Evergreen
New bionic eye could restore sight and even offer night vision
As we’ve talked about on The Optimist Daily, prosthesis technology has come a long way in recent years, but the human eye has always been difficult to replicate. Now, scientists have designed a prototype for the first 3D artificial bionic eye, which could let users see better than with the real Read More...
Scientists map an entire ancient Roman city using only radar technology
We have previously written about how high-tech laser scanners have enabled scientists to discover the oldest and largest known structure built by the Mayans. Equipped with similar state-of-the-art technology, a group of archaeologists has managed to map an entire ancient Roman city while it’s Read More...
This 9-year-old Kenyan boy built a hand-washing machine to fight COVID-19
We have to give credit where it's due when we see ingenuity making a difference in communities. In Kenya, a nine-year-old boy has made a wooden hand-washing machine to help curb the spread of coronavirus. The machine allows users to tip a bucket of water using a foot pedal to avoid touching Read More...
PayPal commits to invest $530 million to support minority-owned businesses
Along with elected officials, corporate leaders also have an important role to play when it comes to addressing racial inequality. Now, in the wake of worldwide protests against racial injustice, some of the world’s biggest corporate players are stepping in to support action against this societal Read More...
A female-led energy company is bringing green power to the Navajo Nation
The Rural Electrification Act of 1936 aimed to erase energy access disparities across the US but left out Native American tribes throughout the country. Lack of energy access still plagues these communities today. According to the American Public Power Association, Native American communities Read More...
How the words of James Baldwin can help guide us towards racial justice
Protests in the name of George Floyd have served as a vital moment of contemplation and introspection, for asking ourselves the tough questions we often avoid: How does my own racial bias operate? How can I amplify black voices? There are many questions, but the answers aren’t always so Read More...
Educating kids: Sesame Street addresses racism in 60-minute TV special
There are a few topics that are difficult to explain to children. When it comes to racism, Sesame Street is here to lend a helping hand. On Saturday, June 6, 2020, the kids' television show Sesame Street teamed up with CNN to broadcast a 60-minute special titled “Coming Together: Standing Up Read More...
Scientists may have found a new species of octopus 4 miles below the surface
The deepest depths of our oceans are some of the most mysterious places on the planet. Little is known about the expansive seafloor, but scientists are constantly finding out more about bottom dwellers that inhabit this environment. More than four miles under the Indian Ocean, scientists managed Read More...
A startup is farming algae to reduce the environmental footprint of cows
In a new factory on the Swedish coast, a startup called Volta Greentech will soon begin commercial production of Asparagopsis taxiformis, a type of red seaweed that’s never before been grown on land. The seaweed is being farmed because it has a unique ability to fight climate change: When it’s Read More...
Irish beekeeper constructs colorful LEGO hive in his backyard
From cleaning out the basement to taking up bread making, people around the world have taken up new hobbies to fill their quarantined time. One creative bee-lover in Ireland decided to use the time to create an elaborate home for bees out of LEGO blocks. Ruari O Leocháin, a school teacher and Read More...