Teaching & Learning
Education propels change. Stay up to date on the latest educational developments near you and around the world from preschool to post-grad. Here, you'll find out why equitable quality education is essential for fostering healthy and resilient societies.
Why reading aloud to your kids matters—even after they've learned to do it on their own
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM For many families, reading aloud is a cherished part of childhood—a bedtime story, a favorite picture book, or a well-loved series that unfolds one chapter at a time. But once kids learn to read on their own, many parents understandably ease off. However, Read More...
Ancient humans may have used sunscreen to survive deadly solar radiation
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM With summer around the corner and UV levels on the rise, sunscreen is about to be a seasonal staple for most of us. But if you think the idea of sun protection is a modern invention, think again. New research from the University of Michigan suggests our Read More...
Chimpanzees combine sounds like language pros, revealing surprising vocal complexity
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In the lush forests of Taï National Park in Côte d’Ivoire, a remarkable form of communication rings out. Barks, grunts, screams, and hoots echo through the trees—and, as it turns out, these aren't just random noises. Chimpanzees are crafting meaningful Read More...
Scientific societies take charge as U.S. climate report faces political uncertainty
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM When leadership falters, science finds a way forward. That’s the message from two of America’s most prominent scientific societies, which have pledged to carry on critical climate research after the Trump administration sidelined the team behind the Read More...
Meet the man who took 200 snake bites so science could strike back
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Tim Friede has been bitten by venomous snakes around 200 times and lives to tell the tale. No, not by accident, but on purpose. By cobras, black mambas, kraits, taipans — you name it. He didn’t do it for shock value, though his story is jaw-dropping. He Read More...
Wildlife returns to Eaton Fire burn area, offering a symbol of hope and resilience
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Four months after the Eaton Fire ravaged parts of the Angeles National Forest and destroyed homes and businesses in Altadena, California, life is slowly and surely returning. Behind the blackened remains of scorched neighborhoods, the hillsides are once again Read More...
How middle-of-the-night wake-ups might unlock your most creative ideas
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM For many, waking up in the middle of the night can feel like a frustrating interruption to much-needed rest. But science and experience suggest that these early morning hours may be more productive than they seem. In fact, the mind’s altered state during Read More...
Remembering Pope Francis and his profound impact on climate action
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The recent passing of Pope Francis has sparked reflection on his remarkable leadership — not only within the Catholic Church, but also across the global climate movement. Known for his humility, compassion, and commitment to justice, Pope Francis Read More...
US high school student uses AI to uncover 1.5 million hidden space objects
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM A U.S. high school student made headlines by identifying 1.5 million previously unknown objects in space using artificial intelligence. Matteo (Matthew) Paz, a student with a passion for astronomy and coding, developed a machine-learning algorithm that Read More...
Why Icelanders are getting happier every year – and what we can learn from them
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a world where happiness in so many places is slowly declining, Iceland is going against the grain. According to the 2025 World Happiness Report, it’s one of the few countries in the top 20 where happiness is actually increasing. Since 2008, Iceland has Read More...