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.
A new online tool is helping cities and businesses find the EVs they need
The technology driving clean transportation is rapidly evolving, so much so that it’s hard to keep track. That’s why a transportation nonprofit focused on cleantech has launched a new online tool called The Zero-Emission Technology Inventory to help cities and businesses know exactly what’s Read More...
Scientists zero in on gut bacteria that enable waxworms to eat plastic
Plastic pollution is a monumental issue and one that isn’t going away anytime soon, but researchers are opening up new possibilities around how we could chip away at the problem. Scientists working in this area at Canada’s Brandon University have made an exciting discovery, zeroing in on the Read More...
New prosthetic gives amputees real-time mind control of robotic hand
Machine learning algorithms and new techniques in biomedical engineering are leading to the creation of robotic hands that amputees can use to regain the functions of a real hand. Recently, researchers at the University of Michigan tapped faint, latent signals from arm nerves and amplified them Read More...
Fruit waste shows great potential as energy-storage technology
Biowaste has been used for energy production for some time already (see this story about using coffee grounds in your tank!), but tapping into its potential for energy storage is quite a recent phenomenon. Particularly, two unusual tropical fruits have been standing out as attractive candidates to Read More...
Big companies are using tech tools to improve employee sleep habits
We at the Optimist Daily are big advocates of the power of sleep. These days, it also seems more big companies are hopping on board and promoting better sleep habits to boost productivity and beat burnout. And they’re turning to technology to help them do so. The athletic company, New Balance, Read More...
VR digital instructor could help improve physiotherapy at home
Currently prescribed physiotherapy often requires patients to complete regular exercises at home. But outside of the clinic patients rarely receive any guidance, often leading to poor adherence, with patients becoming anxious about not doing the exercises correctly or simply getting bored. A new Read More...
Goodyear unveils smart tire concept that never goes flat
The thunk-whumma-whumpa-whuppa sound of a tire puncturing and losing pressure at freeway speeds is unmistakable. However, if Goodyear has its way humanity might not have to endure the filthy, sweaty, swear-inducing process of swapping rubber on the shoulder of American roads ever again. This Read More...
An old coal plant and a new deal would benefit LA and the Navajo Nation
If you live in Los Angeles, you probably didn’t know that until last year the Navajo Nation had helped power the city with energy from a reservation coal plant. The plant was shut down, but this partnership will live to see another, greener, day. The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to Read More...
Flashfood app benefits stores, customers, and the environment
Canadian grocery stores have evolved past pink-tagged discount shelves and have come up with a higher-tech discounted food program that benefits shoppers, stores, and the environment. The Flashfood app allows participating grocery stores to list foods that are up to two weeks from expiring at a Read More...
When it comes to coding, language skills could be more important than math
If you’re intimidated by the concept of coding, you’re not alone. The word itself brings up images of tech geniuses and math whizzes. However, new research published in Nature‘s Scientific Reports has found an unexpected key factor in coding success: the ability to learn languages. The Read More...