Researchers discover 40 new species of fish in a single lake
The animal diversity on planet Earth is truly spectacular. A testament to that comes in the form of a recent discovery by researchers in Africa, who found over 40 previously unknown species of fish--all from one lake. Lake Mweru, located between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is Read More...
4 magnificent mushrooms to boost your immune system
We at the Optimist Daily have long shared our love of mushrooms. They have been used for health purposes for thousands of years, both mentally and physically. Today, we take a look at four varieties of mushrooms which can boost your immune system to keep you healthy this cold and flu Read More...
Give kids the gift of a green mindset this holiday season
This time of year it can feel like holiday gift guides are flooding your life. Gift options for kids are everywhere, but what about the impact all these plastic toys have on our environment? This week we share a different type of gift guide: engaging presents for environmentally conscious Read More...
No wheels, no problem: how to experience iconic natural destinations without a car
Picturesque images of national parks don’t often capture the gridlock that can take over their parking lots and roads during peak seasons. Anyone who has been on a road in Yellowstone during a bear or bison sighting knows how cars can pile up in these beautiful natural spaces. Worry not, if Read More...
This t-shirt generates energy from your own body heat
Most of us get hot and sweaty when we workout. What if this heat could be captured and turned into energy? This is exactly what researchers from the University of Málaga in Spain and the Italian Institute of Technology had in mind when they created their thermoelectric t-shirt. The shirt uses Read More...
Businesses and consumers are pushing for real action at Madrid Climate Summit
While political leaders met this week in Madrid for more negotiations on the 2015 Climate Agreement, some business leaders are arguing that changes aren’t happening fast enough. That's why some companies are taking on roles as the unlikely climate leaders of the future as they recognize that Read More...
Every last pet found a home this holiday season at the Minneapolis animal shelter
Holidays are a popular time for “clear the shelter” events for local animal shelters. Recently, a Minneapolis animal shelter was overjoyed when over 300 residents showed up and waited in line in 30 degree weather to adopt every last one of the shelter’s pets. Dozens of cats, dogs, and Read More...
American Eagle is using QR codes to embed the spirit of giving into their clothes
Three days ago marked “giving Tuesday,” an event that gained international attention as organizations, individuals, and companies celebrated the spirit of donating in the wake of a hectic Black Friday shopping weekend. Apparel company American Eagle went one step further by embedding the spirit Read More...
New birth control pills could be monthly rather than daily
Daily birth control pills are the world’s most common form of medicinal birth control, but when it comes to remembering to take the pill every day, nearly half of women admit to slipping up. Fortunately, a new birth control solution may soon be available. Researchers at MIT and Brigham and Read More...
Meet the scientists exploring the world to save crop diversity
The fruits and vegetables you find in a modern supermarket have been chosen and modified from hundreds of varieties that exist in the wild all around the globe. In a world where the grocery store has one specially cultivated type of banana, a group of scientists is diving into the deepest corners Read More...