A no-brainer: Canada has announced a ban on military-style assault weapons
After witnessing a mass shooting in Nova Scotia last month, Canada has instituted a nationwide ban on military-style assault weapons. The new law bans the use, purchase, sale, transportation, and import of 1,500 models of assault weapons, including the infamous AR-15. The process to obtain a Read More...
How rebel botanists are using graffiti to name forgotten flora
The words “rebel” and “botanist” aren’t typically found in the same sentence, but recently these words have joined together to describe a new wave of people who are using street graffiti to highlight the names and importance of the diverse but downtrodden flora growing in the cracks of Read More...
Aquarium in Japan urges people to keep eels company via FaceTime
Social distancing has been tough for everyone, including a group of spotted garden eels at an aquarium in Japan. These cute aquatic creatures are naturally shy and mostly hide in the sand, but over the years, the 300 spotted garden eels at Tokyo's Sumida Aquarium have gotten used to humans Read More...
New advanced prosthesis operates using mind-control
Researchers have developed one of the world’s most advanced prosthetic arms which is integrated with the patients’ nerves to work seamlessly via mind control. The innovative bionic system allows patients to maneuver limbs with thought and even feed sensations back to the brain. Unlike Read More...
These design activities aim to enthuse home-bound kids about architecture
As the lockdown is finding many kids stuck at home, a British architecture firm has decided to bring the outside world to them. Foster + Partners has recently launched an initiative called #architecturefromhome, a series of free downloadable activities that hope to share the whimsy and wonder of Read More...
Lithuanian airport finds new purpose as drive-in theater
Last week we talked about how a theater in Paris is projecting movies onto community buildings to give locals some unique entertainment. This week, we have another film-focused solution to quarantine boredom. In Lithuania, the main airport has repurposed its empty tarmac into a drive-in theater for Read More...
How to use the discard from making sourdough bread to bake more treats
More and more people are turning to the art of baking to occupy themselves during these coronavirus days. You might be one of them—and if so, you’re probably aware of discard that comes with making sourdough bread. Typically you would throw that part away, but we’re here to tell you that Read More...
Solutions from our Optimist Daily readers
We at The Optimist Daily believe in focusing on the solutions to global problems. Throughout the novel coronavirus, we have shared stories of unity, generosity, creativity, and the scientific discovery that shine a light on the good that can come out of the darkest times. We have also had the Read More...
Malaysia one year away from being declared malaria-free
COVID-19 is dominating health news around the world, but there is some good news for another global health crisis. Malaysia is celebrating two consecutive years with zero indigenous malaria cases. If the country continues for another year, they will officially be a malaria-free nation. The Read More...
Endangered monkey population to recover thanks to a forest bridge
Endemic to the Brazilian forest, the golden lion tamarin is one of the world’s most charismatic primates. Unfortunately, the spectacular monkey is also one of the most endangered mammals on the planet. Thanks to years of persevering conservation efforts, however, the species may get back on their Read More...