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.
Why digital agriculture investments are critical in Africa
Although Africa has registered only three percent of the world’s COVID-19 cases, the continent is feeling the economic impacts of the pandemic more heavily than those of the disease. Investment in digital resources, especially in the agricultural sector, will be key for Africa’s recovery from Read More...
Britain’s biggest pension fund will now divest from fossil fuels
If we want to foster the transition from fossil fuels to renewables, then we’re going to need major financial institutions to shun companies that profit off the extraction or production of these dirty fuels. In that vein, climate campaigners will be pleased to know that the UK’s biggest pension Read More...
Could excess pine needles help solve water pollution in India?
For a couple of decades already, India has been troubled by two particular environmental problems: the risk of fire in the pine forests cloaking the foothills of the Himalaya, and pollution by heavy metals, particularly lead, of some of the country’s water supply. A team of scientists in Delhi Read More...
Engineers create “no touch” touchscreen to reduce distracted drivers
More and more passenger cars have touchscreen technology to control entertainment, navigation, or temperature control systems. The problem is that users can often miss the correct item—for example, due to acceleration or vibrations from road conditions—and have to reselect, meaning that their Read More...
Clinical study finds CBD can help treat cannabis addiction
Although cannabis is not necessarily thought of as an addictive substance, some people still develop problematic consumption habits and struggle when trying to kick the habit. Looking for a way to reduce problematic cannabis consumption, researchers conducted the world’s first clinical trial to Read More...
How this Australian fruit could save Florida's dying oranges
Citrus greening is a disease that has killed thousands of acres of orange and grapefruit trees across Florida, but there may soon be a solution to save the state’s signature crop in the form of exotic Australian fruit. The Australian finger lime is native to rainforests in Australia and Read More...
NASA to fly stadium-sized high-altitude balloon to watch newborn stars
NASA’s latest mission won’t involve launching a rocket into space, but rather a stadium-sized high-altitude balloon that will fly high up in the Earth’s atmosphere - all in an effort to watch newly formed stars. The mission is called ASTHROS (Astrophysics Stratospheric Telescope for High Read More...
France is bringing back the freight train in a push to green the economy
Over the last couple of decades, trains have steadily lost ground to lorries to transport goods from one end to the other. And while trucks are more convenient, as they enable more flexible point-to-point operation, they are also significantly more carbon-polluting. In France though, the freight Read More...
Microsoft launches two initiatives to help corporates slash emissions
This week, software giant Microsoft joined eight other global corporations to launch Transform to Net Zero, a coalition that was created to help businesses erase their carbon footprint. The coalition, which includes companies such as Nike, Unilever, and shipping company Maersk, aims to set an Read More...
Cleaner air during lockdown helped solar panels generate more green energy
Ranked as the most polluted capital in the world, it’s no surprise that clear skies are a rare commodity in Delhi. That’s why, earlier in April, people living in the Indian capital were pleasantly surprised to find that the nationwide lockdown has not only brought the freshest air the capital Read More...