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 U.S. built more solar energy systems than natural gas plants last year
Case in point: For the first time ever, more new solar energy systems were installed in the U.S. last year than new natural gas plants built. According to a new report from the Solar Energy Industry Association and analysts at GTM Research, solar systems supplied 29.5% of the new energy sources Read More...
The neuroscience behind Buddhist enlightenment
To many non-believers, Buddhism is the "good" kind of religion, one that doesn't start wars and has powerful things to say on the mindfulness and mental self control we all seek by one method or another. RedOrbit spoke to Dr. Rick Hanson, psychologist, Senior Fellow of the Greater Good Science Read More...
World's smallest fuel cell charger will power your phone with salt water
Battery chargers aren't exactly the sexiest gadgets in the world, but when you add fuel cells into the mix things get a little more interesting. MyFC is showcasing its Jaq fuel cell charger at MWC 2016, the world's smallest charger of its type. The device, which has gotten its European debut, Read More...
Rural Africa’s solar energy success story
Seventy percent of the population of sub-Saharan Africa lives “off the grid”, with no easy access to electricity. Without a reliable power grid, individuals and families rely on kerosene, candles and batteries to shed light on their studies and all other daily activities. Here, in Read More...
This small community in Canada will be solar-powered in summer
Colville Lake, high in a corner of the Northwest Territories in Caada, is a tiny town that is leading the way in getting rid of fossil fuels. Colville Lake, a community of about 150, has successfully tested a system of batteries and solar panels. When the town needed to replace its aging diesel Read More...
Daimler chief sees electric cars beating hydrogen, for now
Daimler may be hedging its bets with work on both electric and hydrogen fuel cell cars, but it sees a front runner emerging. In a chat with Euro am Sonntag, company chief Dieter Zetsche says he believes EVs are "more likely" to come out on top. Simply put, he believes the electric camp has more Read More...
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...