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.
These "nanotweezers" can pick up an individual molecule
Most likely you’ve used tweezers to take out a tough splinter. Now, engineers are taking the humble tweezer to a whole new level with tweezers so small and precise they can grab individual molecules. It may sound impossible, but the newly developed “nanotweezers”, built by engineers at Read More...
Novel energy-efficient device could convert body heat into electricity
Wouldn’t be great if we could use our body’s heat to charge electronic devices such as fitness gadgets or even phones? Well, thanks to scientists in Russia, we are now closer to turning such an idea into reality. A team of researchers from the National University of Science and Technology in Read More...
This bike for two lets you pedal through the forest on old train tracks
In an effort to breathe new life into some of America’s historic railway lines, Skunk Train is repurposing unused train tracks as adventurous tour routes. But rather than ride the rails via train, passengers can pedal an electric-powered railbike meant for two. One of Skunk Train’s most Read More...
This system uses massive weights to store energy
When you coil a spring, you load it with a bunch of potential energy that gets released when you let go. Using the same basic principle, a Scottish company called Gravitricity is creating an energy storage facility that uses weights instead of springs to store energy. The idea is to hold 500 to Read More...
Scientists develop reusable adhesive material inspired by the feet of flies
From gecko skin to bee slobber, the natural world has been a great source of inspiration for scientists working on advanced adhesive materials. More recently, scientists in Japan have drawn inspiration from the clingy footpads of fruit flies to develop a material that can be attached and detached Read More...
Kite-like device harnesses the wind to generate renewable energy
When you think about wind power, chances are the first thing that comes to mind are the giant wind turbines that are among the key harbingers of the green energy transition. It turns out, however, that there are also other ingenious ways we can harness wind power. A German startup, for instance, Read More...
New lidar technology offers a glimpse into the unexplored depths of our oceans
The oceans make up more than half of our world, yet vast areas of them remain completely unexplored. The sheer depth of many parts of the ocean has kept their composition and species a secret from scientists, but a new method of ocean exploration may soon open these areas up to human Read More...
A giant virtual power plant is coming to California to avoid blackouts
As energy blackouts become more common in California, a German energy company called Sonnen believes virtual power plants (VPPs) can solve the issue. Rather than rely on utility companies, virtual power plants involve connected sets of solar panels and batteries that produce and store energy Read More...
Long-awaited Giantess Geyser finally erupts
Yellowstone visitors waiting to witness the Giantess Geyser have had to be extra patient over the past six years as the geyser, which normally erupts two or six times per year, lay dormant for six whole trips around the sun. Geothermal enthusiasts were finally rewarded with the long-awaited Read More...
This solar-panel bed cover gives pick-up trucks a green boost
With a flood of electric pickup trucks poised to hit the market in the near future, aftermarket accessory companies are starting to go green, too. Toronto-based manufacturer Worksport has decided to make the flat surface on the back of a pickup truck a bit more practical by installing a pickup-bed Read More...