Why buy when you can borrow? That’s the motto and model of the Library of Things. Instead of loaning out books, these institutions — the likes of which have been cropping up all over the world in recent years — loan out household products. Though the concept has been around for decades (tool libraries are […]
After two weeks of epic competition, friendly rivalries, and breakthrough performances — with romantic, picturesque Paris as its backdrop — the 2024 Olympic Games are coming to an end. They’ve provided an oasis amid the often stormy and chaotic news cycle — a rare moment for the world to come together and celebrate our shared […]
There is a road in France surrounded by the sea that is visible one minute and, poof, gone the next. The vanishing act occurs on the Passage du Gois, a captivating causeway that can only be crossed twice daily at low tide. The tide eventually rises again and the road is dramatically covered up by […]
Screens have become more prevalent in our lives than ever before and using them is a normal part of most families’ day-to-day routines. While excessive screen time continues to be an issue, another emerging problem, especially for the younger members of our society, is the use of digital devices before bedtime. In a study published […]
The new school year has begun for many — and thanks to actor and singer Selena Gomez’s charity, the Rare Impact Fund, and Google’s philanthropic arm, more classrooms will be equipped to kick things off on a grounded, mindful note. This week, Google.org and Gomez announced a $10 million Teen Mental Health Initiative to directly […]
In addition to their fame, Babe Ruth, Oprah Winfrey, Lady Gaga, and David Bowie have something else in common: left-handedness. The characteristic is quite a rare one, as only about 10% of the population are southpaws, according to one meta-analysis. Left-handedness lore abounds, and if you know (or are) a lefty, you’re likely familiar with […]
“Can Art Change the World?” That’s the name of the nonprofit French photographer and collagist JR set up to empower communities through art and education. It’s also a question the 41-year-old — whose provocative black-and-white street installations grace buildings across the globe — continually addresses in his work. JR is a social activist; the winner […]
Nice News readers already know that looking on the bright side can improve one’s life both physically and mentally, but recent research out of Harvard is offering further evidence on the health benefits of having a positive perspective. A longitudinal study found that an optimistic outlook could slow age-related physical decline in women. Published in JAMA […]
For those who yearn to stroll smiling into a party with the certainty they’ll make a good impression, or assuredly share their ideas in an important meeting, confidence can be the most coveted of psychological states. But it’s also a tricky subject to break down. On the one hand, confidence has been associated with increased […]
From the fruits and vegetables in our fridges to the T-shirts in our closets and medicine in our cabinets, we rely on farmers to keep us fed, clothed, and healthy. And as the global population continues to expand — expected to increase by 2.2 billion by 2050 — so will our demands from growers: They’ll […]
Food banks play a crucial role in keeping communities fed across the globe. Another vital but lesser-known benefit? They’re helping to fight climate change, with a recent impact report outlining the link between food banks and a reduction in carbon emissions.
Canadian violinist Adrian Anantawan is changing the music industry for the better. Anantawan was born without his right hand and most of his forearm, but didn’t let that stop him from exploring music. The violin was his instrument of choice, so when he was 10, his family enlisted engineers to build a customized device to […]