It would be amazing if we all had access to unlimited time and resources to fully dedicate ourselves to physical and mental well-being, but that’s simply not realistic. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, psychiatrist Sue Varma recently appeared on CBS Mornings to discuss some practical ways that people can protect and support their mental health (fitting, given that she published a book on well-being titled Practical Optimism last year). Listen to her advice.
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Environment
New Research May Lead to Better Tick-Borne Illness Vaccines
ArtBoyMB/ iStock
Lyme disease, tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever — these are just some of the serious tick-borne diseases that affect tens of thousands of Americans every year. There’s currently one vaccine for preventing tick-borne illness, but it only protects against encephalitis. Thankfully, a recent study on animal resistance may help pave the way for broader and more effective options. In the research, scientists from Washington State University sought the answer to the question: How do host animals react to tick bites? They found that not only did the deer mice, rabbits, and cattle they studied develop resistance to bites, but as a result, the tick population “dramatically shrank,” per a news release. Additional simulations found that population growth could be reduced by as much as 68%. This is a crucial discovery because, as study co-author Jeb Owen explained, fewer ticks mean fewer cases of tick-borne disease. “A lot of attention goes into trying to figure out what makes tick populations increase or decrease — what makes them more abundant here and less abundant there?” he said. “If we understand those phenomena, we can try to find ways to take advantage of that to limit tick-associated problems.” April through September is tick season (unfortunately): Get tips for preventing bites.
Together With Timeplast
Meet the Genius Who Invented Plastic That Dissolves in Water
The world produces 450 million metric tons of plastic waste each year. Microplastics are seeping into our oceans and food. They even show up in our bodies. So you can imagine how revolutionary a new kind of plastic that completely dissolves in water would be. Thatʼs exactly what Timeplast created. The company patented a water-soluble, time-programmable plastic that vanishes without harming the environment. Major players are already partnering with Timeplast for its patented technology. Now you can invest in Timeplast as it scales in its $1.3 trillion market. Become a Timeplast shareholder here.
This is a paid advertisement for Timeplast’s Regulation CF Offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.timeplast.com.
Culture
Art “Reminds Us of Our Shared Humanity” — And Saatchi Art’s Online Gallery Makes It More Accessible
Elizabeth Lennie, “Night of the Eclipse” and Saatchi Art
Fifteen years ago, Saatchi Art embarked on a mission to become a one-stop shop for beginners and connoisseurs alike to purchase works from emerging artists around the world. Today, it houses a whopping 1.4 million original pieces from 94,000 artists in over 110 countries — and it’s changing the way consumers access high-quality artwork. The online marketplace directly connects artists and collectors, supporting the former by featuring their work on social media and in print, and facilitating in-person events where they can present their art. On the flip side, the women-run platform provides plenty of tools for collectors with any budget to find their ideal pieces. This year, one such collection stands out from the rest. In honor of Saatchi’s 15th anniversary, Director of Sales and Curation Erin Remington selected 15 stunning works to showcase — including artist Elizabeth Lennie’s “Night of the Eclipse,” the oil painting pictured here, depicting a night swimmer in an illuminated pool. In a recent statement shared with Nice News, CEO Sarah Meller emphasized that art’s “power to connect us is stronger than ever,” adding: “In moments of global uncertainty, art endures. It grounds us, inspires us, and reminds us of our shared humanity.” See more of Remington’s collection.
Humanity
More Community Colleges in “Higher Education Deserts” May Offer Bachelor’s Degrees
crisserbug/ iStock
For those aspiring to earn a bachelor’s degree, community college is often considered an affordable stepping stone to attending a four-year university. But for the 13 million adults who live in areas far away from such institutions, aka “higher education deserts,” junior college associate degrees may be the end of the line. Currently, 24 states (including California, Florida, and Texas) permit community colleges to offer baccalaureate programs, but that number may soon increase. Iowa, Illinois, and Kentucky are among the states considering the expansion, with Illinois Community College Board Executive Director Brian Durham arguing that making higher education more attainable not only benefits the students, but also the economy. “This approach also helps meet workforce demands by equipping graduates with the skills needed in high-demand fields, ultimately strengthening local economies and communities,” he told Forbes. As of 2019, fewer than 25% of rural Americans held a bachelor’s degree or higher, per the National Center for Education Statistics, and according to a 2025 Gallup survey, 39% of rural Gen Zers believe they can’t get one in their current area. Community college student Elexiana Oliva told NPR: “It would be a big game changer, especially for those who have a low income or a medium income and want to go and further our education.”
In Other News
Inflation refund checks are headed to over 8 million New Yorkers in a “first-ever” plan (read more)
Thousands of sterile mosquitos were released in California,helping reduce the insects’ populations(read more)
A new, 3D visualization showing a “glittering realm of star birth” was unveiled by NASA: Take a look (read more)
The first Chinese typewriter was found in a New York basement, where it had been stored for decades (read more)
Gorilla dad Willie B. Jr. emits a “happy grumble” when playing with his son — watch their sweet tickle fight (read more)
Something We Love
Ember Mug I just got this mug and have been using it at my desk for matcha each morning. You can use your phone to set the exact temperature you want your beverage to be, and it keeps the liquid at that temperature, no matter how much is left. – Sean Devlin, Founder and General Manager
Happy belated birthday to siblings Mohammed VI, Elhadji, Oumar, Bah, Kadidia, Fatouma, Hawa, Adama, and Oumou Arby! Yes, you read that right — these kiddos are the first and only nonuplets (nine children born at the same time) to live past birth, and they turned 4 last Sunday. “We decided to celebrate in a grandiose way, as a celebrity would!” said their mom, Halima Cissé. Meet the nonuplets.
Photo of the Day
Matt Roberts/Getty Images
In a Wednesday heat kicking off the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro, Sophie McCulloch shred the gnar in Queensland, Australia — but was ultimately eliminated, while fellow Aussie Isabella Nichols advanced to the quarterfinals. Pro surfer Julian Wilson also made his long-anticipated comeback to the sport, telling Surfing Australia, “I feel like yesterday I was just surfing into feeling my way back into this environment, then by the end, I was looking for opportunity, so I wanted to bring that in my heat today.” Watch replays from the event.
Brad’s Deals’ Experts Found Amazon Prime Perks You Should Be Using
Did you know your Amazon Prime membership unlocks more than just free shipping? Free music and podcasts, exclusive lightning deals, and Whole Foods discounts are just a few of the many lesser-known benefits that Prime has to offer — there are even more perks to take advantage of. Read Brad’s Deals’ roundup to make sure you’re getting the most out of your membership.
“Take the chance. Even if it doesn’t work out the first time, even if it doesn’t work out the 50th time. If you’re passionate about it, you don’t want to regret not trying.”
