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It might seem that every time we check the news or simply go on social media, we keep getting bad news about the world. And that makes us think that at this rate, the world will end very soon.
And since the bad news keeps dominating our feeds, we keep missing out on good news. Probably because good news usually isn't as sensational as news outlets might want it to be. Well, to solve this shortage today, we picked out several good stories that were shared by the r/AskReddit community. After all, sometimes we all need to look at the bright side of things, right?
More info: Reddit
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
David Attenborough’s still healthy
Jill Bussey 2 years ago
This really should be at the top. He's an amazing person in all that he has done for the climate and the creatures that share this planet with us.
LizzieR1985 2 years ago
I think the UK will be having a national day of mourning when we lose him. He's 97!
the_avenging_knight (her/she) 2 years ago
He will only died after he has made a documentery on ever animal there is.
WindySwede 2 years ago
His voice is a necessity for me when watching nature films in English!
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David 2 years ago
Currently 97 years old. I'm in my 60s. He has been the voice of various stuff (mostly nature) my entire life. Certain voices burned in my brain. Him, Richard Marlin Perkins of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, "Casey" Kasem of American Top 40 (and Scooby Doo).
RELATED:
#2
Not significant for any of you, but pretty significant and REALLY good for me:
After telling my family and friends about the abuse I'm experiencing at home, we're secretly making plans to get me the heck out of here! I even have his friends on my side, and he doesn't suspect a thing.
Multa Nocte 2 years ago
Oh sweetie, I hope it happens soon for you! And yes, it IS significant to others that you are getting out of this situation!
Ava 2 years ago
I escaped last February. It will be hard at first, but trust me, you are strong enough to make it through. Enjoy your freedom
Molly Whuppie 2 years ago (edited)
Don't forget to clear your browser history in case he is checking that. Or at least clear the sites you don't want him seeing. A completely clear history can be a sign something is up as well.
Mysteria 2 years ago
Even better, delete all the data from something. It can be done through settings (at least on IPhone cuz that’s what I have). It doesn’t delete accounts or anything, but gets rid of cookies and stuff.
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Oskar vanZandt 2 years ago
Hope it all goes to plan and you can free yourself of the situation asap.
JayWantsACat 2 years ago
I'm glad that his friends are on their side. I feel like that's not a common thing that happens, unfortunately.
#3
I found out my dog doesn't have cancer. I about cried when I got the news.
meow point1 2 years ago
And also when you find out it was never cancer in the first place.
Load More Replies... Multa Nocte 2 years ago
Hooray for the goodest boi or gurl! I am so happy for both of you! 🎊 ❤️ 👏
You stole that from Robocop 2 years ago
My little girl had cancer earlier this year, we caught it early and she's good now. However.....if I come upstairs and she's on the bed (just one particular bed, the one she was on when I grabbed her to take her in for the op), she hides under it. It's become fixated in her head that if she's in that one spot and I come in it means vet. She's fine everywhere else. Mind you, she's a mad little cat, 13 going on 6 months
whodunnitfan2013 2 years ago
Congrats! My cat died from it yesterday. I wouldn't wish this pain on anyone.
#4
If I'm accepted to law school it will be paid for. I'm from a very poor background with no professional family members and I may break the chains.
Boop the Snoot. Pound the Paw. 2 years ago
Very very exciting about the full ride! One word of caution. Think about what you want to DO rather than what you want to BE.
You stole that from Robocop 2 years ago
I have a friend, met at work, he was the first person in his family to work in an office, no higher education probably the most intelligent person I know. When he opens his mouth you think he's going to be a knuckle dragger, far from it, the most erudite person I know. We taught him data, he's surpassed all of us, is now working with Google AI and analytics earning buckets. A formal education isn't necessarily for everyone, just find something you love and are good at, you'll blossom.
#5
Southern Ocean right whales populations are growing at seven percent a year. Bowhead whale populations have tripled and have almost recovered to pre-exploitation levels. Humpback populations in Australia have recovered and are higher than pre-exploitation.
Others, which haven’t recovered like the Atlantic right whale, have stopped their steep decline and hopefully can start the process of population recovery.
Stopping the practice of whaling is…finally…having a positive effect.
Gabby M 2 years ago
No and they started commercial whaling again back in 2019.
Load More Replies... You stole that from Robocop 2 years ago
So, in the time since I last saw a Southern Right Whale their population has increased by nearly 300%.
#6
CRISPR treatment has just been FDA approved to cure sickle cell disease
Multa Nocte 2 years ago
I would have sworn I would never live to see this. This is incredible!
WindySwede 2 years ago
Indeed! I just wonder what antivaxxers think of this, changing DNA. When they don't even like RNA vaccines. Not that I care of their shenanigans..
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OneHappyPuppy 2 years ago
Kind of related to the entry below, since sickle cell disease has only survived on Earth because people with sickle cell disease are immune to malaria.
Unproductive Panda #3 2 years ago
We talked about sickle cell disease in biology just a couple weeks ago and they said "scientists are working on a cure but they're close!" I never realized we were THIS close tho!
#7
[An Eastern Black Rhino was just born](https://biglife.org/program-updates/big-life-news/not-our-imagination), a complete surprise to the rangers who protect the 1,000 remaining in the wild. They are Critically Endangered, the rarest of the subspecies, and this is a monumental occasion.
WindySwede 2 years ago
we also need less people who believes in medicinal properties from endangered animals...
BrownTabby 2 years ago
Which can be achieved through humanitarian efforts to make it so that everyone can afford pharmaceuticals.
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BarkingSquirell 2 years ago
I'm a member of Save the Rhino. I got an email and a digital article when this happened. :D
Jo Davies 2 years ago
That is the Northern White Rhino. The Southern White is still in a while lot of trouble, but is the most common of all the subspecies of rhino.
Load More Replies... You stole that from Robocop 2 years ago
I've always wanted someone to mount GEM miniguns on elephants and rhinos and train them how to shoot at poachers.
#8
There's a rather effective Malaria vaccine, that started distribution this year. That's kind of huge.
KitKat 2 years ago
18 million doses of first-ever malaria vaccine allocated to 12 African countries for 2023–2025: Gavi, WHO and UNICEF: www.who.int/initiatives/malaria-vaccine-implementation-programme
David Paterson 2 years ago
Yippee. That malaria vaccine had been developed about seven years ago and then stalled because of the cost of distribution. I am totally delighted that that distribution is now underway.
Load More Replies... David 2 years ago
I heard about this and I really hope it proves effective in actual use in the 'wild'. Here is a sobering number for you --- "One estimate, which has been published in a 2002 Nature article, claims that malaria may have killed 50-60 billion people throughout history, or about half of all humans that have ever lived."
#9
I was at a diner in a small town in Michigan recently, and there were 2 drag queens eating. No one stared or said anything or looked uncomfortable. Based on everything you see in the news and the fact that I was in a part of Michigan that reliably votes Republican I would've expected a reaction, but everyone was cool with it. Gave me a little hope that maybe people are generally better than we think.
Sky Render 2 years ago
It's almost always just a few troublemakers being especially loud. Best if we don't humor them (or elect them!).
3 Trash Pandas (She/They) 2 years ago
That’s how most of America is. The stupid ones are always the loudest
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S Mi 2 years ago (edited)
In *some* smaller communities the fear mongering has less impact, because the scary individuals are not those nameless, faceless predators, but 'George and Allen who we've all known our whole lives' (for example). Then people are aware it's not true. At least for the locals
PolymathNecromancer 2 years ago
Ultimately, yes, fair enough. But you don't think the vitriol and sh*ttiness is weighted more to one faction?
Load More Replies... Mary Kelly 2 years ago
i think the milenials and genzs feel more comfortable coming out, and so many homophobes and haters have just had to come to grips w/ the fact that they have LGBTQ+ family members and friends who they love...i've seen a lot of people reverse course on this issue over the past couple of decades for that very reason....
Sandra Morison 2 years ago
Most people are perfectly accepting of others it's press and publicity, religion and politics that make most things an issue
#10
My older cat has completely accepted the new kitten I adopted. I’ve become the third wheel at home and I couldn’t be happier about it. Small positive.
Big Chungus 2 years ago
My old cat has never had kittens herself, but has taken in like a child every kitten that his been around her like a mama cat. She has also become very sweet in her old age.
#11
many endangered animal species are on the rebound now such as the bald eagle, humpback whales and schaus swallowtail butterflies due to increased conservational efforts
Bob Brooce 2 years ago
I'm in the Hudson Valley, and if I want to see an eagle on any given day there's perhaps a 90% chance I can find one without even hanging around for long. This is a normal fall afternoon at one of my favorite spots normal-day...e017a5.jpg 
Tracy Wallick 2 years ago
I saw a bald eagle in southeastern Virginia walking into work from the parking lot; apparently everyone else was so used to it, I was the only one that seemed to give a sh!t
David 2 years ago
They are fairly abundant where I live (NW WA state). I frequently have at least a couple hovering over my property in the summer. One year one stole one of my ducks. When the salmon are spawning there is an area I can go to about 20 miles from here where you can see a dozen or more roosting in a single tree when not hunting salmon.
#12
I’m a teacher and my class is super kind and well behaved for the most part. Gives me a little faith in our future.
Zaphod 2 years ago
This is great to hear! Unfortunately, a friend of mine just retired after 30 years because her class of 10 year olds was uncontrollable. She blames the parents who support their children regardless of their behavior. This was in Portland. (Sorry that doesn't fit the theme of good news)
Jeff White 2 years ago
Has it been the students? Or most the parents that have been the bigger problem. Seems to me the second group has been the most troublesome recently.
Patricia Smith 2 years ago
This depends on age. Elementary, middle and high school are so different. I wonder what teacher offered this statement. My bet would be elementary.
Tanya Venter 2 years ago
I love teachers! Thank you for teaching, loving and caring for our children.
#13
My local animal shelter has a food bank for owners who can't afford food for their pets. And I'm sure it's not the only shelter that does it.
M O'Connell 2 years ago
My local food bank offers pet food along with their nutrition boxes for people in need.
Bonesko 2 years ago
I didn't know that existed. A while ago I was considering giving up my cats because I was having trouble financially. It eventually worked out and I still have my 2 girls, but that would have been helpful.
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Negatoris Wrecks 2 years ago
If you have leftover sealed pet food food banks will usually happily take it if a fitting animal shelter is too far.
Mario Strada 2 years ago
Homeless shelters should also have kennels for the unhoused pets. Many of them brave the elements so they are not separate from their companions. I would too.
Kate 2 years ago
Prescription food is pretty expensive, so I was a little surprised when my vet handed me half a case of prescription food for my cat whose kidneys were beginning to fail. She kept going for almost two more years, and then I realized where that first bag of food came from, because I also took the unopened cans to the vet, to make it a little easier for the next cat owner.
Cathy Lemay 2 years ago
Ours is doing permanent sponsored foster situations for older pets and older people.
Marjorie Macrae 2 years ago
What a wonderful thing to do, far too many animals being surrendered to shelters it always breaks my heart to see them abandoned.
BarkingSquirell 2 years ago
It's not. I'm here in Canada and, due to the recession and insane prices for everything, these pet food banks help people to not make the hard decision and surrender their pets.
#14
They're successfully rewilding beavers in the UK.
Amy Spackman 2 years ago
I live in north western Montana, so lucky to live on a beautiful creek, and we have beavers building in it. It has been incredible to watch them, and all the different species that follow as they make thier home! Man, are they efficient to!!
The Original Bruno 2 years ago
I don't know if I misread it, or they corrected it, but this makes SO much more sense than what I thought I read in the thumbnail/teaser: "They're successfully riding beavers in the UK." (Now that I re-read that, I'm wondering if I shouldn't post that...)
#15
The ozone layer is thickening!
Ace 2 years ago
I thought most people were aware of this - at least anyone who remembers how much of a thing it was back in the 1980s (ish) and the ban on CFCs in aerosols and refrigeration plant that resulted. And which thankfully appears to have worked.
KB 2 years ago
Yep, if climate change deniers ever say "They used to tell us there was a hole in the ozone layer but they've shut up about that" you can say it's because there was a concerted effort to fix it
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Verena 2 years ago (edited)
Because people worldwide understood the problem and just did what was necessary to solve the issue, without whining.
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Callie Krisel 2 years ago
This makes me really happy, a couple years ago I had a lot of anxiety about climate change and this helps, thank you
#16
Global efforts to reforest areas are making a significant impact.
WindySwede 2 years ago
I hope they just don't plant one sort of species? Combining CO2 benefits, and creating new/restoring old habitats for nature?
BrownTabby 2 years ago
As someone who volunteers with a reforestation group, the reason why you know this information in the first place is because of someone like my group leaders.
Load More Replies... David Paterson 2 years ago (edited)
China's reforestation tree planting program has been going on since 1978, and will continue until about the year 2050. It has already increased the number of trees throughout China by an enormous amount. At 500,000 square kilometres (as of the year 2,009) it is by far the largest artificial forest in the world. And when you consider the animals that feed on these plants and animals that feed on the animals, it's an enormous positive contribution to world wildlife.
Phil Green 2 years ago
People don't realise that those aforested areas, such as the Amazon rainforest need to be replanted too, not only does it helps with climate change it would also help change weather patterns.
#17
Sodium-ion batteries might start replacing lithium-ion batteries soon which would be much better for the environment and generally cheaper or more convenient
#18
Researchers have successfully cured HIV in several non-human primates. We’re closer to a real cure!
3 Trash Pandas (She/They) 2 years ago
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought HIV was an exclusively human virus, (hence what the H stands for). Still, this is very good news!
Kelly H. Wilder 2 years ago
I thought that was a great question, so I did some looking. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) evolved from SIV (simian immunodeficiency virus), which occurs in non-human primates such as chimpanzees. Sources: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/aids/virus/origins.html and https://www.sexualhealthsheffield.nhs.uk/info-and-advice/hiv/hiv-the-facts/#:~:text=What%20is%20HIV%3F,ability%20to%20fight%20everyday%20infections
Load More Replies... Kate 2 years ago
It is if you use the HIV virus and give it to lab animals.
Load More Replies... #19
Locally, certainly in the east midlands, UK, there has been a lot of opportunities take to rewild huge areas of land again. Golf courses, with rolling hills and ponds/ streams are having meadows returned and more trees planted. Farmland that's been mismanaged or untenable and literally being a waste of space is having forest's replanted. I took my 2 year old son to plant some Birch, oak and chestnut trees near to Sherwood forest, along with several thousand others, all done by willing and happy volunteers! It may not seem much but its becoming much more popular! In the short term we should see Wildflower meadows, birds, bees and woodland animals returning..in the long term, many years after our lifetime there should be huge swathes of cities/ countryside with accessible and diverse woodland and green spaces!
Bubs (he/they) 2 years ago
YES!! Golf courses are an insane theft of wild land, and I'm constantly baffled at the sheer amount of them all over the place. Hopefully we can do the same over here in the United States.
Zaphod 2 years ago (edited)
And a HUGE waste of water, especially in the desert southwest where the Colorado River is drying up.
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DarkGlassSphere 2 years ago
If only we could focus on the care about the most beautiful being we all ever saw, which is the planet. We wouldn't care to fight and rob each other.
#20
There are about 10 to 12,000,000 people in the United States Who Quilt . Most of them belong to Quilt guilds that donate to homeless shelters veteran shelters other types of places where people need blankets. My Quilt Guild donated over 800 this year and we only have 80 people in our guild.
Areilla Elentari 2 years ago
I started quilting during the pandemic in NYC so from mid 2020 to date I've only finished 3. That is IMPRESSIVE! Well done!
I_Imperfect_I 2 years ago
I'm making a few cat-quilts today to donate to the pet shelters that need it!
Meaghan Stewart 2 years ago
Considering how super expensive fabric (usually hardy cotton) is these days, that is fabulous! It helps with the cost if you don’t get the actual quilting done (i.e. the sewn lines and patterns front to back in stitched thread) and just do the sewing together of the pieces, which many styles of ‘quilts’ allow. My mom has made many quilts and other sewn creations; they’re always so beautiful and the possibilities are endless!
#21
There has been a major breakthrough in meaningfully extending the lifespan of people with ALS using [medicines] that are already on the market and FDA-approved. Their effectiveness at treating ALS was discovered as a direct result of research funded by the massive influx of donations from the various "Ice Bucket Challenges" of the early 2000's.
Marnie 2 years ago
I don't see any censorship in the post. What am I missing?
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Queen Joe Jetpack 2 years ago
My favorite PE teacher had ALS, the entire community came together to raise money for his family. It was so sweet, sadly, he did pass away about two years ago.
SirWriteALot 2 years ago
That's awesome. Never thought those silly stunts would help. So how many people have we cured with the help of the tide pods challenge :-D
#22
The state of Illinois has been working to eliminate food deserts, and prevent the loss of independent grocers in small communities.
One example is in the southernmost town in Illinois, Cairo. They opened a grocery store in June. It's a co-op style store, so it's community owned and operated. This after 7 years without access to fresh food.
It's become a life changing service to some members of this community already. While it's been having some struggles, there has been a great deal of support from the community and from surrounding communities, which has me convinced it will pull through the struggles.
If this succeeds long term, it will stand as a model for other communities to utilize in eliminating food access issues.
TheAmericanAmerican 2 years ago
THIS is one of the ways to help us Americans lose weight! The era of highly processed food is coming to an end!
Foxglove🇮🇪 2 years ago
It boggles the European mind that there are places in the USA without fresh food...
Saint Thomas 2 years ago
There are places in Europe with the same problem. In (small) village, shops are closing one after another, forcing people to go further and further away to supermarkets. Same with some services like post office, pharmacy, doctors, etc.
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Nikki Gross 2 years ago
There are several locations in Oklahoma that could use this idea. The OKC metro area is so spread out that there are multiple locations that have become food deserts due to the economy and smaller stores closing.
Amy Dunaway 2 years ago
My hometown Baldwin Florida has always struggled with keeping one grocery store open. After it closed yet again, the town decided they would open it themselves. You can look up the story under socialist grocery store in Florida.
#23
The days are long and the years are short as a criminal defense attorney. Sometimes I feel discouraged, hopeless, and exhausted. Last year, I took on a military service member pro bono because I sensed he needed my help and needed any hope I could offer him. I convinced a therapist to take on his case pro bono, too. Over the next year, he chose to be sober, attended therapy each week, and really worked to change. This week, I successfully dismissed his case. At his graduation, he told me he once had no hope for future and seriously contemplated [taking his life]. But now, he is hopeful and looking forward for the future. Despite how hard my job is most days, it gave me the strength to keep going.
Multa Nocte 2 years ago
People like you and this therapist are what gives me hope in humankind.
#24
Teen pregnancy rates hit a historic low in 2022
BrownTabby 2 years ago
2022 was when everything reopened so everyone would have been extra horny. The fact that teens apparently got pregnant LESS often than in 2020 and 2021 is a credit to everyone involved in teen pregnancy prevention.
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Papa 2 years ago
I'm not going to get into an argument about abortion, but access to abortion could effect the number of babies born to teenagers, but not the rate of teen pregnancies, which is what this statistic is about. They have to get pregnant before an abortion is possible.
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Jill Bussey 2 years ago
I know several people who have actively chosen not to have children, or maybe just one.
James mckenna 2 years ago
Is it teens not getting pregnate or teens not having babies. Oes it mean more teens are practising safe sex or abstinence. Or more teens are getting abortions?
Papa 2 years ago
It says "teen pregnancy rates," not "teen birth rates," so abortions wouldn't be a factor.
Load More Replies... #25
I work as a mental health therapist.
There is certainly a mental health crisis, AND, there are also a lot of people who are recovering. Most of the people who I see end up recovering and graduating from therapy within a year.
We talk a lot about how bad mental health is. We don't talk a lot about recovery in mental health.
Tracy Wallick 2 years ago
Truthfully I was so happy to be diagnosed with depression; it meant that my suffering wasn't normal, that it wasn't my fault, and that my life could be a lot better. Between therapy and medication, things have become unrecognizably better.
Evolbeky 2 years ago
Good for you!! Depression (and other mental health issues) have been stigmatized for far too long.
Load More Replies... Unproductive Panda #3 2 years ago
If only my dad's ADHD could calm down for a little bit so he could remember to schedule my therapy appointments so I can work on my ADHD!
David Paterson 2 years ago
Medicines for common mental maladies such as depression and ADHD have had a huge impact on improving the lives of millions of people.
#26
The solar farm that is being installed in my rural area (that will power 10,000 homes at least) is ahead of schedule in construction
kaycee14 2 years ago
I saw something on tv recently that showed these solar farms as mixed-use. Some had crops growing between the rows of panels, some had livestock with the panels providing shade and blocking wind. It was really interesting and seemed like a win-win.
TotallyNOTAFox 2 years ago
We have sheep on the two solar fields in our village to keep the grass down
Load More Replies... WindySwede 2 years ago
Nice if all houses could have panels and batteries for a affordable price.
Amy Dunaway 2 years ago
One day that may be so but right now solar farms connected to the existing infrastructure can help a great deal.
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Tim Crasborn 2 years ago
I just installed solar at my parents place for them while they were away, a 5kw inverter with 16 400w panels. My Dad is a bit of a nay sayer about climate change mitigation, so it's super cool so see him on the app every day looking at how much extra power we produce that we use. Yesterday we sold 7 times more than we bought from grid. (We still buy outside of sunny hours, buy-back is about half of the buy price so we need to sell 2x more than we buy to break even).
BenTevye 2 years ago
https://cowboystatedaily.com/2023/06/27/baseball-sized-hail-smashing-into-panels-at-150-mph-destroys-scottsbluff-solar-farm/
M O'Connell 2 years ago
All forms of infrastructure are vulnerable to high-speed lumps of ice.
Load More Replies... SirWriteALot 2 years ago
Around here most people say NIMBY ... "solar energy, wind energy etc. are all good and important but please don't put them up around my house because noise/sight/glare/omygodthecountryside." I like seeing wind farms, I like looking at a solar farm like this ... it makes me feel like we are finally heading in the right direction.
#27
Extreme famine has been decreasing significantly the past decade on a global scale
David Paterson 2 years ago (edited)
Yes! One of the reasons is the greening of sub-saharan Africa. Increased atmospheric CO2 actually makes plants more drought resistant (because they lose less water though their stomata, because they don't need to keep their stomata open for as long to get all the CO2 that they need to grow). NASA Terra and Aqua satellites have confirmed the increase in vegetation south of the Sahara.
BoredPossum 2 years ago
Sorry, I had to upvote you for insight and intelligence.
Load More Replies... #28
I know this is older news, but maybe people aren't aware of it.
Researchers/scientists have been working with a bacteria to fight cancers. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin has been used with some success to fight bladder cancer.
Edited for clarity.
Edit 2: [here](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9377996/) is a more in depth article I found.
Ace 2 years ago
There are now effective treatments, some good enough to be called a 'cure' for many forms of cancer. Worth remembering how much the pharma industry (yes, it's mostly researched and developed by industry, with only limited funds from government and other funding bodies) has done to improve our lives.
TotallyNOTAFox 2 years ago (edited)
Biontech also made a breakthrough with mRNA treatments for certain cancer types lately, expecting to enter human trials soon
Marjorie Macrae 2 years ago
Hopefully sometime in the near future we will find a cure for all cancers.
MotherofGuineaPigs 2 years ago
pharmaceutical companies receive substantial U.S. government assistance in the form of publicly funded basic research and tax breaks. and we still can't get medications at a decent price.
#29
I lived in Los Angeles during the eighties, in Van Nuys. I didn’t realize that there was a mountain range to the north of the valley. I drove through in 2013 and there was very little smog. I have been told by people I know who live there that the smog is like ten or twenty percent of what it was in the eighties.
David Paterson 2 years ago (edited)
Yes. Pollution is down everywhere in the world, reduced by an enormous amount. Air pollution, water pollution and soil pollution as well. Dolphins, seals and fish have moved back right next to human cities, where back in the 1980s only jellyfish could survive. Rivers such as the Danube have been cleaned up. The Baltic Sea is recovering well. Even the Mekong River is being cleaned up now.
Cynthia Carter 2 years ago
I was in a suburb of LA around 1970. The air was so dirty you could barely see across the street. It was so sad because it was an older neighborhood with 1920's and 30's era houses with trees lining the street on both sides.
#30
This graphic: [Yearly Cases of Guinea Worm in Ethiopia](https://cdn.who.int/media/images/default-source/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/figure1_20200525.png?sfvrsn=9288b1a6_1&Status=Master).
I look this up again when I'm having a bad day or humanity starts to seem awful to me. We can be, but we also did this. We reduced cases of a horrifying, agonizingly painful parasitic infection that destroys lives and livelihoods from over 1,000 cases a year to 7 - and that's just in Ethiopia. A lot of hard-working people did some amazingly good work.
#31
I am getting along great with my wife and we are growing as a couple. Most of the world is totally unaware. I also built some speakers I really like. Maybe 2 people know that.
Timbob 2 years ago
Instead of wasting money on speakers, you should be buying your wife a new pair of pants, or at least fixing the ones she’s wearing !
lily jones 2 years ago
Oh how hilarious, that would be a pretty strange thing to do considering there's nothing wrong with them. Also, pretty sure that's just a stock image.
Load More Replies... David Paterson 2 years ago
How do you "build" a speaker? I built a viola that I really like, does that count?
James Twong 2 years ago
There are far too many bare feet in this picture. Gives me the absolute boak.
lily jones 2 years ago
There's absolutely nothing inherently weird about feet, the internet and a select group of weirdos has made it that way. Imagine if hand fetishes became a thing, do we have to start wearing gloves? (Although I'm sure there are people who have this, eww)
Load More Replies... #32
There's a growing optimism about the inevitability of renewable energy. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but the most salient point is this: Renewable energy is technology, not a resource. Resources are finite. Technology is ever evolving. If you're familiar with Moore's Law, you know that technology is always advancing to become more powerful and more affordable.
Michael Largey 2 years ago
But Moore's Corollary states that this advancement will benefit the most those who need it the least.
David Paterson 2 years ago
Even better news is the realisation that resources aren't finite. Once a resource leaves a mine and gets into the anthroposphere it remains in the anthroposphere forever, and can be recycled forever. There is now not even a single resource in the whole world that is under threat of running out in the foreseeable future.
#33
Religion is dropping off more and more.
Bubs (he/they) 2 years ago
We need to end this rhetoric that all religion is automatically evil. It's honestly disappointing to see the amount of atheists that just straight up want all religion abolished. Respect others' beliefs, people, it isn't that hard. I will add though that I DO NOT support any religion or religious practice that is harmful to another human being in any way.
Zaphod 2 years ago
I am an athiest and I support Bubs here. What you believe doesn't affect me, unless...
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Kraneia The Dancing Dryad 2 years ago
Religion in itself isn't a bad thing; it's what you do with those beliefs that's important. For some, it's a comfort and I'm not going to argue. Just don't be an AH and accept your neighbor may think differently than you. 🙂
Ace 2 years ago
Is it though? We still see sickening religious-inspired moves in various parts of the world, including things like anti-gay legislation and bans on abortion in parts of the US and even some EU countries (Poland, maybe is the only one?). So their bad influence doesn't seem to show much sign of diminishing.
INGI 2 years ago
Agreed. In the US at least, the lunatics seem to be taking over the asylum.
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Annabeth Chase (she/her) 2 years ago
As a Christian, I completely understand why one might believe this is a good thing because of the ATROCIOUS things so many people have done in the name of religion, but please be respectful of others' beliefs. While what you see may look terrible (and it is, I'll NEVER condone the harassment of others), there is a lot of good under the surface. The people who think they're serving God by doing the things they do aren't actually following the Bible. <3
Scott Rackley 2 years ago
You got the word wrong. I don't have to and neither do I "respect" religion or those that follow it. The word you're looking for is tolerate.
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keyboardtek 2 years ago
And those voices are extremist and lack any compassion.
Load More Replies... Sandra Morison 2 years ago
Nothing wrong with religion per se .....its only wrong when people use it to have power over others and restrict their lifestyle/ choices. Be who you want to be, believe in what you want
Tim Crasborn 2 years ago
Religion does so much good for many people, gives them purpose, puts them on the right path, gives them morals to live by, they take care of other people with charities and donations. But some do despicable things, and I know a lot of gay people that I really love, and can't stand they way they're treated by many, and the crazy abortion stuff, and sexual abuse. I guess religion is like people, there's good and bad...but yea agree with the other comments, as long as it doesn't hurt anyone else, believe what you want to believe. I think that's why I like Buddhism, they seem to accept everyone and other religions.
TotallyNOTAFox 2 years ago
Depends on the region I think, we in Middle/West Europe have currently some trouble with rising religious extremism
TheAmericanAmerican 2 years ago
And the US... doesn't have a rise in Christian extremists?
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My daughter is 11 and in middle school. I always ask her if there are any bullies or like popular people. She always tells me that no one really bully’s and there aren’t really “popular” people that leave everyone else out. When I was in school all anyone ever cared about was being popular and there were tons of bully’s. If what she is saying is true, it gives me hope.
JB 2 years ago
She's a kid and she doesn't know. I'm a teacher and I can say it's as bad as it ever was
BrownTabby 2 years ago
People who don’t go through something often don’t see that thing happening. I don’t notice a lot of racism but it’s sure as hell happening. It’s not necessarily a character flaw, especially with kids, but it’s important not to assume that something isn’t happening just because it’s not visible to the lucky ones.
Kraneia The Dancing Dryad 2 years ago
It helps that weird is "in" now 😁 it wasn't when I was in school, so I was bullied quite a bit.
David Paterson 2 years ago
I asked my daughter (Gen X) this and she said only one bully. When I went to school in the 1970s, almost everyone was a bully. There was at least a three level hierarchy of bullies back then. A bullied B, B bullied C and C bullied D.
S P 2 years ago
I think a lot more schools are educating students about the negative impacts of bullying and so students watch each other more. I think that there are also more outlets for students to find community outside of school such as online so they can be buffered against feeling like a misfit.
lily jones 2 years ago
My high school experience was that no one was a bully, but there were popular kids, some super nice and some tolerably b****y, but that's coming from an all girls school co-ed is probably totally different
DrBronxx 2 years ago
In my school, age 11 isn't where all that stuff happened - it was the teenage years. Puberty is a b***h. Also, sadly, in my experience, the people who didn't think there were bullies, etc., were in fact the bullies themselves. I sincerely hope that that is not the case here.
#35
Medicine and treatment for many ailments has progressed through the years improving quality AND quantity of life
Strawberry Pizza 2 years ago
I have an inherited genetic disease which i am on medication for, as is my father. My grandfather sadly died due to the disease - they didn't have the medication for it back then, but me and my dad can live normal lives (with regular blood tests). Modern medicine is truly amazing. Also, I have debilitating periods, which I was put on medication for and now they are sooo much better - I mean I used to be vomiting and curling up in a small ball because of the cramps, but now there is barely any pain! It's interesting to think how different things would have been in the past... props to the women who had to deal with that stuff unmedicated
David Paterson 2 years ago
I see so many successful heart surgeries and hip and knee surgeries now. They've become almost routine. People used to die from these frequently. Even as recently as the 1990s, hip surgery had a big chance of failure. I'm on cholesterol and blood pressure lowering medicines. Both are life-saving, and cholesterol lowering medicine is quite new, first appearing as a public drug in 1994.
#36
Graphene: The discovery of graphene has opened up new possibilities for creating strong and lightweight materials that can be used in electronics, energy, and other fields.
David Paterson 2 years ago
On a small scale. Related carbon fibre and carbon nanotubes are greater success stories. See this link for 60 uses of graphene. https://nanografi.com/blog/60-uses-and-applications-of-graphene-nanografi-/
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TotallyNOTAFox 2 years ago
For anybody interested: Graphene is carbon arranged in a 2-dimensional atom grid. It can be used as efficient conductor, ultra-thin screen and can improve the output of solar panels to 60% efficiency to name some things that may be possible if it hits a state of mass production
#37
The US is planning on building high speed rail. The first one is expected to be done by 2028.
David Paterson 2 years ago
Australia ditto. High speed rail has been planned since the early 1980s and is expected to be open in 2036.
Load More Replies... BrownTabby 2 years ago
Did Buttigieg have a hand in it? I’ve liked him ever since I found out that he put in some policy to stop US airlines from ripping off passengers as badly as before.
Sven Grammersdorf 2 years ago
What exactly do you think is going to happen?
Load More Replies... #38
The sun is still going strong
Apatheist Account2 2 years ago
You've got about 5 billion years before it finally goes, but we'll need to be off the planet well before then.
Load More Replies... David Paterson 2 years ago
Yes. There were several scares in the year 2008 that sunspot numbers were way down and with apocalyptic predictions about what would happen to the biosphere when sunspots disappeared for good. Sunspot numbers were even lower at the 2019/2020 new year, but no-one now thinks that there's a high risk of them disappearing forever.
#39
Child mortality rates are steadily improving. Same goes with literacy rates, access to clean water, schools, medicine, woman's rights along with most any stat relating to universal quality if life on earth.
Multa Nocte 2 years ago
"Last year’s U.S. infant mortality rate hit its highest increase in two decades." - PBS News Hour, Nov. 1, 2023. I also believe that women's rights in a number of countries are regressing, but I won't name names because there are multiple countries this is occurring in.
Papa 2 years ago
I assume that the post covers the whole world, not just the US.
Load More Replies... David Paterson 2 years ago
I was looking at some statistics for where my ancestors lived in the early 1900s. The median life expectancy was four years. The mean life expectancy was even less. And these were for years when the cholera plagues were absent.
Big Chungus 2 years ago
I would think that learning more about what causes SIDs and how to help prevent it is helping tremendously
What do you think ?
BookFanatic 2 years ago
After not seeing one of my regular patrons experiencing homelessness for over a year, he came into the library today in a suit and tie. He now has a car, a job, and an apartment!
BookFanatic 2 years ago
After not seeing one of my regular patrons experiencing homelessness for over a year, he came into the library today in a suit and tie. He now has a car, a job, and an apartment!
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