Today’s Solutions: December 17, 2025

Evergreen

These are the inaugural winner

These are the inaugural winners of the Earthshot Prize

We have previously wrote about Earthshot Prize nominee Vinisha Umashankar, a clever 14-year-old student from Tamil Nadu who created a mobile ironing cart that runs off solar power. Although Umashankar didn’t win an Earthshot Prize, the five other recipients were recently announced. Here are the Read More...

This unique greenhouse is made

This unique greenhouse is made from over 4,500 recycled jars

[caption id="attachment_1408340" align="alignleft" width="265"] Axton Burton and their greenhouse[/caption] Axton Burton is a tropical plant enthusiast, but in their rainy home state of Washington, keeping warm weather-loving plants alive is no easy feat. Seeking out a greenhouse for their leafy Read More...

A healthy vegan drink green kale smoothie with spirulina for detox on dark background close-up.

9 vitamin K-rich foods to add to your diet

Vitamin K is not talked about as frequently as vitamin C or D, but this essential nutrient supports strong bones, helps blood clot, and protects against chronic inflammatory diseases. Vitamin K is fat-soluble and found in a number of food sources. If you’re looking to incorporate more into your Read More...

Gut Instincts—Health and the

Gut Instincts—Health and the microbiome

“Our body teaches us that health lies in balance and harmony, rather than in conflict and fighting.” - Ilchi Lee BY Amelia Buckley Whether choosing a sandwich option for lunch or accepting a new job offer, we’re all familiar with gut instincts. Although the term “gut instinct” only Read More...

Gut health for guys—should m

Gut health for guys—should men take probiotics?

Have you heard of probiotics? Chances are you have a basic understanding that they are good for your gut health—but do they have any specific benefits for men? Here’s what health experts want you to know about probiotics and gut health for guys. Should men take probiotics? Most experts are in Read More...

Scientists continue to unravel

Scientists continue to unravel the medical mystery of identical twins

Dutch scientists have made strides towards uncovering more of the medical mystery that causes some twins to be born identical. Their discovery can help treat congenital disorders that identical twins are disproportionately afflicted with, such as spina bifida. Identical twins form after a zygote Read More...

Decolonizing Science: Kiwi sci

Decolonizing Science: Kiwi scientists take a stand on using Maori language

At The Optimist Daily, we have often featured stories about scientific discoveries that help improve our understanding of the biosphere. We are also big fans of inclusivity, particularly when it shows an appreciation of Indigenous wisdom. That’s why we wanted to feature this delightful account of Read More...

This state-of-the-art hologram

This state-of-the-art hologram hits you right in the feels

Scientists at the University of Glasgow are making our futuristic science fantasies a reality. They have created a system that allows users to actually feel a hologram. 'Aerophatics' The system uses jets of air known as “aerophatics” to simulate the feeling of holding something. “Those jets Read More...

floating office rotterdam

Rotterdam becomes home to the world’s largest floating office

While Rotterdam is typically known for hosting Europe’s biggest port, the second largest Dutch city is also famous as a forerunning innovator in climate adaptability. This reputation is reflected by (among other things) a floating dairy farm located near the port, as well as by the more recently Read More...

Three ways we can repurpose cl

Three ways we can repurpose closed department stores

40 percent of US department stores have closed their doors in the past five years, but the question remains: what do we do with these huge spaces? Many will be demolished, but some communities are turning defunct big-box stores into repurposed useful spaces. Library  Department stores and Read More...