🎵 Music Might Be a Solution for Car Sickness

Good morning. It’s been a busy week so far. From cheerful music easing car sickness to deep breathing unlocking blissful states of mind, this week’s stories highlight the surprising ways science is helping us feel better, inside and out.

In Minnesota, a pizzeria owner’s simple act of kindness is restoring dignity and hope to his community. Meanwhile, the Chicago River’s remarkable transformation from polluted waterway to a swimmable, biodynamic haven shows what’s possible when people come together to heal the environment.

—Stephanie S

A new study reveals that listening to cheerful music can help reduce car sickness. Researchers found that upbeat tunes not only distract passengers from feelings of nausea but also improve their overall mood during car rides.

The study involved participants listening to different types of music while traveling. Those who listened to cheerful songs reported less motion sickness compared to those who listened to no music or more somber tracks.

Experts believe that music’s positive effects on the brain can help override the discomfort caused by motion. The right playlist could make your next road trip much more enjoyable.

So next time you hit the road, consider queuing up some happy tunes. It might just keep queasiness at bay and make your journey smoother.

When Minnesota pizzeria owner Chris Kolstad saw people eating from his dumpster, he decided to act with compassion. He posted on Facebook, inviting anyone in need to ask for food instead of going hungry.

Kolstad offered free pizzas, no questions asked, and even set up a way for people to request food discreetly. His kindness inspired donations, raising over $4,000 to support his efforts.

To date, Kolstad has helped more than 100 people, proving that a simple act of generosity can restore dignity and hope.

The Chicago River, once infamous for pollution, is now on the verge of welcoming swimmers for the first time in over a century. Decades of cleanup, inspired by the 1972 Clean Water Act, have transformed the river’s ecosystem.

Nonprofits and civic investments have restored wildlife, with fish species rising from 5 to 77. The Wild Mile eco-park has played a key role in this revival.

Today, the river is a vibrant hub for nature and city life, showing what’s possible when communities commit to restoration.

A new study reveals that deep-breathing exercises can create brain blood flow patterns similar to those seen during psychedelic experiences. Participants reported blissful feelings, reduced fear, and a sense of unity.

Researchers found that these effects were linked to changes in brain regions tied to emotion and self-awareness.

Breathwork may offer a powerful, natural way to boost well-being and emotional health.

2,515 years ago today, Athenian hoplites met the invading Persian army on the beach at Marathon and won. Outnumbered but disciplined, the citizen soldiers charged over a mile in heavy armor to rout King Darius’s forces, killing thousands while losing just over 200 of their own. Their success secured Athens’ survival and set the stage for the rise of Classical Greece.

Though wrapped in myth and legend, the battle remains a turning point in world history. Veterans of Marathon became legends in their own time, with gravestones inscribed “We Ran.” Historians often point to this moment as one where Western civilization itself may have been decided.

Other notable September 12 events:

1823: Simón Bolívar was named President of Peru.

1940: The Paleolithic cave paintings of Lascaux, France, were discovered.

1962: President John F. Kennedy pledged America would land a man on the Moon before the decade’s end.

1966: The Monkees debuted on NBC, turning the TV band into global music stars.

🏠 Italy: A young woman from Argentina accidentally booked an Airbnb in Italy that turned out to be her father's childhood home.

💍 New York: A man was reunited with his class ring 56 years after losing it in the Long Island Sound, thanks to a miraculous discovery by a metal detectorist.

🌾 Virginia: A farm is helping veterans and military spouses find healing and new purpose by training them in sustainable agriculture as they transition to civilian life.

🚂 UK: A lifelong train enthusiast from County Durham has become one of the youngest licensed train drivers in the country.

🛡️ China: Strangers formed a human wall in a raging river to block the current and rescue a boy trapped between rocks.

— Sarah Fielding

Every day reveals fresh breakthroughs and moments of joy that remind us how extraordinary life truly is. Here are five reasons why now is the best time to be alive.

🎭 Healing Through Art: Art therapy programs are improving mental health outcomes for trauma survivors around the world.

🌊 Protected Oceans: Ocean sanctuaries now protect millions of square kilometers of marine life from overfishing and exploitation.

🥕 Community Fridges: Community fridges are popping up worldwide, sharing surplus food and reducing hunger in neighborhoods.

🛝 Sensory Play: Accessible playgrounds are integrating sensory-friendly equipment, supporting children with autism.

🧪 Quick Testing: Rapid diagnostic tests are enabling early detection of diseases like HIV and malaria in remote areas.

At Oxford, scientists have developed a bee superfood that helps hives stay strong for months, even through tough conditions. With pollinators under pressure worldwide, this breakthrough could be a sweet lifeline for our buzzing friends.

👉 Catch this, along with other wild discoveries and bright ideas, in this week’s episode of Good News To Go.

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