Welcome to the Good News Roundup for August 17, 2026
RSV vaccine cuts newborn ICU admissions by half
A new UK report has found that intensive care admissions for babies under six months with RSV have fallen by 50% following the introduction of a maternal vaccination programme.
RSV is a common virus that can cause bronchiolitis, a chest infection that can make it difficult for babies to breathe and, in severe cases, require intensive care.
Last winter, admissions across 20 NHS trusts fell from 131 to 63, while A&E visits for bronchiolitis also declined, highlighting the vaccine’s impact in protecting newborns from serious illness. Read more here.
Europe witnesses first total solar eclipse in 27 Years
Millions gathered across Europe last week to witness a rare total solar eclipse, the continent’s first since 1999, as the Moon completely blocked the Sun and plunged parts of the region into darkness.
The period when the Moon completely covered the Sun lasted up to 2 minutes and 18 seconds in Iceland, while up to 6 million visitors were expected across parts of Spain, creating spectacular scenes as the eclipse coincided with sunset.
The event also gave scientists a valuable opportunity to study the Sun’s corona, with NASA using a high-altitude jet to capture observations from above the clouds.
View photos of the Solar Eclipse here.
13-year-old turns 3D printing into a life changing gift
While many teenagers spent their summer having fun, 13-year-old Zac Waters dedicated around 300 hours to designing and building a custom 3D printed wheelchair for a 21-month-old girl.
Inspired by a YouTube channel and the nonprofit organisation MakeGood, which creates 3D printed assistive devices for people with disabilities, Zac put his skills to work to make a difference.
As Zac put it, “It combines my two favourite things in life: 3D printing and helping people in need. It just makes sense!” Read the full article and see the 3D design here.
France puts an end to unwanted sales calls
France has introduced a new law banning unsolicited telemarketing calls, giving consumers greater control over who can contact them.
Businesses must now receive prior consent before making marketing calls, with individuals facing fines of up to €75,000 per illegal call and companies up to €375,000.
The move follows years of consumer complaints, with authorities estimating around three quarters of people in France receive at least one unsolicited sales call every week. Read more here .
