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The Happy Broadcast The Happy Broadcast is a counter hate and fear culture project that features weekly illustrated positive news from around the world.

The UK government has confirmed plans to repeal the centuries-old Vagrancy Act of 1824, effectively decriminalizing roug...
20/06/2025

The UK government has confirmed plans to repeal the centuries-old Vagrancy Act of 1824, effectively decriminalizing rough sleeping.

The move, expected by spring 2026, comes after widespread criticism that the archaic law unfairly punished people for homelessness—treating poverty and crisis as criminal offenses. The repeal is accompanied by a £233 million funding boost for homelessness services in the next financial year, signaling a shift toward compassion and support rather than punishment.

Advocates, including local charities, welcome the change as a long-overdue step in removing stigma and fear from the lives of vulnerable individuals.

By ending criminal penalties, the reform aims to replace shame with dignity, ensuring that people experiencing homelessness are treated with care and given access to necessary assistance. Supporters stress that while the repeal won’t end homelessness overnight, it serves as a powerful symbolic and practical foundation for more effective, compassionate interventions.

Source: BBC

Researchers at Japan’s RIKEN Center and the University of Tokyo have developed an innovative plastic that dissolves comp...
18/06/2025

Researchers at Japan’s RIKEN Center and the University of Tokyo have developed an innovative plastic that dissolves completely in seawater within hours—without leaving harmful microplastic residues.

Laboratory tests in Wako city showed that a small piece dissolved entirely after one hour of agitation in saltwater . This material retains the durability and functionality of conventional plastics yet breaks down into benign components processable by natural bacteria, addressing long-standing concerns over ocean pollution.

The secret lies in its design: the plastic is built using “salt bridge” ionic bonds that provide strength and flexibility in regular use but quickly disintegrate in saline environments. It remains stable and recyclable on land—dissolving over approximately 200 hours in soil—but rapidly vanishes at sea.

Non-toxic and non-flammable, it emits no carbon dioxide during breakdown and shows promise for coatings that match current industrial standards . While commercialization plans are still forthcoming, this breakthrough could revolutionize single-use plastics and dramatically reduce the global threat of marine plastic pollution.

Source: Reuters

A new initiative called “Resting Reef” provides an eco-conscious way to honor loved ones by using their cremation ashes ...
16/06/2025

A new initiative called “Resting Reef” provides an eco-conscious way to honor loved ones by using their cremation ashes to create artificial reefs. Made from marine-safe concrete infused with ash, these reef structures are placed on the ocean floor to encourage coral growth and support marine biodiversity.

This innovative approach not only creates a lasting memorial but also contributes to marine conservation by supplying habitat for fish, corals, and other sea life.

The project taps into growing environmental awareness around traditional burial methods, which can consume land and release greenhouse gases. By transforming ashes into reef-building materials, Resting Reef merges legacy with sustainability—leaving behind not only memories but also vibrant ecosystems.

As artificial reefs continue to gain popularity, memorial reefs like these blend personal commemoration with a positive ecological impact, turning remembrance into restoration.

Source: Fast Company

Global Su***de Rate Declines by Over a Third Since 2000In the past 20 years, the global age‑standardized su***de rate dr...
15/06/2025

Global Su***de Rate Declines by Over a Third Since 2000

In the past 20 years, the global age‑standardized su***de rate dropped by approximately 35%, offering a rare beacon of progress in global mental health trends.

This significant decline was uneven across regions, ranging from a modest 3% reduction in Africa to a striking 50% decrease in the Western Pacific. Europe saw a 48% drop, while South‑East Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean recorded decreases of 26% and 30%, respectively.

However, the Americas stood out as the only WHO region where su***de rates rose, increasing by 17% during the same period  .

The reduction in su***de rates is attributed to a combination of factors, including improved mental health interventions, better access to support services, and targeted “means‑restriction” policies—such as limiting access to common methods of su***de. Despite this encouraging global trend, rising rates in the Americas highlight the need for region‑specific strategies and continued investment in su***de prevention.

Source: Human Progress

A recent study suggests that a surprisingly modest amount of aerobic exercise—around 75 minutes per week—can substantial...
13/06/2025

A recent study suggests that a surprisingly modest amount of aerobic exercise—around 75 minutes per week—can substantially rejuvenate heart health, effectively turning back cardiovascular “age” by up to 20 years .

In the controlled trial, previously sedentary middle-aged adults engaged in weekly sessions of vigorous activity, such as running or dancing, alongside moderate exercises. After two years, participants showed dramatic improvements in both their maximal oxygen intake and the flexibility of their heart’s left ventricle—key indicators of cardiac vitality .

Experts highlight that consistency, rather than extreme intensity, drives these benefits. Aligning with guidelines from Harvard Health, just 20 minutes of daily moderate activity—like brisk walking—can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in older adults .

The key takeaway? A short, regular workout routine can be a powerful tool for reversing heart aging, supporting long-term wellness even for busy individuals.

Source: Unilad

Spain is preparing new environmental legislation that will prohibit flushing wet wipes down toilets in an effort to prot...
11/06/2025

Spain is preparing new environmental legislation that will prohibit flushing wet wipes down toilets in an effort to protect rivers, coasts, and sewer infrastructure.

The decree is part of a wider push to comply with UN Sustainable Development Goals and EU directives on single-use plastics. It targets wet wipes—identified among the top 10 plastic items fouling European beaches—as a major contributor to blockages and pollution .

Under the proposed law, wet wipe manufacturers will be legally required to fund the cleanup of their products from sewers and treatment plants. This includes covering maintenance costs, waste transport, disposal, and public awareness campaigns.

With annual cleanup expenses estimated at €230 million, the policy emphasizes extended producer responsibility and aims to encourage the development of truly biodegradable alternatives, while dissuading consumers from flushing any wipes, even those labeled biodegradable .

Source: EuroNews

Researchers at Nara Medical University in Japan, led by Hiromi Sakai, have engineered an artificial blood substitute tha...
09/06/2025

Researchers at Nara Medical University in Japan, led by Hiromi Sakai, have engineered an artificial blood substitute that combines oxygen-carrying hemoglobin from expired donor units with a protective lipid shell—eliminating blood type antigens and enabling universal compatibility.

This innovation not only removes the need for blood-type matching but also offers impressive storage life: up to two years at room temperature and five years under refrigeration, significantly surpassing the 42-day shelf life of standard donated red blood cells .

Initial human trials, which began in 2022, saw healthy volunteers safely receive increasing doses of the hemoglobin vesicle infusion without major side effects.

Following promising results—including stable vital signs at dosages of up to 100 milliliters—the ongoing trial now includes higher-dose administrations (100–400 mL) to assess safety and efficacy. If the remaining stages are successful, this artificial blood could revolutionize emergency care, particularly in remote and resource-constrained settings, with clinical deployment targeted by around 2030 .

Source: Tokyo Weekender

h Researchers at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in Melbourne have achieved a significant milesto...
07/06/2025

h Researchers at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in Melbourne have achieved a significant milestone in HIV research by developing a method to expose the virus hidden within white blood cells.

Utilizing a novel lipid nanoparticle (LNP) named LNP X, they successfully delivered mRNA into resting CD4+ T cells—cells that typically resist such delivery. This mRNA prompts the infected cells to reveal dormant HIV, a crucial step toward potential eradication. The study, published in Nature Communications, marks a promising advancement in the pursuit of an HIV cure.  

This could potentially allow the immune system or drugs to identify the virus and clear it, meaning researchers are one step closer to a cure.

The approach has been tested in laboratory settings using cells from HIV-positive individuals, with plans for subsequent animal and human trials. If successful, this strategy could not only revolutionize HIV treatment but also have broader applications in diseases involving similar immune cells, such as certain cancers.   

Source: The Guardian

In a bold move for environmental preservation, Swedish billionaire and activist Johan Eliasch purchased 400,000 acres (a...
04/06/2025

In a bold move for environmental preservation, Swedish billionaire and activist Johan Eliasch purchased 400,000 acres (approximately 1,600 square kilometers) of Amazon rainforest in Brazil in 2005.

Unlike typical land acquisitions aimed at development or resource extraction, Eliasch’s sole intention was conservation. By halting logging operations and preventing deforestation on this vast tract of land, he aimed to protect the rich biodiversity and crucial carbon sinks of the Amazon.

Eliasch’s commitment to environmental causes extends beyond this purchase. He founded the Rainforest Trust, an international NGO dedicated to protecting threatened tropical rainforests, which has safeguarded millions of acres globally.

dditionally, he co-leads Cool Earth, a nonprofit that supports indigenous communities in rainforest regions, empowering them to combat deforestation. As president of the International Ski Federation, Eliasch has also launched initiatives to offset carbon emissions from winter sports events by investing in rainforest conservation projects.

Source: Happy Eco News

France is set to implement a nationwide ban on smoking in various outdoor public spaces commonly visited by children, ef...
02/06/2025

France is set to implement a nationwide ban on smoking in various outdoor public spaces commonly visited by children, effective July 1, 2025. Announced by Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin, the prohibition will encompass beaches, parks, public gardens, areas outside schools, bus stops, and sports venues.

Vautrin emphasized the initiative’s focus on protecting children’s health, stating, “Tobacco must disappear where there are children.” Violators of the new regulation will face a fine of €135 ($153).

Electronic ci******es are not included in the current ban; however, the government is considering introducing limits on their ni****ne content.

This move aligns with France’s ongoing efforts to decrease smoking rates, which have declined to 23.1% of the population—the lowest recorded level. The initiative also responds to strong public support, with nearly 80% of French citizens favoring restrictions on smoking in public areas like woodlands, beaches, and parks.

Source: BBC

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has announced his intention to donate 99% of his fortune over the next two decades, aimi...
31/05/2025

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has announced his intention to donate 99% of his fortune over the next two decades, aiming to conclude the operations of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation by 2045.

In a recent blog post, Gates emphasized his commitment to philanthropy, stating, “People will say a lot of things about me when I die, but I am determined that ‘he died rich’ will not be one of them.” The foundation has already contributed $100 billion towards health and development projects, with plans to allocate an additional $200 billion, subject to market conditions and inflation, in the coming years.

Gates’ philanthropic focus includes eliminating preventable diseases affecting mothers and children, combating infectious diseases such as malaria and measles, and reducing poverty for hundreds of millions globally.

He also expressed concern over recent cuts to foreign aid budgets by countries like the U.S., U.K., and France, highlighting the importance of continued support for the world’s poorest populations. Despite his substantial donations, Gates is expected to remain a billionaire, with a current net worth of approximately $108 billion.

Source: BBC

In a significant development for children’s educational programming, “Sesame Street” has secured a new distribution deal...
29/05/2025

In a significant development for children’s educational programming, “Sesame Street” has secured a new distribution deal with Netflix, following the conclusion of its previous arrangement with Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max platform.

This new partnership ensures that the beloved series will continue to reach audiences worldwide, with Season 56 set to premiere later this year. Importantly, the agreement also restores simultaneous airing of new episodes on PBS stations and PBS Kids digital platforms, reinstating immediate free access for U.S. viewers—a feature absent during the Max era.

The transition to Netflix comes after financial challenges for Sesame Workshop, including staff reductions and funding uncertainties. Under the new deal, Netflix will host 90 hours of past episodes and introduce a refreshed format featuring 11-minute narrative segments, alongside popular segments like “Elmo’s World.”

This collaboration between Netflix, PBS, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting exemplifies a public-private partnership aimed at preserving and expanding access to quality educational content for children.

Source: Hollywood Reporter

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