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.
High-altitude balloons with solar panels could produce power on cloudy days
Solar panels will be vital to powering the world in the future, but what will we do on days when the clouds block the sun’s rays? Energy scientists from France’s CNRS and the University of Tokyo are looking towards balloons for the answer. The scientists are developing solar panels attached to Read More...
Jaguar’s joining Formula E electric racing, but it’s not just about the races
Jaguar’s getting back into open-wheel racing, and doing it without gasoline. Later next year, the venerable British automaker will compete in the third season of the all-electric Formula E racing series. It’s funny to see a brand once famed for abysmal electrical systems embracing Read More...
'Hydricity' concept uses solar energy to produce power round-the-clock
Solar power is a major component in the global strategy to cut greenhouse gas emissions, but the issue is it can’t continuously produce electricity. The solution? The “hydricity” concept, which aims to create a sustainable economy by not only generating electricity with solar power but also Read More...
San Diego vows to move entirely to renewable energy in 20 years
Last weekend, representatives of 195 countries reached a landmark accord in Paris to lower planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions. On Tuesday, local leaders in San Diego committed to making a city-size dent in the problem. With a unanimous City Council vote, San Diego, the country’s Read More...
Nigeria is betting on solar power to reach a million homes without access to the grid
Nigeria is gearing up to tackle its chronic shortage of electricity. The World Bank, the International Finance Corporation as well local banks and energy firms are partnering up to help develop a private sector that will provide electricity, using solar power, to a million households who lack Read More...
This incredible building material reflects heat back into space, keeping you cool
What if instead of spending vast amounts of electricity to keep our buildings cool from the inside, we just bounced the heat where it came from? Allow us to explain. Aaswath Raman, a researcher at Stanford University, is working on building a material that is ultra-reflective to the sun’s rays Read More...
Several countries and U.S. states push for ban on petrol and diesel cars by 2050
During the climate conference in Paris, a group of European countries and North American states committed to a ban on the sale of conventional cars by 2050. They are united in the International Zero Emissions Vehicle Alliance, and the group includes the United Kingdom, Norway and the Netherlands Read More...
Baidu’s self-driving car has hit the road
Today, Baidu, the “Chinese Google,” announced its autonomous car has successfully navigated a complicated route through Beijing. According to the company, the modified BMW 3-Series drove an 18.6-mile route around the capital city that included side streets as well as highways. The car Read More...
South Korea unveils plans to surge green car production
South Korea wants to lead the world in the transition to eco-friendly cars. On Tuesday, the country announced ambitious plans that will increase the annual production of hybrid and electric-powered cars from 80,000 this year to 920,000 over the next five years. It will invest $127 million to help Read More...
Coca-Cola, BMW and four others join the growing list of companies going 100% renewable
While Leonardo DiCaprio was urging mayors and governors to “commit to moving to no less than 100% renewable energy as soon as possible,” some of the world’s biggest companies have pledged to go fully renewable. RE100, a project that invites influential companies to commit to 100% renewable Read More...