7 Reasons To Feel Good About The World

published 1 August 2006

We scoured the globe for good news-and found it! Here are seven reasons to smile this month

1. SUNSHINE CAN CUT YOUR RISK OF BREAST CANCER.

Canadian researchers found that women who spent a lot of time outside or took in a large amount of vitamin D from their diets -- especially as teens -- were 25- to 45-percent less likely to get breast cancer than those who didn't. (But keep using sunscreen -- skin cancer is on the rise.)

2. THE BALD EAGLE IS THRIVING.

The U.S. mascot will soon be removed from the endangered species list. There are now 7066 known pairs in the U.S., compared with 4500 in 1995.

3. A GASSY PROBLEM SOLVED.

Researchers in Venezuela found that adding the bacteria Lactobacillus casei to beans makes them gas-free and better for you.

4. MORE WOMEN CAN ROCK THE VOTE

Kuwaiti women voted and ran in a public election for the first time ever in April 2006. Experts say women will quickly become a force in the country-57 percent of the registered voters are female.

5. YOU CAN FIGHT AGING AND PROTECT THE RAINFOREST

The Brazilian acai berry, now blended into Sambazon smoothies, contains crazy amounts of antioxidants and nutrients. Better still? Some of Sambazon's profits go to helping protect the Amazon rainforest. We'll drink to that!

6. BIRTH CONTROL FOR MEN? YES!

Researchers in Australia found a hormone that blocks sperm production in men. The drug could be available in the U.S. in less than five years.

7. BEING NICE IS INSTINCTUAL.

Toddlers in a German study repeatedly picked up objects that were dropped, offering them back to the researchers with no reward or thanks. Maybe kindness is something you're born with.