Some days, it’s tempting to bury our heads in the sand, but we prefer spreading constructive news as an antidote to despair.
In today’s selection, you’ll read about the UK’s aim to become the first country to eradicate smoking through new regulations, the world’s first wooden satellite launch, a new charity bringing books to food banks, and Men’s Sheds providing welcoming spaces to ease loneliness and social isolation.
England to ban smoking outside schools and hospitals
England will ban smoking outside schools and hospitals and limit vape advertising to reduce youth uptake. Aiming to be the first country to eradicate smoking, the UK also plans to gradually raise the legal smoking age each year until no one can legally buy cigarettes.
World’s first wooden satellite launched into space
Japanese researchers launched the world’s first wooden satellite to test honoki wood’s resilience in space, hoping to demonstrate timber as a viable, low-pollution alternative to metal in satellite construction.
Microsoft pioneers wooden data centres to cut carbon footprint
As data centres’ carbon emissions grow with expanding digital demand, Microsoft is building two facilities from cross-laminated timber (CLT) to help lower emissions by up to 65% compared to concrete.
Cloned black-footed ferret gives birth in historic first
Once thought to be extinct, black-footed ferrets are the only ferret native to North America. Now they are making a comeback, thanks to the tireless efforts of conservationists.
Smartwatches are transforming preventive healthcare by detecting early signs of diseases like Parkinson’s, allowing for earlier intervention and clinical trial participation. Capabilities are also expanding to predict complications such as seizures and asthma attacks.
UK charity brings books to food banks to support literacy, mental well-being
Bookbanks, a new UK charity, is partnering with food banks to offer free books to browse, borrow, or keep. The group aims to reduce the stigma often associated with food insecurity by encouraging conversation and community connection.
Men’s Sheds combat loneliness through community and craftsmanship
The UK Men’s Sheds movement is helping men facing isolation find purpose and companionship through shared projects. These community workshops offer a space to connect and support mental health through teamwork and skill-building.
Rail Baltica: Building a railway for economic growth, geopolitical strength
A high-speed rail line connecting Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania with Western Europe is underway. It aims to cut travel times, boost economic development, and enhance regional security.
Filipino women weave Indigenous tradition with modern fashion
Battling the low-cost pressures of fast fashion, Filipino entrepreneurs are partnering with Indigenous weavers to sustain traditional craftsmanship. By creating local, culturally rich fashion, they’re supporting artisans and empowering communities to thrive close to home.
How one woman is leading a Himalayan village’s journey to becoming zero-waste
In the Eastern Himalayas, Ittisha Sarah and her Northeast Waste Collective are working with residents of Sangti village to address rising plastic pollution by implementing a community-driven zero-waste system.
