Project Optimist

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This man survived 200 snake bites, from cobras to mambas, and now his blood is helping scientists beat venom; know how

Tim Friede, a former truck mechanic, intentionally subjected himself to numerous snakebites over two decades, aiming to develop immunity. His unusual experiment led to a...

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Anti-aging drug cocktail boosts mouse lifespan by 30 percent, offers hope for human longevity

A groundbreaking study reveals that a combination of rapamycin and trametinib extends the lifespan of mice by up to 30%, while also improving their health in old age. The drug...

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A 19-year-old Won $100,000 for Inventing a Cheaper, Faster Way to Make Antiviral Drugs Out of Corn Husks

Self-described as merely “someone from a small village in a small European country” young Adam Kovalčík won the top prize in America’s most prestigious science fair with his...

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Coral Reef Production is Boosted by 20 Times With Special Ink From Pink Algae That Attracts Colonies

Endangered coral reefs could be saved by a special ‘ink’, according to new research. The bio-ink coating, called SNAP-X, was engineered by University of California scientists...

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What Delhi, Aligarh & Glasgow Taught Me About Fixing India’s Air — With People at the Centre

From citizen-led air monitoring in Aligarh to climate justice conversations at COP26, Dr. Ashish Sharma shows how everyday Indians are leading change. Grounded in empathy,...

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It Starts With a Breath: What I Learnt About India’s Cities From Babies, Blocked Streets & Hopeful Citizens

Through decades of global research and grassroots work, Dr. Ashish Sharma reveals how India’s fight for clean air is as much about policy and technology as it is about people....

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Parents build train-themed tiny house in backyard for 21-year-old son with autism

Tiny houses are an incredible living option. Compact yet complete with everything needed to live a full, independent life, living in a tiny home has been a game changer for...

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CBSE 2025: Rudra Pratap Singh breaks the myth of long study hours, scores 499/500 with a focused 2-hour routine

Rudra Pratap Singh, a Class 10 topper from Stone Ridge International School, defied conventional wisdom by scoring 499/500 in the CBSE exams with just two focused hours of...

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These DU Students Are Helping Disabled People Make Clothes for Their Own Community & Earn From It!

In a small workshop, Avishi Gupta and her Enactus DCAC team are changing lives. Partnering with over 100 people with disabilities, they’re designing adaptive clothing that goes...

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How This Woman Transformed Her Rooftop Into a Beautiful Organic Garden in Bhubaneswar

Learn how Bhubaneswar’s Jayanti Sahoo turned her rooftop into a blooming organic garden. Follow her 8-step guide to grow fruits and vegetables at home using sustainable and...

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Good News in History, May 25

39 years ago today, the Hands Across America fundraising event was held, hoping to create a human chain across the entire country. Hosted over Memorial Day weekend, the hope...

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All about Banu Mushtaq, Intl. Booker Prize winner

The Indian Literary space just scripted history as a Kannada writer and her Indian translator won the International Booker Prize 2025. Banu Mushtaq, the author, and Deepa...

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Ed Smylie, Who Saved the Apollo 13 Crew With Duct Tape, Dies at 95

He and his team of NASA engineers jumped into action to help three astronauts bound for the moon. His quick thinking earned him a shout-out from Richard Nixon.

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What went right this week: the good news that matters

China’s emissions shrank, scientists made a breast cancer discovery, and Europe’s best cycle city was revealed, plus more The post What went right this week: the good news that...

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Okra and Fenugreek Extracts Safely Remove Microplastics From Water in New Texas Research

The substances behind the slimy strings from okra and the gel from fenugreek seeds could trap microplastics better than a commonly used synthetic polymer. Texas researchers...

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How global protections are helping sea turtles recover

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In an encouraging sign for marine conservation, many endangered sea turtle populations around the world are showing signs of recovery,...

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“Becoming Jane” at Discovery Place Science in NC

Discovery Place Science to Open “Becoming Jane,” an Immersive Multimedia Exhibition on the Legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Exhibition opens Saturday,...

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Shelter gets 'mutt-ernity suite' makeover for their most vulnerable rescues: pregnant stray dogs

Three Little Pitties animal rescue got a helping hand from Tito’s Vodka For Dog People program, which overhauled their facilities to give pregnant stray dogs a safe space to recover.

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Emerging European destinations: How Austria, Malta, Portugal, and Spain are winning over Indian students

With rising tuition and living costs in traditional study hubs like the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia, Indian students are increasingly turning to Austria, Malta, Portugal,...

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Daily peanut doses may help adults with allergies build tolerance, new study finds

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM For millions of people living with peanut allergies, mealtime often comes with a side of anxiety. But new research offers a hopeful twist:...

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Imperial College picks Bengaluru for global research hub, bets big on Indian science

Imperial College London is establishing a research and innovation hub in Bengaluru, its fourth international location. This initiative aims to strengthen collaborations with...

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City’s Experiment with Reusable Cups at Chain Restaurants Is Smashing Success as Diners Return Them All Over Town

Last July, GNN reported on the California city of Petaluma and its experiment collaborating with local restaurants to create a city-wide return-and-reuse beverage cup program....

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In German Breakthrough Quantum Communications Sent Across the Nation Using Existing Telecom Infrastructure

For the first time ever, scientists have demonstrated that it’s possible to send quantum communications using existing commercial telecommunication infrastructure. Sent across...

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Strange Wood Found on Beach by Fisherman Turns Out to Be Polynesian Canoe of Great Significance

On New Zealand’s Chatham Islands, the complete remains of a wooden boat used by the islands’ indigenous Polynesians—perhaps even to arrive there, have been found. This...

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Three De La Salle Lipa Siblings Win Gold, Silvers at Southeast Asia English Olympiad International Round

Three siblings from De La Salle Lipa brought pride to the Philippines after winning gold and silver medals at the 2025 Global English Language Olympiad of Southeast Asia...

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Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore emerge stronger following recovery from Starliner mission extended until March

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have safely returned to Earth after spending over nine months aboard the International Space Station, their mission extended due to technical...

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Optimism as action: why looking on the bright side is essential to social progress

Optimism isn’t everything, but it’s seriously useful, argues Sumit Paul-Choudhury in his new book. He draws on history, philosophy and science to make his case – as well as his...

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Naqsa funding cuts: Space advocates rally in Washington to save Artemis Mission

Space advocates, including those from Mississippi's Stennis Space Center and Louisiana's Michoud Assembly Facility, rallied in Washington, D.C., to protect NASA programs amid...

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Podcast Transcript May 16, 2025: Snakebites, sunscreen, and solutions: ancient humans, modern science, and unexpected heroes

Episode Description: This week, Arielle and Karissa dive into the wild and wonderful world of solutions—from ancient humans using ochre as sunscreen during a magnetic pole...

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Beyond IITs & IIMs: 4 Surprising Courses You Didn’t Know Existed in Indian Universities

Looking for a career path that’s anything but ordinary? From healing through music to solving climate challenges with science, Indian universities are now offering courses that...

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Astronaut Kellie Gerardi Takes a Mission-Driven Approach to Her Career, Motherhood and Life

Astronaut Kellie Gerardi blends science, motherhood, and social media stardom as she prepares for her next space mission in 2026. The post Astronaut Kellie Gerardi Takes a...

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India now has everything to offer for science and research: Union minister Jitendra Singh

Union Minister Jitendra Singh urged Indian researchers abroad to return, highlighting India's advancements in science and research. He emphasized a shift in national mindset...

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11-year-old discovers fossil of largest marine reptile to ever have been discovered

In the seaside village of Blue Anchor in Somerset, a remarkable discovery by an 11-year-old girl has unveiled a piece of Earth’s ancient history. In May 2020, Ruby Reynolds and...

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Why Holding Space Is Better Than Gripping for Control

“Anything you can’t control is teaching you how to to let go.” ~Unknown There’s a story I read to my children, an old piece of African folklore. In the tale, a clever jackal...

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Scientists use Isaac Newton-inspired method to clean up trash from Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Scientists were inspired by Newton’s research on celestial bodies floating in space.

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Trusting the Pause: When Patience Is Better Than Pushing

“The most powerful thing you can do right now is be patient while things are unfolding for you.” ~Idil Ahmed⠀ I still remember my last year of college vividly. I was frustrated...

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Well-Designed Gardens Help People Relax Immediately by Provoking a Wandering Gaze

Well-designed gardens help people relax straight away, as they cause viewers to look at them differently, suggests new research. Our gaze shifts quicker and more often in such...

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Motivation expert explains how two simple words can free you from taking things personally

Towards the end of The Beatles’ illustrious but brief career, Paul McCartney wrote “Let it Be,” a song about finding peace by letting events take their natural course. It was a...

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In a first, India to conduct experiments aboard ISS to study sustainability of life in space

India is poised to conduct its first biological experiment on the International Space Station (ISS), focusing on the sustainability of human life in space. Spearheaded by Isro...

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NIH Funding Now Will Prioritize Research That Eschews Animal Testing to Push Innovation

The National Institutes of Health recently announced that in order to improve the quality of science used in drug development, the agency would favor grant proposals that move...

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Trees Can Warn Us When Volcanos Are Ready to Erupt–and NASA Satellites Can Read Their Signals

For the 10% of the global population that live near an active and potentially dangerous volcano, help may be forthcoming from an unlikely source: trees. In advance of volcanic...

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How Nearly a Century of Happiness Research Led to One Big Finding

Decades of wellness studies have identified a formula for happiness, but you won’t figure it out alone.

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Positively Uplifting Stories | May 12 2025

When we shift our focus from limitations to possibilities, we find more growth, opportunity, and learning in our journeys. In this space of possibility, we find the courage and...

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Prefabricated Pods: A Smart Solution for Modern Construction Needs

Prefabricated pods are revolutionizing modern construction, offering fast, affordable, and eco-friendly solutions. These modular marvels are suitable for diverse applications,...

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Good News in History, May 27

62 years ago today, The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan album was first released. His second album, it showcased a quantum leap in Dylan’s songwriting talent that propelled him to...

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Scientists turn lead into gold for a second, what CERN's breakthrough means for gold lovers

Scientists at CERN have achieved a modern-day alchemy, transforming lead into gold, albeit fleetingly, during high-energy collisions. This breakthrough, while not yielding...

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What is the ‘Black Hole Bomb’ theory and how scientists brought it to life in the lab

Scientists at Southampton University have made a significant advancement. They have successfully simulated the 'Black Hole Bomb' theory in a lab. This theory, proposed in the...

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15 people share the one sentence they'll never forget because it completely changed their lives

There’s nothing quite like having a breakthrough moment. When you hear something that completely reframes how you view a relationship or challenging life situation that helps...

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NASA’s Don Pettit Shot 220 Days of Amazing Photos From the I.S.S.

Don Pettit brought a photographer’s eye to orbit, capturing the artistry of the cosmos and our planet.

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Science at a Turning Point

The UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has announced a £13.9 billion investment in transformational research and development over the next year....

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Podcast Transcript May 23, 2025: The science of a sincere “sorry” and Boise’s geothermal energy solution

Episode Description: What makes an apology feel sincere? Hint: it’s in your syllables. This week, Arielle and Karissa dig into the psychology of saying sorry, celebrate Boise’s...

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ISRO's Aditya-L1 captures solar flare and plasma ejection, monitoring solar activity in near-ultraviolet light | Watch

Indian Space Research Organisation's Aditya-L1 mission achieved a milestone. It captured a significant solar flare and plasma ejection. The event occurred on December 31, 2023....

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RBSE Science, Commerce Results 2025: High pass percentages, Girls outshine boys again

The Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE) declared the Class 12 Science and Commerce results on May 22, 2025. With pass percentages of 98.43% in Science and 99.07% in...

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“6 Empowering Strategies to Embrace Your Inner Introvert and Unleash Your Hidden Power”

  Introversion is often misunderstood in a world that values extroverts. However, embracing your introverted self can lead to self-discovery, personal growth, and a more...

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Ancient humans may have used sunscreen to survive deadly solar radiation

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM With summer around the corner and UV levels on the rise, sunscreen is about to be a seasonal staple for most of us. But if you think the...

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The Power of Defining Who You Are Not: A Path to Self-Discovery

Discovering who you are not is just as important as knowing who you are. Learn how this path to self-awareness helps clear distractions and reveals your true essence. The post...

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Taking this vitamin regularly can slow down ageing

A recent study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests daily Vitamin D supplements may slow cellular aging by protecting telomeres. The four-year study,...

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NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope captures images of unusual cloud formation of Saturn’s biggest moon, Titan

The James Webb Space Telescope has made a groundbreaking observation of methane clouds in Titan's northern hemisphere, a region previously known to be cloud-free. This...

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James Webb Telescope Reveals New Details and Mysteries Hidden in Jupiter’s Own ‘Northern Lights’

Using the James Webb Space Telescope, scientists have photographed the auroras of Jupiter, revealing a host of details previously unknown to science. Naturally, the aurora on...

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5,000-year-old sealed wine jars discovered in Egypt to reveal science of ancient wine making

Archaeologists unearthed 5,000-year-old wine jars, many sealed, in Queen Meret-Neith's tomb at Abydos, offering a rare glimpse into early winemaking. The discovery provides...

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Sorry, not sorry? Science says sincerity is in your syllables

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Finding the right words to say “I’m sorry” can be hard—especially if you want the other person to know you really mean it. Fortunately, new...

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Spectacular find: Monumental images of gods discovered at Nineveh in Iraq

2,700 years ago, Nineveh was the capital of the Assyrian empire. Researchers from the University of Heidelberg have made a spectacular discovery in the palace of King...

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Study Smarter, Not Harder: Utilizing the Zeigarnik Effect to Ace Exams

As students gear up for exams, finding effective study techniques becomes paramount. Amidst various strategies, the Zeigarnik Effect emerges as a valuable tool that can aid...

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8 proven study techniques that work: How students can learn more in less time

Unlock academic success by adopting strategic study techniques. The article highlights eight proven methods, including the Pomodoro Technique, spaced repetition, and active...

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Scientists celebrate discovery of new 'grumpy-looking' frog, share video of its unique sound

The frowny-faced frog took a trio of scientists by surprise when they heard its chirping call in the rain-slicked slopes of South Africa.

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5 low-maintenance dog breeds for busy professionals

For individuals with busy lifestyles who desire canine companionship, several low-maintenance dog breeds offer an ideal solution. These breeds, including French Bulldogs,...

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Guy uses a Ziploc bag to show why text is reversed in mirrors and people finally get it

Have you ever wondered why text shows up backwards in a mirror? It's confusing to our brains because it doesn't seem like anything else is flipped like that. If we turn our...

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Good News in History, April 30

128 years ago today, J. J. Thomson announced his discovery of the electron as a subatomic particle, over 1,800 times smaller than a proton (in the atomic nucleus), at a lecture...

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Penguin poo plays a surprising role in Antarctic climate cooling: Study

Scientists have made a surprising discovery: penguin droppings in Antarctica may contribute to cooling the continent. Ammonia released from penguin guano combines with...

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