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.
US cities work together to create network of abortion safe havens
After a draft of a US Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe V. Wade was leaked, people across the country now worry about the future of their ability to access safe abortions. A collective of city and state leaders across the United States are working together to create a facilitative network Read More...
The newest advancement in VR? Simulating sensations in and on your mouth
We have to admit that the combination of pandemic social isolation (read: loneliness) and the continuing advancement of virtual reality (VR) technology makes this news particularly interesting. A new device developed by scientists at Carnegie Mellon University can create sensations on your Read More...
Daily steroid treatment safe and helpful for children with muscular dystrophy
Many of us listen with apprehension when a doctor suggests steroids because they have a bad reputation, and justifiably so. Steroid use can have long-term consequences like stunted growth, reduced bone density, and even compromised glandular function. As patients, we should get all the Read More...
Ole-Kristian Sivertsen: revitalizing deserts with nano clay
Climate change is drastically changing global weather patterns. Wet places are getting wetter, and dry places are getting drier. The human-caused degradation of dry land known as desertification is growing across farmlands, such as in California. The state is one of the country's largest producers Read More...
Finally, the Webb telescope is ready to start observing the universe
Finally, the James Webb Space Telescope can look at our beautiful universe. The last time we reported on the marvelous machine it had taken its first stunning image of a star and was waiting for its other instruments to cool and align. NASA’s Webb team has now released an update that its huge Read More...
UN experts and analysts plan to reinvigorate the “Great Green Wall”
The African Great Green Wall is a titanic ambition to restore an 8,000 square kilometer expanse across the continent, from Djibouti in the East to Senegal in the West. In the face of increasing desertification from climate change, the initiative aims to restore 100 million hectares (386,000 square Read More...
This newly developed “heat battery” could make millions of homes gas-free
After 12 years of research and development, a team of scientists from the Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands believes that their “heat battery” can soon get millions of homes in Europe off of their gas dependency—and considering the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, this Read More...
Indian court rules in favor of “mother nature’s” rights
It’s hard to describe the growth of an environmental movement without an inappropriate natural disaster metaphor: a wave of legislation, laws spreading like wildfire, or a mighty wind of change. None of those feel quite right, but the wave — darn it — for nature’s rights is moving fast and Read More...
How beneficial bacteria could help protect corals from bleaching
With water temperatures rising as a result of climate change, corals are finding it increasingly difficult to survive. Probiotics could help provide a potential solution to help these crucial marine ecosystems become more resilient against stresses related to climate change. A team of researchers Read More...
This Louisiana startup turns glass into sand and increases climate resiliency
There is seemingly no end to the variety and ingenuity scientists and researchers have when it comes to recycling. They have taken plastic waste and treated it to absorb CO2. They have taken human waste and turned it into viable renewable energy. Louisiana startup Glass Half Full is turning Read More...