🐯 Tiger Sightings Triple in Just a Few Years

Good morning. It’s been a week of remarkable discoveries and heartwarming surprises. In Sumatra, a new camera-trap survey has captured nearly three times as many images of endangered Sumatran tigers as ever before, offering hope for the future of these majestic cats.

Meanwhile, a family mix-up in the UK turned a school nativity into a viral sensation when young Zach arrived dressed as Elvis instead of an elf, reminding us that the best holiday memories often come from unexpected moments.

And in Buckinghamshire, Kim Smith is celebrating newfound independence after a life-changing hand transplant, her story shining a light on resilience and the power of organ donation.

👉 P.S. Today is the final day of our premium newsletter preview. Starting Monday, you can choose to receive good news in your inbox five days a week, or continue with the three-day-a-week version as usual. And keep an eye out this afternoon for a special, once-a-month deep dive into our favorite story from the past month, one of the added benefits of a premium subscription.

—Stephanie S

Exposure to natural light boosts serotonin levels, improving mood and energy.

A new camera-trap survey in Sumatra’s Leuser ecosystem has captured nearly three times as many images of endangered Sumatran tigers as in previous years. Researchers working with local rangers identified 27 individual tigers, including several females and cubs, indicating a healthy, thriving population.

The study was conducted in provincially protected forests, which receive less support than national parks, making the findings even more remarkable. The high number of sightings suggests the area provides ample prey and quality habitat.

Dedicated protection efforts and community involvement have been key to this success. The results offer hope for the future of these critically endangered big cats.

A young boy became the star of his school’s nativity play after a family mix-up sent him dressed as Elvis instead of an elf. His mom misunderstood the costume instructions, leading to a hilarious and heartwarming moment.

The boy confidently took the stage in his Elvis outfit, complete with a white jumpsuit and sunglasses, delighting the audience and teachers.

The story quickly went viral, spreading joy and laughter online. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best memories come from unexpected surprises.

Join us for the Kindness Chain Challenge this December. Do one small act of kindness each day and share your favorite moment with us (reply to this email). We will highlight a few of our favorites at the end of the month.

A team of Chinese scientists has completed the first crewed dives to the eastern Gakkel Ridge, a remote volcanic mountain chain beneath the Arctic Ocean. Using the Fendouzhe submersible, they explored areas never before visited by humans.

The mission faced challenges from thick sea ice, requiring careful navigation and support from an icebreaker ship. Despite the risks, the team conducted over 40 dives, reaching depths beyond 14,000 feet.

Researchers collected rock, animal, and water samples, hoping to uncover new insights into deep-sea ecosystems. Their discoveries may shed light on life in extreme environments and inspire future exploration.

After losing all her limbs to sepsis, Kim Smith is celebrating a new chapter after a successful hand transplant. Though doctors hoped for a double transplant, only her left hand could be replaced, and Kim has embraced her new left-handed life.

She’s amazed at how quickly she’s regained independence, now able to brush her teeth, do her hair, and even write again.

Kim’s gratitude extends to her donor’s family, and her inspiring journey is featured in a new documentary.

Shake out your hands.

Roll your shoulders.

Let tension fall away.

With your breath steady again, here are some things that made us smile this week.

🦅 Romania: After a century of absence, vultures are being reintroduced to the Carpathian Mountains, completing the vision of a thriving "European Yellowstone."

🦟 Maryland: Researchers have engineered a fungus that emits a floral scent to lure and kill mosquitoes inside a patented trap.

🦄 New York: 14-year-old Miles Wu won $25,000 for inventing an origami structure that can hold 10,000 times its own weight.

🐶 Japan: A new study finds that having a pet dog boosts teenage mental health by changing the microbes in their bodies.

🌄 California: Nearly 900 acres bordering Yosemite have been returned to the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation, reuniting the tribe with ancestral land after 175 years of displacement.

300 years ago today, American Founding Father George Mason was born. A Virginia planter, statesman, and neighbor of George Washington, Mason played a pivotal but often overlooked role in shaping American democracy. Unlike many of his peers, he refused to sign the U.S. Constitution, arguing that it failed to protect individual liberties. His objections directly influenced James Madison and others to draft what would become the Bill of Rights.

Mason authored the Virginia Declaration of Rights, which served as the blueprint for the federal Bill of Rights ratified in 1791, a year before his death. His insistence on freedoms like speech, press, jury trials, and protection from standing armies helped define the rights Americans now take for granted. For this reason, Mason is remembered as the Father of the Bill of Rights.

Other notable December 12 events:

1946: UNICEF was established by the United Nations to aid children after World War II.

1967: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner premiered, sparking national dialogue on race.

1997: Over 150 countries signed the Kyoto Protocol to address climate change.

2001: China officially joined the World Trade Organization.

— Heraclitus

Every day brings amazing advances and uplifting moments that remind us just how wonderful the world can be. Here are five reasons why today is the best time ever to be alive:

🌐 Open Innovation: Open-source software communities enable collaboration across continents, accelerating innovation for everyone.

🦾 Exosuits: AI-powered exosuits are helping factory workers lift heavy loads without strain.

🏥 Health Kiosks: Telehealth kiosks in rural areas are bringing primary care services to underserved populations.

🐟 Solar Dryers: Solar-powered fish dryers are improving food security in coastal communities.

🐝 Rooftop Beekeeping: Community rooftop apiaries are producing honey while supporting urban pollination.

A) 500 discarded vape batteries

B) 500 used car batteries

C) 500 solar panels

D) 500 old light bulbs

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A) 500 discarded vape batteries

Chris Doel, a British engineer, collected and repurposed 500 lithium-ion batteries from discarded vapes to create a battery pack capable of powering his entire home for eight hours, highlighting the potential for reusing e-waste in innovative ways.

Read the full story here.