Today’s Solutions: February 17, 2026

Health

Finding good health news amidst a pandemic can be quite daunting. That’s not the case with The Optimist Daily, where positive news is in high supply. Our Health section covers the latest good news from the health sector, featuring solutions ranging from mental and physical health to immunity, nutrition, and cutting edge medical research.

The secret to happiness may be

The secret to happiness may be a bit of practice

For thousands of years, humans believed that emotions were predetermined hormonal responses out of our control, but in recent years researchers are beginning to shift their understanding. Part of this is due to something called “the predictive brain.” It used to be understood that if, for Read More...

Rosario, Argentina: A case stu

Rosario, Argentina: A case study in the benefits of urban farming

In an effort to address the financial collapse of 2001, the municipal government of Rosario, Argentina came up with an ingenious plan to get the city’s residents back to work. Officials partnered with 700 farming families to dedicate unused land in the city for farming. This not only created Read More...

This wireless pacemaker dissol

This wireless pacemaker dissolves once your body doesn't need it

A team of researchers from Northwestern University has developed a revolutionary temporary pacemaker that is absorbed by the body once it’s no longer needed. Pacemakers are incredible devices that are implanted in patients’ bodies to help regulate their heartbeat. The first pacemaker was Read More...

BIOMILQ is the first to replic

BIOMILQ is the first to replicate healthy and sustainable human milk

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and miraculous event for new mothers to share with their infants—but it isn’t always easy. In fact, many women experience complications when breastfeeding including latching issues, an inadequate supply of milk, pain, and more. It is also an often inaccessible Read More...

Legs of a woman in gray socks on the carpet on the wooden background. Vintage toning

Try this simple breathing exercise to rid yourself of cold hands and feet

Do you often find that your hands and feet are colder than the rest of your body? This can be perplexing, especially when gloves and socks don’t do the trick. Fortunately, it seems as though there is another way you can treat your chilly extremities that don't require extra items of clothing. Read More...

NHS to pilot blood test that c

NHS to pilot blood test that can accurately diagnose 50 types of cancer

Detecting cancer before it spreads too far means that treatment is more likely to be successful, thus significantly increasing the patient’s chances of survival. However, for many types of cancer, early diagnosis is very complicated, which makes the disease a leading cause of death Read More...

7 Foods that are good for you

7 Foods that are good for you and the planet

From beef to almonds, we hear a lot of discussion about the least sustainable foods, but what about the most sustainable foods? If you’re looking to adjust your diet to be more healthy for you and the planet, here are some options to green up your plate. Oats. This popular breakfast choice Read More...

These sanitary pads change col

These sanitary pads change color when they detect an infection

Checking up on our reproductive health should be something that we do regularly and for most of us, it's as easy as booking an appointment at the doctor's office. Unfortunately, for many people who live in less privileged parts of the world and can’t access quality healthcare, infections can Read More...

Lobster-inspired hydrogel coul

Lobster-inspired hydrogel could help build artificial tendons

Earlier this year, we shared a story about how lobsters are inspiring scientists to develop stronger 3D-printed concrete. In a similar manner, scientists are now turning to the intricate architecture of the crustacean’s underbelly to develop a strong and stretchy hydrogel-based material. The MIT Read More...

Tree Equity Score tool maps ou

Tree Equity Score tool maps out critical areas for urban forestry

Trees and urban green spaces are essential for city dwellers. Vegetation improves air quality, and tree cover provides shade from the heat of the sun—something that is increasingly sought after as human-induced climate change takes temperatures to extremes. Unfortunately, low-income Read More...