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.
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...
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...