How to survive in a room full of strangers
For some of us, there is nothing more intimidating than walking into a room and realizing you don’t know a single soul (we’re looking at you, introverts). For others (hey, extroverts!), this kind of unfamiliarity paired with the opportunity to meet new people is refreshing — even Read More...
Why social media has been a boon for the science community
The field of science communication -- the practice of informing and educating people about science-related topics -- arose just after the start of the Enlightenment when Francesco Algarotti published his first edition of Newtonianism for the Ladies in 1737. While that bit of 18th-century Read More...
World’s first hybrid cruiser sets sail to Alaska
While gas-powered cars are rightfully criticized for their environmental footprint, they don’t even come close to the amount of pollution emitted by cruise liners. Indeed, while cars receive the brunt of the criticism, a recent study found that the world’s largest luxury cruise operator Read More...
Women are bringing clean energy to hundreds of Indian households
There are more than 200 million people in India without access to power. And while the government is working on connecting them to the grid, it also wants to ensure that the energy comes from renewable sources. A company in one of the country’s western states is helping to achieve both of Read More...
Researchers just managed to remove HIV from a living animal for the first time
The most advanced drugs for HIV available today stop the virus from replicating, which prevents patients from developing AIDS. With that said, there is no actual cure for HIV. Now, a team of scientists has managed to clear HIV from infected mice using the CRISPR gene-editing technology in what Read More...
Leonardo DiCaprio co-founds new environmental initiative Earth Alliance
Leonardo DiCaprio has recently stepped up his climate activism game by partnering with billionaire investors and philanthropists to create a new non-profit with the main target of battling climate change. Called the Earth Alliance, the organization is essentially joining the resources of the Read More...
The Revolution That Started it All: 1776
In today’s special edition of The Optimist Daily, we are celebrating revolutions! That’s because of the 4th of July, the day the Continental Congress declared independence from Great Britain. Right? Well, not so fast. While it’s widely believed that July 4, 1776, was the day America Read More...
Scientists in Zurich are turning light and air into carbon-neutral fuel
Until our transportation systems run entirely on battery-powered engines or hydrogen fuel, cleaner ways of producing fuel are absolutely necessary. In Zurich, scientists have developed a solar plant that produces synthetic fuels that release as much carbon dioxide during their combustion as Read More...
How cities are finally dealing with the emissions that come with consumption
Climate optimists argue that it is possible to reduce our production emissions without substantially changing our lifestyles. (Electric cars are just as good!) But what if those lifestyles — in which consumption is perpetually rising — are driving increases in production emissions elsewhere? Read More...
Oregon is now leading the nation when it comes to affordable housing
When it comes to affordable housing, no state is tackling the issue as aggressively as Oregon. This past week, the Beaver State passed a law that will effectively enact a state-wide ban on single-family zoning, which has come under scrutiny as housing costs have soared and housing shortages have Read More...