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.
Scientists turn nuclear waste into electricity-generating diamonds
How to dispose of nuclear waste is one of the great technical challenges of the 21st century. British physicists have now found a way to convert seemingly worthless—and dangerous—nuclear waste into man-made diamond batteries that can generate a small electric current for longer than the entire Read More...
Storing hydrogen in your pocket with this new plastic
A Waseda University (Tokyo) research group has developed a polymer which can store hydrogen in a light, compact and flexible sheet, and is safe to touch even when filled with hydrogen gas. Although research and development on technology allowing hydrogen to become a major energy source have been Read More...
Here’s why the clean energy industry is hopeful about Donald Trump
U.S. wind and solar companies for the first time gave more money to Republicans than Democrats during the 2016 election cycle, according to federal campaign disclosures, part of a years-long effort to expand renewable energy’s appeal beyond liberal environmentalists. The industry is now Read More...
The solar showroom is a bright way to get solar panels onto more roofs
What if buying solar panels was like buying a car? You walk around the showroom, you see the panels on different tiled roofs, and you actually see what you’re getting before you buy it. In California, a solar showroom allows potential customers to interact with solar panels, and it's persuading Read More...
3 radical ideas to totally disrupt air travel
If a flight attendant told me that I couldn’t bring my roller bag onto the plane, I might throw a fit. But when the same idea comes from Teague—the preeminent air travel design studio that’s designed the interiors of Boeing planes since 1946—I’ll hear them out. Recently at the Airline Read More...
England’s Gloucester cathedral gets solar pv system
Southwestern England’s Gloucester Cathedral is now home to a 38 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic system, one expected to reduce the facility’s energy costs by around 25%. The new solar energy installation at the >1,300-year-old cathedral — host to the tomb of King Edward II Read More...
New technology improves efficiency of solar cells by nearly 70%
Researchers in Israel have created a new technology that could improve the efficiency of photovoltaic cells by almost 70%. Using a special material, the researchers were able to achieve a perfect level of radiation, resulting in a higher conversion efficiency. With the world’s energy demands Read More...
47 of the world's poorest countries are aiming to hit 100% renewable energy
During the final day of the U.N Climate Change Conference in Morocco last week, an ambitious goal was set by 47 of the worlds poorest nations to skip fossil fuels altogether and jump straight to using 100% renewable energy. Developing countries have traditionally grown economically through Read More...
Finland set to become first country to ban coal use for energy
Finland could become the first country to ditch coal for good. As part of a new energy and climate strategy due to be announced tomorrow, the government is considering banning the burning of coal for energy by 2030. “Basically, coal would disappear from the Finnish market,” says Read More...
UK government announces funding for autonomous vehicles, electric cars
LONDON Chancellor Philip Hammond on Wednesday announced 390 million pounds of funding to boost the development of low emission vehicles and autonomous vehicles. Delivering his first budget statement to parliament, Hammond also announced support for electric vehicle infrastructure. "Reliable Read More...