- The science behind everyday living
- Medicine: research that improves how we live and heal
- Sustainability: environmental science in action
- Technology: where discovery meets daily convenience
- Science in daily life: examples you might not notice
- Final takeaway: science shapes the world we interact with
- Embrace scientific curiosity with Penn LPS Online
As the systematic study of the natural world, science offers an intriguing glimpse into the many mysterious forces that shape our lives. Through scientific research, we discover the miracles of cellular activity, the beauty of biodiversity, and the dizzying breadth of the cosmos. It's a lot to take in, and while these topics are fascinating, they can sometimes feel disconnected from our daily lives.
In reality, however, science shapes our environment and determines how we navigate it. By examining life through a scientific lens, we gain a greater appreciation for the variety of forces that influence the seemingly mundane aspects of our existence. This understanding, in turn, helps empower us to make decisions that improve our own lives as well as support our loved ones and communities.
The science behind everyday living
Take a moment to examine your surroundings. Right now, no matter where you are or what you're doing, you are affected by science in some way. It is thanks to science that you are able to read these words on your phone or computer screen—and scientific processes also allow you to comprehend what you've read and apply it to your own life.
How research moves from the laboratory to daily life
Scientific research provides the foundation for meaningful developments that make our lives safer, healthier, and more convenient. Whether this takes place in the lab or in the field, research delivers peace of mind.
What is often missed, however, is the ability to bring this research from the lab (or from the peer-reviewed journals in which findings are published) into our everyday lives. This information can be distilled in the media or through formal education, which introduces us to new concepts while also boosting scientific literacy: the ability to make sense of research-backed insights.
Medicine: research that improves how we live and heal
The scientific breakthroughs of the past few centuries have completely transformed our perception of medicine and healing—for example, shedding light on the importance of hand hygiene while also pioneering life-saving vaccines and antibiotics.
How medical discoveries emerge from years of scientific testing
Medical discoveries are rarely accidental; even breakthroughs such as the discovery of penicillin were preceded by extensive observation and experimentation. This begins with a spark of curiosity, leading to a key question that drives background research, and eventually a hypothesis.
From there, scientists plan controlled experiments that enable them to put hypotheses to the test. These experiments should be carried out systematically, with the results then processed using statistical analytics. Peer review provides much-needed scrutiny to confirm that any conclusions are sound.
Should discoveries show true medical potential, preclinical testing can provide a better understanding of efficacy and safety. It takes years before medical discoveries can be released to the public—and scientists are heavily involved every step of the way.
Vaccines, imaging, and treatment advances rooted in research
Research from The Lancet suggests that vaccines have saved 154 million lives since 1974. These vaccines were developed following a structured process that closely resembles the medical investigations and testing described above. The vaccines we now take for granted emerged following years of observation and testing.
Scientific processes also play a pivotal part in diagnostic imaging, which thereby provides a glimpse into the inner structures of the human body. From X-rays to magnetic resonance imaging to nuclear imaging techniques, many such opportunities help clinical professionals make accurate diagnoses or can even guide non-invasive procedures. While clinical professionals such as radiologists and radiologic technologists determine how these technologies are applied in the healthcare sector, scientists develop the technologies themselves, driving innovations that allow for better image resolution and reduced exposure to radiation.
Everyday health innovations—from hand sanitizer to fitness tracking
Every day, we use numerous products or devices designed to boost our health and wellbeing. These solutions—regardless of how simple they may seem—are rooted in research. Hand sanitizers, for instance, are formulated based on studies revealing how certain alcohol concentrations are more likely to kill germs.
Other health innovations empower people to adopt healthy habits. Fitness trackers encourage us to stay active, but these emerged following decades of physiological research, along with scientific exploration surrounding microelectronics. Scientists continue to refine these technologies and also use the data they produce to uncover patterns regarding human health. Through predictive analytics, these insights shape both individual treatment plans as well as broader public health strategies.
How real-world science enhances public health and wellness
Public health messaging helps individuals and communities make sense of disease and the factors that enable its spread. Science provides not only the insights shared via public health campaigns but also mechanisms for mitigating the spread of disease. Rigorous research guides evidence-based interventions that, in turn, provide powerful protection on a global scale. Additionally, science drives the technologies on which today's public health leaders rely for monitoring, including advanced solutions that help experts predict (and prepare for) future outbreaks.
Sustainability: environmental science in action
Aside from the bright points in our daily lives, science also informs the societal challenges that may define our future. Environmental science, for example, underscores the implications of climate change: both the risks involved as well as the opportunities to limit carbon emissions and deliver a greener tomorrow.
The role of environmental science in understanding climate change
Environmental science helps us understand how climate change manifests and how human activity contributes to it. This provides concrete evidence about the environmental changes that can be difficult for humans to perceive through short-term observations. Environmental scientists conduct studies detailing everything from deforestation to soil contamination. Their findings inform widespread conservation, including policies poised to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
Renewable energy research shaping a cleaner future
From turbines to the solar panels found on so many structures today, renewable resources promise to bring a greener approach to powering our lives. These renewable resources would not be readily available without years of research, including studies that confirm their environmental impact while illuminating their economic feasibility and even their own potential environmental harms.
Much of this research is driven by Sandia National Laboratories, which is responsible for breakthroughs that have boosted power plant efficiency along with advancements in turbine blade design. Within the private sector, many energy companies contribute to this research, including Spanish utility company Iberdrola and US innovator Form Energy.
Eco-friendly innovations in agriculture and urban design
Urban design shapes physical settings, making them not only more inviting but also more environmentally friendly. This multidisciplinary field is largely scientifically driven, with researchers tracking carbon emissions, resource consumption, and even traffic patterns to demonstrate how individuals and communities interact with the many physical spaces they occupy. This research then informs advancements in sustainable infrastructure, including creative solutions such as urban forests and permeable pavements.
Similarly, science-backed innovations promise enhanced sustainability within the agricultural sector, involving exciting opportunities like precision agriculture, genome editing, and diversified farming systems. Sustainability-focused research is often driven by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), plus research centers such as the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
Technology: where discovery meets daily convenience
Despite living in a tech-driven world, we often fail to consider just how miraculous our everyday devices or apps would have seemed a few short decades ago. These technological solutions were made possible by a blend of insights in areas such as physics, computer science, and data analytics.
The hidden research behind modern devices and digital tools
Every swipe on a smartphone reflects decades of research and technological development. Many core physics concepts determine how these devices are manufactured and used on a daily basis. For example:
- Semiconductor physics determines how transistors control the flow of electrons
- Electromagnetism makes it possible to send and receive data wirelessly
- Optics determine how vibrant visuals are displayed on smartphone screens
- Gyroscopes (powered by microelectromechanical systems) detect orientation
These various elements join to create a seamless mobile experience—and all were developed through years of experimentation and testing.
Artificial intelligence and automation as products of long-term research
Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation may seem downright miraculous, but it took decades of research to reach their current level of sophistication. Although fields like computer science and data science are interdisciplinary, these disciplines utilize scientific methods to systematically develop and test algorithms. These processes have driven the development of today's most compelling technologies, including predictive analytics, deep neural networks, and computer vision—thereby helping fuel additional scientific discoveries.
Science in daily life: examples you might not notice
The simple joys we take for granted are grounded in science. Through systematic observation and experimentation, scientists shed light on the principles that underscore everyday technologies. These make us safer and healthier but also shape entertainment and communication.
Clean water and safer food
If you can fill your glass from your household sink and take a drink, you are truly fortunate. Tap water undergoes an in-depth process that includes filtration and microbial testing. Scientific processes determine how this water is treated and purified—and how contaminants are detected.
This same principle holds true for every meal you enjoy. If you purchased ingredients from a supermarket, you benefited from scientifically backed treatments designed to prevent spoilage and even improve flavors. Scientific research is responsible for many of the food safety laws currently on the books, too, driving stringent standards for handling and labeling food.
Smart homes and the science behind everyday comforts
As outside weather conditions shift throughout the year, most of us take comfort in knowing that our homes and other structures we frequent will remain at a reasonably stable temperature. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems provide precise control over interior environments, and now, thanks to smart home technology, these already-impressive capabilities have taken yet another step up.
Transportation and environmental monitoring
If you use a car, a bicycle, or public transit for your daily commute, you can thank scientists for helping to get you from point A to point B. After all, scientific breakthroughs have guided the fuels and batteries that power our vehicles while also providing access to lightweight materials such as carbon fiber. Physics even powers the supercars that achieve remarkable feats on the track.
In recent years, scientific developments have also brought eco-friendly opportunities to the transportation sector—promoting, for instance, improvements in efficiency via hybrid vehicles as well as electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles that reduce emissions. These benefits are captured through environmental monitoring, which is also informed by scientific principles.
How even simple household products reflect scientific progress
The books, toys, cleaning solutions, and cosmetics within your home are all markers of scientific progress. These everyday items were carefully designed, using materials and equipment that reflect impressive advances in chemistry along with years of experimentation. Each product was then thoroughly tested to confirm its safety and durability, with these insights also informed by scientific research.
Final takeaway: science shapes the world we interact with
The myriad examples above paint a picture of a world driven by scientific discovery and meticulous investigation. From the smartphones we scroll to the food we consume to the vaccines that protect us from severe illness, we are constantly impacted by science in the present while it continues to shape our future.
Every modern convenience has roots in scientific discovery
The gadgets that drive modern life are deeply scientific. Each device and app began with an idea that, in turn, was brought to life through extensive research and iterative testing. Without science, the most noteworthy technological advancements of our lifetime would not have been possible. Right now, scientists are immersed in the research and experimentation behind the additional conveniences we will enjoy in years to come.
Environmental science and innovation go hand in hand
While it can be argued that some scientific breakthroughs have contributed to environmental challenges (e.g., fossil fuels and industrial agriculture), science also represents the solution. Through eco-focused innovation, we feel empowered to develop solutions that address the most significant and pressing environmental challenges. Today's passion-driven environmental scientists are making great strides in this regard, revealing how we can enjoy present-day conveniences while also reducing our carbon footprints.
Recognizing real-world science deepens our understanding of progress
Scientific concepts often appear abstract or inaccessible, but by recognizing the role they play in our everyday lives, these ideas and processes become more evident and relevant. Through ongoing exposure to research-backed theories and their real-world applications, we may develop a greater appreciation for the scientists and researchers who shape our modern world—and begin to take a more active role in exploring scientific breakthroughs or even contribute through our own academic and professional endeavors.
Embrace scientific curiosity with Penn LPS Online
Discover the role of science in your daily life with compelling coursework from Penn LPS Online. Our Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) degree program presents the chance to explore the various manifestations of scientific research through the Physical and Life Sciences concentration. Request more information or apply today to get
