We often talk about the concept of self-care going beyond luxurious spa days and expensive skin treatments, and this is an example of that really coming into play. Self magazine spoke to nine people currently undergoing treatment for chronic diseases, such as chemotherapy for cancer, about what they do to get through those treatments. The resulting list of thoughtful tips and suggestions is a window into true self-care and how it can help lessen the mental load during tough times.
Research Confirms What Dog Owners Already Knew: Pups Have Always Been in It for the Treats
SolStock/ iStock
A slight crinkle of the bag is all it takes for a dog’s ears to perk, tail to wag, and paws to come tippy-tapping down the hall to receive (or beg for) a treat. It’s a tale as old as time — and according to a new study, that saying rings truer than we originally thought. The research found that, in the Americas, our relationship with pups goes back a whopping 12,000 years — 2,000 years earlier than was previously recorded — or toward the end of the Ice Age. Back then, humans were likely treating pooches to some of their food supply at a time when dogs were otherwise on their own for meals. To figure this out, scientists analyzed two radiocarbon-dated archaeological remnants from Alaska. What the two canine fossils have in common? Both contain significant contributions from salmon proteins, indicating that the mammals consumed the fish often. “This is the smoking gun because they’re not really going after salmon in the wild,” said University of Alaska Fairbanks archaeologist and study co-author Ben Potter. Learn more about the findings.
Together With LMNT
Dive Into the Science of Hydration
LMNT has the science of hydration down: The ratio of 1,000 milligrams of sodium, 200 milligrams of potassium, and 60 milligrams of magnesium replenishes essential electrolytes lost during workouts, busy days, or travel. It’s also low-carb and free of artificial colors, so you’ll be feeling and performing your best, wherever life takes you. Now onto the fun part: flavors. The limited-edition Chocolate Medley is a tasty trio of flavors — featuring Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Chai, and Chocolate Raspberry — that are designed to be enjoyed hot on their own or swirled into your favorite recipes. LMNT is the tastiest way to hydrate this winter.
Inside the Ambitious Project to Digitize Millions of Plant Specimens for Future Generations
Chris Jackson/Getty Images for RBG Kew
Tucked away in the herbarium of England’s Kew Gardens are millions of fragile treasures — dried flowers, fungi, and herbs — that date back centuries, including hundreds collected by Charles Darwin. To ensure this treasure trove is preserved and accessible for future generations worldwide, Kew scientists, volunteers, and even celebrities like actor Kim Cattrall are in the midst of an ambitious project: digitizing its library of plant and fungal specimens, all 8 million of them. While the process is tedious (scanning one sample at a time), the effort is described as a service to the world. “Plants are not just decorative objects,” botanist and TV host James Wong explained to the BBC. He added that they hold “solutions to really every problem that faces our species,from climate change and biodiversity loss to new pandemics that may arise to food security. It all starts with dried specimens like this.” Recently, the team celebrated the milestone of digitizing 6 million specimens, with the remaining 2 million set to be completed by March 2026. Now, the Kew team is calling for the public’s support to help them get there, so they can make “these vital resources freely accessible around the world.” Watch the process.
Health
Not Just for Books: Local Libraries Are Becoming Health and Wellness Centers
AzmanL/ iStock
More than just hubs for bookworms, libraries are becoming destinations for nourishing your mind and body (and possibly your soul in the process). Public health programs are making their way into libraries across the U.S., offering everything from fitness classes to blood pressure monitors to group discussions about loneliness. The best part? Most of these services are free, and everyone is eligible to partake in them. For some, these visits mark a turning point in their health journey. “We have patrons that say, ‘Because I used the blood pressure monitor at the library, I went and saw my physician for the first time in a long time,’” Jaime Placht, a health and well-being specialist at the Kansas City Public Library system, told the Associated Press, noting that these locations are “the last true public institution.” Libraries for Health, an initiative offering mental wellness services in central Texas, has received over $3 million from St. David’s Foundation — and it’s focusing on advancing health equity in the state. “It’s in no way taking the place of clinical-directed psychologists,” Abena Asante, the foundation’s senior program officer, told Public News Service. “It’s just one community response in addressing the lack of mental wellness resources in rural communities.” Interested in getting involved? Contact your local library or community center to see if they’re offering any of these free services.
In Other News
Good beans! A recent study found that drinking coffee daily was associated with an extra 1.8 years of life (read more)
Canada’s first-ever WNBA team officially has a name, after more than 10,000 suggestions were submitted (read more)
$3.6 billion was donated onGiving Tuesday in the U.S., a nearly 20% increase from last year (read more)
In a first-of-its-kind campaign, a nationwide rollout of the single-dose Ebola vaccine is underway in Sierra Leone (read more)
“Supergiant” gold ore deposit: Geologists in China may have discovered the world’s largest gold mine (read more)
Because Weekend x Nice News
Keep the Weekend Vibes Going Every Day The weekend isn’t just two days on the calendar — it’s a mindset: the freedom to roam, the thrill of exploring new places, and the joy of spontaneous experiences with friends. We carry that energy with us every day, celebrating what makes life feel like the weekend. If you agree with that philosophy, Nice News’ collaboration with apparel brand Because Weekend needs a place in your closet. Click below to explore the pieces in the collection, all designed with positivity in mind.
At 71 years old, Mike Rogers recently completed seven marathons in seven days on seven continents. The Texan finished The Great World Race — a rare running feat — while raising money for charity, crediting a combination of patience and willpower for getting him to the finish line: “It just takes a little bit of determination,” he said.
Photo of the Day
Carl Finocchiaro via @usinterior
With the official start of winter less than two weeks away, nature is changing before our eyes, as you can see in this stunning scene of geometric shapes swathing an alpine lake in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park. “Across the country, America’s public lands and waters are transforming into winter wonderlands,” the U.S. Department of the Interior captioned the photo. “We hope you find time to explore!” We second that.
LMNT Is Keeping Us Hydrated Through the Holidays
Have you had the experience of becoming so busy that you forget to take even a sip of water? Us too — especially this time of year. For hectic days like that, LMNT’s science-backed electrolyte blend can help you stay hydrated and feeling good. The seasonal Chocolate Medley, featuring three delicious flavors to be enjoyed hot, is just the cherry on top.
