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.
Here's how much of the US would need to be covered in wind turbines to power the nation
On September 27, the US District Court of Appeals in Washington DC will hear arguments over the Obama administration’s Clean Power Plan, which dictates carbon-cutting standards for states based on their greenhouse gas emissions. The Supreme Court put a hold on enforcement of the Read More...
Here's the electric car Audi is building to take on Tesla
Last September, Audi revealed its all-electric e-tron quattro concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The SUV, which is slated to go into production by 2018, will have three electric motors, a range of 310 miles on a single charge, and quick charging capabilities. Here's a look at some of the Read More...
California dominates US electric car sales
September 25th, 2016 by James Ayre An interesting analysis of the California electric vehicle market was recently published by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), providing a nice overview of the effects of various policies and promotional activities in effect there Read More...
Amsterdam's autonomous canal boats, and more in the week that was
Hydrogen-powered cars and planes are on the rise, and this week Germany announced plans to launch the world's first completely hydrogen-powered passenger train in 2017. In other transportation news, Volvo unveiled a new SuperTruck that's 70 percent more fuel-efficient than big rigs on the road Read More...
Finding better ways to get hydrogen fuel from water
With hydrogen power stations in California, a new Japanese consumer car and portable hydrogen fuel cells for electronics, hydrogen as a zero emission fuel source is now finally becoming a reality for the average consumer. When combined with oxygen in the presence of a catalyst, hydrogen releases Read More...
Cell made from spinach uses sunlight to produce electricity, hydrogen from water
A team of researchers from the Technion Israel Institute of Technology has developed a bio photo electro chemical (BPEC) cell that produces hydrogen and electricity from water using sunlight. They used a simple membrane extract from spinach leaves to achieve this feat. The device produces oxygen, Read More...
A startup is building a bizarre-looking electric car you can share for $37 a week
Car ownership is dying. The number of 19-year-olds who possess driver's licenses has declined 69% since 1983, according to a report by the University of Michigan. A similar decline has also been witnessed for other age groups as well. It's a trend that has led industry leaders like Read More...
These researchers think we’re nearing ‘peak car’
On Thursday the Rocky Mountain Institute — an energy-focused think tank known for its boldness in predicting technological change — released a truly sweeping report on the future of vehicles. And if it’s right — something that, to be sure, can be questioned — Read More...
Solar startup in Africa has a very bright future
A startup that’s helped bring solar energy to millions of customers living in off-grid areas of Africa has announced that it will be shifting their business towards larger, more powerful solar-powered gear. After successfully bringing solar lanterns to 65 million people, the startup, d.light, Read More...
New renewables outpacing rising electricity demand for the first time
For the first time ever, investment in new renewables was more than enough to cover rising global electricity demand in 2015. That’s according to the first World Energy Investment report, published by the International Energy Agency (IEA). While fossil fuels still dominate energy supplies, Read More...