Water
Keeping homes cool in hot, dry climates—lessons from ancient civilizations
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM As global temperatures rise and power outages become more common, particularly during severe heat waves, current building designs become increasingly vulnerable. Glass façades, sealed windows, and dependency on air conditioning render most modern Read More...
As the weather warms up, here's how to help animals handle a heatwave
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL STAFF Right now, much of Europe and North America are experiencing ongoing heatwaves with record-breaking temperatures. It’s not just humans that are struggling to cope. Yes, it’s getting hot in here—but taking off a sweater, jacket or shirt isn’t an Read More...
Solutions are brewing! Recycled beer yeast surprising solution for water pollution
Breweries are well-known for producing wonderful beer, but what if their waste could also be used to combat water pollution? Recent MIT research reveals an innovative way in which recycled beer yeast can help remove hazardous lead from water, providing a sustainable and cost-effective Read More...
Bee-neath the waves: bumblebee queens survive underwater for a week
Scientists discovered a surprising survival strategy used by bumblebees: the ability to survive underwater for extended periods. This incredible study gives fresh information on the endurance of these important pollinators, giving hope for their survival in the face of rising environmental Read More...
Solar-powered solutions for Gaza's water crisis illuminate a path through the darkness
In the heart of the Gaza Strip, amid a humanitarian catastrophe exacerbated by violence, war, and blockades, a ray of light shines via the creative use of solar electricity. Mohammed Assalia, a local citizen, is leading a unique attempt to ease the region's acute water scarcity by using solar Read More...
Shield your drinking water from microplastics via boiling
On February 28, scientists released a revolutionary study in Environmental Science and Technology Letters that investigated the effectiveness of boiling tap water in eliminating microplastics. What about the discovery? Boiling water for five minutes could result in a 90 percent decrease in these Read More...
Innovative drought relief in California: from toilet to tap
California is pioneering a daring strategy of turning sewage into safe, potable water in response to the severe concerns of water scarcity exacerbated by climate change. The State Water Resources Control Board approved laws that allow treated wastewater to flow straight into Californians' taps, Read More...
$1 billion to be invested in cleaning up Great Lakes
The US Great Lakes are treasured and iconic wonders of North America's natural splendor. Countless families and individuals flock there for fun and thousands of species of animals, fish, insects, and birds call those waters home. Being important waterways, they also hold major economic importance Read More...
Okra: the surprising hero in the fight against microplastics
According to new research from scientists at Tarleton State University in Texas, okra — you know, the green, finger-shaped pod that is often added to delicious dishes like gumbo and soup — is a valuable weapon in the fight to get microplastics out of our drinking water. What are Read More...
Are egg whites the missing ingredient for cheap effective water filtration?
As microplastic contamination and the lack of drinkable water worsen, finding efficient technologies to filter and desalinate seawater becomes increasingly vital. A novel airgel, fabricated from egg whites, shows great promise. An egg-citing concept Professor Craig Arnold of Princeton University Read More...