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.
Global funding for battery storage, smart grids tops $1 billion first half 2017
The total global funding raised during the first half of the year for the battery storage, smart grid, and energy efficiency sectors topped $1 billion, a 25% increase over the same time a year ago, according to new figures published by Mercom Capital. Mercom Capital Group, a global clean energy Read More...
World's first autonomous, all-electric cargo ship to launch next year
The world’s first crewless, autonomously operated ship is set to sail in late 2018. The Norwegian-built Yara Birkeland is being dubbed the “Tesla of the Seas” because the vessel is fully electric. The $25 million ship will initially start out as a manned vessel, moving to Read More...
Tesla Model 3 is more than an electric car―it’s a landmark in automotive history
The air is electric in Fremont, California, where a lucky few gather to witness a momentous moment. Thirty employees rub their hands together in glee, awaiting their prize after months of waiting. Elsewhere around the world, the faithful—the 350,000-odd people who threw down a $1,000 Read More...
Simusolar and Sculpteo use 3D printing to bring solar energy to Tanzania
Between three countries – Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania – is Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa. On its shores, the people of Tanzania depend on the fish that come from its waters. Not long ago, fishermen would go out at night with oil lamps burning to fish in the coolest part of Read More...
Canada sees opportunity to become biofuel superpower for airlines
Canada’s airlines plan to use the rich resources of their country to massively transition to using biofuels. Canada has the potential to become a biofuel superpower by transforming forest residue and agricultural crops into energy that can help the airline industry reduce greenhouse gas Read More...
Researchers develop mobile phone that does not need a battery
Car companies are working on electric vehicles with solar panels on their roofs that charge the battery while driving. There are smart phones that recharge with solar panels integrated into their screens. Researchers have now gone one big step further and have developed a phone without a battery. Read More...
Denmark now has 2,030 electric car charging docks and 2,028 gas stations
Denmark has set a unique new record: The number of electric charging stations in the country has surpassed the number of gas stations. Despite the inspiring achievement, Denmark has still a lot of work to do to catch up with neighbor Norway that is leading the world in the acceptance of electric Read More...
Renewables can create “groundbreaking” decarbonisation effort for mining industry
A new report from the Rocky Mountain Institute has concluded that a collection of factors working together have created a “groundbreaking” opportunity for decarbonising the global mining industry, specifically a transition to renewable energy across the industry. The report was Read More...
Royal Mail goes electric with 100 plug-in Peugeot vans
Royal Mail will purchase 100 electric Peugeot vans and install commensurate charging infrastructure across its network, according to an announcement from the organisation today. The Peugeot Partner L2 Electric vans are fully electric plug-in vehicles, and will be used by delivery Read More...
Proof of concept: Conservative billionaire to build America’s largest wind farm
It’s a sure sign of changing times when conservative investors embrace new technologies. In Wyoming, the biggest wind farm in the US, is being built with the money of conservative billionaire Philip Anschutz, who got his start in his father’s oil business. The farm with 1,000 turbines will be Read More...