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 Internet of Things soon to create your local power grid from decentralized solar and wind
Imagine linking up solar panels, wind turbines and energy storage units of a local area so that they communicate and work together as a standalone microgrid. They can also communicate with the main centralized grid so as to harmonize with it. Imagine now a multitude of these microgrids, and you get Read More...
Solid state electrolyte batteries, a leap in the quest for long-lasting battery life
It has been a long quest, but the new battery technology that can outperform by 100% the typical ion lithium batteries in your laptop, tablet and smartphone, is here. Solid state electrolyte batteries have been developed by several labs including Sakti3, a start-up which recently received a Read More...
Beijing moves beyond coal to fight pollution
The fourth and last remaining major coal power plant fueling the Chinese capital's electric grid will be closed in 2016 and be replaced by a natural gas facility. The first one was closed last year, followed by two more last week. Analysts expect the move will mean cutting annual carbon emissions Read More...
Communicating with loved ones is the Internet #1 killer-app
For 86% of internet users in 32 developing and emerging countries, contacting friends and family is the main reason to go online, according to a new survey by Pew Research Center. Over half of the thousands of people polled for the survey mentioned seeking information and news as another important Read More...
Pure water available instantly, anywhere
Imagine pulling out your water bottle and filling it up at whatever stream, pond or faucet you happen to find, then drinking it straight up without worrying one bit about your health. The miracle of instant safe water is now brought to you by Naked Filter, a technology that combines carbon elements Read More...
Costa Rica powers its grid through water and volcanoes (a little wind and sun too)
Costa Rica's power grid has been running on 100% renewable energy for the past 76 days, and counting. It is able to rely primarily on its hydropower plants, with a boost from geothermal, solar and wind energy sources. Anxious to reduce its energy dependence on water and its growing vulnerability to Read More...
How will Europe’s solar powerhouse Germany cope with the eclipse?
Today a solar eclipse will sweep across Europe. Millions of people will stare at the unusual sky and the strange darkness it brings. But there’s one problem: solar power. Never before has an eclipse happened at the current level of solar power generating capacity, especially in Germany. Its 1.4 Read More...
Signs of the end of coal in China
We’ve reported before on China’s unexpected reduction of coal in both production and consumption. For a report from the Sierra Club and CoalSwarm, it has now been calculated that since 2010 there have been two coal plants decommissioned or canceled for each coal plant that has been built. Does Read More...
Understanding consciousness through the science of near-death experiences
Near-death experience (NDE) used to be a topic for new age conversations. But that’s rapidly changing. In the past years, several books by mainstream doctors have taken NDE to the realm of science. The Intelligent Optimist has covered the issue at length for years. Now The Atlantic in a long and Read More...
Al Gore, the optimist, shows promising energy statistics
When he presented An Inconvenient Truth in 2006, Al Gore became a prophet doom. With his dire vision for the effects of climate change and the future of the planet he left audiences desperate and feeling helpless. But a new Al Gore is emerging. Over the past year, he has become more of a prophet of Read More...