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.
11 positive energy developments that show the bright side of 2020
Yes, 2020 was a year saturated with negative news. But we wouldn’t do it justice if we only remembered it for the doom and gloom. Throughout the year's unprecedented times, there have also been plenty of moments that brought a sense of optimism over our planet’s future. Our global energy Read More...
Motion sensor uses AI to recognize when wildlife is running from poachers
Scientists at the University of Twente in the Netherlands are mixing motion sensors with machine learning to create a powerful tool that could help combat wildlife poaching. Motion sensors have already given conservationists the ability to track the whereabouts of endangered animals, but this new Read More...
Airbus unveils three hydrogen-powered zero-emission airplanes
As the body of evidence grows about the heavy environmental footprint of flying, airplane manufacturers have started to ramp up their efforts to decarbonize the industry. In a bid to showcase its plans for zero-emissions air travel, Airbus has recently unveiled three hydrogen-powered aircraft Read More...
How a biologist and a composer are making music from the northern lights
While you may be familiar with the natural phenomenon known as the northern lights (aurora borealis), did you know there’s an audio element to this brilliant light show? When humans see those sweeping green and violet lights over the Arctic sky, what we’re actually seeing are collisions Read More...
Mobile skin scanner could help keep astronauts safe and sound
A team of engineers at Louisiana State University has developed a portable device that could help non-specialists to autonomously diagnose skin lesions. The device, which looks somewhat like a handheld supermarket scanner, will not only help pediatric patients but also have the potential to help Read More...
Synthetic palm oil could significantly reduce deforestation
Palm oil is a common ingredient in far more packaged foods than you may think. Globally, 82 million US tons of palm oil are consumed annually. Unfortunately, it’s also responsible for some of the most destructive deforestation in rainforests around the world. The biotech industry thinks it may Read More...
First CRISPR gene editing patients continue to show positive progress
Back in June, we shared the success story of Victoria Gray, the first person in the US with a genetic disorder to get treated with the revolutionary gene-editing technique called CRISPR. Now, a year and a half since her groundbreaking treatment, Gray continues to thrive and even flew for the very Read More...
2020: Scientists discover world’s ugliest orchid and other plant species
While orchids are known as some of the most beautiful flowers in the world, scientists have discovered a new species of orchid that does not live up to its family’s reputation. In fact, scientists at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew (RGB Kew) are calling it the “ugliest in the world.” Read More...
Study: How has the pandemic changed our relationship with nature?
During the pandemic, we have seen a resurgence of animal populations and cleaner air and water, but we have also witnessed a fundamental shift in many people’s personal relationship with nature. When the great outdoors is one of the few places you can safely have recreation, we gain a newfound Read More...
This autonomous tractor has no tailpipe emissions
A traditional diesel-powered tractor will produce approximately 14-times more emissions than an ordinary car. This fact alone makes it clear that the farming industry needs a clean alternative to the conventional tractors of today. Enter Monarch Tractor, a California-based firm that has created an Read More...