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.
World’s largest electric vehicle generates more electricity than it uses
Although the most visible example of the future of electric mobility is the consumer electric car, the commercial transportation sector and heavy industry are two major areas where transitioning to cleaner fuels will have a big impact on air quality. And now thanks to a consortium of Swiss Read More...
This project converts wind into funds for climate change research
Here’s a project that just years ago would have sounded absurd and unheard of. In a field in Sweden, a climate activist deployed a wind turbine to power a weather-proof PC that mines the cryptocurrency Zcash. All the digital dollars that it generates go directly to climate change research. The Read More...
Geothermal energy could get major boost after conference in Florence
Geothermal energy is one of the lowest-cost energy sources available. It has huge potential for lowering greenhouse gas emissions and saving money. Despite this, harnessing heat from the Earth almost doesn’t happen outside Iceland. That isn’t very resourceful considering that 90 countries Read More...
Economic reality sets in for energy company trying to build new coal plant in Kansas
After more than a decade of efforts to dramatically expand the Sunflower Electric Power Corporation’s coal-fired power plant in Holcomb, Kansas, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, the principal backer, now considers it unlikely that the project will move Read More...
World's first hydrogen generated by tidal energy
In a world first for clean energy, researchers in Scotland have generated hydrogen using electricity from tidal arrays. The first ever ‘tidal hydrogen' was generated at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney at the end of August and announced by the centre Read More...
The best bets in energy investing, according to Bill Gates
When it comes to revolutionizing our energy system, we’re actually spoiled for choice. From improved batteries to solar fuels, the means to make the world run more efficiently while improving air quality are there to be invested in. The tricky part is choosing the solutions that will succeed Read More...
What scientists believe your dreams actually mean
The ancient Egyptians thought of dreams as simply a different form of seeing, with trained dreamers serving as seers to help plan battles and make state decisions. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that dreams were equal parts predictions of future events and visitations by the dead. Sigmund Read More...
Goodbye Diesel: Volkswagen to offer electric versions of all its models by 2030
Volkswagen, the world’s biggest carmaker, has announced it will offer an electric version of all its 300 models by 2030 as it looks to put the diesel emissions scandal behind it. The German firm also plans to offer 80 new electric cars by 2025. While Mercedes recently announced that its entire Read More...
Mercedes wants to sell a plug-in hybrid that runs on hydrogen
Few automakers have treaded into the hydrogen fuel cell waters for production cars, but Mercedes-Benz is about to, and with a twist on the formula. The Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell is set to be the first plug-in electric that also runs on Read More...
Plant-based biofuels are completely transforming energy
Biofuels are an alternative to fossil fuels, but a recent study suggests that climate change and rising temperatures will negatively impact its production. There are a couple of changes that can be made to the process to maintain its Read More...