If you've ever volunteered for a food bank, animal shelter, trash cleanup event, or any other cause, you know about the rush of positive emotions that comes with doing a kind deed. So why does doing good feel so good? It mostly comes down to community. "When we feel grateful for all we have, that motivates us to do good things for other people who have helped us, and also to do good things for new people," psychologist Sarah Schnitker recently told the Associated Press. In honor of International Volunteer Day, learn more about the psychology of service and find an opportunity to volunteer near you.
Sugars and "space gum," discovered on samples from the asteroid Bennu, may reveal new insight into the origins of life
Health
Airplane and Hospital Air May Be Cleaner Than We Think, Study Says
Juanmonino/ iStock
If you're worried about getting sick from germs in public places this holiday season, new research out of Northwestern Engineering may have you breathing a sigh of relief. In a first-of-its-kind study, scientists discovered that the air inside plane cabins and hospitals mainly contained harmless microbes. To figure this out, the team directed volunteers to wear face masks during domestic and international flights and while working shifts at a hospital. After collecting DNA from the masks' exteriors, they learned that common, human-related bacteria, particularly the types found on skin, dominated both environments. "Somewhat unsurprisingly, the bacteria were the types that we would typically associate with indoor air," lead author Erica M. Hartmann said in a news release. The takeaway: These confined, high-traffic settings with heavily filtered air are not germy on their own — it's human skin that serves as the primary source of airborne microbes. However, Hartmann added that the study only assessed one way infections can spread (through the air) and explained that it's more important to consider direct contact with individuals or surfaces when thinking about avoiding illness. "Hand hygiene remains an effective way to prevent diseases' transmission from surfaces," she said. "We were interested in what people are exposed to via air, even if they are washing their hands."
Together With LifeStraw
Give the Gift of Great Tasting Water
If you do some digging, you might be surprised to find out your water filter isn't removing contaminants like bacteria, microplastics, or PFAS (forever chemicals). But you shouldn't have to wonder if it's actually doing its job. And with LifeStraw Home, you don't have to. The handblown glass water pitcher filters more than 30 contaminants andimproves the taste of your water. This holiday season, you can give yourself (and others) the gift of a water filter that's not only effective, but also looks great on any countertop, with a sleek modern design and plenty of color options. Bonus points for the long-lasting dual filtration system and easy setup and maintenance. Best of all, LifeStraw gives back: With every purchase, a child in need receives a year of safe water. That's 11.8 million and counting.
How One Man's Campaign Could Help Save a Landmark Hollywood Theater
Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Since its opening in 1963, Los Angeles' Cinerama Dome has hosted notable events like the premiere of It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World and the Hollywood Film Festival, cementing its status as a landmark for the film industry. So after the theater closed in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic and never reopened, one man launched a campaign to save it — and years later, it may be working. The Dome ignited Ben Steinberg's love for movies and was one of his "favorite places in the world," he told Variety. Hoping to catch the attention of the owners, the LA County resident created social media accounts in 2021 to rally support for its reinstatement, and this past March, he started a petition that has since garnered over 31,000 signatures. "The Cinerama Dome is not just a movie theater," one Angeleno commented. "It's a valuable resource. It's a cathedral. It needs to be open again." Then in October, Steinberg spotted a positive sign: Dome Center LLC, which owns the property, filed for an alcohol permit for the theater and an adjoining multiplex that would allow for on-site consumption. While a reopen date has yet to be announced, he hopes his campaign will follow in the footsteps of a 1998 public outcry, which saved the Dome from a damaging renovation. "We saved the Cinerama Dome from being demolished in 1998," Steinberg wrote, "I believe it can be saved again." Check out a photo history of the theater.
Culture
All Aboard! Holiday-Themed Train Will Merrily Chug to Munich's Christmas Markets
Peter Kneffel/picture alliance via Getty Images
There's no such thing as too much holiday spirit — and a new Christmas-themed train takes that sentiment seriously. For two weekends only (Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 12-14), Italy is launching an overnight train route — the Espresso Monaco: Christmas Markets Edition — that'll take passengers on a 17-hour jolly journey between Rome and Munich while passing through serene rural and Alpine landscapes. The destination? Munich's fairy-tale Christmas markets, where travelers can wander the twinkly lit stalls, perhaps with a mulled wine or other seasonal treat in hand. The ride to get there is sure to be a destination in itself. Per the website, the train will be decked out in Christmas decorations and offer cozy sleeper cabins, as well as full dining and bar service (holiday music will be playing in the background, of course). The bow on top: Each rider receives a gift to kick off the journey on a festive note.
Global Good
🇧🇷 Talipot palms are flowering in a Rio de Janeiro park for the first and only time, decades after being planted (read more) 🇷🇺 Fishermen in Siberia rescued dozens of roe deer that got stranded on frozen lakes during their migration (read more) 🇬🇷 "Europe's oldest city," dating back to the Bronze Age, reopened in Greece after a significant restoration (read more) 🇦🇺 South Australians are being encouraged to eat oysters and donate the shells to a reef rehabilitation project (read more) 🏴 About 6,000 items arrive weekly to Transport for London's lost property office: Take a peek (read more)
Something We Love
Tinggly Experience Gift Box What do you give someone who already has everything? A Tinggly experience gift box, of course. From hot air balloon rides and spa getaways to gourmet dinners, Tinggly lets your recipient choose from over 150,000 experiences around the world. And no worries if you're short on time — you can send a Tinggly voucher instantly. It's the last-minute gift that still feels personal and meaningful.*
*Indicates a Nice News brand partnership or affiliate
Inspiring Story
Helping students on- and off-screen
Quinta Brunson plays a teacher determined to help students in Abbott Elementary — and she's doing the same in real life. On Giving Tuesday, the actor launched the Quinta Brunson Field Trip Fund, which raises money to give Philadelphia public school students the opportunity to visit museums, national landmarks, and more for free. "Going somewhere new shows you that the world is bigger and more exciting than you believe, and it can shape what you come to see as achievable," Brunson said.
Photo of the Day
David Ramos/Getty Images
The waves off the coast of Nazaré, Portugal, were extra gnarly on Wednesday. In a YouTube video of the swell, which brought out top surfers and was the biggest of the season, Nazaré-based film company Above Creators wrote it was "a heavy storm that surprisingly opened a perfect, short window of surfable magic. One of those days where the ocean reminds you why this place is unlike any other."
Looking for an Uplifting Holiday Gift? You'll Love the Book "HumanKind"
The perfect stocking stuffer or team gift, HumanKind celebrates the best of humanity. Featured by The Wall Street Journal, People magazine, and Deepak Chopra, this national bestseller shares good news stories that will lift your spirits and move your heart. Plus, all sales go to charity. The holiday specials for Nice News readers include five or more copies for $10 each with free shipping. Click below to give the gift of feeling good.
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Up This Weekend
Dickens on The Strand: This weekend, Galveston will transform into a Victorian-era holiday wonderland, bringing the world of Charles Dickens to life on the Texas island
International Volunteer Day: Per the United Nations, the theme for this year's International Volunteer Day is "Every Contribution Matters" — consider taking that to heart and volunteering your time in a big or small way today
World Cup Match Schedule Unveiling: At 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, FIFA will broadcast the final match venues and kickoff times for the 2026 World Cup, being held across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada (learn how to tune in to the broadcast here)
The Nice News merch collaboration with Because Weekend is all about celebrating optimism and making every day feel like the weekend. To help us spread that ethos beyond the inbox, shop our collection of T-shirts and sweatshirts here.
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