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.
Ecuador's historic court ruling grants Quito's Machángara river the right to not be polluted
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM On July 7th, an Ecuadorian court ruled that pollution violates the rights of the Machángara River, which flows through the country's capital, Quito. This decision, hailed as "historic" by environmental campaigners, highlights Ecuador's progressive approach Read More...
San Francisco launches the world's first fully hydrogen-powered ferry
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM San Francisco debuted Sea Change, the world's first commercial passenger ferry powered solely by hydrogen fuel cells. From July 19, this 75-seat sailboat provides free trips three days a week between Pier 41 between Fisherman's Wharf and the Ferry Read More...
Innovative tracking technology strives to keep wild polar bears and humans apart
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM As summer ends in the Canadian Arctic, polar bears begin their trip inward, waiting for the ice to form. While tourists rush to see these gorgeous creatures, researchers are developing novel strategies to avoid hazardous confrontations between humans and Read More...
Namibia's sustainable solution to its housing crisis? Mushroom waste and weeds
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Namibia is experiencing a serious housing crisis, with roughly 90 percent of households unable to purchase a home. However, an innovative project, MycoHab, is offering a sustainable and promising solution by converting invasive bush and mushroom waste into Read More...
3D printing lunar LEGO bricks to test out building on the moon
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM For decades, scientists and space enthusiasts have been fascinated by the idea of building permanent structures on the Moon. Addressing the unique obstacles of building in space has prompted academics to create novel solutions. One such achievement combines Read More...
Florida carpenter ants: nature's teeny tiny surgeons and wound care experts
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM From building intricate nests to performing life-saving surgeries, Florida carpenter ants (Camponotus floridanus) are pushing the boundaries of insect behavior. These amazing ants have been seen cleaning and even amputating the limbs of their injured Read More...
Bionic leg breakthrough: mind-controlled prosthetics transform mobility for amputees
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM MIT researchers made a significant advancement in prosthetic technology by producing a bionic limb that can be controlled directly by the wearer's brain impulses. This device promises to greatly improve amputees' quality of life by delivering a more natural Read More...
Tiny spas for endangered frogs battling fatal fungi
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Biologists devised a novel approach to tackle a fatal fungal illness that threatens amphibians worldwide. These specially designed shelters, functioning like miniature saunas, help vulnerable and endangered amphibians fend off chytridiomycosis, a deadly skin Read More...
Breakthrough in green hydrogen production: cobalt and water replace rare iridium
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Hydrogen generation is frequently cited as a critical component in the shift to renewable energy. However, according to a paper published in Nature Energy by Kiane de Kleijne of Radboud University and Eindhoven University of Technology, the technique has Read More...
Chicago's bike path expansion keeps city on track for a sustainable future
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL STAFF Chicago is preparing to drastically improve its bicycle infrastructure, with plans to build about 47 miles of new bikeways in 2024 alone. This effort is part of a larger pledge to build 150 miles of new and enhanced bikeways over the next few years, Read More...