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.
CRISPR gene-editing restores vision in patients with rare eye disease
Researchers from the Casey Eye Institute at the Oregon Health & Science University are reporting the successful use of CRISPR gene-editing to restore vision for patients with a rare eye disease. Leber congenital amaurosis, or LCA, is an uncommon genetic form of vision impairment, but seven Read More...
Australia sends sunshine to Singapore in gigantic renewable energy project
We’d venture to say that all countries hope to take on renewable energy, especially since all evidence suggests that if we don’t curb our fossil fuel use, the world will go careening into climate catastrophe. However, not all countries have access to the resources needed to make the Read More...
The case for eliminating jaywalking laws
Most of us have probably looked both ways quickly before darting across the street outside of a sidewalk. Whether traffic was light or the crosswalk was simply too far away, jaywalking is a fairly common offense, but data from the California Racial and Identity Profiling Act (RIPA) shows that Black Read More...
Ice stupas: How an artificial glacier is addressing India’s water crisis
Ice stupas were invented in 2013 by Indian engineer Sonam Wangchuk. They are essentially artificial glaciers that take wastewater flowing in the summer months and pump it uphill to be stored as ice during the winter and released once again when spring arrives. For water-scarce regions, they provide Read More...
A new discovery about algae reproduction could help save coral reefs
The type of algae known as dinoflagellates are valuable for improving the health of corals in warming waters, and now, researchers from Rice University have discovered that they reproduce via sex, meaning that algae sex could be critical for the survival of coral reefs. The algae reproduce by Read More...
These biodegradable capsules could help solve the problem of microplastics
From the highest peaks to the ocean’s deepest points, microplastics are virtually everywhere. These pernicious plastics usually originate from unexpected sources such as laundry detergents, which are typically made with plastic microcapsules in order to retain fragrance for longer. Making those Read More...
Researchers use AI to complete Beethoven’s unfinished 10th Symphony
Ludwig von Beethoven is celebrated as one of the best composers of all time, but when he died in 1827, he left behind the unfinished sketches of his 10th Symphony. Beethoven fans have since pondered what the remainder of that piece would sound like, and now, thanks to a dedicated team of music Read More...
Thanks to a DNA tool, researchers can now determine the age of lobsters
Lobsters are famous for living long lives, but when it comes to determining the age of an individual organism, it’s actually surprisingly difficult. As they molt and develop new exoskeletons throughout their lives, they shed many of the telltale signs of aging, making it difficult for fishermen Read More...
Renewables provide more than just energy to Native American communities
Lack of resources and unclear regulatory oversight has slowed electrification on Native American Reservations, but some organizations believe the transition for renewable energy offers an opportunity to bring reliable, green, independent energy resources to reservations. Among these groups are Read More...
Breast cancer survivor develops app to help other conduct self-breast exams
"I'm not an app developer. I'm just like a passionate advocate," Jessica Baladad tells WTVF. The 36-year-old woman from Tennessee is the creator of "Feel For Your Life,” an app that helps people conduct self-breast exams from home. After having a benign fibroadenoma removed in college, Baladad Read More...