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.
New map pinpoints where the world’s methane emissions are coming from
We all know that methane emissions are a significant driver of climate change, but pinpointing where exactly these emissions are coming from is a much more complex task. Fortunately, a new resource from GHGSat is putting methane emitters on the map. Quite literally. The organization’s Read More...
Prisons often reject letters to inmates. This app stops that from happening
If you have a loved one in prison and want to contact them, generally you are allowed to call, email, or video chat with them. The only problem is prisons can charge a fortune for these services, leaving physical mail as the best and sometimes only option for people behind bars. But mail comes Read More...
Oregon closes state’s last coal plant in favor of green energy
On October 15, General Electric closed the last coal plant in Oregon in favor of investments in renewable sources. It took a long time, but energy companies are finally coming around to the idea that renewable energy is not only better for the planet, but can also be more affordable and create more Read More...
Artificial intelligence may soon help linguists decipher ancient languages
Needless to say, deciphering an ancient language when there’s no one left alive who speaks it can be rather daunting. But historical linguists may soon get a helping hand thanks to an AI-based system developed by researchers at MIT. A team of researchers at MIT’s Computer Science and Read More...
Twins born with a fused skull return home after successful surgery
The story of Safa and Marwa Bibi is one that speaks volumes to the power of compassion. It also shows us just how far medicine has come. Safa and Marwa are twin girls who were born joined at the head, meaning their skulls were fused together. The girls are what is known as craniopagus twins, the Read More...
Pufferfish-inspired drone expands itself to prevent harmful collisions
When a pufferfish feels threatened, the marine animal makes itself larger by inflating its body like a balloon. Drawing inspiration from this undersea creature’s defense mechanism, a group of engineers has developed an innovative structure that can solve some of the safety issues related to Read More...
Australia to build a giant solar farm that will be visible from space
Australia is preparing to become home to the world’s largest solar farm, with the project expected to generate enough energy to power places as far away as Singapore. Called Sun Cable, the 10-gigawatt solar farm will occupy 120 square kilometers on a remote patch of the outback in the Read More...
Uber set to invest millions in EV charging points in London
Uber wants its drivers to switch to electric cars. To persuade drivers in London, the ride-sharing giant has pledged to invest more than £5 million ($6.5 million) in public electric vehicle charging infrastructure. “Drivers consistently tell us that having reliable, accessible charging near Read More...
The planet's least loved vehicle, The Hummer, is back as an EV
The Hummer was once the poster boy of wasteful, resource-intensive transportation. With its clunky size and low gas mileage, the Hummer had a reputation of being one of the least environmentally-friendly vehicles on the market, which is part of the reason they went out of production a decade Read More...
This white paint reflects over 95% of sunlight to cool buildings
Have you ever noticed that it can feel hotter in a city than in a rural area? Part of this is because all the dark paved surfaces in cities absorb the sun’s rays more than trees and natural spaces, making it feel warmer. A team of researchers from Purdue University is hoping to cool down cities Read More...