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.
Electric cars now 5 percent of California new-car sales
California continues to lead the country in adoption rates for cars that plug in, both battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models. The state offers numerous local and statewide incentives, and many utility companies reward customers for choosing Read More...
World's biggest floating solar farm goes live on top of a former coal mine
Earlier this week, a new floating solar farm went live in the Chinese city of Huainan above a retired coal mine, China Daily reported. The mine was flooded with groundwater after it went out of service, and, rather than simply losing an energy source, the city decided to get another form of Read More...
Toyota's Hydrogen Dream Could Help 7-Eleven Grow
The emerging hydrogen economy is creating new opportunities for businesses to collaborate on energy solutions that benefit the bottom line while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The latest to test the waters is Read More...
Cooling a massive new data center in chilly Norway
The data centers that drive the Internet require huge amounts of power to cool their computers. So, it makes sense to place such centers in an already cold environment like the Arctic Circle. A Norwegian company is building a fortress of data in the utmost northern regions of Norway. The project Read More...
California added 1,300 fuel cell hydrogen vehicles over the last year
The California Air Resources Board (ARB) released its latest annual evaluation of “Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Deployment and Hydrogen Fuel Station Network Development”. The report shows that about 1,300 new fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) Read More...
Volkswagen is working on an electric version of its legendary microbus
The Volkswagen bus has been an iconic presence in many parts of the world for decades. But its long-term future seems bleak given the electric car revolution that is fast gathering speed. However, Volkswagen has announced that the legendary bus will return as an electric vehicle. The car maker aims Read More...
Clean energy needs a better battery and it’s coming
The world of clean energy needs a lot of batteries to power a vast range of equipment from electric cars to mobile phones. But the battery is still a problem. There are alkaline batteries that are safe, cheap and reliable but not powerful enough to power, for example, electric cars. Then there are Read More...
Wind energy saves up to 12,000 lives, $108 billion in health costs
Wind energy saves up to 12,000 lives, $108 billion in health costs. We often write about the economic benefits of wind power. But a new report released this week reveals that wind is not just a low-cost energy source that’s supporting over 100,000 Read More...
Research shows that memories of fear can be permanently erased
Scientists have succeeded in erasing memories of fear in mice bringing closer the eternal sunshine of a spotless mind. They were also able to selectively manipulate memories, weakening or strengthening particular memories while leaving others unchanged. The approach could potentially be used to Read More...
U.S. utilities use solar eclipse to test impact renewables on power networks
Power grid operators in the U.S. are looking forward to Monday’s solar eclipse as an opportunity to test the impact of renewables on the power networks. The eclipse offers a completely predictable stage for experiments. It’s not often that utilities get such precise and advance notice about Read More...