While many will agree was one of their worst years, there definitely have been some huge positives this year. In science, medicine and humanity, this year could be considered phenomenal.
In the medicine world, prostate cancer survival rates with new chemotherapy treatments have been steadily on the rise, as well as a global decrease in infant mortality. Because of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, research funding for the cure of the disease rose substantially as did awareness of the disease. New therapy in Israel is working to repair damage done by radiation to sick patients. Major strides in care and prevention of Alzheimer's disease have been made (hopefully some of which can help my Grandmama). Dentists are seeing veterans who need dental care for free. Heart disease deaths have decreased by 70% in America. Galvani Bioelectronics was founded by Google and GSK. HIV was cured by a new treatment on one British man. Zika is no longer an epidemic. A man awoke from a coma due to ultrasound waves.
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In the Science world, Denmark became the first nation to run on 100% renewable energy; Portugal ran off of this for 4 days straight. California is powering 6 million homes with solar power. The ozone layer has begun to repair itself after the ban on many aerosols has begun to work. Tiger and panda numbers are growing, and manatees are no longer considered to be extinct. Robotic arms for people with amputated arms can now connect with the part of the brain controlling intent. Two brothers were able to see color for the first time. Plastic microbeads are being banned in products due to detrimental effects on the ocean. The National Parks Service celebrated its 100th anniversary. Coffee has proved to decrease risk of cancer and suicide. A solar powered plane flew around the world.
Things began to be more kind in the way we interact with each other, as the Anglican church has decided to marry same-sex couples the same as heterosexual couples. Children of 9/11 victims now have their college tuitions paid for. Almost 900 Boko Hostages were broken out by the Nigerian army. 200 people attended the funeral of a fallen soldier without family. The Orlando Shakespeare Festival gathered to prevent mourners of the Orlando Pulse Club shooting from seeing protesters with angel wings. The Rabbinical Assembly affirmed the rights of transgender and nonbinary peoples. Harriet Tubman is going to be on the $20 bill. Six women were able to make major history on election night. The US army is now offering 12 weeks paid maternity leave. Three states removed their tampon tax. Planned Parenthood received hundreds of thousands of donations in Mike Pence's name. Sexual Assault survivors received a Bill of Rights. Construction of the DAPL at Standing Rock was stopped. India planted over 50 million trees in July.
Yes, we all had horrible days this year and horrible things happen this year, but we have done so much. In the words of Michelle Obama, "When they go low, we go high."
