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.
Czech school will be home to first 3D-printed parkour playground
Last year, we wrote about Protozoon, the world’s first-ever 3D-printed floating house. Now, Buřinka, the same Czech group that built the 3D-printed floating structure, has 3D-printed the world’s first parkour playground. The result of a partnership between the private sector, the public Read More...
This laminate changes color to warn about dangerous structural damage
As an increasing number of lightweight, load-bearing composite materials make their way into industries like automotive manufacturing, shipbuilding, and aircraft construction, there’s a growing need to develop new methods for early detection of damage to — or even potential failure of — these Read More...
What are the benefits of leisure? Depends on your beliefs about it
What do you like to do in your leisure time? Watch TV? Read a book? Go for a long hike? Whatever you enjoy doing in your free time, a new study from Rutgers University finds that you are more likely to reap the benefits of leisure time if you believe that it is a valuable use of your time. In Read More...
This new irrigation system talks to plants to find out when they’re thirsty
As water shortages affect more parts of the globe, strategic irrigation practices are becoming key to achieving optimal water efficiency on farms, especially those located in drought-stricken areas. A technology called GrowStream is designed to provide exactly this type of solution — by enabling Read More...
This MINI concept takes sustainable car manufacturing to a whole new level
As circularity slowly expands across industries, car companies are beginning to explore sustainable design as the new standard. Emblematic of that is the MINI Strip — a one-off car that resulted from a collaboration between two British brands, fashion designer Paul Smith and automotive marque Read More...
Japanese scientists produce lab-grown Wagyu beef for the first time
Most of us now know that switching to a plant-based diet is one of the ways that we can help fight climate change and practice impactful sustainability in our own lives. However, for those of us whose favorite meals include dishes like a juicy beef burger, or tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs, Read More...
Students conceptualize pedestrian-friendly addition to local bridge
Like other transportation infrastructure in the country, American bridges have been designed with a car-centric mentality, meaning that many of these structures lack designated paths for cyclists or pedestrians. This is the case for a long bridge in Rhode Island that connects the towns of Jamestown Read More...
Could driving habits and credit scores be the earliest indicators of dementia?
Early detection is critical for successfully treating Alzheimer’s and dementia, but what if identifying the first noticeable symptoms is already too late for adequate treatment? An emerging field of research is looking for clues outside of traditional medical diagnosis to accelerate dementia Read More...
Thought Leader Series: Julian Spector on Hawaii's renewable future
This Thought Leader Series piece was originally published in Canary Media's August 19, 2021 Newsletter. BY Julian Spector Last week I visited Oahu, Hawaii's most populous island, which is currently girding itself for the closure of the state's last coal plant. My mission: to figure out how Read More...
Solar power in Australia overtakes coal for the first time
Coal plants are some of the largest contributors to the energy sector’s hefty environmental footprint. Transitioning the sector away from these dirty fossil fuels can go a long way in helping us become a carbon-neutral world. While Australia still has a considerable number of coal plants, Read More...