Welcome to the Good News Roundup for November 3, 2025
Chimps Even Smarter Than We Thought
New research shows chimpanzees can change their minds when presented with convincing new evidence, in a sign they use a form of the scientific method.
In experiments involving hidden food rewards, the apes weighed different strengths of evidence and consistently revised their choices when stronger or contradictory clues emerged.
While we have long known chimpanzees can process evidence, the findings show they also have metacognition – the ability to think about their own thinking and make rational decisions based on evidence.
Read more about the experiments here.
Artificial Leaf Turning Sunlight Into Green Fuels
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have created a solar-powered “artificial leaf” that mimics photosynthesis to turn sunlight, water, and CO₂ into clean chemical fuels.
The device brings together light-absorbing organic polymers and bacterial enzymes to create a clean fuel that can power additional chemical reactions.
Researchers say the breakthrough could pave the way for greener manufacturing.
Read more here.
Booker Prize Expands to Include Children’s Books
The prestigious Booker Prize award which recognises outstanding literary works, has been expanded to include a new prize for children’s fiction.
The Children’s Booker Prize will be judged jointly by adult and child panels, and include a $100,000 prize.
The Booker Foundation says the award will put children’s books “at the centre of our culture” – and they will gift at least 30,000 copies of shortlisted and winning titles to young readers.
Read more here.
Hundreds of Wooden Tulips for Parkinson’s
A group of friends in Victoria with a passion for woodwork have handcrafted hundreds of wooden tulips, to raise money for Parkinson’s disease.
Members of the Woodworkers of the Southern Peninsula were inspired by a similar project in New Zealand, crafting, sanding, and painting 700 wooden tulips to donate to the Fight Parkinson’s charity.
The vibrant tulips will be sold online, with all funds supporting the cause.
Read more here.
