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.
Glowing bacteria could help in landmine cleanup efforts
Every year a few thousand people die while clearing leftover landmines from war zones. Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have found a special type of bacteria that illuminates when in the presence of explosive vapors seeping from the landmines. By placing the glowing bacteria into Read More...
The cows of America have a renewable energy message for you
The Trump Administration has been tooting the domestic energy production horn, so it stands to reason they would enthuse over the latest development from the US Department of Energy. Scientists at the agency’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have discovered a new secret to tapping the Read More...
At this bike shop, you can trade your old car for an electric bicycle
If you show up at The New Wheel, an electric bike shop in San Francisco, the store will give you a chance to trade in your old car for a new e-bike. As you browse or take an electric bike for a spin up one of the city’s hills, staff at the store will take notes on the condition of your car Read More...
Chicago city buildings to be powered by 100 percent renewable energy
Government representatives of Chicago just announced their commitment to converting their city pulling buildings’ electricity supply to 100% renewable energy by 2025. When implemented, Chicago will be the largest major city in the country to have a 100% renewable energy supply for its public Read More...
Google develops ‘see-through’ air conditioner without fan
Google has filed a patent for a bladeless air conditioner that offers a better seal with your window and lets you see straight through it. The fanless air conditioner is quiet, non-obstructive, uses less energy and doesn’t even necessarily use refrigerant to help cool your home. The new design Read More...
Proof of the unstoppable rise of the electric car: Tesla’s market value passes GM
Electric car maker Tesla eclipsed General Motors in terms of market capitalization yesterday to briefly become the most valuable auto company in the world. To put that in perspective: GM sold 10 million cars last year and generated a record profit; Tesla sold 76,000 cars and produced a loss. Read More...
‘Tornado man’ wants to power the world with clean energy through vortexes
There was a time, just over a century ago, that horses and their manure were a big problem for the fast-growing cities. Governments and universities struggled to find a solution. Ultimately, out of their sight, that solution came from the man who introduced the mass-produced car: Henry Ford. The Read More...
A coal museum in Kentucky looks to an unlikely power source: solar energy
The tiny town of Benham, Kentucky, was originally built to serve the coal mining industry. Now it's embracing solar energy. Benham, population 500, will soon get an array of solar panels atop the Kentucky Coal Mining Museum. The decision to go solar is packed with symbolism, but mostly it Read More...
$5,700 electric micro-car seats 3, or carries 360 lbs of cargo
Take a mini-van and squish it to about a quarter size - that's roughly what you're looking at with the ZEV T3-1 Micro. This quirky, fully-enclosed, electric three-wheeler seats three if they're skinny, but we see it being much more of a hit as a cargo carrier. West Virginia's ZEV continues to push Read More...
Forget the next gadget: Technological progress makes us more vulnerable
For the most part, technological improvements have made our lives safer: Life expectancy has nearly doubled since 1850, and it’s increased worldwide by six years since 1990 alone. The development of vaccines and antibacterial drugs have also cut infant and childhood mortality dramatically. But Read More...