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.
Cotton waste converted into eco-friendly aerogel
Scientists from the National University of Singapore have found a new use for unwanted clothing and other cotton-based fabric waste – they've devised a method of converting it into an aerogel. Among other things, the ultralight material could be used to keep water bottles cold, and to control Read More...
You must see the photos that won this year’s Science Photography competition
Science photography is always fascinating because it places the sciences in an artistic light. The photos featured in this year’s annual science photography competition run by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council include butterfly wings, micro-bubbles, and a spectacular shot of Read More...
The winds created by trains in London could soon help power the city
As the energy needs of urban areas continue to increase, innovators are looking for new ways to generate energy in unexpected places. One woman in London has created a startup that seeks to harness wind energy from the draft winds created by the Crossrail trains in the city’s underground. The Read More...
Plants appear to lose consciousness when sedated
Are plants conscious? A new study found that anesthetics work on flora – but what exactly is happening here? University of Bonn plant cell biologist Frantisek Baluska told The New York Times, “Plants are not just robotic, stimulus-response devices. They’re living organisms which have their Read More...
Natural gas can’t compete with the powerful mix of solar and batteries
The powerful combination of solar and batteries are nudging natural gas out of the power market. Not only because solar energy is becoming cheaper than burning gas, but also because government is supporting the use of battery systems. In California, for example, regulators have called on PG&E Read More...
Scientists are looking to use molecules that cause disease to kill cancer
The same molecule that cause Huntington’s disease has been found to have remarkable cancer-killing properties. Huntington’s disease is caused by a mutation that repeats RNA sequences within genes. Research shows that the same mutated molecules were found to be cancer-killing assassins that Read More...
Australia's solar power boom could almost double capacity in a year, analysts say
A record-breaking month of rooftop installations and a flood of large-scale solar farms could almost double Australia’s solar power capacity in a single year, industry analysts Read More...
Two birds with one stone: Desalination technique produces water and lithium
A team of scientists has developed a new water desalination technique that can not only make seawater fresh enough to drink, but can also recover lithium ions for use in batteries. This is major news considering that lithium is in high demand, thanks to the lithium-ion batteries that power Read More...
New fuel cell demonstrates exceptional power density and stability
A team of researchers led by Northwestern University professor and fuel cell pioneer Sossina Haile has created a new fuel cell offering both exceptional power densities and long-term stability at optimal temperatures, a discovery that heightens the viability of incorporating fuel cells into a Read More...
Timberland wants to rebuild Haiti’s cotton industry with help from the blockchain
The clothing-brand Timberland has been involved with Haiti’s agriculture for the past eight years, helping the country to avert serious deforestation by helping plant millions of trees across 19 nurseries. Now the brand is looking to become not just a sponsor of Haiti’s agriculture, but also a Read More...