Rising white shark populations off California signals ‘a healthy ecosystem’
White sharks have long been impacted by humans. Commercial fisheries caught them for decades, and the sharks’ primary food—marine mammals—has been hunted to the brink of extinction. After California moved to protect its white shark population back in 1994, white shark numbers have risen Read More...
Marvel at UNESCO World Heritage Sites with these fascinating aerial images
In 1972, UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) adopted an international treaty to ensure that unique cultural and natural landscape sites from around the world are protected for future generations to admire and enjoy. Thus far, there are a total of 1,121 Read More...
Steelers deliver hot meal to ballot counters in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania was one of the tightest electoral races in the 2020 election, but poll workers counting ballots in Pittsburgh got an extra helping hand from their local NFL team: the Pittsburgh Steelers. As the count continued in Allegheny County, the state’s second most populated county, the Read More...
Washington’s first human compost company is open for business
Washington passed a law in 2019 allowing citizens to compost themselves after death for a more sustainable burial process. Fast forward a year later and the first human composting company is open for business in the state. Called Recompose, the company was instrumental in passing the 2019 law Read More...
Colorado votes to reintroduce wolves to the state
While most of America was paying attention to the messy madness surrounding the presidential elections, environmentalists in Colorado were quietly celebrating a little victory: the passing of Proposition 114, which tasks Colorado Parks and Wildlife with crafting a plan to reintroduce wolves to the Read More...
It’s autumn. Time to enjoy the health benefits of pomegranates
We love eating seasonally at the Optimist Daily. Now that it’s autumn, there’s a special red fruit that is in-season and chock full of antioxidants: pomegranates! Let’s take a dive into the nutritional benefits of pomegranates, shall we? Health benefits of pomegranates Registered Read More...
Enjoy longer lasting bouquets with these fresh flower tips
Cut flowers are an easy and affordable way to brighten any room in your home, but it’s disappointing when these beautiful blooms begin to wilt just days after you place them on the coffee table. Here are expert tips from a florist for longer-lasting bouquets. Change the water. Changing out Read More...
Study: psilocybin therapy 4 times more effective than antidepressants
In 2020, Oregon voted to become the first state to legalize access to psilocybin for all adults. A study reinforces the idea that voters made a sensible decision. The preliminary human trials investigated the effect of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy to treat the major depressive disorder Read More...
Maid of the Mist launches zero-emissions touring boats at Niagara Falls
Since 1846, the iconic Maid of the Mist ferries have been bringing visitors up close and personal with the breathtaking waterfalls at Niagara Falls. Now visitors are able to enjoy the awe-inspiring trip in a more environment-friendly manner, thanks to the recent launch of two new all-electric, Read More...
Burial site shows men were not always the hunters in prehistoric society
Traditional assumptions about prehistoric society placed males in hunting roles and women as gatherers. A new study from the University of California, Davis upends this archaeological thinking with the discovery of what looks like the remains of a 9,000 year old female hunter found in the Andean Read More...