Today is World Mental Health Day, a U.N.-designated occasion meant to raise awareness and break down the stigma surrounding mental illness. This year’s theme is centered on prioritizing mental health in the workplace — read about some simple actions you can take that advance that goal, from expressing gratitude to colleagues to participating in mindfulness activities.
California Dominates List of America’s Greenest Cities
Art Wager/ iStock
The Golden State gets a gold medal for sustainability, according to a new ranking from WalletHub. California is home to six of the top 10 greenest cities in America, with sunny San Diego taking the No. 1 spot. The site explained that San Diego’s ranking is thanks to a few factors, one being that it has the highest number of solar panel installations per capita. Nearly half of the city’s electricity comes from renewable sources, which leads us to the next point: San Diego has the second-lowest Urban Heat Island Effect Index in the U.S. “What that means is there’s only a relatively small amount of difference between the average temperature in the city and its less-developed immediate surroundings,” the report reads. “In other words, use of green energy in San Diego helps keep it from being an excessively hot city environment.” Following San Diego on the list are Washington, D.C. and Honolulu, and the top five is rounded out by two more California locales: San Francisco and San Jose. See the rest.
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Your Toothbrush Is Covered in Viruses — And That’s Good for Science
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A team of microbiologists discovered a collection of thriving, diverse, and mostly new-to-science viruses on toothbrushes and showerheads. Before you freak out and toss your toothbrush, though, you should know that these aren’t the kind of viruses that make humans sick. The researchers at Northwestern University found bacteriophage, also called phage, a type of virus that targets bacteria. Phage has become a popular area of study in recent years for its potential to fight antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, a growing problem in the world of medicine. Per a press release, the new study is notable for the number of viruses unearthed on such everyday objects. “We found many viruses that we know very little about and many others that we have never seen before,” said study co-author Erica M. Hartmann. “It’s amazing how much untapped biodiversity is all around us.” “The ‘next frontier’ of microbiology is phage,” she added in an interview with Popular Science. “There’s a lot of interest in harnessing phage for biotechnology or medical applications. Penicillin comes from moldy bread. It could be that the next great antibiotic will be based on something that grew on your toothbrush.”
Culture
Locomotion Enthusiasts Gather to See Big Boy No. 4014, a Train Built in WWII
Union Pacific
Meet Big Boy No. 4014: an 83-year-old train with a devoted fan base. The 600-ton railed vehicle was one of 25 Big Boys constructed by Union Pacific during World War II. Today, it’s one of only eight still in operation, andit’s currently going on tour across the country. “It’s American history. In 1941 it was created. And it’s still running today. It’s beautiful. When you hear that whistle blow, it’s like nothing else,” Gino Villalobos, who went to see Big Boy in Houston on Sunday, told KHOU 11. His son Asher added: “It is mind-blowing. I grew up with Thomas [the Tank Engine] and The Polar Express. Just seeing this gorgeous train behind me, it’s just really beautiful.” From now through Oct. 23, the historic train — which holds the title of the world’s largest operating steam locomotive — will continue rolling through various U.S. towns and cities, from Durant, Oklahoma, to Greeley, Colorado. Track Big Boy No. 4014 here.
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Inspiring Story
“If you can just find light anywhere, just chase it”
Porter Ellett lost his arm in an accident at age 4, but that didn’t stop him from pursuing a career in the football world. Now, he’s an assistant running back coach for the Kansas City Chiefs and has served as quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ warm-up partner for eight seasons. “I just hope that people pull the positives away from my story or my experiences and then they use them in their own life,” he said.
Photo of the Day
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Glamour
The Glamour Women of the Year Awards took place Tuesday night, and this year’s ceremony was all about moms. Three parents of prominent celebrities accepted awards: Beyoncé’s mom Miss Tina Knowles (pictured), Maggie Baird, mom to Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell, and Donna Kelce, whose sons are football stars Travis and Jason Kelce. “I’ve been so blessed in my life to do many things. I’ve had many careers, but I’ve always said that the best job that I’ve ever had is being a mother,” Knowles said during her acceptance speech.
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