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Total number of posts: 23771
Where you live affects health, wealth and earning potential - podcast reports
A couple of weeks ago we shared a story about the cognitive benefits of listening to podcasts. This was thrilling to us since several on the Optimist Daily team are dedicated podheads. One story we listened to this week jumped out as something that we had to share - a Planet Money episode that Read More...
7 things you can do to create a more fulfilling work-life now that summer is over
By marking the traditional end of summer, Labor Day is in many ways its own type of New Year moment. It marks the time that we head back to school and back to full work schedules after summer breaks and vacations. This September, as you celebrate the work you do in your life, why not take time Read More...
How taking a break can reinvigorate creativity and boost productivity
In today’s world, we have created a culture where to be constantly productive is equivalent to being successful. We apologize over lunch with a friend when the cell vibrates, as if being always available for work or other “emergencies” means we really do matter. Even if it also means we just Read More...
How soil restoration will play a critical role in the future of global food systems
What’s the secret to feeding a global population that will reach 10 billion by 2050? Earth and Space Sciences professor David R. Montgomery says soil restoration is the answer. Unfortunately, one-third of the world’s population already suffers from the effects of degraded soil caused by Read More...
How seaweed forests can be a massive tool against climate collapse
The Optimist Daily has long been a proponent of seaweed as a food source to help feed the world’s growing population, and because of its tremendous health benefits. It also has the potential to serve as a powerful tool to fight against climate collapse. A recent study documents for the first Read More...
Spiny sea friends help treat Hawaii’s smothered coral reefs
For tourists, sea urchins may be an unwanted addition to a Hawaiian vacation, but these spiky little creatures are a welcomed habitat dweller for the islands’ coral reefs. The sea urchins, which are native to Hawaii’s waters, eat invasive smothering algae which threaten the health of the reef Read More...
Some compasses will soon point to true north - for the first time in 360 years
We all know the four directions on a compass: North, South, East, and West. However, when delving deeper into Earth’s rotation, we find there are actually two versions of North: magnetic North and true North. True north is a familiar friend we see on maps and longitude lines, but magnetic North, Read More...
Sage and respected: Positive words linked to positive outcomes as we grow older
Aging is often associated with unpleasant side effects: achy joints, forgetfulness, limited mobility. But one technique that has proven to make a difference and improve the lived experience of growing older is “positivity”. Psychologist Becca Levy studies the correlation between attitudes Read More...
How AI can help save our favorite fruit
Although we consume about 100 billion bananas each year, the future of the world’s most popular fruit is threatened by a number of diseases that are silently destroying crops around the world. For that reason, researchers have been working on a tool that allows farmers to detect diseases early Read More...
Revving a noisy engine could soon get you in trouble in Paris
Parisians with powerful cars might want to think carefully before showing off their rides. Parts of the city (most recently the suburb of Villeneuve-le-Roi) are testing a "noise radar" system from Bruitparif that can pinpoint loud vehicles and, eventually, ticket them. The system uses four Read More...