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.
Google spun out a new company that heats your home with geothermal energy
X, the "moonshot" division of Google's parent company Alphabet, has spun out a new geothermal heating and cooling company called Dandelion, the company announced Thursday. Dandelion comes from a previously undisclosed project at X that began two years ago. It'll be run as a separate Read More...
New bill allows German tenants to generate solar power on rented roofs
Supporters of solar power have won a big victory in Berlin after lawmakers passed legislation that will allow owners of tenant blocks a subsidy for generating solar power on rooftops. As many as 3.8 million rental properties in the German capital could benefit from the newly introduced subsidy. At Read More...
How video games helped give us the self-driving car
Self-driving cars. They're the future of transportation — and they're getting smarter all the time. Thanks to advances in software and artificial intelligence, these machines are now able to distinguish between cars and cyclists, or between pedestrians and your pet. Many can now "see" just Read More...
This has to be the cutest solar farm in the world
For those who don’t think solar panels can be aesthetically pleasing, take a look at the Panda Power Plant in Datong, China. The solar farm, which will have an aggregate installed capacity of 100 MW, is shaped like the country’s treasure animal—the panda. While the black parts of the panda, Read More...
Electric cars reach record 42 percent of Norway’s total new car sales
While most countries have difficulties making electric cars reach 2% or 3% of their total car sales, Norway keeps pushing the bar higher and higher. Last month was another record month for the country with electric cars representing 42% of its new vehicles being registered. That’s a Read More...
The world’s first energy-harvesting smart street has opened in London
Pavegen, a company that produces tiles that generate electricity from footsteps, has transformed a path in London’s West End into the world’s first energy-harvesting smart street. The company installed a 107-square-foot array in Bird Street to harness and convert footsteps into electricity, Read More...
NASA mimics gecko feet to create device that will adhere to almost anything
Drawing inspiration from the sticky feet of geckos, NASA scientists have invented a device that can grip almost anything. The “gecko gripper” uses minuscule silicon wedges to latch onto a wide range of slippery surfaces, like solar panels and plastics. The grippers can work with heavy objects, Read More...
Germany produced record 35 percent of power from renewables in first half
Germany raised the proportion of its power produced by renewable energy to 35 percent in the first half of 2017 from 33 percent the previous year, according to the BEE renewable energy association. Germany is aiming to phase out its nuclear power plants by 2022. Its renewable energy has been rising Read More...
How the electric car became the future of transportation
Traditional automakers including General Motors, Volkswagen, Daimler AG, and others are all investing heavily in electric vehicles. And Tesla, of course, has built an entire business on battery-powered cars. But electric automobiles are nothing new. They actually have a rich history in Read More...
Californians take a shine to solar power
Jacquie Barnbrook had grown tired of the high electricity bills and her gas-guzzling luxury car when she finally decided to take the plunge last year. The 52-year-old Los Angeles resident joined an ever-growing number of Californians who are switching to solar power for their energy needs in a bid Read More...