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.
Parkinson’s smell test could lead to earlier detection of disease
A couple of years ago, a bizarre news story broke about a Scottish woman by the name of Joy Milne who could detect whether or not someone had Parkinson’s disease through smell. Milne first noticed the “musky” smell on her husband Les, who was years later diagnosed with Parkinson’s Read More...
Scientists are putting backpacks on pigeons to collect climate data in cities
While you may not see the positives that pigeons can bring to the world, researchers at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom do. The researchers have developed a tiny set of sensors that can be strapped onto the backs of pigeons in order to collect data on urban microclimate. It may Read More...
Stanford scientists have figured out a way to turn seawater into hydrogen fuel
Harnessing the power of waves isn’t the only way to generate energy from the ocean. As it turns out, a team of scientists at Stanford have figured out a way to make hydrogen fuel out of saltwater. The discovery could open up the world's oceans as a potential source of energy. Researchers Read More...
Kansas City sets bold target to make government 100 percent carbon-free by 2020
Kansas City aka “The Heart of America” has voted unanimously to transition all its municipal electricity to carbon-free sources by the end of 2020. Kansas City was among the first US cities to declare its support for the goals of the Paris Agreement and has been putting that support into Read More...
Wales takes on challenge of delivering 100 percent renewable energy by 2035
Policy experts in Wales have set out a new ambitious energy plan that could put the country on the track of achieving 100 percent electricity from renewable sources by 2035. The transition process is expected to create over 20,000 new jobs and deliver a $10 billion economic boost for the Read More...
New analysis shows electric cars are the cheapest option in the long run
While average car buyers pay more attention to the sticker price of a new car, fleet owners focus on lifetime costs (maintenance, fuel, and ancillaries). They want to know every penny they’ll be spending over the course of a decade or so to keep their vehicles going. Now that fleet owners in Read More...
Wind energy alone provided half of Germany's power last week
With Germany getting set to give coal the boot by 2038, its renewables are proving to be more than capable of mitigating the country’s dependence on fossil fuels. Just last week, thanks to strong gusts, wind energy provided half of the country's energy. Together with solar panels and other clean Read More...
Finland to phase out coal completely within the next decade
Finland pledged to eliminate its reliance on coal by 2030, but now the Nordic country has changed its mind. Instead, the Finnish government has pushed through a motion to complete the coal ban a year earlier. Now we know what you’re thinking: just one year? What’s the big deal? While it may not Read More...
NASA has scheduled the first-ever all-women spacewalk
On July 25, 1984, cosmonaut Svetlana Savitskaya became the first woman to walk in space. Now, almost 35 years later, history will once again be made as the first all-female spacewalk is scheduled to take place March 29. A total of 213 spacewalks have taken place since 1998, all of which have been Read More...
New Mexico becomes latest state to officially commit to 100 percent renewables
The Land of Enchantment, New Mexico, has just passed a bill that requires its public utilities to embrace 100 percent clean energy by 2045, making it the third state to officially commit to carbon-free electricity. Following in the footsteps of California and Hawaii, New Mexico will oust coal and Read More...