Must Reads

• ​Another compelling reason to lace up your walking shoes

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• At a new Paris exhibit, visitors don't just look at paintings — they listen to them, too

Health

Hope May Be the Key to a More Fulfilling Life, Long-Term Study Says

Last week, we wrote about how feeling hopeful from watching inspirational videos has been linked to reduced stress levels. And another recent study discovered that there's even more reason to embrace the emotion: Tracking 25,000 adults over a 14-year period, researchers found that those with high levels of hope saw improved economic, employment, and educational outcomes, as well as better health and overall well-being.
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In a research summary, the study authors defined hope as distinct from optimism, which is the "belief that things will get better." Hope, rather, is "the determination to make them better, which reflects agency and determination (grit)." They found that hopeful folks were also more resilient and adaptable, seemed less affected by negative life events, and had a stronger "internal locus of control."
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The study participants who were more hopeful were significantly more likely to have friends and less likely to be lonely than those with low levels of hope. "As these are all facets of life that are critical to quality of life and to longevity, we believe that better understanding the drivers of hope and its consequences can ultimately inform the ability of both individuals and of public policy to improve people's lives," the researchers wrote.

Together With LifeStraw

The Gift That Everyone Needs

If you're looking to get your holiday shopping done early, look no further than the LifeStraw Home. It's the perfect blend of practicality and style — an 18-cup, handblown glass water pitcher that filters more than 30 contaminants (including microplastics and forever chemicals) and improves taste.
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It's easy for the whole family to use and maintain, with a long-lasting dual filtration system and a modern design that looks great on your counter or in your fridge. You can also feel good about your purchase, because for every LifeStraw product sold, a child in need receives a year of safe water.

Science

Why Do Our Brains Feel Foggy After a Bad Night's Sleep?

Whether it's from pulling an all-nighter in college or being unable to turn your brain off after a hectic day, we've all experienced a night of fitful sleep — and the fogginess that sets in the next morning. After your eyes open and you sit up in bed, you may even find yourself wondering what day it is.
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But why exactly does restless slumber result in this less-than-pleasant feeling? Thanks to a recent study out of MIT, we now have new scientific insight, which might in turn have you prioritizing shut-eye a little more.
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According to the research team, attention lapses due to sleep deprivation may coincide with the flushing of cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF, from the brain. That process, which normally occurs during sleep, helps to wash away waste products that have built up during the day and is believed to be necessary for maintaining healthy, normal brain function.
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When sleep-deprived, our bodies attempt to catch up on the cleansing process by initiating pulses of CSF flow — but the downside is that our attention becomes "dramatically" impaired. Dive deeper into the science.​

Culture

Stone Building From the Inca Empire May Have Been Designed to Project Sound

High in the Andes Mountains is a marvel of the Inca Empire — and we're not talking about Machu Picchu, but a lesser-known locale called a carpa uasi (meaning "tent house" in the Quechua language). This year, researchers studied the 15th-century stone building and found that it may have been built specifically to amplify sound.
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Located in the remote Peruvian town of Huaytará, it's the last surviving structure of its kind and has three walls and an open end — an unusual design for the Incas, who were known for elaborate, durable buildings. Researchers theorize this unique layout was far from accidental, but rather constructed to channel sound from one end to the other, perhaps to project low-frequency sounds (like drumming to announce the end of a battle).
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Stella Nair, an art historian involved in the research, explained that this new theory indicates Incas may have had a more sophisticated understanding of sensory experience than once thought. "Many people look at Inca architecture and are impressed with the stonework, but that's just the tip of the iceberg," she said in a statement. "They were also concerned with the ephemeral, temporary, and impermanent, and sound was one of those things."
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Looking ahead, researchers plan to use 3D modeling to reconstruct the original appearance of the carpa uasi and study how sound moved within the space.

In Other News

1. An interstellar comet made a repeat appearance after disappearing behind the sun — see the pic (read more)
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2. Researchers achieved the first successful pregnancy using an AI method to find previously undetectable sperm (read more)
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3. Archaeologists found an "extremely rare" ancient Roman burial mound in Germany (read more)
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4. This father, who became paralyzed in his 20s, felt the ocean for the first time in decades with his son's help (read more)
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5. Make room, pandas! China's rare monkeys are the latest ambassadors making their debut at European zoos (read more)

Inspiring Story

Beyond candy bars

In one vending machine at a Boys & Girls Club in New York, you won't see cookies, chips, and candy bars lining the shelves — but rather eggs, meat, fresh fruit, and veggies, all of which are free. "With rising grocery prices affecting everyone, we truly hope that this machine can help families that need it," said Samia Lemfadli, the founder of the nonprofit behind the wholesome endeavor. See the machine in action.​

Photo of the Day

On Monday, Pope Leo XIV presided over a Requiem Mass in St. Peter's Basilica for the late Pope Francis, as well as cardinals and bishops who have died over the past year. He prayed that they might "shine like stars in the night sky," per Vatican News. Watch a snippet of the service.​

Credit Card Rewards Just Got Supercharged Thanks to MCQ Markets

MCQ Markets is making waves by letting collectors invest in classic and exotic cars using just their credit cards. Yes, the same card you use for everyday purchases. While traditional alternative investments can require complex banking procedures, MCQ Markets is democratizing access to the collector car market, allowing investors to enhance their portfolios with luxury automotive assets. It's a fresh take on diversification that makes racking up potential gains as easy as collecting credit card points.

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Odds & Ends

👑 ICYMI: A Wicked star was named People's Sexiest Man Alive
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🐻 Paddington, in stunning form, is hitting the stage
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🐶 If your dog is "acting" older, it might not be because of biological aging*
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🤔 The new Doritos holiday flavor is controversial
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​*Indicates a Nice News brand partnership or affiliate

Quote of the Day

"It's been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will."

– LUCY MAUD MONTGOMERY, ANNE OF GREEN GABLES