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.
How Fukushima is rebranding as a haven for renewable energy
A year after Fukushima’s nuclear disaster, the regional government set a goal of meeting all of its energy demands with renewables by 2040. Now — 11 years after the tsunami — solar farms, green hydrogen, and micro-grids are ushering in a new energy future for the region. From nuclear Read More...
New Zealand’s new machine revolutionizes its e-waste recycling
Many of us might not consider what effect our computers and other devices have on the world once we’re done with them. There are a lot of consumers demanding the right to repair, and rightly so. Our smart devices have hazardous materials which can be very harmful to the environment and people if Read More...
Exciting discovery may revolutionize prostate cancer treatment & prevention
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men worldwide, and sadly the disease takes thousands of lives every year. However, a team of researchers led by the University of East Anglia may have a potential solution. The scientists Read More...
Why does the cream in an Oreo always stick to one side?
Most of us are familiar with the delicious treat that is an Oreo. The two chocolate wafers between their silky cream filling make the perfect treat to dip in a glass of milk. Although, we can guess most of you will not know that when you twist an Oreo to get to the creamy center, you are carrying Read More...
New Zealand system helps to predict volcanic eruptions
When it comes to science and dealing with disasters, sometimes it’s not about preventing the disaster but making sure that everyone is safe after. We don’t even need to make predictions about natural disasters with 100 percent certainty. Sometimes all you need is a little warning that something Read More...
Seaweed could supplement our protein and future biofuel
Sometimes, the answers to important questions were right under our noses the whole time… or, in this case, underwater. A Swedish sea farm is growing seaweed in abundance to show how it can become a major food staple and a potential resource for biofuel and plastics. Sea agriculture At Read More...
New species of millipede named after singer Taylor Swift
There have been several newly discovered animals in the past year named after famous individuals. This includes Opaluma rupaul, a species of a fly named after the drag queen Ru Paul and the rain frog Pristimantis gretathunbergae, named after climate activist Greta Thunberg. Recently, 16 new Read More...
How to catch the Lyrid meteor shower this Earth Day
Earth Day is an international celebration of our beautiful planet and a reminder of what steps we need to take to save it. The date marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement which started in 1970. This Earth Day, the stars have aligned (so to speak) to bring us the Read More...
Woman born without a chunk of her brain shows the power of plasticity
Imagine going to the doctor for a check-up and finding out you are missing a vital part of your brain. This is what happened in 1987 to a woman — referred to as EG— who had no prior knowledge of her condition before this scan. In accounts from EG and those who know her, no unusual behavior Read More...
Calculating fairness: BU’s new software shows workers their wage gap
While we have made many strides in the journey toward equal pay, wage inequality does still exist in many parts of the country. Legislatures, citizens, and even universities strive and innovate efforts every day to make sure that women and people of color earn as much as their white male Read More...