Health
Finding good health news amidst a pandemic can be quite daunting. That’s not the case with The Optimist Daily, where positive news is in high supply. Our Health section covers the latest good news from the health sector, featuring solutions ranging from mental and physical health to immunity, nutrition, and cutting edge medical research.
Cyberbullying decreased sharply during the pandemic
Despite what you might have thought, when many schools closed for remote learning during the Pandemic, parents, teachers, and students alike were relieved to find that cyberbullying actually decreased by a lot. A new study from Boston University has found that cyberbullying fell by between 30 Read More...
Anti-inflammatory molecule could revolutionize asthma treatment
People with asthma will often suffer, at varying degrees, from symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheeziness, and bouts of coughing that stem from overactivation of the immune system when exposed to allergens like dust, smoke, and pollution. Many of us may actually remember having asthma as a Read More...
How do we measure itchiness?
Doctors commonly ask their patients to rate their pain from one to 10, although it is rare that we would be asked to scale our itchiness in this way. Gauging an itch Some readers may be wondering, why do we even need an itchiness scale? If you've ever had a condition which causes you to Read More...
This novel pathogen-repellent material is inspired by lotus leaves
Here at The Optimist Daily, we like to keep our readers informed about new innovative materials that are being developed, such as roads made from diaper pellets, ultra-strong glass inspired by mollusk shells, and even solar capture materials that can be integrated into clothing. This time, Read More...
Can a cast iron pan boost your iron intake? A dietitian weighs in
Cast iron cookware has a great reputation in the kitchen. You can use it for a multitude of cooking techniques from browning meat and veggies to baking bread, to slow-cooking flavorful stews. Did you know, though, that anything you cook in cast iron might actually increase your daily iron Read More...
Doctors can see blood vessels in new ways with this technique
Imaging blood vessels is harder than you might think. Information about the surrounding structures and cells in the tissue have to be imaged multiple times, at multiple angles, and in multiple conditions. This layered process leaves scientists having to piece together separate images and Read More...
Squid-inspired device warns you when you've had too much sun
Spring is just around the corner—but before we get too excited to throw on our swimsuits and sunbathe in the park, it’s important to remember that we have to be careful when it comes to sun exposure. Even though those lovely warm rays may feel great against bare shoulders, it’s been well Read More...
There are special regions for singing in the brain
Music is a magical thing. There are many proven benefits to the power of music, from its synchronizing power to create bonds with the people around you, to allowing autistic children to communicate their emotions, and even easing menopause. What's going on in our heads when we listen to music is Read More...
Experts reveal which is better: hot or cold showers?
For when your mind is foggy, your body is tired, or when you just need to shake yourself out of a mood, taking a shower is one of the most refreshing things you can do! Whether you prefer piping hot sessions to quick cold spray downs, a good shower has the power to make anyone feel Read More...
Scientists develop e-nose that can detect Parkinson's disease
In recent years, smell detection of diseases has attracted growing attention in the field of medical research: from dogs (and even bees) trained to sniff out Covid-19 to human “super sniffers” able to detect neurodegenerative diseases in other people. Now, a group of scientists has developed an Read More...