Spain is on the verge of implementing a basic income program
The coronavirus has prompted governments around the world to think of ways to pandemic-proof the world. One of the main ideas that is gaining traction is universal basic income (UBI), something we’ve written quite a few stories about (see here and here). If you’re not familiar with UBI, Read More...
Critically endangered turtles hatch undisturbed on people-free beaches
At the start of each April, people on the northeastern shorelines of Brazil can witness the critically-endangered hawksbill sea turtles emerge from their eggs and make their first steps into the waters of the Atlantic. But as people have been advised to stay indoors to slow the spread of the Read More...
Bill Gates willing to lose billions to accelerate COVID-19 vaccine discovery
In a bid to fast-track research into the much-needed coronavirus vaccine, Bill Gates has shifted his philanthropic foundation into high gear by investing billions of dollars in the construction of factories for seven different vaccine candidates. Gates said that even though the foundation would Read More...
OPTIMIST VIEW: Quarantined in Costa Rica
"The absurdity (and the beauty) of this moment, is palpable" The newspapers today read like a Gabriel García Márquez novel: the stories seem completely unreal, and yet, we are obliged to believe them. The question on every mind, “Is this really happening, or am I going crazy?” The Read More...
The Paycheck Protection Program is a refreshing piece of business
Small businesses have already cut millions of jobs because the coronavirus crisis forced them to close and they could no longer pay salaries. But an important piece of the $2 billion coronavirus relief bill signed last week—a $350 million “paycheck protection program”—will use government Read More...
Energy company turns its production line towards refurbishing old ventilators
Billionaires aren't the only ones stepping up to help with the needed medical equipment, take Bloom Energy, a fuel cell company that brings old ventilators back into service--all while continuing to manufacture fuel cells that power supermarkets and hospitals. Two weeks ago, the governor of Read More...
Portugal gives migrants full citizenship rights during pandemic
Coronavirus is unique because of its truly global impact, but with that said, it’s also exposing inequalities in our world. For many migrants, for instance, sheltering in a safe space is not always a possibility. Gaining access to healthcare is also not so simple. To make amends for this, Read More...
Social distancing has actually been an asset for creating community
The clapping starts at 8 p.m. every evening. Across the world now, from São Paulo to Amsterdam, residents of cities confined to their homes by anti-coronavirus self-isolation measures are assembling on balconies, at windows, and in doorways to applaud the emergency service providers helping Read More...
Shutdown movie theater turned its parking lot into a safe drive-in cinema
Like many other public venues, cinemas have not been spared from the coronavirus shut down, leaving many moviegoers no other choice than to wait it out until they see the big screens again. But it appears that’s not necessarily the case everywhere. A resourceful cineplex in Schertz, Texas, has Read More...
While at home, you can help astronomers demystify our Universe’s history
Be it baking or needlepoint, since the start of the outbreak, quarantine has been encouraging many people to take up new hobbies as a means to keep busy and make their time at home a little more enjoyable. But what if there was a hobby that would help stave off boredom during self-isolation while Read More...