New study identifies mosquitoes' favorite colors to feast on
While many of us look forward to the warmth spring brings each year, there’s another aspect of the hotter seasons that is not so exciting—pesky mosquitoes! This is especially true for those individuals out there whom mosquitoes find the tastiest (you know who you are) and always end up with Read More...
This app can reduce social media overuse
The time we spend on our phones can run easily from an easygoing couple of minutes to a dissociative hour of doom-scrolling where we finally look around and say, “How did I kill a whole hour?” These “dissociative states” are common. We get into them when we’re so focused on a task or Read More...
This device can save people from opioid overdoses
The strain of health care systems around the world caused by the pandemic means many other services have been cut. This includes those tackling the opioid epidemic, which accounted for 70 percent of overdoses in 2019, according to the CDC. While many government policies look at this issue from a Read More...
AI system can predict lightning strikes
Lightning is one of the leading causes of destructive wildfires, but its notoriously difficult-to-predict nature means that firefighters and residents rarely have an accurate prediction about where and when lightning may strike. Researchers from the University of Washington hope to use AI to better Read More...
New AI system helps prioritize and assess ICU patients
A new AI system created by researchers at the University of Washington aims to help doctors during busy periods, like during a global pandemic. How does the technology work? The new algorithm can instruct doctors on which patients need intensive care unit (ICU) treatment and which can be helped Read More...
AI can predict protein interactions like never before
You may be surprised to know our DNA Purley codes for proteins. These little molecules are responsible for all of us; from eye color, to organ activity. Scientists have studied the structure of proteins for decades now. Understanding their shape, function, and interaction is essential to grasping Read More...
A small patch could soon replace blood tests
Drawing blood is a common component of many medical tests, but this somewhat invasive process may soon be a thing of the past as researchers at the University of Washington have developed a small patch that adheres to the skin to scan for biomarkers and signs of disease. The patch is the size Read More...
How raising a tax credit for struggling families can reduce child neglect
Our children are our future, but sadly enough, child neglect is a major problem in the US. In fact, an estimated one-third of children are subject to a child protective services investigation before the age of 18. Research has found that the stress of poverty is often linked to child abuse, which 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...
Research shows wilderness is vital for our urban spaces
Taking a walk through the woods, going camping, or even just stepping outside for a deep breath of fresh air reminds us of the restorative feeling that comes with time outdoors. We at The Optimist Daily talk a lot about the mental and physical health benefits of time in nature. Now, researchers at Read More...