Tech unicorn introduces four-day workweek, first Black woman on US quarter, 10000 free nights in Japan

Jonathan Widder | Posted on January 12, 2022 |

Photo: Slidebean / Unsplash (CC0)

Please paste your introductIn today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about a tech company that keeps its employees happy and productive through a new policy, the meaning of the new US quarter to society, and a stay-for-free project in Japan that has helped host thousands of labourers.

Tech unicorn offers permanent 4-day workweek

Amid the so-called Great Resignation a US company adopts a holistic approach to employee wellbeing. Bolt employees now enjoy a permanent 4-day workweek.

Source: CNBC

Maya Angelou is the first Black woman to appear on a US coin

The US Treasury Secretary says the late poet and activist’s appearance on the coin reflects ‘what we value, and how we’ve progressed as a society’.

Source: The Guardian

Expert says protein from gorse bushes could feed millions of people

A new plant-based alternative to meat is on the horizon. A research programme leader says Gorse which contains 17% protein has been fed to cattle in the past and could be considered as human food in the future.

Source: The Guardian

Drone helps save cardiac arrest patient

Approximately 70% of cardiac arrests occur in a private home without a defibrillator, according to Everdrone. The company adds its service allows emergency dispatchers to send a drone carrying the device to a caller’s home.

Source: The Verge

Renewable energy to power world’s largest coal port

The Port of Newcastle will now be powered by renewable energy, in a bid to decarbonise the business by 2040.

Source: The Guardian

Food Scanner app helps tackle UK’s child obesity crisis

Following a record increase in obesity among 10 and 11-year-olds, UK’s food scanner app has been updated to include a new feature which scans shopping items and suggests alternatives with less saturated fat, sugar or salt.

Source: The Guardian

Artificial nests for barn owls encourage organic farming

The use of artificial nests for barn owls ticks three boxes: keep rodent population in check, reduce farmers’ dependence on chemicals and encourage organic farming.

Source: Mongabay

Stay-for-free initiative in Osaka celebrates 10,000-guest milestone

In 1999, hostel owners in Osaka came up with the idea to offer free overnight stays to labourers after seeing that many of the workers slept on the streets. In December 2021, the initiative hit a 10,000-guest milestone.

Source: The Mainichi

People with Parkinson’s learn to minimize effects of the disease

The Downriver Parkinson’s Disease Support Group gathers every month with the aim to change lives for the better. Members exchange tips on dealing with the disease – from hospital action plans to medication.

Source: The News Herald

Scientist moms change narrative on climate change

A group of female scientists is tackling climate change doomerism – a notion that tells us there’s no stopping global warming and efforts will only go to waste.