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.
New research reveals surprising mathematical intuition in crows
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Humans have long assumed we hold a monopoly on recognizing shapes with geometric regularity. But a new study challenges that belief, revealing that crows can distinguish symmetrical, four-sided figures from irregular ones, suggesting that the foundations of Read More...
New York City begins enforcing mandatory composting to cut waste and emissions
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM New York City officially launched enforcement of its mandatory composting program, making compost separation a requirement for all residents as of April. The city’s goal: reduce landfill waste and curb greenhouse gas emissions by diverting organic matter Read More...
ESA's Biomass satellite will weigh the world's rainforests from space to fight climate change
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Following over a decade of development, the European Space Agency (ESA) is on the verge of launching a groundbreaking satellite designed to revolutionize the way scientists observe forests and measure carbon. Set for liftoff on April 29 from Europe’s Read More...
This plant-based leather alternative is plastic-free and ready to scale
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a breakthrough for sustainable materials, Australian startup Alt. Leather has unveiled a fully plant-based leather alternative that contains no plastics and is made entirely from natural fibers and agricultural waste. The innovative material promises a Read More...
Brilliant green comet makes rare appearance—and it won’t return for 1.4 million years
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Every so often, the cosmos offers a rare spectacle that feels timeless yet brand new. This spring, that spectacle is comet C/2025 F2 (SWAN)—a brilliantly green cosmic visitor currently visible in the early morning sky for those in the Northern Read More...
A £5 blood test could help prevent thousands of heart attacks and strokes, study finds
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM A modest £5 ($6.30) blood test could be the key to preventing thousands of heart attacks and strokes, according to new research that could reshape the way doctors assess cardiovascular risk. Funded by the British Heart Foundation and published in the Read More...
Science-backed trick to make your pour-over coffee stronger, no extra beans needed
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM If you’ve ever wished your morning pour-over packed more punch without using extra coffee grounds, science has good news for you. Researchers have discovered that how you pour the water—specifically how slowly and from what height—can make a big Read More...
Dublin expands car-free zones to improve bus travel and city life
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Dublin is taking further steps to reduce private car traffic in its city centre, with new restrictions set to take effect this summer as part of the next phase of the Dublin City Transport Plan. Following the success of last August’s initial Read More...
Splitting seawater could revolutionize cement into a carbon-negative material
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In the race to tackle climate change, cement has long been a stubborn problem. Responsible for about eight percent of global carbon dioxide emissions, it’s the fourth-largest source of CO2 pollution worldwide. But a team of researchers believes a new, Read More...
Citizen scientists map space from their backyards with this global telescope network
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In the quiet suburb of Monterrey, Mexico, Iván Venzor sat down for dinner with his family while a telescope just a few meters away captured something extraordinary—a distant Jupiter-sized planet briefly passing in front of a star. The flicker of light was Read More...