Today’s Solutions: December 19, 2025

Evergreen

okra on a cutting board, some pieces whole others cut

Okra: the surprising hero in the fight against microplastics

According to new research from scientists at Tarleton State University in Texas, okra — you know, the green, finger-shaped pod that is often added to delicious dishes like gumbo and soup — is a valuable weapon in the fight to get microplastics out of our drinking water. What are Read More...

World’s most endangered wolf

World’s most endangered wolf gives birth at Rhode Island zoo

A Rhode Island zoo recently announced the rare birth of an endangered red wolf, bringing new hope for the species’ survival. The red wolf is the world’s most endangered canid, which is why the birth of the pup, on May 5th, is such a remarkable conservation moment. Only about 15-20 red wolves Read More...

Freshwater eel.

Researchers discover more than 200 freshwater fish species 

There always seems to be a lot more talk surrounding species that we have lost to human habitat encroachment, over-hunting, and the ripple effects of pollution. Though, an encouraging discovery in 2022, reminded us that our world is still so full of wonder, where scientists - from the conservation Read More...

Ivory-billed woodpecker

Formerly "extinct" woodpecker still alive and pecking in Louisiana forests

Last year, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FSW) declared the ivory-billed woodpecker extinct. That, however, proved to be a premature move. That’s according to a team of researchers, bringing a new glimmer of hope for the bird’s existential status after reporting the woodpecker alive and Read More...

Norwegian cohousing encourages

Norwegian cohousing encourages social connection and sustainable living

After the pandemic years of alienation from each other, the downfalls of the once sought-after single-nuclear-family housing are becoming clearer. Not only is it financially impractical and ecologically damaging, but it’s isolating, and discourages the building of strong local communities. With Read More...

female hands typing text message via cellphone

How to “unghost” a past friend, according to friendship experts

In a perfect world, no one would ever end a personal relationship by abruptly stopping all communication with no explanation—In other words, “ghosting.” However, sometimes life gets in the way, and we ghost.  What is unghosting? Psychologist, professor, speaker, and author Marisa G. Read More...

Crow in mid flight through snow

Crows help rid this Swedish city's streets of cigarette butts

A startup in the Swedish city of Södertälje, which is located near Stockholm, has recruited the help of local crows to pick up discarded cigarette butts from the city’s streets and public spaces. In fact, there’s a movement afoot in places as varied as California and the Netherlands to ban Read More...

Couple running into the sunset

Here is a neurologist-approved 10 day reset plan to reclaim your life

Have you ever tried a detox? Maybe you gave up TV for a month or sugar. Why not challenge yourself to try a “brain detox.” Created by neurologist David Perlmutter, this 10-day plan will help you reset your brain and set you on the path to reclaiming your life.  Day 1: Digital detox You Read More...

man breaking cigarette with hands walking at the city.

New Zealand passes law that will lead to “a smoke-free future”

New Zealand’s parliament enacted legislation last week that prohibits anyone born after 2008 from purchasing cigarettes or tobacco products. It will mean that the number of people who can buy cigarettes will decrease year after year. For example, by 2050, 40-year-olds will be too young to Read More...

Middle age sportswoman health care holding heart at the park

Discovery of immune protein points to new heart disease treatment

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and yet treatments remain remarkably limited. Aside from statins to lower cholesterol levels, most interventions are indirect, such as preventing diabetes and high blood pressure or improving diet and exercise. A new study led by Read More...