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.
The environmentally friendly, flying ships of the future
These days, electric cars, bikes, scooters, trams, and trains are common modes of transport. However, one mode of transport which hasn’t got the electric memo is ferries, which are still almost exclusively powered by fossil fuels. The problematic factor here is battery capacity, which cannot last Read More...
Researchers could predict heart attacks with an eye exam
In a study presented at the annual conference of the European Society of Human Genetics, researchers explained how they combined clinical factors with an eye exam to predict patients’ likelihood of a heart attack. Researchers used medical and lifestyle data from 500,000 people from the UK Read More...
“Digital twin” of Ithaca, NY helps to plot climate ambitions
In 2019, Ithaca, New York was the first US city to resolve to eliminate or offset all carbon emissions by 2030. The college town allocated $100 million to fund the effort, but they still needed a plan of how to decarbonize all its buildings. Two architectural professors from Cornell University Read More...
"Ugly" reef fish need our help
Pretty privilege is not just a bias humans hold within our own species. According to a machine-learning study from the University of Montpellier, reef fish that people perceive as more beautiful are a higher priority for conservation support. In the study, 13,000 members of the public were asked Read More...
NASA assembles team to investigate UFO sightings
While the Pentagon has confirmed the sightings of UFOs over the last couple of years, these are still unexplained. In response, NASA is forming its own independent team for the purpose of studying UFOs. The confirmed UFO sightings certainly have many scientists and officials boggled, but there Read More...
Aspirin reduces the development of colorectal cancer cells
Indeed, we shouldn’t be taking aspirin willy-nilly because it can cause damage to the liver over the long term. However, recent research shows that it may help with an even more pernicious condition. A new study from UC Irvine shows that aspirin can slow the evolution of colorectal cancer Read More...
Here’s how kombucha is helping investigate ETs
Kombucha is a tea of many talents. The drink is made by fermenting sugar with bacteria and yeast cultures, with the result being a health-packed delicious beverage. Due to its unique properties, scientists are researching alternative uses for kombucha, including a kombucha-based wood or using the Read More...
This “superworm” eats and degrades plastics
Researchers from the University of Queensland have discovered that thanks to a bacterial enzyme in their gut the Zophobas morio “superworm” can eat through polystyrene plastic. This is the main compound of Styrofoam. Over a three-week period, the research team fed these “superworms” Read More...
Volcanic musical dynamics could help predict eruptions
Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano dramatically erupted in 2018, causing earthquakes, ash plumes, and lava flows that demolished over 700 homes on the island. This was one of the worst eruptions the U.S. had seen since Mount St. Helens and unfortunately there was no credible model to turn to to help Read More...
Researchers study animal evolution to advance women’s health
Researchers find that studying the evolution of certain female animals can offer invaluable insight into women’s health and possible treatments. As if we needed another reason to preserve the environment, the habitats and adaptations of giraffes, sharks, and bears could offer clues on how to Read More...