If you’re feeling nervous about the election, you’re in good company: More than two-thirds of U.S. adults reported the 2024 presidential election as a “significant” source of stress in an annual poll from the American Psychological Association. But you don’t have to let the next few days be consumed with anxiety — read this guide to learn some ways to cope.
If you’re in the SoCal area this weekend, come down to the 2024 Cal Tri Newport Dunes to meet some of the Nice News team
Health
Cancer-Detecting “Lollipops” Could Sweeten the Future of Diagnostic Testing
Almaje/ iStock
A lollipop can sweeten a trip to the doctor, no matter your age, and the colorful candies may soon be sweetening a diagnostic process as well. Currently, testing for cancer often involves a biopsy: collecting cells or a small piece of tissue via needle or scalpel and checking for abnormalities — a procedure that can sometimes call for a local anesthetic and stitches. This new method, being developed at the U.K’s University of Birmingham, would prove less invasive for identifying mouth cancers, and would be tasty to boot. Its effectiveness depends on an innovative “smart” hydrogel that chemist Ruchi Gupta and her research team are creating. Capable of isolating tiny proteins from human saliva samples, the substance is “like a fishing net — for fish tens of thousands of times smaller than the width of a human hair,” per a recent news release. It’s made by mixing precise amounts of water with a permeable polymer. As of now, the hydrogel can detect proteins in artificial samples, but it takes 12 hours to do so. While enjoying a lollipop for 12 hours straight may sound tempting, it isn’t practical for patients, so Gupta and the team are aiming to get the time way down — to 10 minutes.
Together With Quince
Sleep Soundly in Luxurious (and Affordable) European Linen
We spend about a third of our lives sleeping, so investing in high-quality bedding is essential. Quince’s European linen duvet cover set offers best-in-class fabric quality for maximum comfort. Ethically woven from 100% European flax, the set is lightweight, soft, and breathable for that perfectly relaxed lived-in look. And they get even softer with every wash. With more than 15 colors and patterns, including stripes and gingham, Quince makes it easy to create a sleep sanctuary that’s uniquely yours — all at an unbeatable price. Plus, you’ll get free shipping and hassle-free returns for up to a year. Which color will you choose for a better night’s sleep?
Inside the Fulfilling World of France’s Part-Time Farmers
ArtistGNDphotography/ iStock
The relationship between work and fulfillment has long been debate fodder: Do you work to live, live to work, or seek the ever-elusive work-life balance? In France, a group of employees called “slashers” are navigating these heady questions by turning to a unique side hustle, part-time farming. For slashers (think: engineer slash watercress farmer), working with the soil provides both a soul-filling outlet and a supplemental paycheck. But beyond that, this hybrid workstyle provides a sense of empowerment in a constantly evolving world filled with uncertainties — from AI to climate change, you name it. In return, farms benefit by getting more hands on the ground to support organic food production. “We would be so much more resilient as a society, if we all went in to something more hybrid,” Julien Maudet, one of the founders of an organization that seeks to promote these new crossover careers, told the BBC. The data engineer and cider-maker added, “Our vision is that this will be part of a fundamental change.”
Tech
Middle Schooler’s Air Filtering Project Leads to Statewide, $11.5M Initiative
University of Connecticut
Middle school milestones typically involve growth spurts, school dances, and harder homework. But Eniola Shokunbi also has a multimillion dollar school safety project to think about. Last year, when she was in fifth grade, Eniola wrote to the University of Connecticut to ask for help in creating an air filter system that would make classrooms safer by removing cold and COVID-19 viruses. Researchers at the college replied, and helped Eniola and her classmates in the city of Middletown build and install inexpensive air filters. “The air goes through all the sides,” she explained to NBC Connecticut. “And it comes out of the top, so it filters in and out.” The system has been tested and certified by the Environmental Protection Agency, with solid stats: “It showed that the air filter took out over 99% of viruses in the air,” Eniola said of the device, which involves a box fan, four furnace filters, duct tape, and cardboard. This week, the State Bond Commission unanimously approved $11.5 million in fundingfor the construction and installation of the air filters for other schools across Connecticut. Going forward, Eniola hopes they’ll make it to all the classrooms in the country. And after that? She plans on becoming president of the United States.
In Other News
Welcome back, Voyager 1! The NASA spacecraft was resurrected after an unplanned shutdown (read more)
Learn howFEMA is continuing to help Puerto Rico recover from Hurricane María, seven years later (read more)
Cute chick alert: A rare Chilean flamingo born at a British wildlife park is spreading its wings (read more)
The EPA awarded $3 billion to ports across the country to fund climate-centric initiatives (read more)
Is that Bruce Springsteen? Nope, it’s Jeremy Allen White, ready for his biopic role (read more)
Something We Love
Malin+Goetz Lip Moisturizer You can always find the Malin+Goetz lip moisturizer in my purse — I’ve been hooked ever since I first tried it about four years ago. It’s cruelty-free, vegan, has no synthetic fragrances, and is made without gluten, phthalates, mineral oils, or parabens. — Natalie Stone, Managing Editor
Jacob Bell was convicted of burglary in 1996 and spent 20 years in prison. Now, six years after his release, Bell is making headlines for saving two lives in the span of less than two months. “This has really shown me that it’s possible to give back and to feel good about yourself, and that means something,” he said.
Photo of the Day
Daniel Cardenas/Anadolu via Getty Images
Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, celebrations began on Halloween and run through today. Bright flowers, skeleton imagery, and face painting abound in Mexico, Central America, and many U.S. cities, all symbols tied to the core theme of honoring those who have died. Read USA Today’s visual guide to the holiday to learn more.
Quince’s Clog Mule Is Your Go-To Shoe for Style and Comfort
Slip into something more comfortable and functional with Quince’s water-repellent suede clog mules. They’re made from 100% genuine suede leather and offer a cushy foam insole for all day comfort. The shoes even have the Nice News team stamp of approval — Managing Editor Natalie has a pair and absolutely adores them.
