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.
Harvard researchers uncover breakthrough in lithium-metal battery efficiency
Researchers at Harvard University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science have discovered what is being referred to as the “holy grail” of battery breakthroughs, solving a 40-year quest for a fast-charging, long-lasting electric vehicle battery. The newly developed lithium-metal Read More...
Top wind energy company develops fully recyclable blade technology
Wind energy is a key pillar in our renewable energy future, but even green technologies have some drawbacks. EV batteries need to eventually be recycled and wind turbines can interfere with bird populations and produce waste as well. In an effort to address one of these critical issues, wind Read More...
North Sailing offers Iceland's first carbon-neutral silent whale-watching tours
Much of the ocean remains a vast mystery to us land-dwellers, however, advancements in research and aquatic observation are pushing us towards a greater understanding of marine creatures and their environments. One of these budding areas of study is the way in which noise pollution impacts life Read More...
This electric motorbike could help protect endangered wildlife in Africa
Rangers working to prevent poaching in Africa often use motorbikes to patrol protected areas. The vehicles, however, run on gas-guzzling engines that require expensive and inaccessible gasoline. On top of that, the loud motors make it virtually impossible to sneak up on poachers. A new partnership Read More...
This startup is investigating the legitimacy of carbon credit programs
Carbon credits can be an effective way to transition large companies to a carbon-neutral future, but when it comes to creating these credits, accountability is critical to ensure they are actually removing the amount of carbon they claim to be from the atmosphere. One organization working to Read More...
Brain-computer interface enables paralyzed man text with his thoughts
Neuroscientists from Stanford University have just made history by successfully converting brain activity related to handwriting into actual text in real-time. The team, working together with the BrainGate consortium, achieved the feat thanks to a new brain-computer interface (BCI) that could Read More...
8 incredible ways to use wood you probably didn’t know about
From furniture to building parts, wood is so ubiquitous that we often take it for granted. However, this commonplace material has been used for millennia and plays a crucial role in our journey to achieve a circular economy. In fact, this versatile material can now be found in a variety of everyday Read More...
Spatial data mapping protects migrating animals around the world
We recently wrote about an agreement that sets aside migration corridors for monarch butterflies to help them travel safely. These corridors involve long strips of plant-rich land to offer food and shelter for endangered monarchs, but butterflies aren’t the only species that rely on safe Read More...
Study: MDMA-assisted therapy is an effective treatment for PTSD
We at The Optimist Daily have written before about how psychedelic-assisted therapy can offer mental health relief and even help save the environment. Now, the journal Nature has published data from the phase-III clinical trial results on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, and the outcome is Read More...
This offshore floating solar platform can withstand hurricane winds
As the threat of climate change intensifies, countries are beginning to take a serious look at the logistics of stepping away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy sources. Building offshore renewable energy infrastructure is a key aspect of this transition, and engineers are now working Read More...