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.
US on the verge of constructing its first utility-scale offshore wind farm
After three years of planning, it looks like the US is on the verge of constructing its first utility-scale offshore wind farm. The project, called Vineyard Wind, completed its last environmental impact report this week and has received approval from the White House. Once officially approved by the Read More...
GM’s new Li-metal batteries nearly double the capacity of lithium-ion cells
Back in January 2021, General Motors (GM) announced that it will only produce electric vehicles by 2035. If such an announcement from America’s biggest automaker wasn’t encouraging enough for the transition to electric vehicles in the US, GM has followed it up with another big announcement Read More...
Researchers discover why catnip makes such a great insect repellent
Spring and summer bring warmer weather and longer days, but they also bring back pesky insects like mosquitoes and flies that can make time outdoors uncomfortable. Fortunately, it turns out catnip is the perfect backyard bug repellant, and researchers from Northwestern and Lund universities have Read More...
User-friendly exercise apps can significantly boost mobility for older adults
Apps and wearable devices are rapidly gaining popularity among health-conscious millennials and Gen Z, but what about older adults? According to researchers from the University of Texas, an easy-to-use exercise app for seniors can greatly reduce their risk of falls by guiding them through daily Read More...
Land-scarce Singapore builds floating solar farms to fight climate change
While Singapore is one of the world’s smallest countries, its carbon footprint is not necessarily proportional to its size. In fact, the city-state is ranked among Asia’s biggest per-capita emitters of carbon dioxide. The country has vocalized commitments to change things for the better and Read More...
Self-cleaning bedsheets cut down on wasteful wash cycles
From germs to dust mites to dead skin cells, your bed sheets quickly accumulate a lot of nasty things you can’t see. That’s why experts recommend washing them as often as once a week. That’s a lot of water and time wasted, so wouldn’t it be better if we reinvented the bedsheet? That’s Read More...
Scientists observe sea slugs self-decapitate and regenerate their body
Planet Earth is home to many incredible creatures, some of which, like lizards and whale sharks, can regrow detached parts of their bodies. But Elysia marginata, a particular species of sea slugs, is one-upping these animals with their remarkable regenerative abilities. Sakaya Mitoh, a Ph.D. Read More...
Volkswagen expects 70% of its EU sales to be electric vehicles by 2030
With giant automakers like Jaguar, Volvo, and General Motors announcing plans to electrify their products over the next two decades, there’s little doubt left that the electric revolution is well underway. Now, major car manufacturer Volkswagen (VW) is joining the sustainable transportation Read More...
New modular laptop is designed to be repaired and upgraded
We recently shared an article about the EU’s new right to repair laws which aim to push companies to produce goods that can be easily repaired, rather than replaced, when they malfunction. Whether you live in the EU or not, a new laptop is hitting the market that will bring repairability to all Read More...
Meet Moxie: The development skills robot for children
AI technology and robotics have seen a surge in development in recent years and are slowly making their way from the fringes of mainstream culture into our homes. One of these machines is an adorable robot named Moxie. Designed by Embodied in Pasadena, California, Moxie is modeled to be a Read More...