5 Things We Can't Stop Smiling About This Month

By Emma Haak

Photo: Courtesy of the Oregon Zoo/Shervin Hess

Air Pup

When Eddie the sea otter's elbows became arthritic, veterinarians at Portland's Oregon Zoo devised a way to keep his joints moving: They taught him how to dunk. Search "sea otter hoop dreams" on YouTube to see for yourself.

Photo: Alasdair Thomson/iStockphoto

Suit Up

Finally master that backstroke at the World's Largest Swim Lesson. The water-safety initiative guides swimmers, young and old, at public pools, YMCAs, and sports clubs across the country on June 18. Details at wlsl.org.

Photo: Pima County Communications

Plant It Forward

Some 50 U.S. public libraries now have seed packets to loan. Green thumbs then harvest new seeds from their best crops and return those for the next gardener. Check for a seed bank at your local branch.

Photo: Dr. Cecil H Fox/Getty Images

Written in the Stars

A stellar new approach to the fight against cancer: UK researchers are using stargazing software to identify not constellations but aggressive cancers. Learn more at cancerresearchuk.org.

Photo: Thinkstock

The Future Is Bright

Beginning June 10, get inspired by the world's innovative thinkers as they explore the theme Think Again at this year's TEDGlobal, the five-day international TED conference. Follow live coverage at blog.ted.com.

Next: 9 photos to brighten your day

From the June 2013 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine