News Juice! What's the Secret to Happiness?

We extract the best stories, so you don’t have to.

Do Children Need a Natural History GCSE? Education Minister Catherine McKinnell has announced the introduction of a Natural History GCSE to ensure children: ‘understand and respect the natural world and contribute to the protection and conservation of the environment locally, nationally and internationally.’
What’s the Secret to Finland’s Happiness? For the eighth year running, Finland ranks top for happiness. But what is the Finns’ secret to a fulfilled life? Several factors are seen to contribute to life satisfaction, including: trust in the media, government, and fellow citizens; embracing life’s imperfections; a community spirit; and a strong social system that includes universal healthcare and state-funded education from nursery to university.
Is Vitamin B a Cure for Parkinson’s? A disease that affects almost ten million people worldwide may have a cure. New research points to a link between low vitamin B levels and worsening Parkinson’s symptoms. Sufferers often experience changes to their gut bacteria that can lead to lower levels of vitamin B2 and B7 needed for a healthy intestinal mucus layer. A thinning mucus wall exposes the intestinal nervous system to more toxins, which can cause inflammation of the general nervous system and exacerbate Parkinson’s symptoms.
Are ‘Worthless Degrees’ Responsible for Rise in NEETs? Over 4 million Gen Zers are neither in school or work in the U.S., and the U.K. saw NEETs rise by another 100,000 in 2024. One obvious reason, according to employers, is the failure of degrees to deliver on their promise. Lewis Maleh, CEO of Bentley Lewis, a staffing and recruitment agency, says: ‘The current data challenges the traditional assumption that higher education automatically leads to economic security.’
Should We Be Worried About the Era of ‘Free Intelligence’? Bill Gates has said AI will replace humans in ‘most things’ within ten years. From doctors to teachers, the era of ‘free intelligence’ is coming. The future will see advice being given by virtual assistants, and AI tutors will become the new educators.
What do Animals Feel? The London School of Economics and Political Science is launching a new research department dedicated to animal sentience. By sourcing research from a wide range of fields including behavioural science, philosophy, evolutionary biology and veterinary medicine, it aims to design ‘better policies, laws and ways of caring for other animals.’
Care to Try the ‘Let Them’ Method? Practicing detachment is easier said than done. In 2024, Mel Robbins popularised the ‘Let Them’ theory, which has since gone viral. Its advice is simple: Let others do as they please while you focus on you. This radical approach that advocates letting go of trying to control situations and relationships can paradoxically help us stay in control of how we react in difficult times by building our resilience through distancing and disengagement.