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.
Optimist View: Transformative tech teachings in a distanced world
BY PIETRO VIGILANZA Since the start of the global pandemic, our dependence on technology has crystallized to an extent that would have seemed farfetched this time last year. While this certainly has some glad that we can function while we stay physically distanced to cut down on disease, it has Read More...
Check out these incredible plans to build an underwater “space station”
Aquanaut Fabien Cousteau — grandson of famed ocean explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau — has announced stunning plans to build the equivalent of the International Space Station (ISS)—but on the ocean floor deep below the surface. He calls the facility “Proteus” and claims it can be a place Read More...
Londoners are commuting safely to work on open air double-decker buses
With the coronavirus being shown to spread more rapidly in indoor spaces, a London-based company is offering commuters an alternative way to get to work: double-decker open-topped buses. London has 233 roof-less tourist buses, but with tourism at a standstill, on-demand bus company Snap wants to Read More...
This all-female expedition team is diving into ocean plastics research
We recently shared a story about Ocean Voyage Institute completing the largest ocean clean up to date. Now, another crew is exploring the ocean’s five garbage-collecting gyres to learn more about plastic pollution and its impact. Even more unique, the crew is made up entirely of women. The Read More...
Study shows cutting screen time lowers risk of death
We already know that too much screen time can affect everything from sleep quality to creativity, but a study from the University of Glasgow explains that the effects might be more far-reaching than we once thought. Less screen time leads to better health The study followed almost 500,000 Read More...
Fungus found in Chernobyl could protect astronauts from cosmic radiation
One of the biggest challenges facing crewed missions to Mars is figuring out how to protect crewmembers from the onslaught of deadly cosmic rays. Now, scientists at a number of universities say there’s growing evidence that an unusual solution could be effective: building shields out of a Read More...
NASA calls on young scientists to solve the problem of sticky lunar dust
This week on The Optimist Daily Update, our CEO Summers and Editor in Chief Kristy discussed the undervalued role that ingenious teens play in our society. Whether it’s coming up with coloring books to teach kids about the pandemic or donating to climate action, the next generation is a real Read More...
Our public transit systems can help us fight racism. Here's how
In the US, the opportunities afforded to people can often rely on how connected their communities are transportation-wise. This is something Darnell Grisby knows well. Growing up as a Black man in Southern California during the 1980s and 1990s, Darnell Grisby saw how limited public transportation Read More...
These stickers help people with disabilities get a seat on public transit
“Please offer me a seat. Not all disabilities are visible,” reads a new sticker that’s available to buy online, intended for disabled people who struggle to find seating on public transit. The idea is the brainchild of Catherine Callahan, who volunteers with Bay Area Rapid Transit, the Read More...
When users play this virtual game, millions of real trees are planted
Since its launch in 2016, over half a billion people have used Ant Forest to convert lower-carbon activities such as using public transport into real trees. The game is helping China lead the way in re-greening the planet and is serving as a model for tree-planting schemes elsewhere. It's the Read More...