Beer giant phases out plastic rings for eco-friendly alternative
We’ve all seen the dismal photos of distressed wildlife trapped in various single-use plastic, or worse, strangled by those infamous plastic rings that come with many six-packs of beer. Well, major beverage company Molson Coors has decided to take action, announcing last week that the Read More...
Anti-inflammatory molecule could revolutionize asthma treatment
People with asthma will often suffer, at varying degrees, from symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheeziness, and bouts of coughing that stem from overactivation of the immune system when exposed to allergens like dust, smoke, and pollution. Many of us may actually remember having asthma as a Read More...
Scientists improve crops without genetic modification
The verdict on genetically modified crops is still not settled globally, with some countries allowing their use and some wary of their potential environmental impact. A new process might make the promise of scientific advancement in food production more digestible. Scientists from the RIKEN Read More...
Four ways to clean your house plants
Cleaning your plants may seem trivial, but there is scientific support behind keeping your leafy friends squeaky clean. The stomata and chlorophyll of plants, which absorb carbon dioxide and help perform photosynthesis, can be clogged and blocked by dirt and dust. Cleaning your plants helps ensure Read More...
How do we measure itchiness?
Doctors commonly ask their patients to rate their pain from one to 10, although it is rare that we would be asked to scale our itchiness in this way. Gauging an itch Some readers may be wondering, why do we even need an itchiness scale? If you've ever had a condition which causes you to Read More...
This “Infinity Train” only needs gravity to recharge
Australian mining company Fortescue and Fortescue Future Industries are collaborating with UK-based Williams Advanced Engineering to create the Infinity Train—the world’s first battery-electric self-charging train. How does it work? A zero-carbon electric train that never needs to stop to Read More...
US Women’s Soccer Team wins equal pay
The US Women’s National Soccer Team has won four World Cups, four Olympic gold medals, and last week, in a stunning 5-0 shutout against Iceland, won the 2022 SheBelieves Cup. Last week the team also achieved a victory, not in a soccer match, but for equality in pay. The Optimist Daily Read More...
A victory for free speech: Toni Morrisson’s The Bluest Eye unbanned
Last month, the board of the Wentzville School District of St. Louis, Missouri voted to ban Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison’s novel, The Bluest Eye from school libraries. This came after a handful of parents requested the book be banned, citing themes of racism and child abuse. Now, after a Read More...
How to prep your houseplants for spring
The days are getting longer and warmer, so if you’re a house plant fanatic like us at The Optimist Daily, then you’re probably noticing that your house plants are starting to perk up after a dark and cold winter. Outdoor plants are more in touch with the seasons, but indoor plants need a bit Read More...
This novel pathogen-repellent material is inspired by lotus leaves
Here at The Optimist Daily, we like to keep our readers informed about new innovative materials that are being developed, such as roads made from diaper pellets, ultra-strong glass inspired by mollusk shells, and even solar capture materials that can be integrated into clothing. This time, Read More...