Clean energy innovation is great but energy efficiency can provide huge gains
Clean energy innovation is an inspiring development that The Optimist Daily reports on every day. But it’s only part of the journey to a clean, green and healthy society. There’s a lot of energy and money to be saved as well as money to be made through energy efficiency. The good news is we are Read More...
Cicada wings inspire antibacterial surfaces and more efficient solar cells
Cicadas make a sharp noise with their wings. That is because their wings are covered in an array of nanoscale spikes. Earlier this year scientists were able to copy this structure to create a highly effective antibacterial surface. Now, researchers have replicated those Read More...
Test: UK lets electric cars use bus lanes to tackle air pollution
The British government is considering to allow electric cars to use bus lanes and getting priority at traffic lights in an effort to reduce air pollution in cities. According to the government air pollution kills 50,000 people each year in the U.K. at an annual cost to society of £27.5bn. Local Read More...
TripAdvisor ends bookings to attractions with captured, endangered animals
Here’s one business doing what’s right: TripAdvisor and its booking agency Viator will no longer sell tickets or generate booking revenue from tourism experiences where travelers come into physical contact with captive wild animals or endangered species. This includes activities such Read More...
Physical exercise is essential for a healthy brain, research confirms
Exercise is good for your body. You feel your muscles aching, you sweat as your heart rate increases as well. That’s the beauty of a good workout. But there’s another important benefit that new research now confirms once more. Physical exercise is also essential for the health of your brains. Read More...
In praise of a president who offered eight dignified years free of sex scandals
A friend posted on Facebook this mock note from her daughter: Dr. Mr. Trump, I heard you on the news yesterday saying that you wanted to grab a woman’s pussy. I am ten years old so I don’t know that word yet but it seems pretty important since all the news channels are covering it and Read More...
What does a feminist foreign policy look like?
A reader responds to our previous reader roundup, which emphasized poll numbers showing that the vast majority of Americans say they believe in “equality for women” but only a small percentage of Americans identify as “feminist”: I’m rather surprised you didn’t Read More...
Water purification pods designed to create a world without single-use water bottles
What if a reusable capsule could purify and freshen tap water? Bloc Enterprises’ PuriBloc GoPure water purification pods aim to help solve two problems: nasty tap water and expensive wasted plastic bottles. It’s a localized issue for sure, but many people can’t drink their Read More...
Electric cars set to pass 2m landmark globally by end of 2016
The number of plug-in electric cars on the world’s roads is set to pass the landmark of two million vehicles by the end of 2016, with industry observers saying the electric car revolution is finally underway. A surging market in China is leading the way and Chinese-made models have pushed Read More...
Meditation linked to lower stress among prison inmates
Prisoners who practice transcendental meditation twice a day may experience less stress and fewer mental health issues than fellow inmates who don't meditate, a small U.S. study suggests. Previous research has linked this type of meditation involving mantras and mindfulness to reduced stress in a Read More...