This week saw a series of good news stories that brought hope and optimism. From slowing time to new treatments for brain cancer and increasing butterfly numbers, the articles highlighted innovation and success across several sectors.
Scientists at George Mason University in Virginia found that memorable visual stimuli can slow our perception of time. The study showed that people were more likely to think they had been looking at small, cluttered scenes for a shorter period than they were, whereas the opposite was true for larger scenes. This could suggest that our brains try to gather information about the scenes we find memorable, leading to time dilation.
A new type of mosquito net has been rolled out in malaria-endemic countries, which has so far averted 13 million cases of malaria and 24,600 deaths. The dual-insecticide nets address the growing threat of insecticide resistance and are comparable in cost to older versions, but could save millions for health services. The use of vaccines against malaria is also being deployed, with Cameroon becoming the first country to introduce routine jabs against the disease in January.
Researchers found that playing recordings of fish sounds can lure baby corals to settle on degraded reefs. The technique could prove a gamechanger for reef restoration and could be replicated at scale. However, scientists maintain that the best way to help beleaguered ecosystems is to slash emissions.
A new targeted drug treatment – dabrafenib and trametinib – has been approved for children and teenagers with brain cancer in England. It is described as a “step-change in care” and is taken orally as an alternative to chemotherapy which can delay education and socialisation, and have lasting emotional impacts.
Lastly, a UK charity Butterfly Conservation found that having long grass in your garden increases butterfly abundance and diversity. The analysis of butterfly sightings from more than 600 gardens collected by members of the public over six years showed an increase of up to 93% in agricultural areas and 18% in urban areas.
Overall, these positive developments offer hope and inspiration as we strive for progress and better ways of living
Read the full article on Positive News here: Read More