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.
Portugal generated enough renewable energy to power the whole country in March
Portugal’s renewable electricity production exceeded monthly consumption for what is likely the first time, in March, according to the nation’s transmission system operator, REN. The average renewable generation for the month exceeded 103 percent of consumption, beating out the last record Read More...
We drove a $57,500 Tesla Model 3 and a $43,000 Chevy Bolt to see which is better
Last year, we were so impressed by the Chevy Bolt that we named it a 2017 Car of the Year runner-up. Early this year, we spent some time getting to know the hotly anticipated Tesla Model 3. We haven't yet properly reviewed the Tesla Model 3, but we will later this year. In the meantime, we Read More...
UPS is showing us that mass integration of plug-in electric vehicles is possible
While it’s good news that UPS is switching to an all-electric fleet in London, a switch like that can still provide major headaches for utility companies. Fortunately, UPS is using on-site batteries and smart-grid software to time the recharging of its 170 electric trucks so that it occurs when Read More...
Scotland now produces more than two-thirds of its energy from renewables
England and Ireland could learn a thing or two from their neighbor Scotland when it comes to producing renewable energy. Scotland’s wind generation increased by 34 percent and hydropower by 9 percent in the last year alone, propelling Scotland near the top of the list of countries that derive the Read More...
New theory suggests that after death consciousness moves to another universe
A book titled “Biocentrism: How Life and Consciousness Are the Keys to Understanding the Nature of the Universe“ has stirred up the internet, because it contained a notion that life does not end when the body dies, and it can last forever. The author of this publication, scientist Dr. Robert Read More...
Electric vehicles and smart meters combine to make a mobile powerplant
We know that electric cars can act as a mobile battery by discharging energy back into the grid. When plugged in during peak demand times, it helps reduce high electricity prices and smooth out power spikes. But what if real-time data and artificial intelligence allowed us to follow and predict Read More...
Saudi Arabia is getting set to build the world’s biggest solar power project
Despite being one of the world’s sunniest countries, Saudi Arabia generates most of its electricity from oil-fired power plants. That could soon change after an investment group announced it will be investing into the world’s biggest solar power project in Saudi Arabia. According to estimates, Read More...
Newly discovered metabolic mechanism could be an off-switch for inflammation
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have uncovered a new metabolic process involved in the immune system's inflammatory processes. The discovery suggests manipulating this mechanism could essentially "switch off" inflammation, which the researchers hope could lead to the development of entirely Read More...
How floating solar panels are helping the Maldives ditch diesel fuel
Tropical islands might boast pure natural scenery, but their energy sources are often anything but pure. Many power-hungry resorts in the Maldives rely on diesel, a notorious pollutant, for their energy needs. Swimsol, a solar power company based in Austria, is working to change that. Read More...
Shell has announced a plan to wean the world off fossil fuels
Although it may seem hard to believe, oil giant Shell has laid out a plan for moving away from its own product. The plan would shift people away from oil and towards hydrogen and electric transportation in order to keep global warming under the 2 degree limit that most scientists think is the Read More...