Optimistic Observer 10/09/25
By Capital Investment Counsel - October 09, 2025
Optimistic Observer
Driverless Taxi Use in California Jumps to 4 Million Miles Per Month
Californians traveled over 4 million miles in driverless taxis in May 2025, up from under 500,000 miles per month in mid-2024. This eightfold growth reflects the rapid adoption of Waymo’s autonomous service following full regulatory approval. Read more here.
Global Grain Supplies to Reach Record 3.6 Billion Tons in 2025–26
Global grain supplies are projected to hit an all-time high of 3.6 billion tons in the 2025–26 season, marking a third straight year of growth. Wheat has returned to its long-term growth rate, maize is rebounding after recent setbacks, and rice and soybean supplies continue to build on last season’s elevated levels. Read more here.
Golden Eagles Make a Triumphant Return to England After 150 Years
A young golden eagle named Talla is among roughly 50 now thriving in southern Scotland, thanks to the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project (SSGEP). Since 2018, the project has translocated 43 eagles—28 juveniles and 15 sub-adults—from the Highlands, reviving a species wiped out in England and Wales since the 19th century. Read more here.
Floating Solar Could Power 100 Million US Homes While Saving Water
Research from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory shows that floating solar panels on federally owned reservoirs could generate enough clean electricity for 100 million US homes each year. Lake Mead could produce over 17 gigawatts of power and Lake Powell nearly 15 gigawatts if a portion of their surface area were used, helping conserve water and reduce reliance on hydropower. Read more here.
New ‘Brain Shuttle’ Therapy Shows Promise for Rare Genetic Disease
A new molecular transport system is helping large therapeutic enzymes cross the blood–brain barrier for the first time, transforming treatment for children with Hunter syndrome.
In early trials, three boys who received the therapy regained hearing, began running, and hit developmental milestones previously thought impossible, while a toddler treated from infancy shows no symptoms at all. Read more here.
Rapid Blood Test Predicts Sepsis with Over 90% Accuracy
Canadian researchers have developed a bedside test that identifies patients at high risk of sepsis with up to 94% accuracy, cutting diagnostic time from 18 hours to under three. Using machine learning on data from over 3,000 patients, the test and its portable “PowerBlade” device can detect early-stage sepsis using just a drop of blood. Read more here.
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