Ozone loss was a thing even before CFCs were widely used
The ban on ozone-depleting substances that successfully reversed the growth of the hole in the ozone layer isn’t seen as a missed opportunity. On the contrary, the quick global response is one of the best cases of common-sense environmental action. But what if it could have been done even earlier? The fact that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)-chemicals once common in aerosol cans and refrigerant loops-could destroy ozone in the atmosphere was discovered in 1974. Within just a few years, bans on CFCs
The science section covers breakthroughs in medicine, physics, biology, and technology. We surface discoveries that expand what humanity can do, from new treatments reaching clinical trials to engineering feats that seemed impossible a decade ago. Every link goes to the original publisher so you can read the full study or press release yourself.
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Finally, Nepal has marriage equality. On June 18, 2026, the Supreme Court issued a …
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Mosquitoes don’t pick targets randomly. They run a multi-stage sensory scan, and ne…
7 Min Read NASA’s Chandra Reveals ‘Red, White, Blue’ Universe for US 250th In celebration of the 250th birthday of the U…
3 min readPreparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater) NASA flight test engineer A.J. Jaffe and …