Inhale the present, exhale the past.

Now, let your breath guide you back to the present moment, where peace and mindfulness reside.

Thank you for reading today’s edition of Grateful Gazette 😌

Here’s what to know for Friday:

• Friends unite in the fight against global health threat

• New Ohio teen sets fishing record

• Innovative mosquito nets slash malaria risk by 50%

CROSS-CONTINENTAL EFFORTS AIM TO CURB ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE IN ANIMALS

In the heart of the Canadian Prairies, two scientists, Joe Rubin and Roshan Madalagama, struck up an unlikely friendship that would change lives across oceans.

Joe, a professor in Saskatchewan, and Roshan, a rising star from Sri Lanka, bonded over their shared passion for tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Fast forward a decade, and their friendship has blossomed into a partnership fighting a global health menace.

AMR, the arch-nemesis of modern medicine, makes treating infections a nightmare by rendering antibiotics ineffective.

Until recently, AMR surveillance in Sri Lanka focused solely on humans, leaving animals out of the equation. 

But Roshan is on a mission to change that.

With many families in Sri Lanka relying on livestock for income and food, the stakes are high.

What's more, there's a real risk of AMR jumping from animals to humans, turning the whole world into a germ-riddled playground.

Joe and Roshan aren't backing down.

With support from the University of Saskatchewan, they're empowering rural vets in Sri Lanka to detect issues early.

Their secret weapon? A globally accessible lab manual.

And the best part?

Joe recently visited Sri Lanka, and this fall, they'll be hosting two vet technicians in Saskatoon, spreading knowledge faster than you can say "antimicrobial resistance."

From Prairie pals to global heroes, Joe and Roshan's friendship proves that sometimes the most extraordinary adventures start in the most unexpected places.

🐙 Oklahoma boy’s pet octopus makes a splash on social media

🌟 Lyrids meteor shower promises a show of shooting stars

🐶 A shelter dog became a student athlete’s coach

🩰 353 ballerinas set a new world record for dancing on tiptoes at Plaza Hotel

🐮 Hamish, the highland calf, makes his debut at a zoo farm

🎣 Teen angler reels in record-breaking river giant in Ohio

Researchers have been tinkering with mosquito bed nets, adding a little extra oomph to help fight off those pesky malaria-carrying critters.

In a massive trial across 17 African countries, these new nets were put to the test. 

They slashed malaria cases by up to a whopping half!

Traditionally, bed nets have used the insecticide pyrethroid, but mosquitoes have been getting wise to it and building up resistance.

Our science heroes coated three nets with insecticides, including pyrethroid's new pals: pyriproxyfen and chlorfenapyr.

And bam!

Malaria transmissions dropped by 20% to 50%!

The Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, along with the New Nets project, is on a mission to ensure these super nets get into the hands of those who need them most.

And get this: they're doing it for less than $3 a pop! That's a steal, considering the potential to save millions and millions of lives.

And hey, remember that malaria vaccine we've been crossing our fingers for?

Rollout has begun in Cameroon, with 19 other African countries set to follow suit.

So, here's to innovation, perseverance, and giving those mosquitoes a run for their money.

Spring is here, and you know what that means – it's time to ditch the winter coats and embrace the sunshine!

This weekend, why not treat yourself to a mindful walk?

Grab your sneakers, put on your favorite playlist, and hit the trails.

Take in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature around you.

Notice the flowers blooming, the birds chirping, and the gentle breeze rustling through the trees.

Let go of your worries and be present in the moment.

Who knows, you might just find a newfound sense of peace and tranquility right in your own backyard. S

So lace up those shoes and step into the great outdoors – your mind and body will thank you!

- Thank you for reading Grateful Gazette. Remember to breathe deeply to bring your mind back to your body 💜

If you like what you’ve been reading, you can show your support by clicking that button and contributing whatever you’d like.*

*There’s no pressure here; we’re grateful for our readers. You all make spreading positivity possible, and we appreciate the support!