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.
Scientists create bacteria-killing biodegradable food packaging
A team of scientists from the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore, and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in the US have developed an astounding material: food packaging that is not only biodegradable but antimicrobial as well. This means that the packaging, which is Read More...
CRISPR-Cas9 may be able to solve obesity
Cases of obesity have been steadily increasing worldwide, especially during the pandemic. Lack of physical activity through more office-based jobs, plus a lack of access to fresh healthy food means more and more people are experiencing obesity. Having too much fat on your body can be extremely Read More...
Magnetic ‘hedgehogs’ could enormously expand data storage potential
As populations and the number of electronic devices increase, there is an ever growing demand for video and cloud data storage. At our ongoing rate, the current technology available will eventually run out of funds and space. Although, a research group from Ohio State might just have the solution Read More...
James Webb Space Telescope officially launches into space
As most of us were celebrating Christmas morning in December 2021, NASA was celebrating a different event: the successful launch of the James Webb Space Telescope. The launch marks the beginning of a highly-anticipated NASA mission that aims to transform how we study deep space. First conceived Read More...
7 plants with super air-purifying powers
Houseplants are all great natural indoor air purifiers, but some are especially effective for improving indoor air quality. Here are seven houseplant varieties that are ideal for cleaning your home’s air. English ivy This vine is easy to care for and helps prevent mold from growing in your Read More...
New study confirms brain benefits of regular socialization
Earlier this year, we discussed how socialization can help prevent cognitive decline. Now, additional research from Penn State’s Center for Healthy Aging has further solidified this correlation with evidence that social interactions can immediately impact cognitive health. Study leader Read More...
Pandemic spurs surge in African medical tech
Tech innovations have helped improve food resilience in countries like Rwanda and Ethiopia, but a new study indicates that health tech is also expanding rapidly across Africa, spurred by the pandemic. More than 60 new and existing private firms now offer health products to consumers and medical Read More...
The scientific case for magic mushrooms in space
During the health crisis, most of the residents on planet Earth have finally had a taste of what it’s like to be an astronaut in space. No, not because we’ve all had the chance to launch ourselves into “the last frontier,” but because we’ve grappled with loneliness, isolation, and Read More...
London’s black cabbies help navigate research into Alzheimer’s disease
What do squirrels and London’s licensed black cabbies have in common? An extraordinarily large hippocampus—the area of the brain that deals with spatial navigation. London’s licensed black cabbies don’t need the modern convenience of GPS devices. Instead, they rely on “the Read More...
WHO recognizes Henrietta Lacks for her life-changing contributions to medicine
When Henrietta Lacks sought treatment for cervical cancer at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore in the 1950s, her cancer cells were harvested without her consent. These “HeLa cells” became the first sample of human cells to divide indefinitely in a lab, providing the basis for life-changing Read More...