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 breast milk can shield premature babies from sepsis
Late-onset sepsis is a big medical challenge for babies born prematurely. Unfortunately, about ten percent of infants born preterm experience late-onset sepsis and 30 percent to 50 percent of those who develop the infections die. Researchers have found that a molecule called epidermal growth Read More...
Fear can spread faster than any virus. Here’s how to stop it
The basis of a pandemic is the rapid spread of disease, but feelings of fear and panic can spread even faster than a highly contagious virus. The global reach of modern media, paired with images of empty stores and messages of economic doom, demonstrate how the fear of contagion is inflicting our Read More...
3D printed valves are saving the lives of COVID-19 patients
It is clear that 3D printing will have a big impact on the medical world in the near future. For hospitals in Northern Italy facing rising numbers of COVID-19 cases, the technology is already saving lives. When doctors needed a replacement valve for a reanimation device and the supplier was out, Read More...
Researchers are turning waste rubber tires into high-value aerogels
About 1 billion rubber tires—which are highly durable and non-biodegradable—are generated worldwide every year. Only 40% get recycled into low-value-added products, 49% are incinerated to generate energy, and at least 11% end up in landfills. While many go into landfills, landfill sites are Read More...
Tech giants are joining efforts to combat misinformation about the COVID-19
Preventing the circulation of misinformation in regards to the COVID-19 is arguably as important as stopping the spread of the virus itself. With that in mind, a group of the biggest technology companies in the US has recently banded together in a commitment to fight coronavirus-related fraud and Read More...
This tiny island just became the world’s first “dark sky” nation
Whether it’s urbanization, satellites in space or the increased use of greenhouses lit up by LEDs, there are many causes of light pollution that are spoiling the beauty of our night skies. That’s a crying shame, which is why a nonprofit known as the International Dark-Sky Association is working Read More...
Virginia is the first southern state to commit to 100 percent renewable energy
Virginia passed a landmark law on March 6 which makes it the first state in the southern United States to commit to achieving 100 percent renewable energy. The Virginia Clean Economy Act of 2020 includes plans to eliminate emissions from the electricity sector and create 13,000 new clean energy Read More...
The deepest waters south of Australia have finally been explored
Australia’s most famous coral resides on its Pacific coast. The Great Barrier Reef is amazing, to be sure, and a bellwether of how climate change is impacting reefs around the world. But there’s a reef hidden in the depths of the Southern Ocean off Australia’s south coast that could unlock Read More...
Non-profit launches virtual anti-censorship library using Minecraft
In authoritarian countries where censorship is common practice, many news sites and social media platforms are blocked, restricting millions of people from accessing accurate, uncensored information about events happening around the world and even their own countries. But apparently it’s still Read More...
Healthy wetlands can save coastal communities millions of dollars during storms
Wetlands such as mangrove forests, marshes, and seagrass beds are critical habitats for a wide variety of species. They also serve to protect inland areas from storm surges and strong winds. A new analysis of Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastal storms has also found that areas with larger wetlands Read More...