Monday, September 7, 2026
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What’s Working

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

HopeResilienceGratitudeConnectionCourageKindnessCreativityGrowth

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Hope

Stories that widen the sense of what's possible.

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HopeUpworthy

Space-loving botanist wondered if Martian soil is fertile, so he recreated it and planted seeds

Wieger Wamelink's ambitious experiment may sound like something from a science fiction story, but it's a tangible step towards understanding the potential for life beyond Earth. By recreating Martian soil using volcanic rock from Earth, Wamelink and his team embarked on a journey to test whether this harsh environment could sustain plant life. Their efforts, which initially resulted in germination but not sustainable growth, evolved as they introduced organic materials like manure and earthworms to enhance the soil's fertility. This endeavor culminated in the successful cultivation of several crops, including kale and lettuce, that were not only viable but also nutritious and flavorful.

  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
  • Hope
YouTube
HopeUpworthy

33-year-old former child prodigy is working on problems Hawking and Einstein never cracked

Sabrina Gonzalez Pasterski, a former child prodigy, is not only living up to her early promise but is also tackling some of the most profound challenges in theoretical physics. Known as the 'Next Einstein,' she is working on unifying quantum mechanics and general relativity—a feat that eluded even the greatest minds like Hawking and Einstein. Her approach, involving 'celestial holography,' suggests that the universe's information could be encoded onto a 2D plane, potentially simplifying and unifying the two major theories of physics.

  • Perseverance
  • Curiosity
  • Hope
YouTube
HopeGood News Network

3 Million Oysters Eaten by New Yorkers Are Rebuilding the City’s Reefs

In a heartening tale of ecological restoration, the Billion Oyster Project is spearheading a transformative initiative on Governor's Island in New York City. By partnering with local restaurants, this nonprofit is repurposing discarded oyster shells into thriving oyster reefs that filter pollutants, bolster marine biodiversity, and mitigate wave energy, thus enhancing the harbor's resilience against climate change. With 200 million live oysters now filtering the waters, the project has already restored 19 acres of reefs, with ambitions to revive 100 acres by 2035.

  • Hope
  • Perseverance
  • Curiosity
Instagram
HopeUpworthy

Marlon Brando bought a Polynesian island in 1966. Over 15,600 green sea turtles just hatched there.

In a testament to Marlon Brando's enduring legacy and vision, the Tetiaroa Atoll in French Polynesia, which he acquired in 1966, has become a vibrant sanctuary for green sea turtles. Over the past year, more than 15,600 hatchlings have emerged, a significant conservation success. Brando's passion for preserving the island's natural beauty and cultural heritage led to the establishment of a protected wildlife sanctuary, now supported by The Brando eco-resort and the Tetiaroa Society.

  • Hope
  • Courage
  • Curiosity
YouTube
HopeThe Optimist Daily

Climate attribution science just changed the rules for fossil fuel lawsuits

In a groundbreaking shift, climate attribution science has evolved to pinpoint the exact contributions of specific fossil fuel companies to climate disasters. Christopher Callahan's study, published in Earth’s Future, uses advanced simulations to link individual corporate emissions to particular climate events, such as the 2021 Pacific Northwest heatwave and Pakistan’s 2022 floods. This development is a game-changer for climate litigation, as it provides the concrete causation needed to hold companies accountable in court, a hurdle that has previously stymied many lawsuits.

  • Courage
  • Perseverance
  • Curiosity
Instagram
HopeUpworthy

Henry Winkler’s ‘get a chisel’ advice offers hope to folks who worry their time has passed

Henry Winkler's recent advice, encapsulated in the metaphor 'get a chisel,' offers a compelling narrative for those who feel that their opportunities have dwindled with age. Winkler, known for his iconic role as Fonzie and later accolades like his first Emmy at 72, embodies the resilience and hope he advocates. His message is simple yet profound: even when life appears to have closed its windows of opportunity, one can always find a way to pry them open with determination and effort.

  • Hope
  • Kindness
  • Courage
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HopeGood News Network

Pro Women’s Baseball Resumes for First Time Since 1954: A League of Their Own is BACK!

In Springfield, Illinois, history was made as professional women's baseball returned to the United States for the first time since 1954. The revival of the Women's Professional Baseball League (WPBL) was celebrated with an emotional inaugural game, where 99-year-old Maybelle Blair, a former player in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, threw the ceremonial first pitch. Blair's presence symbolized the bridging of past and present, as she witnessed the resurgence of a sport that once provided a platform for women during World War II.

  • Perseverance
  • Hope
  • Courage
YouTube
HopeGood News Network

Toronto Zoo Celebrates Birth of Endangered Pygmy Hippo – The Pictures and Video are Adorable

The Toronto Zoo has announced the delightful birth of an endangered pygmy hippopotamus calf, a heartening event that draws attention to both the fragility and the resilience of this unique species. The newborn, the offspring of a 20-year-old mother named Kindia and a 31-year-old father named Harvey, is a beacon of hope for conservationists striving to reverse the decline of pygmy hippos in the wild. This birth is more than just an adorable addition to the zoo; it represents a crucial step in ongoing conservation efforts, as the species faces significant threats from habitat loss and human encroachment in its native West African habitats.

  • Hope
  • Perseverance
  • Courage
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HopeGood News Network

The Tiger Returns to Kazakhstan in First-in-the-World Rewilding Project a Decade in the Making

In a groundbreaking environmental initiative, Kazakhstan has successfully reintroduced the Amur tiger to the Ile-Balkhash Nature Reserve, marking the first time a tiger has roamed the country in over 70 years. This ambitious rewilding project, a decade in the making, involved extensive collaboration between Kazakhstan, Russia, and international partners. The plan included reforesting the reserve and reintroducing native prey species, such as the Bukhara deer and saiga antelope, to create a sustainable habitat for the tigers.

  • Hope
  • Perseverance
  • Collaboration
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HopeReasons to be Cheerful

Meet India’s Four-Legged Wildlife Detectives

In a remarkable blend of tradition and innovation, India's forest departments are turning to trained sniffer dogs to combat wildlife poaching and trafficking. These 'super sniffers,' including breeds like Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds, are adept at detecting elusive scents that human investigators often miss. The story of Maya, a Belgian Malinois who has become a critical asset in the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, highlights the effectiveness of these canine units. The dogs not only solve crimes but also deter potential poachers, showcasing a promising strategy for wildlife conservation.

  • Courage
  • Perseverance
  • Hope
YouTube
HopeThe Optimist Daily

What India’s hydrogen train launch means for its vast railway network

India's launch of its first hydrogen-powered train marks a significant stride in its journey toward sustainable development and energy independence. By introducing the 'NaMo Green Rail' in Haryana, India is not only showcasing technological advancement but also reinforcing its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and achieving net-zero by 2070. The train, which can carry up to 2,600 passengers, operates with hydrogen fuel cells, emitting only water vapor as a byproduct. This innovation allows India to bypass the need for full electrification of tracks, which is a costly and time-consuming endeavor, particularly for a network as vast as India's.

  • Hope
  • Courage
  • Curiosity
YouTube
HopeGood News Network

Paralyzed Man Can Feed Himself and Pet His Dog Again Thanks to Double Neural Bypass Surgery

In a heartening leap forward for medical science, Keith Thomas, paralyzed from the chest down in a swimming accident, has regained significant hand and arm function through a groundbreaking double neural bypass surgery. This innovative procedure connects his brain directly to his limbs via a computer interface, allowing him to perform tasks like feeding himself and petting his dog—activities that many take for granted but are profoundly life-changing for Thomas. The surgery not only restores movement but also sensation, enabling him to feel textures and adjust his grip, a testament to the potential of technology to dramatically enhance quality of life for those with paralysis.

  • Hope
  • Courage
  • Perseverance
YouTube
HopeGood News Network

New Species of Monkey Found in DR Congo Shows How Much There’s Left to Discover

In the dense, mysterious realms of the Congo Basin, a new species of colobus monkey, Colobus congoensis, has emerged from the shadows, challenging our assumptions about the limits of biodiversity. This striking creature, with its black fur and vivid orange lips, was first glimpsed in a blurry photograph back in 2008. Years of dedicated research and exploration have now confirmed its distinct evolutionary lineage, diverging from its closest relative millions of years ago. The discovery underscores the vast, untapped potential of our planet's unexplored regions and the rich biological tapestry that continues to thrive there.

  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
  • Hope
Instagram
HopeUpworthy

May the Anne Hathaway ‘burkini’ debates finally lay swimsuit judgment to rest

The article delves into the debates surrounding Anne Hathaway's choice to wear a full-body swimsuit, highlighting the intricate layers of societal pressure women face regarding their swimwear choices. Hathaway's decision, which some have inaccurately labeled as a 'burkini,' has sparked discussions about empowerment and personal choice, emphasizing that liberation from societal expectations doesn't adhere to any specific garment. The piece underscores the inconsistency in societal messages, where women are praised for skin protection but criticized for similar choices made by Muslim women wearing burkinis.

  • Perspective
  • Courage
  • Hope
Instagram
HopeUpworthy

‘Incredibly smart’ crow creates makeshift perch to drink from a cup of water on a hot day

In a delightful display of avian ingenuity, a crow named Auggie has captured the internet's heart by fashioning a makeshift perch to drink from a cup of water during a heatwave in Virginia. Chelsea, the bird's human observer, shared the incident on Instagram, marveling at how Auggie used a stick to balance himself while drinking water from a dish too precarious for his full weight. This account not only highlights the crow's problem-solving abilities but also underscores the broader intelligence of crows, which have been likened to early human tool-users.

  • Curiosity
  • Perspective
  • Kindness
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HopeGood News Network

Hidden Artworks in Gold Surprised Renovators of America’s Oldest Basilica (LOOK)

In a remarkable twist of fate, the renovation of America's oldest basilica, St. Mary's in Minneapolis, revealed a hidden trove of gold stenciling beneath layers of paint. This unexpected discovery, made as renovators washed an arch high up on the cathedral's ceiling, has uncovered a piece of history long obscured since the 1950s. The intricate gold designs, likely concealed for aesthetic or financial reasons, astonished the renovation team and have stirred a profound emotional connection to the past, allowing contemporary visitors to glimpse the basilica as it was first seen over a century ago.

  • Curiosity
  • Hope
  • Perspective
YouTube
HopeGood News Network

Hidden Artworks in Gold Surprise Conservators Renovating America’s Oldest Basilica (LOOK)

In a stunning revelation, conservators renovating St. Mary's Basilica in Minneapolis uncovered hidden gold stenciling beneath layers of paint. This discovery, made as workers meticulously washed an arch high in the basilica's nave, reveals a layer of intricate gold designs that had been obscured since the 1950s. The basilica, completed in 1914 and recognized as America's oldest, is undergoing a significant $50 million renovation, with workers racing to meet a completion deadline by Easter Sunday next year.

  • Curiosity
  • Hope
  • Gratitude
YouTube
HopeGood News Network

Shell’s New Concept EV Designed to Charge in Under 10 Minutes and Run at 6 miles per kWh

Shell’s unveiling of the 'Triple 10 Challenge Car' is a bold stride in the electric vehicle (EV) landscape, promising to revolutionize the way we perceive and utilize EVs. This concept car is not just about speed and efficiency; it embodies a vision for sustainable transportation with its ability to charge in under 10 minutes and achieve remarkable energy efficiency of 6 miles per kWh. By focusing on lighter, more efficient battery systems and advanced thermal fluid technology, Shell is setting a new benchmark for future EV designs. The car’s design addresses the pressing need for a balance between quick charging and environmental sustainability, boasting a lifecycle CO2 footprint of just 10 tons.

  • Hope
  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
YouTube
HopeUpworthy

A blind woman bent down to kiss her guide dog goodnight, and the accident that followed restored her vision

In a truly extraordinary twist of fate, Lisa Reid's life underwent a miraculous transformation following an accident that defied scientific explanation. After losing her sight at age 11 due to a tumor that damaged her optic nerves, Reid's world was plunged into darkness for 13 years. However, a seemingly ordinary moment with her guide dog, Ami, led to an unexpected fall that restored her vision overnight. This story not only highlights the inexplicable wonders of the human body but also underscores the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit.

  • Hope
  • Gratitude
  • Courage
TikTok
HopeUpworthy

What if hospitals were breathtakingly beautiful? Barcelona answered that question 100 years ago.

In the heart of Barcelona lies a testament to the healing power of beauty: the Hospital de Sant Pau. Conceived over a century ago by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, this Art Nouveau masterpiece defies the sterile, utilitarian norms of hospital design. Instead, it embraces the belief that aesthetics can play a crucial role in patient recovery. Domènech's vision was a 'garden city of health,' where patients could find solace in the lush gardens and be soothed by the vibrant mosaics, stained glass, and thoughtfully arranged spaces. His philosophy was simple yet radical: beauty is not a luxury but a form of care, essential to the healing process.

  • Gratitude
  • Hope
  • Curiosity
YouTube
HopeUpworthy

Fireworks were ‘discovered’ in China 2000 years ago. How did they become a 4th of July staple?

Fireworks, a captivating symbol of celebration, trace their origins back 2000 years to China, where they were initially discovered by accident when bamboo exploded in fire, a primitive precursor to modern pyrotechnics. The subsequent discovery of gunpowder between 600 and 900 A.D. transformed these natural firecrackers into a more controlled spectacle, eventually leading to their use in military applications and festive displays. As the technology and artistry of fireworks evolved, they spread across continents, becoming embedded in cultural rituals, including America's Independence Day, thanks to John Adams' vision of 'illuminations' as part of the nation's commemorative fabric.

  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
  • Hope
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HopeUpworthy

Ontario teen says he’ll live in ‘modular home’ invention for a year to prove it can end homelessness

Ribal Zebian, an inventive teenager from Ontario, has taken a bold step in addressing the pressing issue of homelessness by designing a modular home made from fiberglass and PET foam. His commitment to the cause is underscored by his decision to live in the prototype for a full year, testing its durability and livability across all seasons. Zebian's approach is not only innovative in terms of materials and design but also aims to offer an aesthetically pleasing, quick-to-assemble, and cost-effective solution for temporary housing.

  • Courage
  • Perseverance
  • Curiosity
Instagram
HopeUpworthy

‘X-Men’ star warns men to ‘check yourselves’ after surprising breast cancer diagnosis

In a surprising and poignant revelation, actor Tyler Mane, known for his roles as powerful and masculine characters, has opened up about his diagnosis with invasive ductal carcinoma, a type of breast cancer. This diagnosis is rare among men, who constitute less than 1% of all breast cancer cases. Mane's decision to publicly discuss his condition is a significant step towards challenging the stigma associated with male breast cancer, often viewed as a 'female' disease. By sharing his journey, Mane aims to encourage other men to prioritize their health without fear of judgment.

  • Courage
  • Hope
  • Perspective
TikTok
HopeUpworthy

Forget the zoo, these 8 hotels bring you face-to-face with the genuinely wild

In a world where concrete jungles often overshadow their verdant counterparts, a select group of hotels offers an antidote by immersing guests in the heart of the wild. These hotels, from Ecuador's Pikaia Lodge to Canada's Spirit Bear Lodge, redefine hospitality by making nature the main event. Whether it's watching giant tortoises reclaim their ancestral lands or observing the rare Kermode bear amidst salmon runs, these destinations prioritize conservation and authentic wildlife experiences over traditional luxury.

  • Curiosity
  • Gratitude
  • Hope

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ResilienceGratitudeConnectionCourageKindnessCreativityGrowth