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.
The huge, hidden upside to low oil prices
Oil prices keep on plummeting, and although it's nice for those of us who own gasoline-demanding cars, it tends to hinder sales of electric cars and the overall development of renewables to a certain extent. There is one major upside to these exceptionally low prices: the cost of food drops, which Read More...
Can Germany's renewable energy revolution be replicated in the United States?
When one thinks about solar energy, the first image that comes to mind may be a Californian field of photovoltaic panels. But cloudy Germany, not sunny California, has the advantage when it comes to solar electricity, with a capacity of 38 gigawatts compared to a mere 11 in the Golden State as of Read More...
Poll finds majority would support party proposing solar on every rooftop
Policies supporting rooftop solar PV uptake, innovation and development have been identified as a major vote winner in Australia, according to the results of a new survey. The national poll, conducted by Essential, found that a majority of Australians were more likely to vote for a party with Read More...
Coalition of U.S. states pledge to accelerate renewable energy efforts
Governors from 17 states in the U.S. have pledged to accelerate their efforts to create a green economy by boosting renewables, building better electricity grids and cutting emissions from transport. The accord signed by governors from states that include California, New York and Washington sets Read More...
Americans may think they’ll never buy an electric SUV—but they will
Speaking of consumerism... Americans bought a record 9.7 million gas-guzzling SUVs and trucks this past year. The high sales have continued into this year, so it may be surprising for motorists to hear that when they go to replace their current vehicles in a few years, they’ll probably drive away Read More...
'Solar energy isn’t just good for polar bears, it’s good for the working class'
There are many ways to frame a documentary about solar power; many ways to go about extolling the virtues of clean energy. The most obvious would be to pursue the following line: hit hard by the effects of climate change, the world can save itself by building a sustainable future in renewable Read More...
Riversimple Rasa hydrogen-powered car revealed
Zero-emission vehicle uses four in-wheel electric motors and promises 250mpg and a 300-mile range by Sam Sheehan British carmaker Riversimple has revealed a new hydrogen-powered car that is set to go into production later this year. The two-seat model produces nothing but water from its tailpipe Read More...
Germany wants to introduce random emissions tests on cars
Germany wants to carry out unannounced emissions tests on all carmakers, Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt said on Sunday, aiming to reinstate confidence in the industry that was shattered by the Volkswagen cheating scandal. "There will be controls on vehicles in the style of doping tests (for Read More...
'Climate change has put focus on necessity of renewable energy', India minister says
Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu on Sunday said climate change has put the focus on the necessity of renewable energy and this is also being used as an opportunity to help the transition to a cleaner and greener world. Speaking after inaugurating World Utility Summit (WUS), during ELECRAMA 2016 - Read More...
Citrus in the snow: Geothermal greenhouses grow local produce in the winter
For those of us who live in the blistering cold during the winter and want to eat local produce, it isn’t easy. Traditional greenhouses are one way to meet the demands for year-round local produce, but they are energy guzzlers and are heated with fossil fuels. In the Midwestern region of the Read More...