Bioplastic inspired by spider silk could replace single-use plastics
One of the most difficult-to-recycle types of plastic is the ‘microcapsule’ — a form of microplastic that’s added to the ingredients of many homecare and bodycare products. These tiny capsules then wash down the drain, where they pollute waterways because they’re so hard to detect. In an Read More...
Meet Mia: The world’s first “bionic bird”
Mia is a female bearded vulture, the largest type of flying bird in Europe — but that’s not the most impressive thing about her. She is the first bird to receive a permanent prosthetic foot, and is described as the world’s first “bionic bird.” Mia was brought into the Owl and Bird Prey Read More...
The next time you workout, you may want to drink something pink
A new study led by the Center for Nutraceuticals at the University of Westminster demonstrates how pink drinks can help boost exercise performance compared to clear drinks. Earlier studies have exhibited how individuals who rinse their mouth with carbohydrates can positively influence exercise Read More...
Community solar investment also provides free WiFi for residents
Rooftop solar is a key solution for generating local renewable energy and helping families cut down on their energy bills, but if you live in an apartment or rent your home, installing solar panels is far less feasible. And that’s without even considering the substantial cost of installation. Read More...
Magawa the explosive-sniffing rat is retiring
It’s not often that we hold rats in high regard, but we can certainly make an exception for Magawa, the humble, explosive-sniffing rodent that’s responsible for saving countless lives. Magawa is a Gambian pouched rat, which is quite large compared to North American rats. Gambian rats are Read More...
June 15, 2021
Today we're talking about the benefits of listening to nature and how the Pulitzer Prizes honored the teen who bravely captured George Floyd's murder. Listen to The Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the Read More...
June 15, 2021
Today we're talking about the benefits of listening to nature and how the Pulitzer Prizes honored the teen who bravely captured George Floyd's murder. Listen to The Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the Read More...
New UN climate program aims to restore the planet’s ecosystems by 2030
According to a recent UN-backed study, the world must triple its investments in nature-based solutions by 2030 in order to successfully tackle the triple threat of climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation. In an effort to support action geared towards achieving that ambitious Read More...
Simply listening to nature is good for your health
There are few things as relaxing as the whisper of wind through the trees or the camping sound of a mountain stream, but it turns out these sounds do more than just help you fall asleep. It turns out that the sounds of nature can actually be beneficial for your health. A team of researchers Read More...
Scientists develop life-saving scream-detecting drones
The use of drones in urgent situations is becoming more popular as the technology gets increasingly refined. Now, a team of researchers has developed a system that could fly over disaster areas and help pinpoint the sounds of people who are screaming for help. While the need for such an Read More...