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.
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...
Winners of international James Dyson Award 2021 announced
Every year the international James Dyson Awards take place, where designers have to come up with new-problem solving ideas. Previous winners have included an at-home breast cancer detection box, a plastic alternative made from fish waste, and an urban wind turbine. The bar is set high for Read More...
This initiative will help recycle e-bike batteries at the end of their life
The recent surge in e-bike adoption is good news for the environment. In fact, it is estimated that Americans will buy over 12 million electric bikes this decade. However, there is still a sustainability concern when it comes to this green method of transportation: What do we do with all those Read More...
Scientists record second person ever to eliminate HIV naturally
The human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, operates by replicating its own DNA into its hosts. This means it takes over the organism a cell at a time, altering its immune system and bodily functions. To suppress the disease, people infected receive treatment called anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Read More...
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...