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.
Study provides insights into how the brain ages with Down syndrome
A breakthrough study from Sanford Burnham Prebys, has uncovered some of the mysteries surrounding the brains of individuals with Down syndrome. The disorder occurs when people obtain an extra copy of chromosome 21, giving them three instead of two. With one in 700 births carrying this chromosomal Read More...
Researchers develop promising new approach to Alzheimer's treatment
Scientists from the University of Leicester in the UK along with a team from the University of Medical Center Göttingen in Germany and the research charity LifeArc have made exciting progress in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. The team developed a new method that could potentially help Read More...
This family farm is a model for agrivoltaic farming
We’ve previously written about agrivoltaics as a solution for improving solar and farming efficiency. Farms, like this one in Germany are real-world examples of the efficacy of these systems. Today we bring you the story of another farm benefiting from this symbiotic partnership. Byron Read More...
What are starling murmurations and why do they happen
Those who are lucky enough to witness a starling murmuration know exactly how transfixing and hypnotic it can be to be in the presence of such a magical natural phenomenon. A starling is a small to medium-sized bird that has a short tail, pointed head, and glossy black feathers with hints of Read More...
Researchers discover new deep-earth mineral with the help of a rare diamond
Mineralogists from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas are reporting the surprising discovery of a new mineral. Called calcium silicate perovskite, traces of the mineral were discovered in a diamond formed deep in the earth’s mantle. The mineral sample likely formed between 660 and 900 km Read More...
5 Ways adults can reconnect with a love of scientific learning
Most of our childhood is spent exploring, learning, and absorbing new information, but once we leave formal education, this emphasis on cultivating new knowledge is largely lost to the world of work and adult responsibilities. Simultaneously, large portions of the adult population struggle to Read More...
Could ‘universal basic mobility’ end youth disconnection?
The concept of universal basic income (UBI) is being tested in cities around the world to explore how no-strings-attached payments can improve standards of living for vulnerable individuals. Now, some cities are looking beyond payments and embracing “universal basic mobility” as another Read More...
New research shows that cats track their owners movements
All cat owners and lovers know that cats are special and intelligent creatures, and this new study led by Dr. Saho Takagi at the University of Kyoto in Japan confirms this. Takagi’s research reveals cats’ ability to track their owners as they move about the house, and show signs of a genuine Read More...
New wearable wrist device can predict seizures
A huge difficulty for people living with epilepsy is even when medicated, unpredictable and sometimes deadly seizures can continue to happen. Fortunately, a new study by the Mayo Clinic has invented a device that may be able to give those with epilepsy more control over their lives. The study, Read More...
Newly discovered beaked whale is named after Indigenous whale expert
Every deep-sea species discovery serves as a reminder of how much there is yet to be discovered in the depths of our oceans. These discoveries are especially resonant when the new species in question are giant mammals like whales. Now that’s exactly what scientists have recently identified with Read More...