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.
Synthetic palm oil could significantly reduce deforestation
Palm oil is a common ingredient in far more packaged foods than you may think. Globally, 82 million US tons of palm oil are consumed annually. Unfortunately, it’s also responsible for some of the most destructive deforestation in rainforests around the world. The biotech industry thinks it may Read More...
First CRISPR gene editing patients continue to show positive progress
Back in June, we shared the success story of Victoria Gray, the first person in the US with a genetic disorder to get treated with the revolutionary gene-editing technique called CRISPR. Now, a year and a half since her groundbreaking treatment, Gray continues to thrive and even flew for the very Read More...
2020: Scientists discover world’s ugliest orchid and other plant species
While orchids are known as some of the most beautiful flowers in the world, scientists have discovered a new species of orchid that does not live up to its family’s reputation. In fact, scientists at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew (RGB Kew) are calling it the “ugliest in the world.” Read More...
Study: How has the pandemic changed our relationship with nature?
During the pandemic, we have seen a resurgence of animal populations and cleaner air and water, but we have also witnessed a fundamental shift in many people’s personal relationship with nature. When the great outdoors is one of the few places you can safely have recreation, we gain a newfound Read More...
This autonomous tractor has no tailpipe emissions
A traditional diesel-powered tractor will produce approximately 14-times more emissions than an ordinary car. This fact alone makes it clear that the farming industry needs a clean alternative to the conventional tractors of today. Enter Monarch Tractor, a California-based firm that has created an Read More...
Electric cars to become cheaper than gas-powered ones by 2023
Over the next two to three years, electric cars are poised to become cheaper than their gasoline-powered counterparts, making the choice of switching to more environmentally friendly vehicles much easier. That’s the prediction of a new report from Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF), which Read More...
Zoom will offer unlimited video chats for several holiday celebrations
In a bid to make it easier to spend time with distant friends and family on Thanksgiving, during the holiday, Zoom lifted the standard 40-minute limit on its video chats. Now the company has announced it will do the same over the upcoming festive season so people can socialize safely with their Read More...
Japanese space probe returns to Earth with precious asteroid samples
In 2010, a spacecraft from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully managed to bring samples of an asteroid back to Earth, marking the first time this has ever happened in history. This month, JAXA did it all over again, returning precious samples from the asteroid Ryugu. After Read More...
India to build world’s largest renewable energy park
India is laying the foundation for what is expected to be the world’s largest renewable energy park. The site is expected to cover 180,000 acres, about the size of Singapore, and produce 30 gigawatts of electricity per year. The park will be located in the Kutch region of western Gujarat and Read More...
Researchers create first-ever aerial map of Hawaii’s coral reefs
Earlier this month, we wrote a piece about Hawaii’s Hanauma Bay and how its incredible coral reefs are teeming with life thanks to the lockdown. Today, we bring your more good news from Hawaii as a team of scientists have created the first-ever aerial map of the island's precious coral reefs. Read More...