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.
4,500 year old grave of bioengineered ‘donkeys’ uncovered
When someone says the word ‘bioengineered’ most people would say they think of lab grown cancer causing crops. However, this is actually extremely far from the truth. A new study, published in Science Advances, shows a genetic modification of animals can be dated all the way back to ancient Read More...
Mars News: Perseverance finds organic molecules
NASA’s Perseverance rover has been wandering around Mars since it reached the planet on February 18th, 2021. Here at The Optimist Daily, we have tried to keep our readers up to date with the latest exciting mission information collected by this mighty machine. From its landing, first rock sample Read More...
AI helps uncover causes of Motor Neurone Disease
According to the CDC, 5,000 new cases of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) are diagnosed annually in the United States. This disease causes nerve cells to stop functioning and die, resulting in sufferers losing the ability to voluntarily move their muscles and eventually becoming Read More...
Coral reef untouched by climate change discovered off Tahiti’s coast
There’s been a miraculous discovery made in the depths of the South Pacific Ocean—a rare stretch of pristine corals off the coast of Tahiti that appears to be unscathed by climate change or human activities. The coral reef was first discovered by Laetitia Hédouin from France’s National Read More...
South Australia ran on 100 percent renewable energy for almost a week
The last week of 2021 has been an exceptional one for South Australia. The state set an impressive renewable energy record, supplying an average of just over 100 percent of its electricity demand with solar and wind for a period of almost one week. The unprecedented clean energy run was recorded Read More...
Liquid metal turns CO2 emissions into solid carbon at the source
Capturing carbon dioxide before it reaches the atmosphere is a key part of our global strategy to combat climate change. In an effort to find ways that could help us do that efficiently, scientists at RMIT have developed a method that quickly converts carbon dioxide into solid carbon, which can Read More...
This solar panel covered building reflects Taiwan’s green energy transition
Most projects designed by the Dutch architecture firm MVRDV tend to leave a lasting impression on whoever lays their eyes on them. The company's upcoming project, Sun Rock, is no exception. Designed for Taiwan’s government-owned power company Taipower, the project takes the form of a building Read More...
World Meteorological Organization welcomes new leader
Amanda Lynch has been appointed to chair the board of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This United Nations agency has four main focuses: weather, climate, water, and environment. They research many aspects of the Earth’s behavior to provide vital information to the organization's 193 Read More...
Zebrafish brains reveal new information about our memories
It seems like we're writing about fish a whole lot lately! Last week, we featured an article about goldfish learning to drive. This week, zebrafish, a species studied for their relatively long lifespans, are helping us understand how memories are made! Let's talk synapses! Signals in the brain Read More...
Virtual reality therapy increases comfort and access
One trend we've seen coming out of these past several years of pandemic-induced stress and uncertainty is a growing appreciation for mental health, as well as a willingness to seek treatment for mental distress. The rise of electronic communications led to more access and novel approaches to Read More...