One of the greatest things humankind ever did was get interested in the world around them and how it works. Scientific advancement has helped people improve their lives, sometimes in ways we don’t even know about. As the pandemic abates in some parts of the world and rages on in others, this week, THP is grateful for scientists of all kinds, who strive to better the world and our understanding of it. The Happiness Press salutes SCIENCE!
Hidden legacy brought to light
If you haven’t seen the movie “Hidden Figures”, stop what you’re doing right now and go watch! Oh, alright, I’ll tell you the very basic plot. The movie is a tribute to several Black women who worked for NASA during the space race era of American history. These women were real-life computers before electronic computers existed. They did the complex mathematical calculations necessary to send astronauts into space. NASA recently announced they will name its Washington, D.C. headquarters for Mary W. Jackson, NASA’s first Black female engineer. (If you saw the movie, actress and singer Janelle Monáe portrayed her.) Jackson’s family hope that her legacy will continue to inspire for years to come!
Hand washing made easier!
I don’t remember what I was doing at nine years old, but it definitely wasn’t inventing a potentially life-saving technology! Nine-year-old Stephen Wamukota, who lives in Kenya, recently invented a hand-washing station that doesn’t require hands to operate! His machine utilizes a foot pedal to tip the needed water onto the washer’s hands. His father helped him construct it, and they now have two constructed with hopes of making more. The boy received a presidential award and we can’t wait to see what he comes up with in the future!
A life-saving filter
Can you feel it in the air? That’s scientific advancement here to help fight Coronavirus! Researchers in Texas recently developed a method for killing SARS-CoV-2 particles with an air filter. In a nutshell, A heated air disinfection system can remove and kill the virus by superheating a nickel-based filter. They hope to install these special filters in public buildings and prevent the virus from spreading. They will prioritize places like hospitals, schools and other areas where there is a high risk of being exposed. If you’re concerned about a fire risk, the researchers say that due to the design elements, there isn’t one. So filter out that pessimism and bring on the joy!
Scientific advancement is going to be a great help in defeating this virus once and for all. We humans will never stop learning about our world as long as there are people in it who are curious. If you’ve got a happy story from this week to share, we’d love to hear it, whether it’s science-related or not! In the meantime, the Happiness Press will be over here, excited about SCIENCE!
