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.
How beauty is making scientists rethink evolution
The extravagant splendor of the animal kingdom can’t be explained by natural selection alone — so how did it come to Read More...
Zero-carbon emitting trains to run on UK’s rail network as soon as 2022
The UK wants to introduce hydrogen-fueled trains on its rail network as soon as 2022, under ambitious efforts to find green alternatives to existing polluting diesel engines. In addition to using clean energy, the hydrogen-fueled trains can run on existing tracks without the need for expensive Read More...
Exxon’s appeal regarding climate change lawsuit rejected by Supreme Court
Exxon is under pressure as the U.S. Supreme Court has denied an appeal by the corporation regarding its involvement in multiple climate lawsuits around the country. The case led by the Massachusetts attorney general is investigating what Exxon knew about climate change and the effects of burning Read More...
Molten salt solar power station largest of its kind
China's solar thermal power generation companies have mastered the core technology of building large-scale molten salt tower thermal power stations, and are ready to go global, industry experts Read More...
Five things to know about China’s electric-car boom
In 2018, more electric cars were sold in China than in the rest of the world combined. The Chinese government has spent nearly $60 billion in the last decade to create an industry that builds electric cars, while also reducing the number of licenses available for gasoline-powered cars to increase Read More...
Coal plants are closing, despite Trump’s efforts
Coal is on a downward swing despite President Donald Trump’s best efforts to frame himself as a champion of the industry. According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, more coal power plants closed during Trump’s first two years in the White House than in Obama’s entire Read More...
Renewables outperform Germany’s coal plants and become its main energy source
Germany’s energy sector has welcomed renewables as its leading energy source for the first time last year, putting coal plants to shame. Green power accounted for more than 40 percent of the country’s total electricity production. The shift marks progress as Europe’s biggest economy aims for Read More...
Norway's electric cars zip to new record: almost a third of all sales
Almost a third of new cars sold in Norway last year were pure electric, a new world record as the country strives to end sales of fossil-fueled vehicles by Read More...
Elephants have a secret weapon against cancer
In 2012, on a whim, Vincent Lynch decided to search the genome of the African elephant to see if it had extra anti-cancer genes. Cancers happen when cells build up mutations in their DNA that allow them to grow and divide uncontrollably. Bigger animals, whose bodies comprise more cells, should, Read More...
How to go solar if you cannot put panels on your roof
Renewable energy has become a viable part of the energy portfolio of many modern delivery services. Options for renewable energy now include solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, wind, biomass, and geothermal. The concept of solar energy is familiar to many people in the public, yet many people still Read More...