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.
Oakland Slow Streets project makes social distancing easier
If you live in a heavily populated area, maintaining social distancing practices while taking walks around the neighborhood can be a challenge and require weaving around people and across streets. Oakland, California is helping residents get outside by closing 74 miles of streets in the city for Read More...
NASA wants you to play this video game to help preserve coral reefs
Video gaming is a common pass time activity among many people confined to their homes due to the coronavirus lockdown. In a bid to make something useful out of this trend, NASA has recently developed an app that enables video-gamers and citizen scientists to help identify and classify the world’s Read More...
Novel laser technique turns metal surfaces into instant bacteria killers
Bacteria are known to live on surfaces for days, making it really easy for them to spread from one place to the other with the help of humans. But what if frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs could instantly kill them off? Well, that may soon be possible thanks to Purdue University Read More...
Research shows a daily “nature pill” can reduce stress levels
We at The Optimist Daily are big proponents of the healing nature of the outdoors. While exploring local natural spaces may not be as feasible now as it once was, you should still try to get outside every day. A new study has found that just 20 minutes outdoors can lower your stress levels. The Read More...
UK households are getting paid for daytime clean energy use during lockdown
It’s well-known that generating green energy can help you save money, but for some people in the UK, producing and using green energy is actually getting them paid during the coronavirus lockdown. On Sunday morning, windfarms contributed almost 40% of the UK’s electricity, while solar power Read More...
Philanthropic vending machines to distribute free face masks in Hong Kong
Like many other nations, Hong Kong advised its citizens from early in the COVID-19 crisis to wear face masks when they need to go out in public, as a means of ensuring safety for both themselves and those around them. But due to the current shortage and high prices of these PPEs, many disadvantaged Read More...
This social network for immigrants helps those with nowhere else to turn
Neel, a 24 year old from Gujarat, India, who is in the U.S. for school, got an internship in Silicon Valley this spring. He needed help finding a more affordable place to stay, and a friend suggested Homeis, a platform for immigrants that’s a bit like NextDoor. Homeis is organized by Read More...
75 percent of new electricity sources were renewable in 2019
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, new green energy hit an all-time high in 2019 with almost 75 percent of new energy generation coming from renewable sources. Solar, wind, and other green energy sources now make up one-third of the world’s power as fossil fuel plants Read More...
College students are recreating their campuses on Minecraft
Many college students are finding themselves back at home after universities across the country canceled in-person classes and postponed or moved graduation ceremonies online. That's why some students are turning to an unusual platform to reconnect with the campuses they called home: Read More...
A startup called Platio just installed the first solar home driveway
Back in 2018, Hungary-based tech company Platio announced its goal of introducing the world to the aesthetically-pleasing solar pavement, which could partially replace home driveways and provide clean energy to households. Flash forward two years, and Platio has just installed its first solar Read More...