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.
Google is using Nest Cams to monitor patients and protect health workers
The more tragic aspect of COVID-19 is that a patient with the virus can not get physical care or comfort—not without endangering those they come in contact with. The fact of the matter is in-person checks on patients is an inherent risk and requires using up valuable protective equipment (not to Read More...
North Dakota’s largest power station is ditching coal for wind energy
Coal energy can’t seem to catch a break these days. In the past month, we’ve shared stories about both Sweden and Austria closing the last of their coal-fired power plants. All the while, the US has seen renewables overtake coal as America’s leading power source for a record-breaking 40 days Read More...
Britain to invest $2.5 billion into cycling and walking after pandemic
The UK is viewing the coronavirus pandemic as an opportunity to reduce crowding on public transport and gridlock on roads. To do this, the UK has announced a £2 billion ($2.5 billion) package to put cycling and walking “at the heart of” Britain’s post-coronavirus transportation Read More...
A look inside the quest for endlessly circular plastics
The Eastman chemical plant in Kingsport, Tennessee, appears to be just another chemical manufacturing facility. Sprawling over 900 acres are hundreds of buildings and countless miles of pipes, conveyors, distillers, cooling towers, valves, pumps, compressors, and controls. It doesn’t exactly look Read More...
Researchers plan to clone antibodies of COVID-19 patients to fight the virus
Since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, scientists have been ceaselessly looking for ways to fight back. And while much attention has focused on the development of a vaccine, researchers have also been looking at using antibodies from recovered patients to unlock new treatments for COVID-19. Read More...
New AI algorithm effectively streamlines Alzheimer’s diagnosis
In our Optimist View yesterday, we discussed how one woman can smell out Alzheimer’s even years before diagnosis. Now, thanks to an AI algorithm, there is yet another way to diagnose the disease even earlier. The algorithm uses a combination of factors including magnetic resonance imaging Read More...
Astronomers in Hawaii capture ‘lucky’ infrared image of Jupiter
One of the beautiful things about living in this day and age is the incredible imagery of outer space that technology allows us to capture. Yesterday, astronomers shared a remarkable new image of Jupiter that was captured in infrared by the Gemini North Telescope in Hawaii. The image shows the Read More...
New sedimentary evidence shows large rivers once flowed on Mars
The potential presence of water on Mars has fascinated scientists and citizens since we first began exploring its surface. Now, researchers have discovered new evidence that rivers once flowed on the red planet. In a study published in the journal Nature Communications, researchers outlined how Read More...
Renewable energy outpaces coal with record breaking streak
When renewable energy began to gain popularity, critics doubted whether solar, wind, and hydropower could even begin to cover the world’s energy needs. Now, we are seeing renewables hit their stride as they beat coal as the United States’ leading source of power for a record-breaking 40 days in Read More...
How a llama in Belgium brought us one step closer to neutralizing COVID-19
While llamas are proving to be a funny addition to your Zoom call, it seems these creatures might wind up playing a bigger role in the coronavirus pandemic. According to a peer-reviewed study, llama blood might hold the key to unlocking new treatments for COVID-19. The study details how special Read More...