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.
Aspirin reduces the development of colorectal cancer cells
Indeed, we shouldn’t be taking aspirin willy-nilly because it can cause damage to the liver over the long term. However, recent research shows that it may help with an even more pernicious condition. A new study from UC Irvine shows that aspirin can slow the evolution of colorectal cancer Read More...
Here’s how kombucha is helping investigate ETs
Kombucha is a tea of many talents. The drink is made by fermenting sugar with bacteria and yeast cultures, with the result being a health-packed delicious beverage. Due to its unique properties, scientists are researching alternative uses for kombucha, including a kombucha-based wood or using the Read More...
This “superworm” eats and degrades plastics
Researchers from the University of Queensland have discovered that thanks to a bacterial enzyme in their gut the Zophobas morio “superworm” can eat through polystyrene plastic. This is the main compound of Styrofoam. Over a three-week period, the research team fed these “superworms” Read More...
Volcanic musical dynamics could help predict eruptions
Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano dramatically erupted in 2018, causing earthquakes, ash plumes, and lava flows that demolished over 700 homes on the island. This was one of the worst eruptions the U.S. had seen since Mount St. Helens and unfortunately there was no credible model to turn to to help Read More...
Researchers study animal evolution to advance women’s health
Researchers find that studying the evolution of certain female animals can offer invaluable insight into women’s health and possible treatments. As if we needed another reason to preserve the environment, the habitats and adaptations of giraffes, sharks, and bears could offer clues on how to Read More...
Researchers teach otters to problem-solve in groups
Researchers from the University of Exeter examined the behavior of otters to see if they could learn to hunt and forage on their own once they were released into the wild. They did this using puzzle boxes filled with food. Problem-solving for food Looking at Asian short-clawed otters, Read More...
EU votes to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars starting 2035
The European Union’s goal is to slash 55 percent of its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and reduce carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles by 100 percent by 2035. As part of this ambition, the European Parliament has voted to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars starting in 2035. This vote Read More...
US unveils plan to ban single-use plastic in national parks
Plastic pollution is so prevalent that harmful plastic particles can even be found in drinking water. Robust action on a national scale is needed to stop the flood of plastics into natural environments. Wednesday, on World Oceans Day, the White House announced its plans to phase out single-use Read More...
The future of wind turbine towers may be made of wood
While wind turbines only cost 11 grams of carbon per kilowatt-hour (compared to the combustion of natural gas at 450 grams), there is always room for improvement. Opponents of wind energy have criticized the carbon footprint of the steel required to build wind towers and turbines. Unknowingly, they Read More...
Keto diets may help kidney disease
We recently wrote a piece on how keto diets can reduce colorectal cancer. Ketosis is a metabolic state brought on by these diets and also fasting. Keto diets are characterized as being high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and high in fats. This has made it a popular tool for losing weight, and Read More...