Things aren't as bad as they seem.

Sweden plans to ban PFAS in consumer goods including clothing, cosmetics, kitchenware, waterproofing agents and ski wax from 1 January 2028. The national measure would move ahead of broader EU rules on chemicals linked to cancers, fertility problems, immune disruption and persistent pollution.

Sweden plans 2028 ban on PFAS in everyday consumer goods

Sweden plans 2028 ban on PFAS in everyday consumer goods

29.07.2026

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Sweden plans 2028 ban on PFAS in everyday consumer goods

14.03.2026

London doctors prescribe time in nature for better mental health

In London in the United Kingdom, doctors are referring patients to a programme called Dose of Nature, where guided time outdoors becomes part of treatment for anxiety, depression and stress. Participants explore parks, woodlands and riversides with trained leaders. The approach is delivering strong results, with recovery rates reaching 64% and measurable improvement in 86% of participants—both higher than typical NHS talking therapy outcomes.

14.03.2026

Nature shows how rapid evolution can help species survive

A decade-long study of the scarlet monkeyflower in the western United States shows how nature can adapt to climate pressure. As prolonged drought reduced populations, researchers tracked rapid genetic changes across entire genomes that improved drought tolerance. The plants evolved quickly enough to stabilize and begin recovering in the wild.

14.03.2026

France returns looted sacred talking drum to Ivory Coast after a century

France has officially returned the Djidji Ayôkwé, a sacred “talking drum” taken in 1916 during the colonial era to Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Once used by the Atchan people to send messages between villages, the carved wooden instrument is a powerful cultural symbol. The restitution marks the first time France has returned a looted artifact to the West African nation.

14.03.2026

Small ear device helps stroke survivors rebuild arm strength at home

A new rehabilitation trial in the United Kingdom is testing a small ear device that stimulates the vagus nerve while patients practice arm exercises. About half of stroke survivors experience lasting arm weakness. Early results show the simple, non-invasive treatment can improve recovery and allow therapy to continue safely at home.

11.03.2026

Unique sea creatures and corals found off Caribbean islands

On the first expedition beyond the shallow waters surrounding the islands, using decades-old maps with serious errors and entire areas missing, scientists discovered a massive "blue hole" stretching to depths of 6,000m (19,700 ft), with untouched coral reefs and sea creatures that had never been seen before.

11.03.2026

10‑minute online programs effectively combat depression

A recent study indicates that a carefully crafted 10-minute online workout can help alleviate depression symptoms without requiring a therapist, medication, or significant lifestyle or environmental adjustments. Making small, practical changes can result in visible improvements in managing depression.

11.03.2026

Sauna’s health benefits are being scientifically validated

According to large population studies conducted in Finland, using a sauna four to seven times per week can lead to a 40% to 60% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and death, while all sauna-goers benefit from improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, arterial stiffness, and other markers of cardiometabolic health.

11.03.2026

Augmented reality job coach expands work access

Researchers created an AR app that acts as a job coach for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing real-time guidance for complex tasks. Participants showed immediate, significant improvement, with all completing at least 90% of task steps correctly and independently.

11.03.2026

Europe’s hairdressers could help tackle climate change

Researchers ran a UK-wide intervention in 25 sustainable salons, placing eco-tips on salon mirrors to prompt sustainable haircare conversations and found that 73% of clients were willing to change haircare routines, switch to eco-friendly products, and turn down their hot water at home.

11.03.2026

UK Banknotes set to celebrate wildlife after public vote

After a nationwide consultation by the Bank of England, more than half of the participants chose nature as the future theme for UK banknotes. Plants and animals will replace historical figures on sterling notes, reflecting a strong public connection to local wildlife, and bringing everyday awareness of nature directly into people’s hands.

09.03.2026

Croatia is formally declared mine-free after 30 years

Croatia has officially been declared mine-free, having progressively reduced suspected mine zones each year for nearly three decades. Overall, approximately 107,000 landmines and around 470,000 pieces of unexploded ordnance have been identified and safely neutralized.

09.03.2026

People are swapping smartphones for ‘grandma hobbies’

A growing number of young people are turning to tactile, analog hobbies like needlepoint or knitting as a form of therapeutic stress management, a way to escape technology, and to do something with their hands instead of doomscrolling, reconnecting with creativity and exploration.

09.03.2026

Daily acts of kindness improve health and strengthen society

Small gestures like friendly small talk with neighbors and simple thank yous to strangers significantly boost our physical well-being. Science shows that these brief positive interactions reduce stress and foster a sense of belonging within our communities. Choosing kindness creates a healthier world for everyone.

09.03.2026

PetPhone lets pets communicate with their owner

A technology company from Singapore has created a wearable device that uses artificial intelligence (AI), motion sensors and GPS to recognise certain movements made by a pet and turn them into alerts or calls to the owner via app on their smartphone, while owners can call the device to check on their pet, play music or send alerts.

09.03.2026

Hawaii pioneers sustainable packaging with new algae-based ink

After pioneering the use of 100% post-consumer recycled plastic in 2012, the beverage company Waiākea leads again with a new innovation: labels printed with algae-based ink. The Hawai'i-based company asserts it is the first in the world to adopt and commercialize labels using this algae-derived pigment, a development resulting from four years of dedicated research.

09.03.2026

Rare superbloom transforms Death Valley into a floral paradise

The perfect combination of gentle rain and warm sunshine has awakened a breathtaking display of wildflowers in California’s Death Valley. This rare superbloom, the most extensive in a decade, is painting the driest place on Earth with vibrant life. It is a stunning reminder of nature’s resilience and beauty.

06.03.2026

New species of ancient mollusk found in South Korea

A previously unknown species of ancient marine mollusc has been identified off the South Korean coast. Chitons have remained virtually unchanged for the last 300 million years and have a shell composed of eight interlocking plates that resemble suits of armor. The discovery once again highlights how many wonders are still waiting to be found.

06.03.2026

Compostable bicycle seat made of wood and mycelium

The Myco Seat by Dutch biodesign company Grown.bio is shaped on a wooden saddle base that is perforated in an elaborate pattern to let networks of mycelium grow and form the shape of the bicycle seat, and stabilizing the structure. The seat is one of the designs included in a "Grow it yourself" kit.