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.
The first all-electric plane just flew for 15 minutes near Vancouver
When it comes to cutting emissions in the aviation industry, carbon offsets are going to cut it. The only way we can truly clean up the industry is if we switch from fossil fuel-powered planes to electric ones. On that note, a completely electric plane has made its longest flight ever at just Read More...
Aerospace engineers in Holland are designing a fuel-efficient V-shaped airplane
Aviation is one of the fastest-growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to more than 2.5 percent of the world’s total carbon footprint. In an attempt to make a dent in this carbon-heavy industry, researchers from Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) have teamed up with Dutch Read More...
Kansas City becomes first major American city to offer free public transport
For the first time ever, a major American city is offering universal fare-free public transit. That city is Kansas City, and it hopes to boost ridership and improve access for all citizens with the new initiative. The city’s popular streetcar is already free, but the city council and Mayor Read More...
Miami launches app that rewards citizens for ditching their cars at home
If you take the bus to work instead of driving a car, you can feel a bit of some self-satisfaction knowing your commute isn’t so harmful to the planet. But that’s about all you get—unless you live in Miami. This week, Miami Mayor Carlos Gimenez announced a new app called Velocia that Read More...
You could soon own a solar-powered car with a 450 mile range
Solar-powered cars have long been an icon of the far-off future, but soon enough, you could actually own a solar car—one that powers itself rather than relying on a charger. This week, Dutch clean mobility company Lightyear debuted its long-range prototype, the Lightyear One, with a range of Read More...
The case for putting speed limits on cargo ships
Should cargo ships start going slower on their journeys across the ocean? This is the question being discussed this week at the UN where officials will hear proposals to cut shipping industry emissions by introducing speed limits. Container ships and other ocean liners in the industry deal with a Read More...
Munich-based startup Lilium has proven its electric air taxi can fly
During the Spring, we published a story about Lilium, the flying taxi startup hailing from Munich. At that point, the startup had just managed to have its electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) craft hover above the ground. Now, just months later, Lilium has proven its flying taxi was Read More...
The world’s largest electric ferry just made its maiden voyage in Denmark
Although electric ferries have been running in Norway since 2015, none have been as large as the one that just made its maiden voyage between the Danish islands of Aero and Als. The 195-foot long ferry, named Ellen, can carry up to 30 cars and 300 passengers and is powered by a 4.3 megawatt-hour Read More...
Forget taxis! Riding a bike will save you time, money, and emissions in New York
If the lack of emissions or bonus exercise isn’t reason enough to ride a bike instead of a car to work in New York City, here’s another perk. According to this year’s Mobility Report, released by the city’s Department of Transportation, riding a bicycle may get you to your destination a Read More...
The world’s first hyperloop system could soon be built in India
As it stands now, it seems Virgin will build the world’s first large-scale hyperloop system in India. Earlier this month, the government of the Indian state of Maharashtra approved Virgin Hyperloop One’s plans to develop a high-speed line between Mumbai and Pune. The planned hyperloop line Read More...