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.
Report: The world invested $264 billion in new renewables in 2016
In Brief REN21's latest Renewables Global Status Report it claims that more solar energy technology was installed worldwide in 2016 than any other form of renewable energy. Overall, renewable energy is growing much faster than fossil fuels, with the former receiving double the investment dollars Read More...
Tesla’s Solar Roof is cheaper than a normal roof, comes with lifetime warranty
Just in case you had forgotten: Tesla is not only in the electric car business. The company is also offering a Solar Roof and it has just announced the pricing for its photovoltaic tiles. As it turns out, Tesla offers the solar roof for nearly 20 percent less money than an average roof. That’s Read More...
Lyft partners with Amtrak for first- and last-mile trip tie-ins
Lyft and Amtrak are teaming up on a partnership that will allow Amtrak app users to book a trip directly in the train operator’s mobile software. The Lyft ride quest feature is designed to help travellers manage those first and last legs of their journey, and the team-up also comes with a $5 Read More...
California regulators approve $200m Volkswagen zero-emission cars investment
Late last week, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced that it had approved the first of four plans for Volkswagen to invest $800 million in zero-emission infrastructure, outreach and electric vehicle access for citizens who live in disadvantaged communities. The first phase, which Read More...
BP in talks with electric carmakers about adding chargers to gas stations
Oil companies have networks of gas stations around the world. Car owners are use to going to these places for obvious reasons. So, wouldn’t it make sense to offer battery re-charging docks at fuel service stations? It could be a win-win as the oil companies need to find new revenue streams as the Read More...
The best folding bike now has e-version with a portable battery
The British company Brompton produces arguably the best folding bikes in the world. Your editor tested the bike, ideal for city commuting, years ago and found that it provides a normal biking experience despite the much smaller wheels. Now Brompton is launching an e-bike with a portable battery Read More...
India cancels plans for huge coal power stations as solar energy prices hit record low
India has cancelled plans to build nearly 14 gigawatts of coal-fired power stations – about the same as the total amount in the UK – with the price for solar electricity “free falling” to levels once considered impossible. Analyst Tim Buckley said the shift away from the Read More...
Tesla Model 3 is coming—and it has no key and no instruments
The first Tesla Model 3 cars will be delivered to customers in the coming week. It’s the beginning of fulfilling 500,000 pre-orders and of what Elon Musk has called “six months of manufacturing hell”. Much of the car remains a mystery but the first details are coming Read More...
Alphabet works on energy storage system based on salt
Alphabet, Google’s mother company, works on a new storage system for renewable energy that would be better than lithium-ion batteries that require rare earth metals and is thus not entirely sustainable. The Alphabet system involves vats of salt and antifreeze. It can be located almost anywhere, Read More...
Will you need a driving license in the age of self-driving cars?
Driverless vehicles may seem unfamiliar now, but over the coming years you'll start to encounter - or even use them - on a daily basis. Will it mean the end of the driving licence and changes to the rules of the road? It's not uncommon to see a squat white droid trundling along the streets of Read More...