This story was originally published by Grist, a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future. Sign up for Grist’s weekly newsletter here. Jonathan Mertzig was wary when Madison rolled out a fleet of 62 electric buses in the fall of 2024. The city had tested a few of them four years earlier, and it had not gone well. Winter in Wisconsin gets mighty cold, and batteries do not like the cold. “Operationally, they were a nightmare,” said Mertzig, a member of the Madison Area Bus Advocates. “Every time you got on one there would be an alarm going off. You never knew when one was going to die in the middle of the road.” Cities across the country have experienced similar growing pains while electrifying public transit. A study conducted in Ithaca, New York, found that range can plummet by about half when the mercury hits 24 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. That makes Madison, which sees an average of 18 days below zero each year, a tough proving ground. Riders like Mertzig, who experiences severe migraines and avoids driving, need the buses to run no matter what. This time, they’ve done just that. Metro Transit, which provides about 9.1 million rides annually, installed overhead chargers on key routes, allowing buses to quickly top off at several stops. Improved battery capacity also lets them go further between plug-ins. The real test came January 23, when the temperature dropped to -4°F, shutting down the University of Wisconsin-Madison — but the buses kept running. Weighed down by negative news? Our smart, bright, weekly newsletter is the uplift you’ve been looking for. [contact-form-7] That said, the rollout has not gone flawlessly. Last year the transit agency apologized when the overhead charging system malfunctioned, sidelining buses. In January, maintenance issues forced it to reduce service on two routes, but officials insist cold weather was not a factor. Just a few years ago, electric buses routinely faltered in cold conditions, reinforcing doubts about whether they could replace diesel and natural gas-burning fleets in northern cities. Now, with better batteries and strategically placed chargers, Madison is at the forefront of a small but growing number of cities testing whether those doubts still hold. Making the technology work through a long Midwestern winter could reshape how others approach electrification. Some 3.6 million commuters nationwide rely upon buses to get around. With transportation accounting for roughly 28 percent of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions, transit agencies are looking for alternatives to polluting machinery that creates a particular health risk around bus stops. Madison is among more than 100 U.S. cities that have pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Electric buses are key to that goal. Metro Transit’s first experiment came during a broader effort to launch a system that could carry more riders with lower emissions. The city rolled out three electric buses — which cost $1.3 million and were funded in part through a federal grant — in 2020 to see how they’d do in daily service. Although the pilot introduced Madison to zero-emission transit and helped build institutional know-how, the Proterra buses were dogged by battery and maintenance issues. The city has since purchased coaches built by New Flyer. “We had no real success with Proterra,” said Joshua Marty, the agency’s facilities manager. Beyond the range challenges, his team had trouble sourcing parts and maintenance from the company, which declared bankruptcy in 2024. Batteries have gotten significantly better in the short time since Madison decided to go electric. “Energy density has been increasing at roughly 7 percent per year over the last decade,” said Eric Kazyak, a mechanical engineer and professor at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. That boost has helped the 60-foot buses become the workhorses of Madison’s fleet. They work the city’s Bus Rapid Transit lines, and fill in on popular routes near the university campus. A Metro Transit bus parked beneath a pantograph “quick charger” at the end of the line. Just 15 minutes during regularly scheduled layovers allows each coach to travel as far as 258 miles a day. Photo courtesy Metro Transit Buses that work Route A — which runs east-west across the city — can stay out for most of the day because they recharge during routine layovers at each end of the run. The driver settles beneath an overhead pantograph “quick charger” for about 15 minutes. That boost allows each coach to travel as far as 258 miles a day. By the time it reaches the end of the line, the battery has dropped by 15 to 20 percent — a gap the charger refills in as many minutes. At night, the fleet returns to a dedicated depot with 16 slightly slower, but still plenty zippy, quick chargers. The north-south Route B does not yet have overheard charging hardware, so buses trundle around for four hours before returning to the depot with roughly 25 percent on their battery. The city plans to add pantographs to the route at some point, a move that would nearly double the time those rigs spend carrying passengers. Still, even the coldest winter days don’t reduce range by more than 10 percent compared to a balmy summer afternoon. Between 60 and 70 percent of the fleet is typically running at any given time, with the rest in for maintenance and cleaning or being used to train drivers — a figure that Cody Hanna, the transit agency’s transit maintenance manager, said is unaffected by weather. The biggest challenge has been getting parts for the buses, which are more complex than their diesel counterparts and trickier to diagnose when something goes sideways. “With an electric bus, it could be an inverter, it could be a motor, it could just be a bad wire, could be a bad sensor,” he said. “There’s so many different things that are talking to each other.” While on-route charging has been a boon for Madison, it could be cost-prohibitive for smaller cities. “This is a really good idea,” said Max Zhang, a mechanical engineer and professor at Cornell University who led the study in Ithaca. “At the same time there’s also cost issues. Those charging stations, my understanding is they’re not cheap.” Pantograph chargers typically cost roughly the same as the $1.5 million that Madison spent on each bus. Yet they might have actually saved the city money. Without them, Hanna said, Metro Transit would need to triple the number of buses running on Route A from 18 to 54. Those tradeoffs are playing out at a moment of federal retrenchment. The Trump administration has sought to curb electric bus investment. An analysis by the nonprofit advocacy organization Transportation for America found that only 3 percent of federal “low or no emission” program grants awarded last year went to zero-emission buses. Nonetheless, other frigid cities, including Minneapolis and Duluth — once a poster child for the technology’s failures — are expanding their clean energy fleets, and Milwaukee has embraced on-route charging. But Mountain Line in Missoula, Montana, might be furthest down the road. Although it doesn’t get as frigid there as it does in Madison, the city experiences a week or two of temperatures below zero each year. Missoula also sits in a valley, trapping diesel exhaust. It began the transition toward electrification in 2018, and has since replaced about 90 percent of its fleet — putting the city well ahead of its goal of being entirely electric by 2034. Jordan Hess, the transit agency’s CEO, began working with electric buses in 2016 as transportation director at University of Montana. Back then, the buses would recharge on the route much like those in Madison. Missoula’s coaches have batteries big enough to complete runs without topping off. It also helps that Mountain Line, like Metro Transit in Madison, uses diesel-powered heaters to keep passengers warm. “They’re a little bit like chickens,” Hess said of the buses. If the temperature falls below zero, “they start squawking. You start taking precautions, and you start thinking about heat. I think of electric vehicles the same. [It] can get pretty darn cold before you have a lot of problems.” The buses have also brought changes for operators. Shanell Hayes has driven diesels and electrics in her three years with Metro Transit. Last winter, while returning to the depot to recharge, the lumbering bus suddenly topped out at 35 mph, then 20, and then just 2. She pulled over to wait for a supervisor, who followed her the last mile to the bus barn. It took an hour, testing her faith in the technology. Still, she likes how the behemoths handle snowy, icy conditions. Regenerative braking uses the motor to help slow the vehicle, sending power otherwise lost as heat back to the battery. It allows for a lighter touch on the brake pedal. Wait, you're not a member yet? Join the Reasons to be Cheerful community by supporting our nonprofit publication and giving what you can. Join Cancel anytime “I just take my foot off the gas and just allow it to slow down on its own,” Hayes said. “That way I can use my brake minimally without sliding.” Rabbit Roberge was in his first week driving when he pulled up to a pantograph charger at the western end of Route A on a cold January morning. He drives a Toyota Prius, so he’s familiar with regenerative braking and the benefits of electric propulsion. He’s a fan of the tech. “They’re smoother,” he said of the buses. “They’re not as loud. They’re just all-around nicer to drive.” Riders, too, seem to have embraced the change, though there have been challenges. Susanne Galler, who has been riding regularly since giving up her car in 2000, was still getting around on crutches after a bike accident in 2024 when she noticed that most of the seats in the e-buses require a step up to reach them. She also has seen one bus require a tow, and another that died at a stoplight. Still, she considers the transition to zero-emissions machinery as a “positive step.” Kira Breeden, a doctoral student at the university, regularly takes the Route A to campus, particularly when it’s too nasty to ride her bike. She finds the buses to be dependable. “I think it’s a really good system,” she said. “I’ve heard occasionally people complain about the timeliness of buses, but I’ve never had any issues, except for one snowstorm my first year, which makes a lot of sense, because it was dumping snow.” That storm occurred in March 2024, before the electric fleet rolled out, so it was probably a diesel bus that left her stranded. It’s a reminder that cold weather can sideline any machine. The post Electric Buses Have Passed a Brutal Cold-Weather Test appeared first on Reasons to be Cheerful.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM A single, carefully administered dose of the psychedelic compound dimethyltryptamine, better known as DMT, may offer meaningful relief for people living with treatment-resistant depression, according to results from a new clinical trial. In the small study, published in Nature Medicine, researchers found that when DMT was combined with structured psychotherapy, participants experienced a rapid reduction in depressive symptoms. For some, those improvements lasted up to six months. “There is an immediate antidepressant effect that is significantly sustained over a three-month period and that’s exciting because this is one session with a drug, embedded in psychological support,” said Dr. David Erritzoe, a psychiatrist at Imperial College London and the study’s lead investigator. While the findings are preliminary, they add to growing scientific interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy as a potential option for people who do not benefit from conventional antidepressants. A pressing need for new approaches An estimated 100 million people worldwide are thought to have treatment-resistant depression, which is defined as major depressive disorder that has not improved after trying at least two antidepressant medications. For many, daily life becomes profoundly disrupted, with roughly half unable to carry out routine activities. Against that backdrop, researchers are exploring whether psychedelics, when used in controlled clinical settings alongside psychotherapy, might help interrupt entrenched patterns of negative thinking. The recent trial involved 34 adults with moderate to severe treatment-resistant depression. Half received a single 21.5 milligram intravenous dose of DMT delivered over 10 minutes, while the other half received a placebo infusion. All participants underwent psychotherapy and follow-up evaluations. Those who received DMT showed significantly greater improvements on a standard depression rating scale compared with the placebo group. The antidepressant effects were sustained for between three and six months. In a second phase of the trial, all participants were given DMT with therapy. Researchers found no additional benefit among those who ultimately received two doses, suggesting that one session may be sufficient. The trial was designed, funded and sponsored by Cybin UK, a neuropsychiatric company. How DMT differs from other psychedelics DMT is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound and a key ingredient in ayahuasca, a ceremonial brew used in parts of South America. At clinical doses, it produces intense and often immersive experiences that can alter a person’s perception of time, space, and self. Compared with psilocybin, the active compound in so-called “magic mushrooms,” DMT acts more quickly and wears off sooner. The DMT experience typically lasts about 25 minutes, while psilocybin sessions can extend for several hours. That shorter duration could make DMT-assisted therapy more practical for clinical settings. However, its intensity may require additional support during and immediately after treatment. Erritzoe describes the psychological effect of psychedelics as temporarily reshaping rigid mental patterns. He likens it to altering a snow-covered mountain landscape: “You redistribute the snow so it’s easier to take new tracks, and at the same time it becomes easier to take new routes because the landscape has been flattened.” By disrupting habitual pathways of thought, psychedelics may help patients engage more effectively with therapy and explore new perspectives. Momentum (and caution) in psychedelic research The DMT findings follow encouraging results from trials of psilocybin for depression, raising the possibility that psychedelic-assisted treatments could eventually gain regulatory approval. If approved in the United Kingdom, however, such therapies would likely be available initially through private clinics, according to Dr. James Rucker, a consultant psychiatrist at King’s College London who worked on psilocybin research. “Quite how these drugs will fit in this world of financial austerity, stigma and opprobrium towards anything that has the word psychoactive in it, I don’t know,” Rucker said. “It’s interesting to be a part of, but I can’t call it.” Concerns about commercialization and patient safety have already prompted discussion. Last year, the Feilding Commission was established to help guide the ethical and equitable rollout of psychedelic-assisted therapies, amid fears that profit-driven models could compromise care standards. What comes next? Researchers stress that larger trials are needed before firm conclusions can be drawn. Psychedelic treatments remain tightly regulated, and their long-term safety and effectiveness must be thoroughly evaluated. Still, for individuals living with depression that has resisted existing options, the possibility of meaningful relief from a single, supervised session offers cautious optimism. As science continues to examine these once-marginalized compounds, the focus remains on rigorous research and on ensuring that any future treatments are delivered safely, ethically, and with appropriate psychological support. Source study: Nature Medicine—A short-acting psychedelic intervention for major depressive disorder: a phase IIa randomized placebo-controlled trial     Did this solution stand out? Share it with a friend or support our mission by becoming an Emissary.The post Single dose of DMT shows promise for treatment-resistant depression in early clinical trial first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Brushing and flossing may be the MVPs of oral hygiene, but they are not the only players on the team. What lands on your plate matters, too. Certain foods can actively support your teeth and gums by strengthening enamel, reducing inflammation, and even helping to rinse away cavity-causing bacteria as you chew. Dentists say a smart grocery list can go a long way toward earning that “see you in six months” smile at your next checkup. Here are nine foods dental experts recommend for stronger, healthier teeth, plus a few treats to enjoy more strategically. Cheese “Cheese is one of the best snacks for your teeth,” says Dr. Michelle Jorgensen, holistic dentist and founder of Total Care Dental. “It’s rich in calcium and phosphorus, minerals that [help rebuild and harden] tooth enamel and make it more resistant to decay. Cheese also stimulates saliva, which helps rinse away acids and bacteria. Together, that makes cheese both a cavity-fighter and a natural breath freshener.” In other words, that cheeseboard may be doing more than you think. Leafy greens Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale are nutritional overachievers. They supply calcium, folic acid, and vitamin K, all of which help strengthen teeth and support healthy gums, Jorgensen explains. Their texture also plays a role. “Their fibrous texture encourages saliva production and helps sweep plaque away from the tooth surface,” she says. Research backs this up: one study found that people who consumed higher amounts of dark green and yellow vegetables had fewer cases of periodontal disease over six years. Carrots Crunchy vegetables double as natural scrubbers. Carrots, in particular, gently clean tooth surfaces while stimulating saliva, says Dr. Jen Moran-Kobes, a dentist at Watertower Dental Care in Chicago. They are also rich in vitamin A, which helps support mucous tissues in the mouth and may play a role in protecting against periodontal disease. Snack time just got more strategic. Apples “Apples are often nicknamed ‘nature’s toothbrush’ because their crunchy texture helps scrub teeth clean as you chew,” says Jorgensen. They also boost saliva flow, reducing cavity-causing bacteria, and contain polyphenols that help neutralize sulfur compounds responsible for bad breath. Over time, their gentle scrubbing action may even help reduce surface stains. Fatty fish Salmon, sardines, and herring do more than support heart health. “Fatty fish are essential for strong teeth because they’re high in vitamin D, which allows your body to absorb calcium effectively,” Jorgensen notes. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which may reduce inflammation and improve blood flow, both of which are beneficial for gum health. “Stronger enamel and healthier gums mean a more resilient, long-lasting smile,” she adds. Sugar-free gum Chewing gum is not just for fresh breath. Some studies show that sugar-free gum can help reduce plaque buildup. “I recommend chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol after a meal,” says Moran-Kobes. It stimulates saliva and reduces cavity-causing bacteria. However, it is not ideal for everyone, especially those with significant dental work, so it is wise to check with your dentist first. Nuts “Nuts are a tooth-friendly snack that’s low in sugar but high in minerals,” Jorgensen says. Almonds provide calcium to strengthen enamel, while walnuts contribute omega-3s that support gum health. Their crunch can also help dislodge food particles, and their mineral content may help protect against staining. Whole grains When choosing between refined and whole grains, your teeth may prefer the latter. Whole grains supply B vitamins, which can help with mouth ulcers, and magnesium, an important mineral for fortifying teeth. Swapping white toast for whole grain may seem small, but it is one more way to support oral health from the inside out. Strawberries Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, which supports strong connective tissue in the gums. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is essential for collagen, a protein found in teeth, gums, and tendons. Berries also contain antioxidants that help repair damage in the mouth and neutralize harmful free radicals. One caveat: while citrus fruits also contain vitamin C, their acidity can wear down enamel. “Orange juice, lemonade, and even sparkling water with citrus flavoring can wear away that protective layer,” Jorgensen says. Rinse with water afterward and wait about 30 minutes before brushing so you do not damage softened enamel. The biggest cavity culprits to watch “You don’t have to give up your favorite treats, but being aware of how they affect your teeth helps you enjoy them more wisely,” says Jorgensen. Sugary drinks top the list. “Liquid sugar is one of the fastest ways to feed cavity-causing bacteria,” she explains. Soda and energy drinks combine sugar with acid, which weakens enamel. Sweetened coffee poses similar risks, Moran-Kobes adds. Using a straw and rinsing with water afterward can help limit exposure. Sticky candies are another major offender. “Sticky candies, like caramels and gummies, cling to the teeth and feed decay-causing bacteria,” says Moran-Kobes. Even dried fruits can act like candy. “Dried fruits sound healthy but can be just as sticky and sugary as candy,” Jorgensen notes. A quick rinse with water or sugar-free gum can help clear residue. Starchy snacks such as chips and crackers also break down into sugars that lodge in the grooves of teeth. Moran-Kobes suggests eating them with meals rather than grazing all day and following up with fibrous foods like apples or carrots. A smile-friendly strategy Oral health is not about perfection; it is about balance. Pair good brushing and flossing habits with tooth-supporting foods, stay mindful of sugar and acid exposure, and give your teeth a little help from your grocery cart. Your dentist may not see your shopping list, but they will definitely notice your smile.     Did this solution stand out? Share it with a friend or support our mission by becoming an Emissary.The post 9 dentist-approved foods that help fight cavities naturally first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

For decades, McDonald’s has been the undisputed king of St. Patrick’s Day treats. Is it really the month of March if you don’t have a Shamrock Shake or four? Last year, Ronald McDonald and his pal brought back Uncle O’Grimacey to hard-launch the shake’s return. A few years back, Gold Arches expanded its green options with the Shamrock Oreo McFlurry. If you thought McDonald’s was the only game in town for a minty green ice cream treat, we’re about to blow your mind. The Costco Food Court now features a Double Chocolate Mint Sundae treat just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. Friends, we are shamrock shook! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Costco Buys (@costcobuys) The Costco Food Court Ice Cream Treat Has a Pretty Decent Price Point We all know the famous $1.50 hot dog and soda deal at the Costco Food Court, and the new shake is in line with that value. For less than $3, fans can get soft-serve mint ice cream layered with cookie crumbles and chocolate sauce, Food & Wine reports. Instagrammer Costco Buys shared a video of the new ice cream treat, and we’re in! “This NEW Double Chocolate Mint Sundae is at Costco, and it is NOT playing around! Mint ice cream layered with cookie crumbles and rich chocolate sauce, all stacked up in that clear cup so you can see every swirl,” they wrote. “I had this, very minty and good. The cookie crumble bits are perfect. Quality is top notch,” a follower commented. “Had one today as my treat for finishing my marathon this weekend. Truly. Amazing,” another person agreed. Are you going to try the new Costco food court mint ice cream treat or are you sticking with the Shamrock Shake? We can’t lie, we’re going to have to do a taste test. Just to be sure. This Story’s Featured Image is by Steve Heap via Getty.

Due to the constant pressure to be perfect, women in particular find themselves doubting their self-worth. Many spend their entire lives chasing diet and exercise programs, hoping to one day attain that perfect body. Thankfully, in the last several years, the body positivity movement has changed the lives of millions of people who have learned to be happy in their skin. Democracy Clothing understands the struggle and wants to help all women feel good in a pair of Democracy jeans. Through pop-ups, they’ve helped women build their confidence. A recent viral video of a proud son helping his mom find a pair of jeans will give you all the feels. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Good News Movement (@goodnews_movement) The Mom Had Tears in Her Eyes When She Put on the Democracy Jeans The little boy proudly boasted that he picked out the jeans for his mom. She cried and said the Democracy jeans were the first pair she’d ever owned. Not only did this mom feel comfortable, but she felt beautiful. “More than jeans, they’re connecting women in community and helping them feel confident, joyful & their best jean-wearing selves again. I’m looking for these jeans from now on,” the Good News Network shared on Instagram. “I have had the privilege of seeing firsthand how Democracy jeans bring joy to women during try-on events and this video so beautifully captures the magic. The son though happy for his mom. Omg. Yay Democracy jeans, the women who come home to themselves in them and to these community pop up events for being the catalyst!” A fan shared. “I love this! And as a mom, the kid griddying while his mom is crying is so accurate,” another person wrote. Democracy understands just how important a good pair of jeans is for a woman’s wardrobe, and we’re here for it. This story’s featured image can be found here.