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.
Squid-inspired device warns you when you've had too much sun
Spring is just around the corner—but before we get too excited to throw on our swimsuits and sunbathe in the park, it’s important to remember that we have to be careful when it comes to sun exposure. Even though those lovely warm rays may feel great against bare shoulders, it’s been well Read More...
There are special regions for singing in the brain
Music is a magical thing. There are many proven benefits to the power of music, from its synchronizing power to create bonds with the people around you, to allowing autistic children to communicate their emotions, and even easing menopause. What's going on in our heads when we listen to music is Read More...
Scientists develop e-nose that can detect Parkinson's disease
In recent years, smell detection of diseases has attracted growing attention in the field of medical research: from dogs (and even bees) trained to sniff out Covid-19 to human “super sniffers” able to detect neurodegenerative diseases in other people. Now, a group of scientists has developed an Read More...
This bacterium is so big you can see it
To the surprise of the science world, a new bacterium has been discovered that is bigger than a fruit fly! The humongous organism is the largest bacterium ever recorded, coming in at 0.78 inches (2 centimeters) long. Resembling a long skinny string, the team appropriately named the creature Read More...
Scientists use elephant DNA to prevent wildlife trafficking
Today, there are about 415,000 elephants in Africa. A century ago, that number was close to 5 million. Conservationists estimate that the international ivory trade leads to about 50,000 elephants being killed each year. If poaching continues at this rate, elephants may go extinct in the near Read More...
Germany plans to be 100 percent renewable by 2035
Sustainable energy sources such as wind and solar are important for countries as well as the planet. They improve efficiency, can reduce weather-related blackouts, and they also help a country’s independence by allowing it to rely on itself for energy. Germany announced Monday that its goal Read More...
Pollution might help detect alien life
Last year, the long-awaited James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) finally blasted off from Earth. It has since reached its final position and turned on its super high-tech cold camera. Scientists hope to carry out a wide range of missions on this incredible piece of machinery, with the end goal of Read More...
Your vacation photos can help scientists track endangered species
In an increasingly digital world, photos may be worth much more than just a thousand words. Sharing snapshots of our food, loved ones, and vacations on social media is a common way to connect—but it can also be a useful way to help scientists track threatened and endangered species. Through an Read More...
Your gut biome could be behind your anxiety
Here at The Optimist Daily, we regularly report on new findings about our incredible microbiome. Scientists keep uncovering more and more crucial roles these tiny microorganisms living in our gut play. From memory, to warding off chemotherapy side effects, to preventing brain damage in premature Read More...
Congress approves $350 million for wildlife crossings
Funding was finally secured in January for the construction of a wildlife crossing over the 101-freeway in Southern California, which cuts through the Santa Monica Mountains and the habitats of many native animals. The Optimist Daily has been closely following stories of wildlife crossings like Read More...