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.
Austria is poised to ban the common weedkiller Roundup
The popular herbicide Roundup is used globally by people trying to rid their gardens of weeds, and that’s a problem. Scientists have continued to find evidence that proves that Roundup, which was originally created by GMO giant Monsanto, is linked to cancer. The good news is government Read More...
We’re running out of rare-Earth metals for electronics. Here’s a solution
Electronic devices are made possible thanks to a group of elements often referred to as rare-Earth metals, but as the name suggests, these may be in limited supply and are relatively expensive. Now, a team of scientists has found a way to combine much more common elements into electronically-useful Read More...
This classic American muscle car produces no sound and no emissions
At the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England, an iconic Ford Mustang was on display for all to see. The shiny black car looked just like any ‘American muscle’ car that growls loudly and consumes gasoline like water, but look a little closer and you notice the words ‘Charge EV prototype’ Read More...
Green energy among top most attractive investment opportunities for US firms
While it seems that the green energy transition in the US could take ages with the current political climate in the country, American businesses are increasingly turning to a low-carbon portfolio when it comes to investments. The fact was revealed in a recent survey of the nation’s leading Read More...
Why social media has been a boon for the science community
The field of science communication -- the practice of informing and educating people about science-related topics -- arose just after the start of the Enlightenment when Francesco Algarotti published his first edition of Newtonianism for the Ladies in 1737. While that bit of 18th-century Read More...
World’s first hybrid cruiser sets sail to Alaska
While gas-powered cars are rightfully criticized for their environmental footprint, they don’t even come close to the amount of pollution emitted by cruise liners. Indeed, while cars receive the brunt of the criticism, a recent study found that the world’s largest luxury cruise operator Read More...
Women are bringing clean energy to hundreds of Indian households
There are more than 200 million people in India without access to power. And while the government is working on connecting them to the grid, it also wants to ensure that the energy comes from renewable sources. A company in one of the country’s western states is helping to achieve both of Read More...
Scientists in Zurich are turning light and air into carbon-neutral fuel
Until our transportation systems run entirely on battery-powered engines or hydrogen fuel, cleaner ways of producing fuel are absolutely necessary. In Zurich, scientists have developed a solar plant that produces synthetic fuels that release as much carbon dioxide during their combustion as Read More...
How cities are finally dealing with the emissions that come with consumption
Climate optimists argue that it is possible to reduce our production emissions without substantially changing our lifestyles. (Electric cars are just as good!) But what if those lifestyles — in which consumption is perpetually rising — are driving increases in production emissions elsewhere? Read More...
Study: A healthy microbiome boosts the body’s natural cancer-fighting cells
It was only in the past few years alone that scientists began discovering interesting links between the microbial communities that call the human body home and its overall health. More specifically, it was found that having a wide variety of gut bacteria in your microbiome leads to a stronger Read More...