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.
Fossil hunter discovers entirely new species of ‘sea dragons’ in England
An amateur fossil hunter has discovered a new species of ‘sea dragons’ dating from 150 million years ago on the southern coast of England. While it couldn’t fly or breathe fire, the new specimen may have been capable of diving at incredible depths. The well-preserved ichthyosaur fossil was Read More...
A biotech company is using emissions to produce a palm oil substitute
Lipids and omega-3s serve as the foundation for many foods and fuel, but the problem is that they are typically produced in ways that are damaging to the planet. For instance, omega-3 fatty acids are usually sourced from farmed fish, which are commonly fed smaller, wild-caught fish. This is Read More...
This new material could help store renewable energy for months at a time
As renewable energy generation continues to grow at an exponential rate, it is essential that we find technologies that can efficiently store that energy until it’s needed. A new material identified by scientists at Lancaster University could offer exactly that. Known as a metal-organic Read More...
WayFinder helps people with intellectual disabilities navigate independently
Many of us don’t think twice about daily tasks like going grocery shopping or visiting the mall, but for individuals with cognitive disabilities, these outings often require the assistance of a caregiver. A new app, WayFinder, hopes to make daily tasks more approachable for all by unlocking Read More...
Virtual power plants are revolutionizing Australia's energy market
Australia has the most private rooftop solar panels in the world. One in four homes have their own solar panels. While this is fabulous for green energy generation, it also puts the country in another dilemma: how to rebuild an energy grid in which residents are largely generating their own power. Read More...
AI-powered display allows firefighters to see through heavy smoke
For firefighters, one of the scariest aspects of entering a burning building is that it can be nearly impossible to see anything due to the heavy smoke. That’s why firefighters often crawl along the ground where the smoke isn’t as thick—although this hinders the ability to put out a fire or Read More...
Discovery of solar system ‘superhighway’ could speed up space travel
For all our space geeks, we have some fascinating news from the cosmos. Scientists have discovered what is being called a Solar System “superhighway” network of routes that could allow spacecraft to travel much faster during future deep space missions. In essence, this could help humanity Read More...
Solar cell technology nears impressive record efficiency of 30 percent
Our technology for harvesting solar power has just gotten better thanks to scientists in Germany who have achieved a new efficiency record of almost 30 percent. The new achievement comes from researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) who created a new solar cell that combined silicon and Read More...
Toyota to unveil an EV with 10-min fast-charging battery in 2021
The adoption of electric vehicles might get a boost next year as giant automaker Toyota is expected to introduce an electric car with a 310 miles range and a rapid recharge from zero to full in 10 minutes. With range anxiety and recharge time being among the main reasons preventing drivers from Read More...
This two-person solar electric car has a range of 1,000 miles
Personal transportation is about to take a giant leap into the future now that US startup Aptera unveiled a three-wheeled solar electric car with a range of up to 1,000 miles on a full battery. Although the car can be fully charged via a charging cord, it won’t need that when drivers are out on Read More...