Science
From mathematics and AI to medicine and psychology, The Optimist Daily features the latest news on discoveries, technological advances, and breakthroughs in the world of science. Our Science section is here to engage and enlighten you.
California shades irrigation canals with solar panels to boost energy and save water
Solar energy is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy industries in the world, however, that doesn’t mean that we aren’t faced with challenges in the widespread implementation and harvesting of solar power. One of the biggest issues with solar energy is that the land that is usually ideal Read More...
Understanding the brain through mindful mandala coloring
Mandala coloring is a centuries-old tradition. Coloring in these beautiful geometric configurations has been used by many as a technique for mindfulness, focusing your concentration on a certain task to improve overall mental health and wellbeing. Researchers, from the University of Lancaster, Read More...
Study: Exercise after vaccination may boost immunity
If you thought it was better to take it easy after getting your vaccine, you may want to think again. In a new study published by Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, researchers found that up to 90 minutes of mild-to-moderate exercise soon after receiving a vaccine could provide you with additional Read More...
Precision fermentation: The food evolution to watch
Providing our readers with planet-saving tips and products is something we're passionate about at The Optimist Daily. With climate change lingering over humanity's head, people want to make changes in their everyday lives to slow this process as much as possible. This was apparent by the boost in Read More...
Eccentric helmet may be the future of brain scans
We love reporting the latest cutting-edge medical inventions here at The Optimist Daily. In the past few months, we’ve written about an antibiotic-resistant sensor that drastically reduces diagnosis time and a magnetic device for better prosthetic limb control. This time we want to tell you about Read More...
The Bronzeville microgrid: One part of a bigger, safer future
Unpredictable and impactful weather events like wildfires, snowstorms, and tornadoes present a particular problem for large areas with large unifying power grids. In one wild day, a whole city’s power and essential services can be shut off. It’s for this reason that researchers and utilities Read More...
Gut bacteria have nutrient-sharing ‘sex’
Keeping with the theme of love and intimacy this Valentine’s Day, we’re delighted to share this recent sexy tidbit about something typically quite unsexy -- gut bacteria! Some bacteria reproduce asexually. Others do it the old-fashioned way with a partner, but apparently, reproduction Read More...
How starfish skeletons inspired ceramic engineers
Some species of starfish fortify themselves using a porous skeleton that is both lightweight and extremely sturdy. This provides the marine species with a safe protective home, while still permitting a degree of flexibility to their body and arms. Taking inspiration from mother nature Ceramic Read More...
Man with severed spine walks again thanks to new implant
In 2020, scientists created a device that gives paralyzed people the ability to speak via brain signals. This time, they’ve one-upped themselves, creating technology that has allowed a man with a completely severed spinal cord to walk and swim again! This breakthrough study, published in Read More...
How to do a digital detox while still carrying a smartphone
Like it or not, “interacting with the world around us” often requires a digital interface, which makes doing a digital detox pretty difficult — this is especially true during a pandemic. But that doesn’t mean you can’t disconnect from the digital world. It is possible to continue using Read More...