Considering the way things are going around the world, it's becoming harder each day to convince people that there is still a lot of good remaining. But, hidden among all the grim headlines, are plenty of happy news stories about good things happening in all corners of the globe.
So if you need a flicker of hope, here are 10 really good things that are happening in the world right now to remind you that everything will be ok.
1. Scientists discovered a new type of aurora
The experts named the new atmospheric phenomenon "Steve," after it was suggested by the Facebook group, Alberta Aurora Chasers. Their pick was inspired by the animated movie Over the Hedge.
2. A man created a forest bigger than Central Park
Jadav Payeng spent most of his adult life planting trees around his barren hometown of Majuli Island, India. Today, more than 38 years after planting his first seed, Payeng has created a 1,400 acre dense forest that now houses rhinoceroses, deer, tigers, vultures and elephants.
3. Researchers discovered a vitamin that can reduce birth defects and miscarriages
Researchers recently released the results of a 12-year study which revealed that birth defects and miscarriages can likely be avoided by taking vitamin B3 while pregnant. They're calling it "the most important discovery for pregnant women since folate."
4. An American World War II veteran returned a Japanese fallen soldier's flag after 70 years
Marvin Strombo took a calligraphy-covered Japanese flag from the body of a fallen soldier during WW2 as a souvenir. Decades after he returned home, he couldn't shake the guilt off so he made it a mission to return it. 73 years later, Strombo found the soldier's family and gave back the flag during an emotional reunion.
5. Giant Pandas are no longer on the endangered species list
You might have already heard about this awesome news through the grapevine, but in case you didn't, we've got your covered. Thanks to the efforts of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and other conservation organizations, the giant panda's status was recently downgraded from "Endangered" to "Vulnerable."
6. The Guinea Worm disease is almost eradicated from the world
As of May 2017, only 5 cases of the disease have been reported. The Guinea Worm parasite is on the verge of extinction and soon the painful water-borne disease will be history, just like smallpox.
7. A new shade of purple has been named after Prince
In honor of the late Purple Rain singer, Pantone Color Institute has released a new shade of purple named Love Symbol #2. The new color is reportedly inspired by a custom purple Yamaha keyboard the pop icon used on one of his tours.
8. Bill Gates donated $4.1 billion to charity
The Microsoft founder and richest person in the world gave away 5% of his fortune to fund the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation which works to help causes all around the world. Right now, the foundation is focused on combating malaria through initiatives like the mosquito net program and educating the public about the disease.
9. A 104-year-old woman volunteers weekly to help seniors get groceries
Eleanore Rubinstein may be over 100 years old, but that doesn't stop her from helping others. The centenarian spends a couple of hours every Tuesday volunteering with Store to Door, a nonprofit in Southwest Portland that provides personal shopping services for homebound seniors that live alone.
10. There are chimpanzees who can play rock-paper-scissors
A group of incredible Japanese researchers have thought a couple of chimps the rules of rock-paper-scissors and they can understand them as well as a 4-year-old human child.
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