating $2 million to the Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts, via the Red Cross (read more)
  5. A new technique to treat snake bites was remarkably successful against deadly cobra venom (read more)

Something We Love


Nécessaire Shampoo

Nécessaire describes its shampoo as “skin care for the scalp,” and that’s exactly how it feels. The formula is fragrance-free and infused with hyaluronic acid, vitamin B3, and vitamin B5 to soothe sensitive scalps and support follicle health. I also use the conditioner and scalp serum, and the whole set adds a touch of luxury to my everyday life.

– Ally Mauch, Associate Editor

Inspiring Story


Extreme makeover: dog edition

Sprout, a stray dog found in dire condition, has a whole new look and life ahead of her, thanks to Chicago-based nonprofit One Tail at a Time. The team shaved off pounds of excess fur and gave the Tibetan mastiff some much-needed TLC. “She has been a bright star,” the organization shared. See Sprout’s before-and-after photos.

Photo of the Day


This year’s ice maze at the Minnesota Ice Festival is more than just the perfect way to freeze your buns off while getting lost — it’s officially the largest ice maze in the world, per Guinness World Records. Boasting over 18,000 square feet of twists and turns, the maze uses 3,452 blocks of ice, each weighing around 425 pounds. Watch a video of the icy labyrinth.

You May Be Overpaying for Your Car Insurance: Explore Money’s List of the Best Providers


Car insurance prices are up 20%, but there are still ways to save on premiums. Reports show that most drivers who shop around for car insurance end up saving money, and thanks to Money, comparing coverage is easy. The site can help you find the best insurance for your needs and save money, putting hundreds of dollars back into your pocket every year.

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Odds & Ends


👭 A guide to keeping up your friendships

🩷 The cutest robot you ever did see

🚀 This NASA post is a jump scare in the best way

🥰 Lessons from centenarians married for 82 years

Quote of the Day


“Travel is above all a feeling.”

– YOLANDA EDWARDS

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