Pop-o-matic

Good morning Staker! Here’s what’s cookin’ today. Research suggests just 10 minutes a day of exercise can ward off cancer, and get ready for an epic doc drop all about Sir Paul and his Wings  😎

Let’s get into it!

A new study published in the International Journal of Cancer found just ten minutes of intense exercise can slow and even “switch off” the growth of cancer cells.

Newcastle University researchers analyzed certain bloodstream molecules from the participants after they exercised, which became more heavily concentrated after they worked out. When placed in a petri dish with bowel cancer cells, the molecules altered the activity of 1,300 genes in the cancer cells, including those associated with DNA repair, energy production, and cell growth.

“What’s remarkable is that exercise doesn’t just benefit healthy tissues, it sends powerful signals through the bloodstream that can directly influence thousands of genes in cancer cells,” said Dr. Sam Orange, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Exercise Physiology at Newcastle University, who led the study.

“It’s an exciting insight because it opens the door to find ways that mimic or augment the biological effects of exercise, potentially improving cancer treatment and, crucially, patient outcomes.

“In the future, these insights could lead to new therapies that imitate the beneficial effects of exercise on how cells repair damaged DNA and use fuel for energy.”

A joint excavation conducted by Uzbekistan and China revealed a 110,000 square-meter ancient trading outpost along the Silk Road in Uzbekistan’s Fergana Valley.

The project is two years in and has revealed the bases of what were once palaces, city walls, of the city once known as Kuva. It was indeed a prosperous city-state between the 3rd century BCE and the 10th century CE.

There were several reasons for its prosperity. First, it was tremendously important to the Han Dynasty, the first to rule over a unified China and one that had to grapple with the horse-riding rebels of a tribal confederacy in north China called the Xiongnu.

The emperors of the Han Dynasty needed to keep the Xiongnu at bay in order to maintain China’s access to the west, via the desert wasteland of the Tarim Basin. The first stop after making it through the basin? The Fergana Valley.

The valley was also where the Han Dynasty secured stronger and faster horses necessary to keep the Xiongnu at bay. They were dubbed “Heavenly Horses,” and may ultimately have been the difference maker in the history that maintained China’s access to the Great Silk Roads.

A nearly-two-hour documentary chronicling Paul McCartney’s post-Beatles years will be released next month, according to MGM Studios.

Man on the Run features McCartney’s years with Wings, including unseen archival footage, interviews, live performances, and other material to be released in select theatres prior to its debut on Prime Video on Feb. 27.

Morgan Neville was in the director’s chair for the film, while McCartney acted as its executive producer. Neville’s past work includes 20 Feet From Stardom, Won't You Be My Neighbor? and the Anthony Bourdain documentary Roadrunner.

"Neville chronicles McCartney's solo career as the iconic musician faces emotional, artistic, and personal challenges—all while defining a new decade of music," according to a news release.

The movie won’t just feature McCartney footage, but also interviews and performance clips from his late wife Linda, along with Denny Laine—both of whom were consistent members of the revolving door that was Wings between 1971 and 1981. While Linda passed in 1998, Laine died just three years ago, but not before doing one last interview that will be featured in Neville’s documentary.

Hey 1987, what up?

Happy Monday Staker! We’re taking a look back to this week in 1987, with today’s trivia. Complete the game and earn a shot at a $25 eGift Card ;)

Winner will be notified on Tuesday afternoon. Keep an eye on your inbox and don’t forget to check your spam folder!*