With all of the negative headlines dominating the news these days, it can be difficult to spot signs of progress. What makes you optimistic about the future?

1. All 7 of my Honeybee colonies are currently surviving the winter, and today they’re bringing in the first pollen of the year. Edit: Also, please support Native Bees (for why and how at home, check out: Bringing Nature Home by Douglas Tallamy), as well as butterfly’s like the Monarch, and bats!
   — Geothermalheatpumpin


2. The possible return of the American Chestnut tree. Fast growing, rot resistant and, perhaps most important, it produces enough calories from the nuts to feed a population.
   — ten-million


3. The good news is often quiet and subtle. The bad news is always loud. I try to remember that.
   — GS_at_work






4. Advancements in medicine and gene therapy. The CRISPR technology has me very excited. Also, the James Webb Space Telescope is going to bring about many new discoveries.
   — quickie_ss


5. Advancements in health studies and science for health has improved living conditions ten fold and continue to do so. So that makes me pretty optimistic.
   — vaGnomeMagician


6. I mean, I haven't heard much about ISIS recently. That's gotta be a good sign.
   — TheManlyBanana






7. That we're almost at the point where we get artificial organs. I could use a kidney. Edit: guys, thanks a lot for your support, understanding and most of all the selfless offers you've made, bel it a kidney or info. I love you all. Edit 2: I wish I could share some Resources on how to be a living donor. If someone could help me in that front so I could share it here. I'm not from the states and I don't know where to start. This is the most humbling experience I've had on reddit yet. Edit 3: thanks to /u/ragnaruckus for this resource on living donation https://organdonor.gov/about/process/living-donation.html And to /u/tambourine-time for this other resource. Please, if your thinking of donating, have a look at these resources https://www.americantransplantfoundation.org/about-transplant/living-donation/becoming-a-living-donor/
   — circadiankruger