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 study shows self-driving cars are safer than human drivers
Autonomous vehicles are safer. At least, that's the conclusion by the first study on the crash rate for self-driving cars, which compared that data to national crash rates. Researchers from Virginia Tech Transportation found that the self-driving cars have a crash rate of 3.2 crashes per million Read More...
Audi's hydrogen concept car fuels up in four minutes
CES was a hotbed of car announcements this year, but luckily some surprises have been saved for the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Take Audi's h-tron quattro, a hydrogen-powered concept car with a Tesla-beating range of 372 miles. It has three fuel tanks hidden beneath the Read More...
New material can store solar energy to warm you up later
Solar projects are usually focused on generating electricity, but we could arguably save more power by storing heat. Scientists from MIT have created a new type of solid material that does exactly that. When exposed to sunlight, it assumes a "charged" state that can be maintained for long periods Read More...
Zero-energy homes are on the rise
According to Net Zero Energy Coalition, there is great news ahead. Within a year zero-energy homes should increase six-fold. Zero-energy homes are houses that produce as much renewable energy as they consume, avoiding any waste. Focusing on the US and Canada, the coalition reports that California Read More...
Endorsing the sharing economy, Ford’s newest app focuses on mobility
It may be a rather silly image now in the days of smartphones. But there was a time when in order to listen to your own music collection, you’d have to travel around with a bunch of vinyl LPs under your arm. Apple’s iTunes revolutionized the way we listen to our favourite music on the go. Now Read More...
Wind energy output ‘could power most Scots homes’
Wind power output hit record levels last year, generating enough energy to supply the electrical needs of 97 per cent of Scottish homes. Turbines provided 10,392,439 MWh of electricity to the National Grid, enough on average to supply 2.34 million homes, up 16 per cent compared to the previous Read More...
Forget Smart Meters, Here's Some Smart Grid Technology That’s Changing How We Use Energy
Talk of smart grid technology often revolves around how homeowners can reduce their utility bills by implementing smart meters on their homes. But focusing on such technology limits the understanding of how true technological innovations are transforming, and protecting, smart grids across the Read More...
UK demand soars for electric and hybrid vehicles
Demand for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles is soaring, according to new figures released today by the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The data shows the number of new cars eligible for the government Plug-in Car Grant scheme rose from 14,532 in to 28,188 last Read More...
The neuroscience behind mindfulness
Mindfulness is currently a very hot topic. It seems like every health website, magazine and newspaper is touting the benefits of meditation and yoga practices. Wired posted an article on how meditation can calm the anxious mind and help one manage emotions, Shape magazine relays that meditation can Read More...
General Motors makes electric car for mainstream market
General Motors has just unveiled its latest electric car, the Chevrolet Bolt, claiming it’s the most serious of such vehicles available to the mainstream market. At $30,000 (after US federal income tax rebate for electric cars), the Bolt comes equipped with the latest transportation technologies, Read More...