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 chemical process turns biomass into fuel in a cheap, efficient way
While biofuels are a great renewable energy source with a promising potential to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, producing them is no easy feat. This is in large part due to the fact that converting biomass into liquid fuels is quite an energy-intensive process. Fortunately, scientists at Read More...
Listening to salmon could make farmed fishing less wasteful
Farmed salmon make up somewhere between 60 and 70 percent of all the salmon humans eat. Those salmon need to be fed, but it can be tricky for growers to understand when to feed them and how much food to provide. After all, salmon do not behave like dogs, who will simply saunter over to their supper Read More...
Indian startup turns black carbon into eco-friendly tiles
Carbon dioxide is often seen as public enemy #1 in the battle against climate change, but there are more dangerous substances for the environment. For instance, there is a substance called black carbon that is found in air pollution that absorbs one million times more energy from the sun than Read More...
Scientists discover new species of blue whale in the west Indian Ocean
2020 was a busy year for scientists, with some 503 new animal species being discovered. Now it seems the New Year is following up right where 2020 left off as scientists have announced the discovery of a new species of the blue whale. Each species of whale can be identified by its unique song, so Read More...
Big and small changes to reduce your home energy consumption
Looking to reduce your energy bill and make your home more sustainable? Depending on how much disposable cash you have on hand, there are big and small changes you can make around your home to reduce your energy consumption, but even small changes can make a big difference. So why not take Read More...
Parkinson’s: TikTok users 3D-print pill bottle for people with shaky hands
Medication can make living with Parkinson’s more bearable, but the problem for many patients living with the disease is that it’s incredibly difficult removing a tiny pill from a bottle of meds while their hands are shaking. Elite athlete Jimmy Choi made this abundantly clear to his more than Read More...
European Space Agency is engineering its first reusable spacecraft
The European Space Agency (ESA) is building a new spacecraft, but this one will have a special sustainable twist. The Space Rider craft is expected to be the agency’s first reusable spacecraft and is expected to be able to venture into orbit multiple times with safe returns to Earth. The Read More...
Engineers receive grant to create rail car powered by human waste
In the near future, people in the UK may be transported on trains that run on human waste. Yes, you read that right. Last month, Ultra Light Rail Partners received £60,000 ($81,540) from the government’s Sustainable Innovation Fund to further develop a train that runs on biomethane, a type of Read More...
Huge US rail trail project will allow cyclists to bike coast to coast
Bike trails have proved invaluable for recreation and transport during the lockdown, displaying how important it is for cities to integrate safe cycling and walking routes within their post-pandemic recovery. However, it's not just cities that are making an effort to create more bike lanes. Dubbed Read More...
Turn your regular bike into an e-bike with this clever attachment
Unless you live in a flat country like the Netherlands, chances are you have to navigate up a few hills during your daily commute. That idea alone might be enough to deter many folks from opting to ride a bike on their way to work. For that reason, product designer Somnath Ray decided to create a Read More...