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.
Gut bacteria have nutrient-sharing ‘sex’
Keeping with the theme of love and intimacy this Valentine’s Day, we’re delighted to share this recent sexy tidbit about something typically quite unsexy -- gut bacteria! Some bacteria reproduce asexually. Others do it the old-fashioned way with a partner, but apparently, reproduction Read More...
How starfish skeletons inspired ceramic engineers
Some species of starfish fortify themselves using a porous skeleton that is both lightweight and extremely sturdy. This provides the marine species with a safe protective home, while still permitting a degree of flexibility to their body and arms. Taking inspiration from mother nature Ceramic Read More...
Man with severed spine walks again thanks to new implant
In 2020, scientists created a device that gives paralyzed people the ability to speak via brain signals. This time, they’ve one-upped themselves, creating technology that has allowed a man with a completely severed spinal cord to walk and swim again! This breakthrough study, published in Read More...
How to do a digital detox while still carrying a smartphone
Like it or not, “interacting with the world around us” often requires a digital interface, which makes doing a digital detox pretty difficult — this is especially true during a pandemic. But that doesn’t mean you can’t disconnect from the digital world. It is possible to continue using Read More...
Scientists create ultra-thin material that’s two times stronger than steel
Polymers, such as plastics, are made up of chains of units called monomers. Although these chains are one-dimensional, they can be shaped into three-dimensional objects through manufacturing methods like injection molding. With that said, polymer scientists have long tried to grow polymers into Read More...
This 'everlasting bubble' could inspire future medicines
Bubbles spark human fascination, with children and adults everywhere becoming enamored when they see one of these fleeting structures. This interest also spreads into environmental studies, with bubbles being recruited to help clear the world’s rivers and canals, and also in the physics realm. Read More...
Genetically atlasing the human brain helps understand its shape
The human brain is a wonderfully complex supercomputer. Therefore, science still has a long way to go to fully understand its mysterious ways. Though, a genetic study, published in Science, has brought us one step closer to figuring out what is going on in regards to how the brain is Read More...
Don't have time to exercise? Apparently, 3 seconds is all you need
Do you often find yourself thinking that you would work out more often if you simply had the time? Well, according to scientists at Australia’s Edith Cowan University and Japan’s Niigata University of Health and Welfare, all you really need to see significant strength improvements is three Read More...
New Covid test gives results comparable to PCR test in just 5 minutes
Researchers at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore have conducted a study investigating a new prototype breathalyzer test that detects a Covid infection through changes in your chemical “breath print”. To use the breathalyzer, the user breathes into a single-use tube for Read More...
Submarine to explore the underside of Greenland’s glaciers in a first
Scientists are desperately trying to save the world’s glaciers. As they hold a large amount of water and carbon dioxide, it is essential that we slow the demise of these structures for the climate's sake. We’ve previously written about a group using special mountain blankets on Mount Titlis Read More...