Novel laser technique turns metal surfaces into instant bacteria killers
Bacteria are known to live on surfaces for days, making it really easy for them to spread from one place to the other with the help of humans. But what if frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs could instantly kill them off? Well, that may soon be possible thanks to Purdue University Read More...
Microsoft will grant parents 12 weeks paid parental leave during COVID-19
Washington announced this week that schools across the state will stay closed for the remainder of the academic year, leaving parents with the daunting prospect of keeping kids entertained at home for at least two more months. After watching employees juggle work and childcare during the COVID-19 Read More...
The clever strategies small businesses are using to survive quarantine
To find out how small businesses are surviving in the age of coronavirus, Fast Company spoke to a variety of small businesses around the world to find out what they’re doing to get through this uncharted territory. The main takeaway from all of them: flexibility. If you need some inspiration for Read More...
3D-printed biostructures could help nurture coral reef ecosystems
As rising ocean temperatures and acidity are wiping off coral reefs at an unprecedented rate, researchers are on a continuous quest to better understand these fascinating ecosystems and to find ways to prevent their mass extinction. Aligned with such a mission, scientists from Cambridge Read More...
A wave of online orders allowed Powell’s Books to rehire 100 employees
The famous Powell’s Books in Portland, Oregon is a book lover’s dream and local institution. In the face of COVID-19, the store was forced to close its doors and lay off 300 employees, but now, thanks to a wave of online orders, they have hired back 100 staff members. The rehiring process Read More...
Coronavirus exposed the social safety net for what it truly is: a good idea
While there are many grim aspects of coronavirus and the ensuing quarantine, we can not deny that some very positive developments are taking place. At the policy level, many of the ideas that were once deemed crazy are now being seen as viable. Suddenly even federal lawmakers who have long resisted Read More...
New photos of baby clouded leopards will surely get you a smile this morning
For all you big cat lovers on the Internet, we have a little something for you. In both Miami and Washington DC, zoos have announced the successful birthing of rare baby clouded leopards and cheetahs—and the photos are incredibly adorable. Both cheetahs and clouded leopards are considered Read More...
Some of the world’s most polluted cities are breathing fresh air once again
The screenshots began to circulate on Delhi WhatsApp groups last week, captioned with varying expressions of disbelief. Having checked the air quality index, something of a sadistic morning ritual among residents of India’s capital, most could not believe their eyes. Gone was the familiar Read More...
Research shows a daily “nature pill” can reduce stress levels
We at The Optimist Daily are big proponents of the healing nature of the outdoors. While exploring local natural spaces may not be as feasible now as it once was, you should still try to get outside every day. A new study has found that just 20 minutes outdoors can lower your stress levels. The Read More...
Why jute is one of the most promising alternatives we have to plastic
Even though we’re aware of the awful effects of plastic pollution, the detrimental environmental phenomenon continues today. Part of the problem is that plastic is such a durable, accessible material that can be used for a wide range of things such as shipping and packaging. Despite this, we know Read More...