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.
This startup is repurposing wastewater one flush at a time
Water conservation is a pillar of environmentalism and critical for protecting the Earth's dwindling fresh water supply. We've featured desalination solutions that are aiding in this effort, but today we're focusing on localized water treatment as a path to water security. Startup Epic Read More...
Scientists make exoskeletons more user-friendly with cameras and AI
While exoskeletons have proved incredibly useful in recent years by enabling people with disabilities to move around more easily, they still have some drawbacks. A research team at the University of Waterloo in Canada is looking to address these issues by integrating smart cameras and AI into the Read More...
NASA uses Navajo language to name rocks and soil on Mars
After successfully landing on the neighboring planet last month, NASA’s Perseverance rover is now ready to explore its ground. Its first scientific focus is a rock named “Máaz” — the Navajo word for “Mars.” That’s just one nickname among many others that have been given to landmarks Read More...
Ryerson University’s new health education tower raises sustainability standard
Toronto’s Ryerson University has reached a new standard for sustainable campus design with its award-winning Daphne Cockwell Health Sciences Complex. The building, designed in the hopes of achieving LEED Gold certification by global design practice Perkins and Will, is a 28-story tower comprised Read More...
NASA is building quiet plane wings to reduce noise pollution at airports
When we think of aircraft noise pollution, the first thing that likely comes to mind is the roar and whine of jet engines that propel the large vehicle through the sky. However, an airplane’s fuselage and wings are also to blame. This is called aerodynamic noise and is the result of the airflow Read More...
US on the verge of constructing its first utility-scale offshore wind farm
After three years of planning, it looks like the US is on the verge of constructing its first utility-scale offshore wind farm. The project, called Vineyard Wind, completed its last environmental impact report this week and has received approval from the White House. Once officially approved by the Read More...
GM’s new Li-metal batteries nearly double the capacity of lithium-ion cells
Back in January 2021, General Motors (GM) announced that it will only produce electric vehicles by 2035. If such an announcement from America’s biggest automaker wasn’t encouraging enough for the transition to electric vehicles in the US, GM has followed it up with another big announcement Read More...
Researchers discover why catnip makes such a great insect repellent
Spring and summer bring warmer weather and longer days, but they also bring back pesky insects like mosquitoes and flies that can make time outdoors uncomfortable. Fortunately, it turns out catnip is the perfect backyard bug repellant, and researchers from Northwestern and Lund universities have Read More...
User-friendly exercise apps can significantly boost mobility for older adults
Apps and wearable devices are rapidly gaining popularity among health-conscious millennials and Gen Z, but what about older adults? According to researchers from the University of Texas, an easy-to-use exercise app for seniors can greatly reduce their risk of falls by guiding them through daily Read More...
Land-scarce Singapore builds floating solar farms to fight climate change
While Singapore is one of the world’s smallest countries, its carbon footprint is not necessarily proportional to its size. In fact, the city-state is ranked among Asia’s biggest per-capita emitters of carbon dioxide. The country has vocalized commitments to change things for the better and Read More...