Turning plastic bottles into painkillers

Good morning. It’s been a week of remarkable breakthroughs and inspiring acts of courage. Scientists in Scotland have discovered a method to convert plastic bottles into the painkiller acetaminophen, suggesting a potential future where waste can be repurposed as medicine.

In India, bamboo plantations are revitalizing villages once plagued by coal ash, restoring both the land and livelihoods.

Relief swept through Los Angeles as all 31 workers trapped in a tunnel collapse were rescued unharmed, a testament to teamwork and the preparedness of the rescue effort.

🎧 P.S. Don’t miss today’s new episode of Good News To Go, your 5-minute boost of joy on the move.

—Stephanie S

Scientists in Scotland have engineered bacteria to convert plastic bottles into a key ingredient for acetaminophen, the common pain reliever. Using genetically modified E. coli, the team converted PET plastic into para-aminobenzoic acid, a precursor for both acetaminophen and vitamin B9.

This process offers a greener alternative to traditional drug manufacturing, which relies on fossil fuels and generates pollution. The bacteria achieved a 92% conversion rate at room temperature, with no detectable carbon emissions.

While not yet scalable, this breakthrough hints at a future where plastic waste becomes a valuable resource for medicine. Researchers believe many bacteria could be harnessed for similar eco-friendly transformations.

This innovation could help tackle both plastic pollution and sustainable drug production, opening new doors for biotechnology.

Villages in western India are finding hope as bamboo plantations help heal lands polluted by toxic ash from coal plants. Dr. Lal Singh’s 12-year program utilizes bamboo to absorb harmful silica, thereby restoring soil and revitalizing local farms.

The process involves removing excess ash, amending the soil, and planting bamboo species suited to each site. This approach has already transformed 24 acres in Maharashtra.

Now, the project is expanding to other regions, offering a green solution to pollution and a lifeline for struggling communities.

All 31 workers trapped in a Los Angeles tunnel collapse have been rescued without injury. The incident occurred during construction on a major water project, prompting a swift emergency response.

Rescue teams worked for hours to ensure everyone’s safety, using specialized equipment to reach those inside. Officials praised the workers’ training and calm under pressure.

The successful rescue highlights the importance of safety protocols and teamwork in high-risk construction environments.

When a landslide threatened the mountain village of Siyathi in northern India, a dog named Rocky became a true hero. Late at night, Rocky’s urgent barking woke his owner, Lalit Kumar, who discovered a crack in the wall and water pouring in.

Realizing the danger, Lalit and Rocky alerted neighbors, helping 22 families escape to safety just before the landslide struck. The disaster destroyed most homes, but thanks to Rocky, all 67 villagers survived.

Rocky had only been with the family for three months, but his quick actions saved dozens of lives and made him a local legend.

Fourteen centuries ago today, the Prophet Muhammad and his followers set out on a journey from Mecca to Medina, an event known as the Hijrah. More than a migration, it became a defining moment in Islamic history, laying the foundation for a new community built on faith, justice, and shared purpose.

The Hijrah was later chosen by Caliph Umar in 638 CE to mark the start of the Islamic calendar, known in Latin as Anno Hegirae, or “in the year of the Hijrah.” Every Hijri year since has been counted from this bold departure, a reminder of renewal, resilience, and the power of a shared mission.

Other notable July 16 events:

1930: Emperor Haile Selassie signed Ethiopia’s first constitution.

1965: The Mont Blanc Tunnel opened, linking France and Italy.

2001: China and Russia signed the Treaty of Good‑Neighborliness.

2004: Millennium Park opened in Chicago, unveiling Cloud Gate, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and other iconic art and green spaces.

🏺 Belize: Archaeologists have unearthed a treasure-filled tomb belonging to Te K’ab Chaak, the first ruler of the great Mayan city of Caracol.

🏀 USA: Malala Yousafzai and Billie Jean King have teamed up to launch an initiative investing in women’s sports.

💌 Ireland: A message in a bottle sent by a Newfoundland couple was discovered on an Irish beach 13 years later, connecting strangers across the Atlantic.

🦆 USA: Boston’s Belle Isle Marsh Reservation provides a vital refuge for over 250 bird species and protects the community from coastal erosion thanks to decades of grassroots conservation efforts.

🏛️ Peru: Archaeologists have unveiled a 3,800-year-old ancient city called Peñico, once a key link between Andean and coastal civilizations, and it is now open for visitors.

— Amit Ray

Each day unfolds with breakthroughs and bright moments that show just how incredible life can be. Here are five reasons why right now is the best time to be alive.

🌐 Global Collaboration: Scientists and innovators from around the world are collaborating like never before, sharing data and discoveries in real-time.

🛫 Travel Made Easy: Budget airlines, digital nomad visas, and translation apps make exploring the world more accessible than ever before.

🍎 Food Innovation: Plant-based proteins, lab-grown meat, and vertical farming are transforming how we sustainably feed the planet.

🎥 Stories at Your Fingertips: Movies, documentaries, and series from every corner of the world are available on demand, broadening our perspectives.

🛠️ DIY Revolution: From 3D printers to online tutorials, anyone can learn to build, fix, or invent almost anything from home.

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