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.
3 Midwestern States That Refuse to Abandon the Renewable Energy Revolution
On the final day of the Illinois State Assembly's 2016 session, a bill was passed that environmentalists can celebrate—one that significantly increases incentives for renewable energy and energy-efficiency requirements. Though the Democratic-led congress debated the Future Energy Jobs bill Read More...
Kenya’s electrification campaign is taking half the time it took America
In the 1930s, the US embarked on a campaign to connect rural parts of the country to electricity. It took more than two decades before 95% of all farms were electrified. Kenya is working on doing that in just seven years. Kenya added 1.3 million households to its electricity grid last year, raising Read More...
China scraps construction of 85 planned coal power plants
China has suspended 85 planned coal power plants in a bid to meet a government coal capacity target laid out in its latest plan for social and economic development. The National Energy Administration (NEA) announced the under-construction projects would no longer go ahead as part of measures Read More...
Solar energy entrepreneurs in India are finding faster and cleaner route to power
Access to power in India is not a given. Mera Gao Power (MGP), however, is able to offer customers two solar powered lamps and a mobile phone charger for less than a dollar per week, powered by renewable energy sources as opposed to kerosene. “People are concerned not about the emissions Read More...
India launches online solar power technician course for only $9
India is planning a rapid expansion of solar energy to electrify vast parts of the country that are currently not connected to the grid. For that to happen the country needs an army of solar energy technicians. And that’s why the Indian government is now launching an online course that anyone Read More...
Airbus CEO: Flying car prototype ready by end of year
You may not yet be ready for the self-driving car, but technology already presents the next challenge to transportation as you know it. The concept of flying cars is fast becoming a reality. Engineers know it’s possible. And we see that drones work. But we know the next step is near when the CEO Read More...
Airbus CEO sees 'flying car' prototype ready by end of year
Airbus Group plans to test a prototype for a self-piloted flying car as a way of avoiding gridlock on city roads by the end of the year, the aerospace group's chief executive said on Monday. Airbus last year formed a division called Urban Air Mobility that is exploring concepts such as a vehicle to Read More...
Saudi to launch $30-50 billion renewable energy program soon: minister
Saudi Arabia will launch in coming weeks a renewable energy program that is expected to involve investment of between $30 billion and $50 billion by 2023, Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said on Monday. Falih, speaking at an energy industry event in Abu Dhabi, said Riyadh would in the next Read More...
California to build largest geothermal power plant in the U.S
Below the surface of the Salton Sea in California’s southeastern desert lies one of the world’s largest sources geothermal energy—where the earth’s heat and pressure create hot water and steam all day long. Now two start-up firms have announced plans to build the nation’s largest Read More...
The first self-driving bus on U.S. public streets is carrying passengers in Las Vegas
A small autonomous bus called an Arma is running a short route along Las Vegas’ Fremont Street, marking, according to transit operator Keolis, the first time a self-driving bus has moved passengers on an American public road. The route is short—just three blocks. And this is only a Read More...