The Know Daily - Thursday 19 June 2025

_{Read in 4m 37s ∙ Listening to Shania Twain ∙}

David Attenborough’s new immersive experience opens today at London’s Natural History Museum. Our Story takes visitors on a 360° journey through humanity’s impact on the planet, narrated by Attenborough himself. Expect powerful visuals, scientific insight, and a hopeful message that we can write the next chapter of Earth’s story.

🙏🏻 The science of gratitude

Everyone talks about the importance of gratitude, but what’s the science behind it? 

What is gratitude, really?
It’s not just saying “thanks” when someone holds the door. Psychologists say it is a deeper appreciation of the good in our lives. It’s acknowledging the moments… even just a cup of tea with the perfect amount of oat milk. It’s about noticing and feeling the good, not just naming it. As it turns out, this can have powerful effects.

What does science say?
A growing body of research suggests that practicing gratitude regularly can actually change our brains and improve our wellbeing. Studies have shown that people who keep gratitude journals feel less anxious and more optimistic overall. Expressing gratitude stimulates the release of dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters associated with feelings of happiness and contentment.

Grateful people also tend to sleep better and longer. Why? Gratitude can reduce racing thoughts and stress, which helps the body wind down. On top of that, some research links gratitude to positive health effects like lower blood pressure and better immunity because people have a stronger approach to focusing on their wellbeing. It can also help our personal lives by deepening relationships – not just the romantic ones, but friendships, family bonds and even work dynamics. One study found that when couples thanked each other more, they felt appreciated and therefore closer. 

Does it really work for all of us?
Not all gratitude practices work the same for everyone. Some people find journalling helpful; others prefer saying it out loud or reflecting silently. And it’s not about ignoring the hard stuff – it’s more like building a habit of noticing what’s also good in your life. One easy way to build a gratitude habit is by using tools like the With Gratitude app, which guides you through simple daily reflections and can connect you with The Know’s bubble for shared encouragement. 

Here are some easy ways to practice gratitude:
🌳 Go on a gratitude walk – notice what you enjoy as you move
🧘‍♀️ Try pairing gratitude with something you already do, like brushing your teeth or journalling
🫧 Download the With Gratitude app and join The Know’s bubble using this link (enter the code 5OXC5C). We can’t wait to see you over there ❣️

Craving some downtime with your besties? We’re giving one lucky reader the chance to win a three-night stay for up to six guests at the beautiful Lucknow Cottage in the Cotswolds, thanks to our friends at Bolthole Retreats. Just for opening this email you’re already in the running, but if you want to boost your chances 👉 refer a friend 👈 to The Know and snag five extra entries ✨

🧑‍⚕️ Health innovation: An at-home saliva test has been approved as an effective contraceptive and will be rolled out across Europe this year.

• The bigger story: The test tracks progesterone, a hormone that plays a role in fertility, daily and has been shown to be 92% effective, similar to that of birth control pills. It has also been certified for use by the British Standards Institution. The device is part of a wave of tech innovations for fertility awareness, helping to make contraceptive methods more effective, scientifically rigorous, and personalised.

📺 Advertising reform: The UK’s Advertising Standards Authority has called for change over how older people are portrayed in TV adverts to better reflect the “richer and more varied lives” they lead.

👓 Luxury lenses: Meta is collaborating with Prada and Oakley to create AI-powered smart glasses aimed at fashionistas and athletes respectively.

🍽️ Conscious cuisine: The UK’s first competition championing natural ingredients without ultra-processing has launched, aiming to drive conversation about the future of sustainable food.

🏠 Heating homes: Over six million households will benefit from a £150 cut to energy bills this winter, which PM Keir Starmer has said he hopes will give people some “peace of mind” around the cost of living.

📱Second life: A French entrepreneur has created an app that lets people rent out underused household items – everything from hat stands to camping gear – to be more environmentally and economically friendly.

🐕 Furry friends: This UK city has been named the most dog-friendly for bringing canine companions into work, with researchers saying it boosts morale and productivity.

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Trivia answer: C) Researchers at Washington State University have created recipes for 12 dyes used in Egypt 5,000 years ago.

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