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.
Citizen science project lets you fight deforestation from your couch
Much of our anxiety surrounding the climate crisis is driven by the feeling that we can do little to influence the rapidly changing climate. So, if you’re looking for a hands-on way to contribute to conservation, we’ve got a solution for you. And you don’t even have to leave your couch to Read More...
Owning an electric car will save you 50% in maintenance and repair costs
If you’re still not convinced about the benefits of opting for an electric vehicle instead of a diesel-powered one, consider the following finding from a recent report: Drivers of electric vehicles spend half as much on maintenance and repair costs over their vehicle’s lifetime compared to Read More...
Wave energy is showing promising signs as a new form of renewable power
Harnessing the energy of ocean waves to generate renewable power has been on the agenda of scientists in the energy community for some years already. But while a few teams of researchers have developed devices that could do the job, progress to bring such technology to a commercial scale has been Read More...
Here’s what it would actually take for CA to meet its 2035 electric vehicle pledge
We recently discussed California’s plan to ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles in the state by 2035. While we applaud the ambitious climate action plan, it’s no secret that moving to all-electric vehicle sales in 15 years is a logistical feat. Today we examine critical infrastructure changes Read More...
Time lapse: This supernova was 5 billion times brighter than the sun
For all you space geeks, we have something dazzling for you. The Hubble Space Telescope recorded footage of a supernova exploding in the sky over the course of a year, creating one of the brightest light shows ever seen. In fact, the exploding star burned at the radiance of 5 billion suns before Read More...
Starlink is bringing internet to fire-ravaged parts of rural Washington
SpaceX announced plans to build Starlink, their globe-spanning constellation of tiny internet-providing satellites, in 2015. Although just 700 of the planned 40,000 are in orbit, they are playing a critical role in a small Washington town ravaged by wildfire. A fast-moving wildfire destroyed Read More...
UK’s first hydrogen-powered train successfully completes its trial journey
Recently, the arena of hydrogen-powered aviation has seen several promising developments, including a hydrogen fuel-cell passenger plane completing its maiden flight, as well as Airbus unveiling plans to start manufacturing hydrogen-fueled planes by 2035. But it seems that rail transportation is Read More...
Scientists design hearing aid that uses just $1 worth of parts
200 million adults over the age of 65 suffer from age-related hearing loss around the world. In response, scientists at the Georgia Institute of Technology have designed a hearing aid device that uses only a dollar’s worth of open-source parts and a 3D-printed case to function. The Read More...
Adding floating solar to hydropower plants would create an energy boom
A new study suggests there is a way to make hydropower plants produce more energy: placing floating solar panels on the reservoirs of hydropower plants. According to a new analysis of the energy potential of combining these facilities with floating solar panels, scientists calculated that these Read More...
A step-by-step guide for repotting your houseplants
During the lockdown, you took the opportunity to spruce up your living space with a new houseplant. You tended to it, gave it care, and over time it’s grown quite big. But there comes a point when your plant becomes too big for its own pot, and if you leave it in there too long, it will suffer. Read More...