Brief synopsis of the top good news stories from last week.
In a week when a stone and turf structure in Cornwall - King Arthur’s Hall - was found to be 4,000 years older than originally thought (and unique in Europe), divers on the other side of the world in the Pacific ocean discovered the World’s Largest Coral (so big that scientists initially thought it was a shipwreck) and in Washington, the US Congress UFO Hearing commenced in order to revisit the topic of UFOs and try to "pull back curtain" and expose the truth. Meanwhile, in other news...
Medicine & Wellbeing
Reasons For Optimism: In the fight against cancer, mRNA technology and artificial intelligence are set to make a huge difference.
Cancer Research: Scientists have identified “rogue” genetic material called extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) that helps aggressive forms of cancers survive - an important first step towards developing treatments to tackle it. “Our understanding of ecDNA is a step forward in building a complete picture of the complex biology of cancer.”
Cannabinol: For the first time, there's scientific evidence that a lesser known component of the cannabis plant – cannabinol – delivers better quality and longer sleep. It paves the way for finally having an effective sleep aid sourced from medical cannabis that's comparable to existing medications, but without the side effects.
For wellbeing of a broader kind:
Free Transport: Istanbul just became the largest city to provide free public transportation to unemployed residents. The Turkish city of 16 million people implemented the program to remove barriers to finding a job and help boost employment rates.
Aussie Student Debt: The Australian government is to cut student loans for around three million Australians by 20 percent, wiping off around US$10 billion in debts.
New Bookstores: Barnes & Noble continues to open new stores at a rapid pace in America and is on track to open 60 this year, with 12 new outlets in November.
Citizen Science Projects
Big Day: A vast collaboration of birding organizations has organized the largest citizen science project in the history of ornithology - a ‘Big Day’ with 201 countries participating. Documenting 7,800 species in a single day - there are around 11,000 species known in the world. Data from birdwatching events like this can help inform the conservation status of birds year after year.
Chart Your Fart: Australia's leading research agency is asking people across the nation to track their flatulence with the help of a purposely funny app.
Climate & Sustainability
Gaining Pace: The world’s transition to green energy is gaining pace. A recent report by the International Energy Agency, the world’s energy watchdog, found that over the next six years renewable energy projects are on track to roll out at three times the pace of the previous six years. This would put the world on course to outpace the 2030 goals set by governments to create a total global renewable energy capacity roughly equal to the existing power systems in China, the EU, India and the US combined.
Lithium Breakthrough: Demand for lithium is primarily driven by the growing electric vehicle market and renewable energy storage needs. Now, the good news is that technology company Schlumberger has announced a new solution for sustainable lithium production at scale.
Sunny Cyprus: Cyprus has outstripped all other EU member states in embracing hot-water solar systems, with an estimated 93.5 percent of households exploiting the alternative energy form for domestic needs. "You basically have free hot water and see your electricity bills greatly reduced... it’s a no-brainer.”
UK Ups Ambitions: At the COP29 United Nations Climate Conference, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the United Kingdom would slash greenhouse gas emissions 81 percent by 2035, in comparison with 1990 levels.
Women at COP29: The annual global climate conference, COP29 is underway in Azerbaijan. Originally, the conference’s organizing committee was made up exclusively of men, but women leaders from varying industries demanded the Azerbaijani president include women. Their demands were met: the president expanded the now 55-person committee to include 12 women. While the group has not achieved gender parity, it’s significant progress.
Design
Morgan Plus Four: This classic handmade British sports car is heading back to America after an absence of 20 year, after receiving official federal approval.
World's Best Tall Building: With a stunning design that includes lush greenery and multiple terraced gardens, Singapore's Pan Pacific Orchard has won the accolade.
Natilus: New airline aims to challenge the conventional airliner paradigm with its blended wing aircraft that's so efficiently streamlined that it has half the emissions of regular jets.
And Finally...
Werewolf Statute: Argentina plans to scrap a curious law that permits the president to become the godparent of a couple's seventh consecutive son or daughter, to prevent them from becoming werewolves. The law, passed as recently as 1974, is the result of a myth, with "deep roots" in Argentina's rural areas, that a family's seventh son becomes a werewolf during the full moon, said Argentina Reports. But president Javier Milei plans to take a "chainsaw" to the legislation as part of his new project, Ley Hojarasca, which aims to cut red tape and remove obsolete laws.
That's it, you are up to date. Why not spread the good news by telling friends and family about OGN Daily?
Today's Articles
Proprioception: After a decade of touch screens, brands are turning back to the tried-and-true pleasures of physical buttons and knobs.
New Exhibition: First editions of all six of Jane Austen's novels brought together in her former home.
Glastonbury: With tickets for this year's festival now on sale, here are some fun facts and figures about Glastonbury 2023.
Supercharge: Forgetfulness isn't inevitable, says Professor James Goodwin. Here's 6 ways to boost your midlife brain.