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.
Coal power plant closures ramp up in spite of White House plans
No matter what President Trump claimed about coal in his election campaign, there is no way he could reverse the downward spiral of the dirty fossil fuel. In fact, another three major coal plants in Texas have just announced plans to close their doors. The company behind the closures blamed Read More...
The benefits of building ‘floating’ solar farms
In China and beyond, more countries are chasing the same idea: place massive solar panels on bodies of water to soak up the Sun. By doing so, countries are able to free up precious land while generating large amounts of green energy. On an increasingly overcrowded planet that needs more space and Read More...
Sodium-based batteries can make renewable energy accessible in poorer regions
Although lithium-ion batteries are the best in terms of efficiency, they are amongst the worst in terms of cost. On top of that, lithium reserves around the world are rapidly depleting. The world is in need of a more cost-effective, environmentally-friendly alternative, which is why a team of Read More...
Plenty of energy: ‘North Atlantic wind farms could power the whole world’
The promising news about renewable energy keeps pouring in. By now, we hope you are convinced with us that there’s no problem providing the world with clean power. A new study has found that wind speeds over the oceans could allow offshore turbines to generate far more energy than a land-based Read More...
The competition for solar energy is growing in the oceans: seaweed
Seaweed, in all its slimy glory, could become a major source of renewable energy in the future after the US Department of Energy invested nearly $1.5 million in two projects that will help develop seaweed farms and explore harvesting methods. Although it may sound strange that seaweed energy is Read More...
Welcome to first solar-powered town where you don’t need your own car anymore
A town in Florida is giving its residents a real reason to let go of their gas-powered cars. The fully solar-powered town is in the process of establishing the first autonomous network of transportation in the U.S.. Using an app, residents in the town can gain access to autonomous pods that carry Read More...
California wants to let driverless cars be tested without a human at the wheel
California is preparing to let companies test driverless cars without a human at the steering wheel. The state Department of Motor Vehicles released proposed rule revisions today (Oct. 11) that would allow testing of self-driving cars without a human in the driver’s seat. The new rules also would Read More...
Bio-methane transforms from landfill waste to energy source
Methane produced by manure and food waste in landfills doesn't have to go to waste. Using anaerobic digesters, the gas can be harnessed for Read More...
How New York can use self-driving cars to unclog its streets
While most estimates suggest that it will still take decades before autonomous vehicles will be adopted, manufacturers like Ford and Tesla, alongside tech giants like Google and Uber, are neck-and-neck in the race to bring self-driving cars into the mainstream. Simply put, self-driving cars will be Read More...
GM advances stealthily into disaster relief zones with autonomous fuel cell concept
With hurricanes and disaster relief top of mind for the US government, General Motors is this week presenting military leaders with a platform design it hopes can one day help. The multi-vehicle Silent Utility Rover Universal Superstructure (SURUS) uses a fuel cell powertrain and autonomous Read More...