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.
New inexpensive generator can sustainably generate hydrogen to power buildings and cars
The hydrogen fuel cell will be an important component of the emerging clean energy economy. The fuel cell can power electric cars as well as provide electricity to homes and offices. Creating hydrogen in a renewable way is one of the challenges that need to be overcome for the breakthrough of the Read More...
GM, Lyft to test self-driving electric taxis
General Motors Co. 0.42 % and Lyft Inc. within a year will begin testing a fleet of self-driving Chevrolet Bolt electric taxis on public roads, a move central to the companies’ joint efforts to challenge Silicon Valley giants in the battle to reshape the auto industry. The plan is being Read More...
Electric cars will induce the inevitable oil collapse much sooner than you think
When it comes to forecasting the future, most models use linear projections based on current data. However, as history shows, change almost never happens according to linear models. The carriages were not gradually replaced by the automobile and computers and mobile phones did not find their places Read More...
Solar power sets new record-low price, undercutting coal
Solar power set another record-low price with developers in the United Arab Emirates bid as little as 2.99 cents a kilowatt-hour to develop 800 megawatts of a Dubai solar park. That’s 15 percent lower than the previous record set in Mexico last month and much lower than coal-fired energy that Read More...
Nissan announces record EV fleet sales in Europe in 2015
Nissan’s EV sales in the European fleet market rose for a fourth consecutive year in 2015, showing a 45% gain from the previous fiscal year. Nissan sold more than 7,500 LEAFs and e-NV200s to fleet operators and municipalities in Europe, commanding a 28% share of the pure electric fleet Read More...
Renewables reach 5.7% of India’s energy mix
The share of renewables, excluding hydropower, in India’s energy mix has reached 5.7% as of February this year, up from 4.97% in 2012/13, according to data released by the Central Electricity Authority. Energy minister Piyush Goyal said amendments to the Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) in Read More...
3 record-setting projects that prove how powerful solar energy really is
When the right technology is used, solar energy can do far more than make your dashboard toy nod its head. It can power homes, businesses and, as these 3 record-setting examples illustrate, help us make our way around the globe. Click on the solar-powered innovations below to find out just how Read More...
UNEP: Export of solar energy could earn Ghana $38 million yearly
This is not a big news story. Yet, behind the story is an important emerging trend. Renewable energy can shake up the balance of power in the world. Many developing countries have plenty of sun which they can harvest and export energy to rich countries. Ten days ago we wrote in The Optimist Daily Read More...
Google partners with Fiat Chrysler to develop self-driving cars
For the first time, Google is working together directly with an automaker to integrate its self-driving system, including its sensors and software, into a passenger vehicle. Google and Fiat Chrysler announced that they will build a fleet of 100 self-driving minivans in the most advanced Read More...
The Self-Driving Car of the Future Comes With … a Bookshelf
One of the most exciting things about the coming age of autonomous driving is all the ways it will free designers from constraints like forward-facing seats, a steering wheel, and the need to pay attention. Connected car company Harman and automotive design firm Rinspeed explore this new freedom in Read More...