📈 Human Progress
In the last decades humanity has made great progress with less extreme poverty, increased health, wealth and democracy. We follow in the tradition of professor Hans Rosling.
💡 Musings of the Angry Optimist: What was humanity's first idea?
Once upon a time, there were no ideas. Not a single one. But then someone had an idea. Humanity's first.
💵 More and more Nigerians are refusing bribes
Over 70 percent of Nigerians surveyed refused to pay bribes at least once during 2023. The proportion reporting bribery attempts increased from 3.6 percent in 2019 to 8.6 percent in 2023.
🐟 Giant fish in the Amazon recovers, after successful efforts by local population
The arapaima, one of the world's largest freshwater fish, is increasing in numbers in the Amazon. Local communities have introduced sustainable fishing methods that led to a 425% increase in 11 years.
🦟 Bangladesh is close to zero malaria deaths
The number of malaria cases and deaths in Bangladesh is steadily decreasing. The country has seen a 96 percent reduction in malaria deaths between 2008 and 2023. Over 85 percent of the population has access to malaria treatment.
📉 Domestic violence decreases in Australia
The number of women killed by current or former partners has decreased significantly since 1989-90. Significant reduction in the proportion of women experiencing physical violence since 2012.
📉 Poverty in the Philippines decreases faster than expected
The poverty rate in the Philippines dropped to 15.5 percent in 2023, from 18.1 percent in 2021. The number of poor Filipinos decreased by 2.45 million between 2021 and 2023. The result surpasses the government's development goal for 2023, which was set at about 16.0 percent.
🧬 Reconstructed genome may help us revive the mammoth
Scientists have succeeded in reconstructing the mammoth's genome and the 3D structure of its chromosomes from a 52,000-year-old tissue sample. The study shows that the mammoth's genome structure is similar to that of the modern elephant, which could facilitate the revival of the mammoth.
🤑 Money brings happiness far up the income scale
New research shows that the relationship between money and happiness continues far up the economic ladder. Billionaires report higher life satisfaction than people with annual incomes of $500,000.
💉 Ivory Coast first in the world to use new malaria vaccine
Ivory Coast introduces new effective malaria vaccine. The vaccine is expected to save tens of thousands of children's lives each year. 15 African countries plan vaccination campaigns during 2024.