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For readers looking for what’s still working in the world

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Growth

Learning, healing, and becoming more whole.

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GrowthNice News

The Youngest Lighthouse Keeper in Britain Is Putting a Fresh Face on an Old Job

In the often solitary and automated world of modern lighthouse keeping, Jeri Cormack stands out not just for her youth, but for her invigorating connection to a time-honored tradition. As the youngest lighthouse keeper in Britain, Cormack has embraced the demanding yet rewarding role with enthusiasm, driven by both a familial legacy and a personal passion for historical landmarks. Her duties, from cleaning the lighthouse interiors to ensuring their structural integrity against the fierce Scottish weather, reflect a blend of nostalgia and necessity in preserving these maritime sentinels.

  • Courage
  • Perseverance
  • Love
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GrowthUpworthy

Scientists left cinderblocks in a barren part of the sea. 3 months later they were ecstatic.

In a creative response to the alarming decline of coral reefs, scientists have turned to an unusual ally: cinderblocks. The Grenada Artificial Reef Project (GARP), also known as the Grand Anse Artificial Reef Project (GAARP), has been experimenting with concrete pyramids made of cinderblocks in the Caribbean Sea. These structures provide a much-needed habitat for marine life, transforming barren ocean floors into thriving ecosystems. Within just three months, these pyramids attracted a variety of marine organisms, and over the years, they have developed into vibrant communities housing over 30 species of fish and multiple coral types.

  • Curiosity
  • Hope
  • Perseverance
TikTok
GrowthUpworthy

4,000-year-old Egyptian mummy rediscovery reveals 4 previously unknown warrior princesses

The rediscovery of the mummified remains of four Egyptian princesses has unveiled a fascinating chapter in history, revealing that these royal women were not just passive figures of luxury but active participants in combat. The skeletal analysis conducted by bioarchaeologist Zeinab Hashesh and her team demonstrated pronounced muscle and ligament attachments, indicative of high-intensity physical activity. This new evidence suggests that Princesses Ita, Khenmet, Itaweret, and Sathathormeryt, daughters of Pharaoh Amenemhat II, were skilled warriors, challenging long-held assumptions about gender roles in ancient Egyptian royalty.

  • Curiosity
  • Hope
  • Perseverance
Instagram
GrowthUpworthy

‘Peter Rabbit’ author Beatrix Potter’s surprising second job: Groundbreaking mushroom scientist

Beatrix Potter, renowned for her enchanting children's stories like 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit,' also made significant contributions to the field of mycology, an aspect of her life that remains lesser-known. Her meticulous and artistic illustrations of fungi, which she began exploring in 1895, continue to be used by modern mycologists for identifying species. Despite facing gender-based exclusion from presenting her scientific work at the Linnean Society of London, Potter's passion for the natural world and her artistic precision earned her recognition among leading scientists of her time.

  • Perseverance
  • Curiosity
  • Courage
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GrowthGood News Network

Hyundai Partners with Healthy Seas to Turn Scourge ‘GhostNets’ into Floor Mats for Cars

In a striking example of corporate responsibility meeting environmental stewardship, Hyundai has teamed up with the nonprofit Healthy Seas to tackle the global scourge of ghost nets—abandoned fishing nets that wreak havoc on marine life. This innovative partnership, which has already removed over 1,300 tons of marine debris worldwide, transforms these deadly nets into something as mundane yet crucial as car floor mats. The recycled nylon, branded as ECONYL, is used in Hyundai models like the IONIQ and SANTA FE, demonstrating that waste can be reimagined into valuable products.

  • Hope
  • Courage
  • Kindness
TikTok
GrowthTikTok

Smooth jazz as a performance-enhancing drug?

In an age where productivity hacks are as sought after as the latest tech gadgets, smooth jazz emerges as a surprising, yet scientifically backed, ally in enhancing cognitive performance. The viral TikTok video that sparked this conversation brings to light the intriguing role of instrumental jazz in workplace productivity, supported by research in environmental psychology. Smooth jazz, with its intricate yet non-intrusive melodies, engages the brain's reward system without overwhelming cognitive resources, creating an 'optimal arousal' state conducive to focus and creativity.

  • Curiosity
  • Perspective
  • Hope
TikTok
GrowthUpworthy

Book lovers will be happy to learn that reading is the greatest ‘cognitive enhancer’ known to man.

In an age where digital consumption often feels more like a sprint than a stroll, the simple act of reading a book emerges as a profound cognitive enhancer. Patrick Hamilton's article highlights the transformative power of reading, supported by neuroscience research that finds reading not only strengthens memory and empathy but also enhances focus and creates new neural connections. This isn't just about acquiring knowledge; it's about fundamentally rewiring the brain, akin to a rigorous workout for our cognitive faculties.

  • Curiosity
  • Hope
  • Perspective
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GrowthUpworthy

Happiness researcher explains how making a ‘reverse bucket list’ can change your life

In a world that often equates happiness with the relentless pursuit of goals, Arthur C. Brooks, a Harvard happiness researcher, challenges this notion with a concept both radical and refreshingly simple: the reverse bucket list. Instead of accumulating desires and ambitions, Brooks suggests we list these cravings only to consciously detach from them. This practice stems from Brooks' own realization that fulfilling every item on his bucket list by age 50 did not result in greater happiness. Instead, he found contentment in reducing his wants rather than endlessly chasing after more.

  • Perspective
  • Curiosity
  • Hope
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GrowthUpworthy

Happiness researcher reveals the ‘enduring’ secret to being happy in the second half of life

In a world often driven by accumulation and external validation, Dr. Arthur Brooks, a Harvard professor and happiness researcher, proposes a transformative approach for finding joy in the latter half of life. Brooks suggests that true happiness comes not from acquiring more but from desiring less. His insights challenge the conventional pursuit of 'more'—more money, power, and possessions—and instead advocate for a life where satisfaction is derived from within, by recalibrating our desires and focusing on internal well-being.

  • Gratitude
  • Perspective
  • Love
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Socrates shared the one reason he knew he was intelligent. It’s surprisingly relevant today.

Socrates' assertion that true intelligence stems from recognizing one's own ignorance remains a profound insight in today's information-saturated world. This philosophical stance, captured by the phrase "I know that I know nothing," underscores the value of curiosity as a key driver of intellectual growth. The article highlights how curiosity, as studied by researchers and echoed by modern thinkers like Eckhart Tolle, fosters a continuous search for knowledge and enhances one's capacity for reasoning by encouraging exploration and openness to new ideas.

  • Curiosity
  • Perspective
  • Courage
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GrowthUpworthy

A hairstylist with no archaeology degree solved an ancient Roman mystery scholars got wrong for centuries

Janet Stephens, a Baltimore-based hairstylist, has turned conventional archaeological wisdom on its head by solving a centuries-old mystery about Roman hairstyles. Her journey began in 2001 when she noticed, while visiting The Walters Art Museum, that the Roman busts' hair didn't seem to rely on wigs, as previously thought. Instead, Stephens proposed that the Romans used needle and thread to sew the braids into place. Her relentless experimentation and historical research, including her innovative interpretation of the Latin word 'acus,' revealed that these gravity-defying styles were ingeniously crafted without wigs.

  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
  • Perspective
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GrowthUpworthy

Person with self-described ‘funny body shape’ posts breathtaking videos underwater

Shoog McDaniel, known for their underwater artistry, has turned self-acceptance into a visual and poetic experience. Through stunning videos of themselves swimming in natural springs, McDaniel challenges conventional beauty norms, embracing their unique body shape with humor and grace. Their work, often accompanied by thoughtful voiceovers, transforms personal exploration into public celebration, inviting viewers to reconsider what beauty means and how self-love can be a powerful act of resilience.

  • Courage
  • Self-Love
  • Perspective
YouTube
GrowthUpworthy

That voice telling you you’re ‘not smart enough’ just lost its favorite argument

The article highlights a significant shift in the understanding of intelligence, bridging the gap between traditional 'book smarts' and 'street smarts'. New research shows that our brains continue to absorb and apply knowledge well into adulthood, challenging the notion that learning peaks in early life. This suggests that real-world experience is not just supplemental but integral to our cognitive development.

  • Curiosity
  • Hope
  • Perspective
TikTok
GrowthUpworthy

Professor breaks down how a PhD differs from a master’s degree in layman’s terms

In an insightful exploration, Dr. Ari demystifies the often misunderstood distinction between a master's degree and a PhD. Through her engaging TikTok videos, she clarifies that while a master's degree focuses on learning and understanding existing knowledge, a PhD is about producing new knowledge and filling gaps in current research. This distinction is crucial for those contemplating further education, as it highlights the shift from being a consumer of knowledge to becoming a creator or producer of it.

  • Curiosity
  • Perspective
  • Hope
TikTok
GrowthUpworthy

Have people ever called you childlike? Psychologists say it could mean you’re gifted.

The article explores the concept of 'psychological neoteny'—the retention of childlike traits into adulthood—and its association with high intelligence. By maintaining a childlike wonder and curiosity, individuals can engage in creative problem-solving and lifelong learning. This perspective challenges the negative connotations often associated with being 'childlike,' suggesting instead that these qualities can be a source of strength and innovation.

  • Curiosity
  • Creativity
  • Perspective
Instagram
GrowthUpworthy

Your language may shape how you experience time, according to the ‘Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis’

The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis, explored in Cecily Knobler's article, posits that language shapes our perception of reality, including how we experience time. This hypothesis is exemplified through various linguistic practices: Korean speakers' perception of blue as a variant of green, Russian speakers' nuanced distinctions between shades of blue, and the Guugu Yimithirr's cardinal direction orientation. The Aymara people's unique temporal understanding, where the past is in front and the future behind, challenges the conventional Western timeline, suggesting language's profound impact on cognitive frameworks.

  • Curiosity
  • Perspective
  • Hope
TikTok
GrowthUpworthy

Pediatrician explains fascinating reason why babies look like skydivers when you lift them

The article delves into the scientific explanation behind a common, yet delightful phenomenon observed in infants known as the Landau Reflex. This reflex, which makes babies resemble skydivers when lifted horizontally, is a critical developmental milestone that signifies the strengthening of core muscles and neural connections. Pediatricians highlight its importance, as it serves as a foundational exercise for future motor skills such as sitting, crawling, and walking.

  • Curiosity
  • Perspective
  • Hope
TikTok
GrowthUpworthy

Philosophy expert shares Aristotle’s simple way to know if you have a ‘great mind’

The article delves into Aristotle's timeless insight on intelligence, suggesting that a great mind is often characterized by an awareness of its own limitations. Philosophy expert Julian de Medeiros highlights Aristotle's observation that 'No great mind has ever existed without a touch of madness,' implying that true genius straddles the line between brilliance and instability. This notion is further supported by studies showing that highly intelligent individuals are more prone to psychological struggles, such as mood disorders and ADHD, due to their intense focus and introspection.

  • Curiosity
  • Perspective
  • Hope
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GrowthUpworthy

5 years ago, 2 beavers were released into a northern England forest. They became heroes of the habitat.

In an era where human engineering often takes precedence, the story of two beavers released in a northern England forest offers a compelling narrative of nature's prowess. These beavers, introduced to Cropton Forest as part of a study, have not only constructed six robust dams—one of which is the largest in the country—but have also revitalized the local ecosystem. Their dams have outperformed human-made structures in terms of durability and cost-effectiveness, serving as self-repairing flood protection that fosters biodiversity.

  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
  • Hope
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GrowthUpworthy

Woman’s deep dive into ‘Lorem ipsum’ dummy text reveals we’ve had its history oh so wrong

Emily Zhang's exploration into the origins of 'Lorem ipsum' reveals a captivating tale that defies its mundane appearance. Contrary to popular belief, the placeholder text isn't a meaningless relic from the 1500s but a fascinating byproduct of multiple historical missteps and creative liberties. Zhang's investigation uncovered that the text stems from a 1914 printing of Cicero’s work, where a simple page break turned 'dolorem' into 'lorem.' This discovery, combined with the accidental typos of Laura Perry and the inventive adaptations by Letraset's librarian James Mosley, paints a picture of 'Lorem ipsum' as a testament to human error and ingenuity.

  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
  • Perspective
TikTok
GrowthUpworthy

22-year-old forgoes buying a home and spends his life savings on a chunk of raw Colombian jungle

In a bold move that turns traditional life goals on their head, 22-year-old Robert Lennox-Hvenekilde from Denmark has used his savings not for a mortgage, but to purchase 7.5 acres of Colombian jungle. This decision, rooted in a desire for freedom and a high quality of life, challenges the conventional path of home ownership, which has become increasingly unattainable for many young people due to exorbitant price-to-income ratios. Lennox-Hvenekilde's choice is a testament to the growing appeal of off-grid living, driven by economic pressures and a yearning for simplicity.

  • Courage
  • Curiosity
  • Hope
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GrowthNice News

We Analyzed Paper Money Printed by Ben Franklin to Uncover His Anti‑Counterfeiting Techniques and Materials Innovations

Benjamin Franklin's innovative approach to printing paper money in the 18th century demonstrates a profound understanding of trust as a material science. Faced with the challenge of counterfeiting in the American colonies, Franklin applied his skills as a printer to develop sophisticated anti-counterfeiting techniques. By experimenting with paper, ink, and printing processes, he embedded unique features into currency that were difficult to replicate, thus ensuring the reliability of paper money in a way that prefigures modern security measures.

  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
  • Perspective
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GrowthNice News

We Designed the Turf for Soccer’s Biggest World Cup Ever — Here’s How We Created the Same Playing Experience Across 3 Countries

The ambitious project of designing uniform turf for the 2026 FIFA World Cup across three countries—Canada, the United States, and Mexico—highlights the intersection of scientific research and practical application. This endeavor, led by turfgrass researchers from Michigan State University and the University of Tennessee, tackles the challenge of creating consistent playing conditions across diverse climates and stadium designs. By innovating with sod grown on plastic and developing hybrid turfgrass systems, the team ensures that the pitches remain robust and playable despite varying environmental conditions.

  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
  • Hope

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HopeResilienceGratitudeConnectionCourageKindnessCreativity