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.
French government study: 100% renewable power mix is economically attractive
France has long taken pride in its low-carbon intensive energy sector, which relies on nuclear power by up to 75% and natural gas. As the aging infrastructure requires upgrading, the decision to allocate future investments leaves much room for heated debate. Now, a controversial report from ADEME Read More...
The solar revolution is here now
No lengthy analysis can convey the sheer enormity of the global seismic event happening right now in the energy world. Solar power is taking over. TreeHugger has collected various graphs to capture it in a visual format. It makes for compelling Read More...
Science confirms alpha wave oscillations in the brain foster creativity
A creativity boost is as simple as a 10-Hertz current run through electrodes attached to the scalp, according to a new research study on the impact of alpha wave oscillations in the brain. Meditation yields the same result, as people who have incorporated the practice regularly can attest to. The Read More...
China cuts its coal imports by almost half in 12 months
China is the world’s biggest carbon emitter. It has also been the biggest consumer of coal so far. The news that China’s imports of coal dropped by 42% in the first quarter of this year compared with the same period last year should prick up everybody’s ears. China’s economic slowdown is Read More...
Spain on track to be the first net carbon zero G-20 nation
Spain has been investing heavily in wind farms and, more controversially, nuclear, with stark results: last month it generated 69 percent of its electricity from plants that did not emit carbon dioxide. It has realistic prospects to reach 87 percent next year through planned investments in wind and Read More...
Germany successfully turns intermittent renewable power into a reliable flow
As the cost of solar panels keeps dropping and the market picks up, supported in some places by government mandates such as the Renewable Portfolio Standards in 29 states, incorporating intermittent power flow from renewables emerges as a major issue for grid operators. Until batteries come online Read More...
Is the aluminum-ion battery the long-awaited technology breakthrough?
Battery technology has long been lagging behind electronics and hardware. Now, can you imagine charging your phone in one minute? And knowing that not only the battery’s life expectancy will outlast your phone’s, but that it poses no fire hazard (unlike lithium-ion batteries) and no threat to Read More...
Ireland’s energy storage plant to boost grid's reliance on wind and solar up to 75%
Wind and solar energy has a main flaw: it is unpredictable. It is controlled by the sun and the wind—which have little consideration for the fluctuations of power demand based on predictable human activity. The promise of energy storage has been all the rage of late, including Tesla’s much Read More...
Trend towards consumers’ energy self-sufficiency is about to disrupt the utility model
Technology advances and declining costs for both rooftop solar and energy storage are the conditions for the perfect storm that will soon make utilities obsolete, according to the new report by the Rocky Mountain Institute, an influential energy policy think tank. “New customers will find Read More...
Growing a heart is becoming a possibility after medical research breakthrough
Salamanders and zebrafish have something humans can only wish for: the ability of their heart muscle cells to regenerate on demand. While those animals can regrow their injured body parts, sufferers of heart attack are left to make do with a damaged organ. Scientists in Israel and Australia Read More...