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.
Successful trial of new drug brings ALS treatment closer to FDA approval
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative neurological condition, but there may soon be another treatment option for the disease as Amylyx Pharmaceuticals finishes successful phase 2 of human trials and moves into phase 3 of a new experimental drug. The new treatment, called Read More...
Scientists use spinach to improve the efficiency of fuel cell technology
Thanks to its nutrient-rich profile, spinach has long been touted as a superfood worthy to be included in any diet. But this leafy green vegetable also has the potential to revolutionize fuel cell technology, according to a recent proof-of-principle experiment conducted by a team of scientists at Read More...
Research says arts and STEM depend on same type of creative thinking
Are you a math person or a writing person? Right-brained or left? New research indicates that the two might be more interconnected than we might have thought. Although we often think of arts and science as opposites, it turns out the same type of creative thinking is critical for both. A new Read More...
This Dutch wind farm will also restore oyster populations
Apart from playing a key role in our clean energy transition, offshore wind farms may also play an essential part in restoring the European flat oyster beds in the North Sea. At least that’s what Dutch maritime contracting company Van Oord plans to do by installing eight reef structures within Read More...
Flying taxis could be the future of air rescue emergency services
The promise of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) was that they would unlock the skies to bring high-speed, traffic-free transportation to the public. But now it seems flying taxis could be a valuable asset for emergency air rescue services. In a recent feasibility study Read More...
Playing underwater ‘music’ attracts young fish to degraded coral reefs
Whether it’s the “crackle of snapping shrimp” or the swishing sounds of fish passing by, a healthy coral reef tends to be quite a noisy place. These are sounds that young fish are attracted to once they have hatched and spent their larval stage in the open ocean. The problem is that once a Read More...
Firefighters are using fireball-dropping drones to contain wildfires
As the West Coast continues to battle unprecedented wildfires, firefighters are taking innovative steps to try to keep the flames under control. More recently, firefighters in the region have added drones to the equation, using the technology to drop special fireballs to contain the spread of the Read More...
Apple removes chargers and earbuds from new iPhones to cut waste
When Apple announced that the its new lineups of iPhone 12s won’t come with accessories such as a wall charger or earbuds, many consumers were annoyed, dismissing it as a purely economic move on Apple’s part. But from an environmental perspective, it’s a great move. To start with, the lack Read More...
Lifelike robotic creatures could be the future of theme parks and aquariums
Going to the aquarium may be a great way to learn about sea creatures, but keeping animals in captivity for such purposes usually comes hand in hand with a number of ethical problems. US engineering firm Edge Innovations wants to change that by creating animatronic dolphins that look almost Read More...
Scientists use microwaves to turn plastic waste into clean hydrogen
One of the main contributors to plastic pollution is the ubiquity of difficult-to-recycle plastic packaging such as plastic bags, milk bottles, and sachets. Because they are such a pain to recycle, most of these single-use plastics end up in landfills or waterways, polluting the environment as a Read More...