Today’s Solutions: September 22, 2024

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.

Scotch Whiskey

Edible QR code spots fake whiskey and medicine

There is an elaborate tradition and art that goes into making certain scotches. The recipes of some highland single malts have been passed down through families for generations, and connoisseurs can pay a lot for these unique, peaty spirits.  Not surprisingly, counterfeiters are looking to cash Read More...

Overhead view of young asian man sleeping well and relaxing in the morning.

This smart pillow could help you get a better night's sleep

Sleep is essential for human health, as much as food and water. However, in our intensely busy culture, many people fail to get enough. Not getting at least seven hours each night can lead to an increased risk of several psychological and physical illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, Read More...

Reflection of sun in glass facade of high-rise building

This solar-coated high-rise is self-sustaining

A high-rise office building in Melbourne, Australia, boasts a solar facade made up of 1,182 solar panels which, together with additional rooftop solar, sustain the building with renewable power. Helping others by helping itself “The building is designed to be self-sustainable,” says Pete Read More...

Human hands muscle for the education.

Scientists create recyclable artificial muscle fibers

Imitating the human body artificially has been a growing field of research. This technology has applications across several fields including prosthetic limbs, robotics, organ transplants, and more. The only problem is the highly complex processes and the expensive and rare materials it takes to put Read More...

Uber

Uber delivers emergency food and supplies in Ukraine

Some aid trucks that provide food and emergency services in Ukraine have trouble reaching those in need because urban structural damage blocks the way. Ongoing violence also makes it difficult.  To address this, the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) is working with the tech firm Uber to get Read More...

Close up of electrocardiograph with stethoscope and pacemaker.

Check out this smart dissolving pacemaker

Last year we wrote an article about a wireless pacemaker developed by a team from Northwestern University. The innovative device is made of materials that can undergo chemical reactions to dissolve in the body once it isn’t needed anymore, reducing the risk and damage that complicated open-heart Read More...

Screen time

This app can reduce social media overuse

The time we spend on our phones can run easily from an easygoing couple of minutes to a dissociative hour of doom-scrolling where we finally look around and say, “How did I kill a whole hour?” These “dissociative states” are common. We get into them when we’re so focused on a task or Read More...

Baltimore Internet

Baltimore aims to expand public internet access with city-owned network

State and local governments are coming to appreciate the internet for what it is: an essential utility. With much of the workforce working from home and children going to school online, reliable internet is vital for workers in all sectors of the economy.  In the wake of successful programs Read More...

Drill Bits

Nano-drills that kill bacteria and are powered by light

The traditional approach to defeating infectious bacteria has been chemical and biological, using antibiotics to beat some life-threatening microorganisms. Evolution is relentless, however, and we’re seeing more and more bacteria develop immunities to antibiotics quicker than we can develop new Read More...

Image of Venus, the second planet from the Sun, with elements furnished by NASA.

NASA’s plan to uncover the secrets of Venus

NASA has just released plans for a new mission called Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gasses, Chemistry, and Imaging (DAVINCI). Details of this daring feat have just been released in a paper by the agency, explaining their plan to descend through Venus’ layered atmosphere to the Read More...