The Optimist Times — Issue #9
August 14th — August 20th
The Optimist Times is a new kind of front page news. Instead of showing stories that exploit our fears, the stories found here inspire, amaze, and awe. We live in the most spectacular time in history and The Optimist Times intends to highlight this. If you would like to get every issue in your inbox each week you can sign up here. Thanks for reading!
Happy Monday! It’s a particularly great Monday, as the US is having its first solar eclipse in almost a century. That and more great stories below. Let’s get to it!
Everything to Know About the 2017 Solar Eclipse: Why, When and Where to Check it Out
Newsweek — 2 min read
The US will have its first solar eclipse today in almost 100 years. It should be a really cool experience but don’t stare at it directly! This article has everything you need to know about the eclipse today.
UK scientists create world’s smallest surgical robot to start a hospital revolution
The Guardian — 2 min read
British scientists have developed the world’s smallest surgical robot, called Versius, which could transform everyday operations for tens of thousands of patients. It mimics the human arm and can be used to carry out a wide range of laparoscopic procedures. This could greatly reduce the costs of surgery and help improve surgical results.
Peanut allergy cured in majority of children in immunotherapy trial
The Guardian — 2 min read
Australian researchers have made a breakthrough in the treatment of peanut allergy in children. A small clinical trial conducted at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute has led to two-thirds of children treated with an experimental immunotherapy treatment being cured of their allergy.
How Free Eyeglasses Are Boosting Test Scores in Baltimore
Politico — 4 min read
A really neat story about how Johns Hopkins University researchers found a way to improve the test scores of poorer students by giving them free eyeglasses.
UN declares Somalia polio-free
ZME Science — 2 min read
In the past 3 years, there have been no new cases of polio in Somalia, leading the United Nations to declare Somalia polio free. There are now only 3 countries that still have polio.
Come across any inspiring stories this week? Please pass them along to me and I will try including them in next week’s issue.
Thanks for reading!
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