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How AI helped Togo's poorest citizens
Back in 2020, we ran a story about a humanitarian project in Togo organized by the non-profit GiveDirectly, UC Berkeley, and Togo’s Ministry of Digital Economy. Its aim: use AI to deliver humanitarian aid in the form of money to the poorest populations in the country. Now some of the results Read More...
Tiny roundworms could diagnose lung cancer
Early detection is an essential tool for treating cancer. Any time that doctors and technicians can shave off from testing or lab work saves lives. Even better are noninvasive and inexpensive tests, which benefit both the patient and the hospital. The noble nematode You might remember nematodes Read More...
Golden eagle population soars from Scottish conservation efforts
The Optimist Daily loves reporting about the successful global efforts to restore biodiversity and protect endangered species. Whether that be the creation of a Nepalese bird sanctuary or how the Australian humpback whale has come back from endangered status, every comeback is a reason to Read More...
Always growing: a dive back into the marvelous world of mushrooms
“Nature alone is antique, and the oldest art a mushroom.” - Thomas Carlyle, Scottish philosopher, and essayist Science is ever-changing. Scientists and physicians used to be sure that contagions and diseases were spread from person to person by smell. This was called the Miasma Theory, and Read More...
5 small changes to make your home feel fresh and comforting
These days our homes are more integral in our lives than ever. They serve as spaces of work, play, and rest. If you’re getting a bit tired of looking at your own walls, here are some tips from interior designers on simple ways to spruce up your home. 1. Open up your pantry Glass-fronted or Read More...
More trees may save gray foxes from coyotes
The Optimist Daily has recently written a great deal on the need to coexist with animals, respecting animal agency and the potential to reach a new symbiosis with our furry neighbors on the planet. This brings into our consideration how to adapt our own human environments to better suit the habits Read More...
Cut the lights! The case for sleeping in total darkness
New research from scientists at Northwestern Medicine presents a persuasive argument for people to get rid of nightlights and break the common habit of being lulled to sleep by a television program. Why should we sleep in the dark? According to a press release about the study, even a small amount Read More...
3 ways senior health rights improved post-Pandemic
The pandemic has been especially hard on the elderly population. Being in a high at-risk group meant that many older individuals could have no visitors and had their interactions hugely restricted even when living in the same home. This combined with staff shortages in hospices meant the levels of Read More...
Can stem cells cure the leading cause of blindness?
We have covered the pursuit for the cure to blindness a great deal at The Optimist Daily. The research and development around retinal implants and gene therapy for blind people is eclectic and ever-growing. Scientists have developed methods in gene editing and even using algae to help people see Read More...
A podiatrist and PT share the 5 best stretches for flat feet
Individuals with flat feet have a wide footbed and lack an arch. Both of these factors unfortunately make flat-footed folks more likely to experience pain. Luckily, most of the time, flat-footed foot pain can be alleviated through regular stretching. “Since the pain from flat feet can be due Read More...