May 27, 2021
We've got two animal stories today! There's a shepherding program that bridges cultural divides in Switzerland and the news that Kenya is conducting its first nation-wide animal census. Listen to The Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Making Solutions the Read More...
Scientists successfully use CRISPR to lower cholesterol in monkeys
Did you know that as it stands, approximately one person every 36 seconds dies in the US from cardiovascular disease? Thanks to scientists from the University of Pennsylvania and private company Verve Therapeutics, this dismal statistic may soon change for the better. The researchers have Read More...
InnoMake is a smart shoe designed for the elderly and visually impaired
Austrian company Tec-Innovation has collaborated with Austria’s Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) to design an intelligent shoe called “InnoMake.” This shoe is designed to help the blind, visually impaired, and elderly conveniently and safely navigate their everyday lives. The shoe Read More...
The Optimist View: Celebrating Mental Health Week
“Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” — Christopher Robin from Winnie the Pooh In the wake of a pandemic which saw increased rates of depression and anxiety, this year’s Mental Health Month feels Read More...
The psychedelic therapy movement is hitting its stride
We’ve shared before on The Optimist Daily how alternative medications like psilocybin and even MDMA could be used to treat depression and PTSD with more permanent results. With promising studies adding to the body of research supporting these therapies, we are beginning to see a monumental shift Read More...
Kenya is conducting it’s first nation-wide wild animal census
Throughout the pandemic, Kenya has experienced an elephant baby boom with over 200 calves born over the last year. Although the lack of tourists has been beneficial for some animal populations, the lack of funding from visitors has also hindered conservation efforts. To better protect wild animals, Read More...
This simple trick can significantly boost your brain health
We have previously shared a few habits you can integrate into your day-to-day life to improve your brain health. Now, we have another simple trick that you can practice to keep your brain sharp. Using your non-dominant hand The trick comes from neuroscientist and author of Biohack Your Brain Read More...
Pasturs Voluntaris program uses shepherding to bridge a cultural gap
Back in March, we shared a story about a Spanish village keeping its tradition of shepherding alive with a school for female shepherds. Now, a Swiss program is taking a similar approach to preserve its cultural history and protect its remaining flocks. The newly-established Pasturs Voluntaris, Read More...
Angelina Jolie covers herself in bees to raise awareness about pollinators
Although bees and other pollinators are essential for propagating more than 75 percent of food crops, there is still not enough awareness about the extinction risk that these insects are currently facing as a result of human activities. In a bid to bring this urgent issue under the spotlight, on Read More...
May 26, 2021
Today we're talking about resilience, both in our energy systems and our personal lives. Tune in to learn how Vermont's energy utility is developing distributed grids and how parasympathetic breathing can calm you in times of stress. Listen to The Optimist Daily Update with Summers & Kristy - Read More...