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.
New study shows gardening alleviates depression and anxiety
In a new study from the University of Florida, researchers proved that gardening can improve the mental well-being of even healthy people. “Past studies have shown that gardening can help improve the mental health of people who have existing medical conditions or challenges. Our study shows Read More...
To ecologists’ surprise, toads can climb trees
Toads were always known as terrestrial creatures, spending their time on both land and in water… until now. To ecologists’ surprise, a group of volunteers surveying dormice and bats in trees made the accidental and unexpected discovery that toads also dwell in trees. How did they discover Read More...
Researchers identify 5 gut bacteria that counter IBD symptoms
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be a debilitating condition. Symptoms in the condition's different forms can include abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss among other stressful issues. However, new research on how to treat this condition is always coming out. A team from the University Read More...
9 driving changes you can make to save more and burn less
Gas prices keep going up. While many of us can’t yet afford an electric vehicle, and we still need to get places, there are little tweaks we can make to save money on gas by burning less of it. Here are nine tips for your car, your driving, and your lifestyle to save some cash at the pumps and Read More...
New 3D-printing technologies could revolutionize breast reconstruction
Though some opt to get breast implants for purely aesthetic concerns, breast implants are also part of the healing process for many breast cancer survivors and individuals in transition. Right now the two main kinds of breast reconstruction are silicone implants and flap surgery. Flap surgery Read More...
This app can save time and lives by diagnosing skin conditions
After a concerning brush with melanoma, where a lengthy test dangerously delayed her treatment, Susan Conover began her studies in skin diseases and dermatology. She explored technological solutions to skin problems in the MIT System Design and Management graduate program and then founded Piction Read More...
Could crocodiles help defeat hearing loss?
Around 1.5 billion people worldwide live with impaired hearing, this can create significant problems for these individuals and often reduce the perceived quality of life. The most common cause of these impairments is damage to non-regenerative receptors called hair cells. Many innovations are being Read More...
Hummingbirds have the widest color range of all birds
Among the different species of birds, hummingbirds are among the most iconic and distinct in the skies. These unique creatures hover unlike most birds, they feed on sugary nectar, and they have incredible metabolisms. They also have the most wide-ranging colors in their plumage of all other Read More...
Scientists clone first mice from freeze-dried skin cells
Even before Jurassic Park, many have fantasized about cloning endangered animals. Science fiction made this seem too simple, easily copying a complex creature from recovered DNA. Now, that fantastical process is not so far off. Researchers have cloned the world’s first mice from freeze-dried Read More...
Shapeshifting robots could automate teeth brushing and flossing
Teeth cleaning is something we all should do daily and thoroughly, however, is something most of us do not do properly. The design of the toothbrush has remained relatively unchanged for hundreds of years, so to revolutionize how we look after our mouths, a team from the University of Pennsylvania Read More...