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.
Fragrances after desert rainstorms may have health benefits
If you’ve ever lived in the Southwestern United States, you know the calming smell of the desert after a rainstorm. The earth and desert flora like creosote emit an aroma after rain unlike anything else. They also, as it turns out, have health benefits for those smelling them. Researchers Read More...
LA may ban the construction of new gas stations
In the face of the climate emergency, officials in Los Angeles are working on policies to stop the construction of new gas stations. Being the second-largest city in America, LA could become the largest city in the world to prohibit new fossil fuel infrastructure. “We are ending oil drilling Read More...
Fog nets from Chile to Morocco. And soon California?
Fog nets are screens of overlapping horizontal and vertical mesh that catch moisture from fog and collect it once gravity brings the droplets down. In remote villages in drought-stricken Morocco, these devices not only bring drinking water to hundreds of thousands of people but also let them Read More...
Did you know our ears evolved from fish gills?
The ears are a weird-looking thing, with their strange dips and curves designed by mother nature to trap vibrations and impressively allow us to hear. The middle of the human ear houses three tiny, vibrating bones, which are key in transporting sound to the inner ear where they become nerve Read More...
This smart jumpsuit tracks infant brain development
The human brain doubles in size in the first year of a person's life. This time is vital to building a foundation for future learning, health, and development and is where many underlying neurological conditions will reveal themselves. Recognizing and treating these conditions as early as possible Read More...
Robot fish repairs itself with microplastics it collects
Microplastics are one of the most pervasive environmental and health issues of our time. And environmental engineers and researchers are working nonstop to address this, with enzymes, superworms, okra, and more. Now, scientists from Sichuan University have developed and programmed a tiny robot Read More...
Get healthy, go to a green space
We decided to revamp a couple of stories on the benefits of green spaces, for which there is an ever-growing body of evidence. NPR’s Aaron Scott recently spoke with environmental psychologist Ming Kuo on green spaces and why we all seem to feel better walking down a city street lined with Read More...
Some people have improved cognition while on a walk
While the large majority of us work sitting at a desk, we’ve all had those flashes of insight or a string of new ideas while running or on a walk. It’s probably too much to ask that people do their jobs running on a treadmill, but new research shows some have improved cognition while Read More...
5 lesser-known innovations for a more sustainable home
One of the big questions for environmentally-minded homeowners is how to make their homes more sustainable and energy-efficient. There are some more obvious switches one can invest in, like installing small wind energy systems or household hydropower systems, however, there are also many Read More...
Encouraging kids to eat their veggies with 3D-printed food
Despite vegetables' vital nutritional values, it’s a global phenomenon that they don’t go down with kids that smoothly. There are various physiological and physical tactics people use to help children overcome this negative association, such as hiding them in sauces or setting good examples Read More...