Project Optimist

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NASA once celebrated her, then fired her, and then tried to erase her story: The rise and fall of Rose Ferreira

Rose Ferreira overcame extreme poverty, homelessness, and health challenges to achieve her dream of working at NASA. Despite facing gender expectations in the Dominican...

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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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A student accidentally created a rechargeable battery that she says could last 400 years

There's an old saying that luck happens when preparation meets opportunity.There's no better example of that than a 2016 discovery at the University of California, Irvine, by...

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Good News in History, September 4

Happy 63rd birthday to the Japanese Nobel laureate, Sinya Yamanaka, whose pioneering work in the science of stem cells led him to identify the “Yamanaka Factors”— 4 different...

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Socially anxious man details his 2-year process for finally overcoming his shyness

Social anxiety and shyness can be crippling. However, one man who battled social anxiety and being shy opened up about how he overcame his shyness and social anxiety over two...

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Sci-fi or reality? Watch SpaceX Falcon 9’s breathtaking landing at sunset

On August 28, 2025, SpaceX's Falcon 9 booster B1067 achieved a historic 30th successful flight, launching Starlink 10-11 and deploying 28 satellites. This mission, set against...

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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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Minnesota Pizza Shop’s Dumpster Discovery Inspires Wave Of Kindness

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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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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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Who is Megan McArthur? NASA astronaut and first woman to pilot SpaceX Dragon retires after two decades

NASA astronaut Megan McArthur retires after two decades of remarkable contributions, including piloting the SpaceX Dragon and crucial work on the Hubble Space Telescope....

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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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Transforming tomorrow’s healthcare through science

Sian Taylor Philips is exploring how AI could transform breast cancer screening, as part of driving science-backed improvements for the NHS The post Transforming tomorrow’s...

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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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Could space-based solar panels power Europe’s clean energy future?

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM A new study suggests that solar panels in space could meet up to 80 percent of Europe’s renewable energy needs by 2050. The research,...

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Canada’s lunar dream: First-ever moon rover unveiled for launch

Canada has proudly introduced its first lunar rover, a collaborative project between the Canadian Space Agency and local tech firms, marking a significant advancement in its...

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How a Faridabad Woman Turned Her Home Into a Mini Jungle With 1000 Tray Plants

Sharda Godara transformed her Faridabad home into a mini jungle. She started designing these mini tray gardens at her home a couple of years ago when her home was left with no...

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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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Everyday foods rich in resistant starch reduce fatty liver by 50% and support gut health: Study

A recent study reveals that resistant starch, found in foods like legumes and cooled potatoes, can significantly reduce liver fat. The research, published in Cell Metabolism,...

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How $100 Per Voter Makes Seattle’s Elections More Inclusive

This article was originally published by Bolts, a nonprofit publication that covers criminal justice and voting rights in local governments. Seattle is poised to continue its...

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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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Speakers who have Made History: From the First Black Female Combat Pilot to a Famous Spy Catcher

History is made by those who lead boldly. Bring keynote speakers who have made history from NASA leaders to world record breakers to your next… The post Speakers who have Made...

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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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The surprising benefits of turning off Wi-Fi overnight for health and plants

Emerging research suggests that turning off your Wi-Fi router at night can lead to improved sleep quality, enhanced mood, and healthier plant growth. This simple habit reduces...

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165-million-year-old spiked dinosaur with ‘weaponised tail’ discovered in Morocco

The discovery of the dinosaur remains reveals the earliest known ankylosaur with extreme armour and a possible tail weapon 30 million years earlier than previously thought.

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Deep Breathing Can Create Psychedelic Bliss in Your Brain, Study Shows

A study recently found that deep-breathing exercises induce similar patterns of blood flow to the brain seen in patients using psychedelic substances like psilocybin. This...

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165-million-year-old spiked dinosaur with ‘weaponised tail’ discovered in Morocco

The discovery of the dinosaur remains reveals the earliest known ankylosaur with extreme armour and a possible tail weapon 30 million years earlier than previously thought.

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6 study break ideas that recharge the brain without losing momentum

Breaks are crucial for effective learning, contrary to popular belief. Active movement, short naps, restorative microbreaks, nature exposure and mindfulness exercises can...

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Sense of Smell May Be Restored Using Radio Waves-Without Need for Surgery

A patient’s of smell could be restored using radio waves without having to undergo surgery, according to new research. Worldwide, there are actually very few effective...

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From Dahi To Pancakes: 5 Kitchen Adventures That Teach Kids Science Through Food

Cooking with kids can be more than just a bonding activity – it can be a hands-on science class where yeast makes dough rise like magic, sugar crystals grow before your eyes,...

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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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Oil pulling for anti-ageing: Ayurveda’s timeless practice for youthful and glowing skin

Oil pulling, an ancient Ayurvedic practice, is gaining recognition for its potential anti-ageing benefits. Swishing oil in the mouth reduces toxins, calms inflammation, and...

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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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Gorgeous moth given new name after a century of 'mistaken identity'

Calling it “the prettiest species” he’s ever encountered, entomologist Peter Huemer dedicated the discovery to his wife, Ingrid Maria.

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Psychologist reveals top trait for success, it's not IQ

Discover the top personality trait that predicts success better than high IQ, according to psychologist Angela Duckworth’s research and insights.

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Scientists Identify a New Manta Ray Species, Just the Third Known in the World

Usually when scientists announce the discovery of a new species, it’s some small brown frog, a gnarly spider in a rainforest you’ll never visit, or a new sea-something. But...

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NASA and Hubble reveal IRAS 04302, the Butterfly Star: Understanding how new stars and planets develop | Watch video

NASA's James Webb and Hubble telescopes have captured stunning images of a young star, IRAS 04302, revealing a butterfly-like structure. This protostar, hidden in gas and dust,...

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Staggering Finds Show Early Humans Lived Alongside the Very Apes They Evolved from

From Ethiopia comes an incredible discovery—early humans seem to have potentially lived alongside the very apes they evolved from. The discovery centers around teeth: that of a...

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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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From liver function to cholesterol: 5 reasons to consume garlic

Garlic, a culinary staple and ancient remedy, is gaining recognition for its health benefits, particularly for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and high cholesterol. Research...

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Good News in History, August 24

9 years ago today, the European Southern Observatory confirmed the existence of Proxima Centauri b, the closest exoplanet to Earth orbiting within the habitable zone of the red...

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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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How to grow fenugreek (methi) in balcony garden

Growing fenugreek (methi) on a balcony is simple and rewarding, even beginners can manage it. Despite minimal space requirements, this fast-growing herb delivers fresh,...

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Never-before-seen orange shark caught in Costa Rica; stuns scientists

In a bizarre discovery, a Costa Rican fisherman caught an orange nurse shark, a world-first sighting. The six-and-a-half-foot shark's unusual colour is due to xanthism, a rare...

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20 Best Books to Become Successful in Life (2024)

You can’t succeed alone. And you can’t afford to try things and experiment with everything all by yourself. Let’s face it, life is short. And if you want to achieve outstanding...

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6 non-veg foods to increase haemoglobin naturally; study shows

Feeling tired? Boost your haemoglobin levels naturally with iron-rich non-veg foods. A recent study highlights that heme iron, found in mutton, chicken, eggs, fish, prawns, and...

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Asia’s cosiest city revealed: Why Seoul is the ultimate hub for coffee and comfort

A recent study by All Clear identified Seoul as Asia's coziest city, ranking 19th globally. Seoul's blend of UNESCO World Heritage sites, a thriving coffee culture with...

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