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.
Aiming for economic growth? Invest in transportation, not tax cuts
Cities are working hard to kickstart a post-pandemic economic recovery, and a big part of this effort is retaining existing businesses and recruiting new ones. Economic development expert David Zipper writes for Bloomberg that while many cities focus on tax breaks to attract new companies, Read More...
Ancient carved bone demonstrates Neanderthals were capable of symbolic art
Researchers from the University of Göttingen have determined that the carved toe bone of a prehistoric deer is in fact one of the oldest works of art ever discovered. The small piece of art is significant not only for its age, but also because it indicates that Neanderthals, Homo neanderthalensis, Read More...
Spanish parents invent high-tech augmented reality glasses to help son see
Impaired vision makes it hard to do everyday activities, and although it can’t be fixed with glasses, contact lenses, or other standard treatments, one recent breakthrough may help those suffering from untreatable vision problems better perceive their surroundings. The helpful device was Read More...
MIT engineers invent human-like e-skin that could help monitor vitals
Scientists at MIT have invented a health-monitoring device that not only mimics the stretchability and sensitivity of human skin but is also sweat-proof, a property that solves a major problem that has prevented previous versions from functioning properly. While different types of electronic skins Read More...
Ready for summer travel? Here’s some things to keep in mind
As restrictions ease up and vaccination continues, perhaps vacationing has been on your mind. Maybe you’re wondering if it’s finally safe to go on that trip you put on hold during the pandemic. Public health and travel authorities are offering prospective travelers some tips to make driving, Read More...
New York City Department of Sanitation adds all-electric vehicles to fleet
The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) acquired their first all-electric garbage truck in September 2020, and after successful testing in Brooklyn, the city has announced plans to purchase and deploy seven more all-electric models. The trucks will be purchased from Mack Trucks, part Read More...
This life-saving device stops bleeding from stab wounds in under 30 seconds
A stabbing victim can bleed to death in under five minutes, so stopping blood loss is extremely important. To address this, Loughborough University design and technology student Joseph Bentley created a device that can quickly stop a gash from bleeding. The device, which he calls REACT, is Read More...
Volcanoes could become green sources of valuable tech metals
While it’s crucial that we transition to renewable energy to reverse climate change, many of these technologies require rare metals, the mining of which has worrisome environmental impacts. That, however, could soon become a problem of the past, thanks to new Oxford research which investigates a Read More...
Bacteria in cow stomachs are one solution to plastic pollution
As our world’s plastic pollution crisis intensifies, researchers are increasingly searching for new and innovative ways to address the problem. Enzymes and circular design have shown real promise, and the latest plastic waste solution comes from an even more surprising source: cow Read More...
Night trains are gaining steam again in Europe
As most of us went over a year without travel, the month of July is extremely exciting for those who are planning to dust off their backpacks and suitcases to take advantage of the easing travel restrictions across Europe, which took place on the first of this month. However, travel may look Read More...