March 9, 2021
The first reports are in from Stockton's UBI experiment indicating it's been a success so far. That and how one phone call a day can boost mental health and wellbeing today on the Update. Listen to The Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the Read More...
Critically endangered harlequin toad bred in the UK for the first time
The stunning harlequin toad is a critically endangered frog whose native habitat lies in the rainforests of Panama and Costa Rica. Because they are so rare and face extinction in their native homeland, a team of scientists in the UK has undertaken the task of breeding this elusive species outside Read More...
Seven strategies to jump-start a zero-waste lifestyle
As the negative impacts of human-driven climate change become more obvious in our day-to-day lives, humanity is experiencing a shift in consciousness that prioritizes sustainability and minimizing our carbon footprint. However, breaking old habits in exchange for sustainable ones, such as Read More...
Fiji’s coral reefs once again boom with life after cyclone destruction
When Tropical Cyclone Winston struck Fiji back in 2016, it decimated the reefs across the archipelago’s Namena reserve and Vatu-i-Ra. But four years later, to the delight of researchers, the coral reefs in the region are now once again thriving with life and vibrant colors. Following a recent Read More...
New vaccine eliminates and prevents recurring UTIs
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are a common and painful condition which occurs when bacteria gets into the urinary tract. These are most often treated with antibiotics which can be tough on the body and even pave the way for an infection return. Fortunately, researchers at Duke University have Read More...
Minneapolis nonprofit creates first-of-its-kind village for the homeless
While homeless shelters can be pivotal in providing short-term housing and protection from the elements, there are tradeoffs to staying in a shelter. Many shelters feature communal sleeping arrangements, with dozens of beds packed into a room. This can make homeless shelters particularly Read More...
This tiny truck brings vaccines to those who cannot travel easily
For people who may not have the option to travel to a medical center to get vaccinated, a company called Ayro has a solution: bring the vaccination to them via an electric vehicle equipped with an ultra-cold freezer. The vehicle is a modified version of the tiny food trucks you might see at a Read More...
Help tackle marine plastic pollution with this trivia quiz
If you’re looking for an easy way to make a dent in the plastic pollution crisis, the nonprofit Free the Ocean now has an option for you: a daily ocean-related trivia that removes one piece of plastic from the ocean with every question that’s answered. Funded by advertisers who have placed Read More...
Research: The power of a single phone call
When you’re having a bad day, does a phone call from a loved one improve your mood and outlook on life? If so, you’re not alone. New research from the University of Texas at Austin shows that a single daily phone call, even from a stranger, can alleviate feelings of depression and anxiety for Read More...
March 8, 2021
Today we're bringing you solutions from librarians on how to tackle culturally offensive literature and ECOncrete, a green concrete company making our infrastructure more sustainable. Listen to The Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the Read More...