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.
DNA study reveals rare frog species not documented since 1968
We recently wrote an article about five species that were rediscovered after being thought to be extinct. Thanks to a DNA study in Brazil, we have another species to add to the list: the Megaelosia bocainensis frog. Frogs are a notoriously elusive species with impressive camouflaging Read More...
Uber users can now opt for green rides in the US and Canada
An Uber feature that allows riders in European cities to opt for a “green” car is now coming to the US and Canada. Uber Green, as it’s known, is part of the ride-hailing giant’s renewed commitment to become zero-carbon by 2040. Basically, how it works is when you select a ride, a card Read More...
Scientists create camera so powerful it can spot golf ball 15 miles away
Scientists are developing the world’s biggest camera to help us unlock some of the universe’s biggest mysteries. What makes the camera so special is that it has a focal plane that can snap 3,200-megapixel images. What does this mean in layman’s terms? It means the camera can make images so Read More...
Hungarian scientist uncovers gene-based therapy that could cure blindness
Since 1985, the Körber Foundation in Hamburg has been awarding a prestigious prize to scientists whose work has applied futuristic techniques to physical sciences. This year, the Körber Prize for European Science 2020 was awarded to Hungarian researcher Botond Roska, who uncovered a gene-based Read More...
Battery-free Game Boy prototype runs on button taps and solar energy
The gaming industry is getting in on the green revolution. A new Game Boy prototype is battery-free and sources its energy from the sun and from users themselves. Created by researchers at Northwestern University and the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), the new gaming console actually Read More...
This startup is turning desert lands into nutrient-rich soil
Desertification is human-caused degradation of land in dry climates and it has been on the rise. This is one of the contributing factors to the challenge of feeding a growing global population in a changing climate. Norwegian startup, Desert Control, is attempting to get ahead of this problem by Read More...
New AI algorithm predicts pregnancy complications
After a woman gives birth, sometimes a specialist will conduct a placenta exam to analyze the organ for anything that might indicate health problems with the new baby or future pregnancies. The placenta is vital because it delivers blood, oxygen, and other vital substances to the baby via the Read More...
Scrolling on social media too much? Here’s how to kick the habit
When Marnie Vinall realized she had a problematic relationship with social media, she decided to take some action. Vinall knew her habit of endlessly scrolling on social media was making her weary and exhausted—and time abundance of time during quarantine only worsened the habit. But now Read More...
NASA has mapped out a faster and cheaper route to the moon
It took Apollo 11 just over two days to reach the moon in 1969, but for non-manned missions, the voyage can take up to a year. Now, thanks to a new route designed by NASA, there is a faster and cheaper way to reach lunar orbit. Designed by NASA's upcoming Dark Ages Polarimeter Pathfinder Read More...
Public transportation is now free for Parisians under 18
There are two keys to making public transportation more widely used: make it cheaper and make it more accessible. The city of Paris hopes to do both of these things by making public transportation free for those under 18. The free public transportation for those who live within the city comes Read More...