Evergreen
What are starling murmurations and why do they happen
Those who are lucky enough to witness a starling murmuration know exactly how transfixing and hypnotic it can be to be in the presence of such a magical natural phenomenon. A starling is a small to medium-sized bird that has a short tail, pointed head, and glossy black feathers with hints of Read More...
So your compost has mold? What it means and what to do about it
So you’ve set up a functioning compost system in your backyard. First things first, congratulations! But how do you know if your compost is healthy and thriving? Mold and fungi are actually a sign of a functioning compost pile, but not all kinds of mold are good. Check out the list below to Read More...
Have to make a tough decision? This “ladder rule” strategy can help
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM At least occasionally, we’ll find ourselves in a high-pressure situation where we must make a difficult decision quickly. Major life decisions deserve our undivided attention, but the business of life tends to get in the way and we end up feeling frazzled Read More...
Machine vision software reveals how spiders weave their web
How does a spider make a web? You’ve probably accidentally wandered into a spider web and wondered how they make these creations right under your nose without you noticing. This is because most spiders do their web weaving at night, away from prying human eyes. However, research from scientists Read More...
Scientists discover natural antibiotics already inside the human body
One of the potential threats that the human species must soon face is antibiotic-resistant bacteria. As bacteria continue evolving to become resistant to the medicines that we use to treat them, previously-curable infections become “superbugs” and come back stronger and more dangerous. Some Read More...
This simple Blue Zone habit can improve your longevity
How often do you find yourself sitting on the floor in your day-to-day life? It turns out, sitting on the floor, while it may not be the most comfortable, is a simple way to improve your longevity. According to Blue Zones founder Dan Buettner, cultures that tend to keep their furniture to a Read More...
These wind turbine walls let cities harness wind power beautifully
One of the major downfalls of harnessing wind energy is that large-scale wind farms require lots of space, away from urban areas, and wind turbines with bulky poles and huge spinning blades that aren’t just considered an eyesore but are hazardous for birds. Well, what if we could harvest wind Read More...
Five plant-based foods with more protein than meat
Our world is in a precarious environmental situation, and the way conventional livestock and agriculture industries function only exacerbate climate issues, which is why many people are switching to a vegan or vegetarian diet, or choosing to support farms that produce meat in a more sustainable Read More...
Research yields surprising discovery about the benefits of green tea
Green tea has been shown to reduce the risks of chronic illness, and it is a common healthy staple in many cultures around the world. Researchers previously thought this tea’s benefits came from its antioxidants, which prevent oxidative stress by capturing free radicals, but a new study from ETH Read More...
This science-backed playlist is full of songs that will give you chills
We all have those special songs we go back to every now and then if we want to get a good dosage of “chills”—that powerful emotional response reflected by a pleasurable sensation of tingles, and even goosebumps. But what exactly is it that makes our bodies respond that way to a piece of Read More...