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.
One chart shows how solar energy growth is skyrocketing compared to predictions
In early 2016, the International Energy Agency (IEA) projected that, starting that year, the world would add just 50 gigawatts of added solar energy capacity per year. And in 2017, solar's growth rate would level out and start to decline. But as one clean energy researcher points out, the Read More...
The top 10 states leading the renewable energy revolution in the U.S.
California remains the U.S.’ renewable energy leader, but energy efficiency and renewables are gaining major ground across the country, a new ranking of states and cities shows. Six states now get at least a fifth of their power from non-hydro renewable sources such as wind and solar. The Read More...
Wind rules Scottish energy production, provides 95 percent of electricity
Some Optimist Daily readers write that we dedicate much news space to renewable energy. That’s true. It’s also true that the renewable energy story is possibly the biggest news story of these times. Renewable energy also means a clean environment, no air pollution, better health. The impact Read More...
Electric cars cleaner than any gas-only car for 97 percent of U.S. drivers
Electric cars are clean cars without any tailpipe emissions. Yes, but there’s one caveat: Unless they're charged entirely on renewable energy, there are emissions associated with generating the electricity used to power their batteries. This map shows what fuel efficiency would be necessary for a Read More...
China completed the world’s biggest floating solar energy farm
Images of the Beijing smog and millions of people wearing masks to be able to breathe are among the more dramatic depictions of air pollution caused by excessive industrialization. Now that China is turning away from industrial manufacturing and towards services, it is focusing on remedying some of Read More...
Hydrogen power to give VTOL drone six-hour endurance
Wirth Research has unveiled the design of its tilt-rotor, vertical take off and landing (VTOL) drone. The company claims its all-new Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) will be the first in the world to use lightweight hydrogen fuel cells as its primary energy source, for a combination of long range and Read More...
Using the sun’s abundant energy 24/7 is no longer a pipe dream
Generating and storing solar energy for less than the cost of fossil fuels is becoming reality. And that changes everything about the energy industry. Recently, Tucson Electric signed a deal with NextEra Energy for 20 years of solar plus storage at less than half of the price of retail electricity Read More...
Dutch households to trial using data servers to heat hot water for free
Dutch company ‘Nerdalize’ is launching a pilot scheme that uses the energy from computer servers to heat water, allowing citizens to take showers for free as part of a wider plan to distribute free ‘server heat’ to everyone in the Netherlands. The innovative start-up is Read More...
Old plastic bottles bring light to 850,000 homes in slums around the world
This nonprofit helps poor communities around the world make their own lights from old plastic bottles and other locally available parts. The project started in the Philippines in 2012 and has now spread to over 15 countries. Liter of Light has lit over 850,000 homes so Read More...
Powerful currents: Generating clean energy where salt and fresh water meet
A new technology generates unprecedented amounts of electrical power in places where saltwater and freshwater meet. The process can be used in estuaries where fresh and ocean water mix. Researchers estimate the technology may be able to supply 40 percent of the world's power Read More...