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.

Geologists find bacteria that takes traces of gold and turns them into nuggets

Your old mobile phone could hold value long after you throw it in the bin with a team of Australian researchers working to unlock the gold inside.Geologists have discovered bacteria on a patch of earth in regional Queensland that takes natural traces of gold and turns them into nuggets. The Read More...

Researchers are building better batteries using crumpled graphene balls

In the quest to improve on the lithium-ion batteries that power today's mobile devices and electric vehicles, lithium-metal batteries hold a lot of potential. Although they promise to hold much more energy per charge, they do have shortcomings in their current form, particularly when it comes to Read More...

Scientists have created fungus-infused concrete that heals itself

Replacing concrete is both a hassle and a costly job to do. That could soon change thanks to a team of scientists who have developed a special type of concrete made with fungi that can repair itself. Much like damaged skins and tissues, this concrete uses fungus to take in nutrients that can Read More...

Audi smart home battery grid creates a 'virtual power plant'

Audi isn't going to let rival automakers like BMW and Tesla corner the market on home batteries. The German badge is testing a Smart Energy Network where solar-powered batteries not only help your home minimize use of the electrical grid, but talk to each other. The result is, as Audi put it, a Read More...

BMW is bringing its wireless charging pad to the US

In another move to improve charging practices for plug-in electric vehicles, BMW is set to expand the availability of its wireless charging pad for one of its vehicles to the United States. Finally, no more untangling a charging cord for your Read More...

Owning an electric car is twice as cheap as owning a gas vehicle

Electric cars are generally more expensive to buy than conventional vehicles. The suggested retail price for a 2018 Nissan Leaf, the world’s best selling EV, is about $30,000 in the U.S. You can pick up a new Honda Civic 2018 for less than $19,000 (though this excludes the Read More...

Carbon fiber could be made from plants, scientists say

From wind turbine blades to automobiles, many of the things society relies upon on a daily basis are made out of carbon fiber. Unfortunately, carbon fiber is made from oil and other costly ingredients. That could soon change thanks to a recent breakthrough by scientists who say it may be possible Read More...