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.
First self-driving 'pod' unleashed on Britain's roads
The first of three "pod" vehicles has been unveiled in Milton Keynes, as part of a project to trial driverless vehicles in pedestrianised areas. The electric-powered LUTZ Pathfinder pod was presented to commuters and other members of the public outside Milton Keynes Central train station on Read More...
Porsche, aiming at Tesla, unveils electric concept car
Ever since Tesla’s Model S went on sale in 2012, the start-up automaker has had the market for high-end electric cars to itself. But that is changing as other automakers start to introduce their own models. On Monday, at the Frankfurt Auto Show in Germany, Porsche unveiled its all-electric Read More...
Russia demands all gas stations install electric vehicle chargers
Falling energy prices have hampered Russia’s oil industry. The country’s leaders are now hoping that a better infrastructure will encourage more citizens to buy electric vehicles. Russia’s prime minister, Dmitry Medvedev, issued a mandate, requiring all gas stations in Russia to install an Read More...
Google hires an auto industry vet to run its self-driving car project
Google has hired a veteran auto industry executive to run its self-driving car project, a sign the tech giant is serious about challenging car makers with its autonomous vehicles. John Krafcik is the former head of Hyundai’s American operation, and was most recently the president of TrueCar, Read More...
Tokyo aims to make hydrogen power the star of the 2020 Olympics
Like Olympic villages of past years, Tokyo’s version in 2020 will feature new buildings to house athletes and buses to ferry people to competition venues. But if Tokyo’s governor has his way, it will all be powered by a new energy source: hydrogen. “The first Tokyo Olympics, 50 Read More...
Kuwait signs $385 mn solar energy project
Kuwait signed a contract worth 116 million dinars ($385 million) with Spain's TSK Group on Thursday for a 50 megawatt solar energy project as part of its renewable energy drive. The oil-rich Gulf state has a multi-billion-dollar plan to meet 15 percent of power demand from renewables by 2030. Read More...
Nissan adds more range to Leaf electric car
2016 Nissan Leaf keeps the same look, but has a higher battery capacity(Photo: John Murphy, Image Provided by John Murphy Ph) Nissan is turning over a new Leaf, giving more range to a version of its pioneering electric car. Now the 2016 Leaf will have a range of 107 miles per battery charge, an Read More...
State-owned China automaker teams with U.S. electric-car startup Atieva
One of China's largest state-owned automakers said Thursday it has opened a technology research center in California's Silicon Valley and is teaming with U.S. electric-car startup Atieva to develop EVs for China and global markets. Beijing Electric Vehicle Co, an affiliate of government-owned BAIC Read More...
Honda gets California approval for self-driving cars on roads
Honda Motor Co Ltd has received a permit from the state of California to drive its autonomous vehicles on public streets, joining companies ranging from Google Inc to Volkswagen AG in testing the fast-growing technology. The California Department of Motor Vehicles on its website listed Honda as the Read More...
Solar energy is poised for yet another record year
The U.S. solar industry is on course for a new growth record in 2015, according to a new report that finds that solar photovoltaic installations now exceed 20 gigawatts in capacity and could surpass an unprecedented 7 gigawatts this year alone across all segments. A gigawatt is equivalent to 1 Read More...