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.
Listening AI could diagnose Alzheimer’s early
Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease can be a tricky and lengthy process, with multiple in-person neuropsychological exams followed by even more tests. Diagnosis could very well cost a patient valuable treatment time, so speed is of the utmost importance. Researchers from Boston University have Read More...
Oregon project lets farmers test drive electric tractors
American drivers have plenty of options when it comes to electric cars, but what about farmers? The electrification of the agricultural industry is a lucrative and relatively untapped market. However, first, the technology needs to be sold to farmers, many of whom are hesitant about the Read More...
Pocket gophers: the only other mammal that farms
Farming has been an integral part of the long story of the development of human society. Some mark the beginning of agriculture in the Fertile Crescent in 8500 BC as the start of human civilization. It’s with this in mind that we think of farming as an entirely human job, but that’s not true. Read More...
Eating less meat could help oceans and waterways by reducing nitrogen
It’s difficult for us to consider the long-term, downriver consequences of the simplest of our actions. It isn’t because we’re indifferent; it’s because there are several complicated results to everything we do. Take eating too much meat. When our bodies have more protein than they need, Read More...
Fish oil could treat post-surgery delirium
One common complication from general surgery, particularly in older patients, is post-surgery delirium. This can cause confusion, disorientation, or a sudden change in the mental abilities of patients. With how commonly this happens, it’s good news that researchers have discovered a pretty simple Read More...
Revel at the most detailed image of our universe yet
Here at The Optimist Daily, we have been sharing every exciting step of the James Webb Telescope’s journey, from its long-awaited launch, to when it reached its final destination. Now the machine has delivered the deepest and sharpest infrared image of the distant universe yet! Known as Read More...
How aspirin and crop resilience go hand in hand
Did you know that plants have been making aspirin for millions of years? And humans have been using it as far back as Neanderthal times for self-medication? The pain medication can be found in trees and sunflowers alike in an unprocessed form called salicylic acid, created in response to when a Read More...
Researchers identify three factors to help prevent mosquito-spread disease
With the variabled future of weather in an ever-changing climate, the prevalence of mosquitoes is expected to increase or at least become more unpredictable. This is expected to exacerbate the spread of certain diseases, like malaria and dengue fever. In places like Sri Lanka, this represents a top Read More...
Adding less salt to your food can add years to your life
In some cultures, it is considered polite not to season your food at a restaurant or at a friend’s home. You eat it the way that the chef prepared the dish. Not only is this showing respect to the chef, but it is also healthier for you. A recent study of 500,000 middle-aged Britons showed Read More...
The secret to our species' success? Our grandparents
The long-standing theory of evolution has always been based on natural selection: that traits are favored to promote reproductive success. This makes sense why harmful mutations and diseases appear much later in life, with our bodies more likely to degenerate when we are no longer fertile. This is Read More...