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.
Meet the fired Kentucky coal miners who are picking up a new trade
Like the top story in today’s edition of the Optimist Daily already points out, coal is losing in the battle to remain a relevant energy source as renewables such as wind and solar have become cheaper. Still, while it’s good news for the planet that we’re lessening our dependence on coal Read More...
New study finds solar or wind energy is cheaper than coal in most of America
According to a major new study, the clock is running out for coal energy. Around three-quarters of US coal production is now more expensive than solar and wind energy in providing electricity to American households. The study’s authors used public financial filings and data from the Energy Read More...
Shell rebrands purchased UK energy utility and makes it 100 percent green
While there are plenty of reasons not to love energy giant Shell, they are taking major steps towards implementing more renewable energy. An example of which takes place in the UK where more than 700,000 homes in Britain are now enjoying 100 percent renewable energy thanks to Shell. The move Read More...
Parkinson’s smell test could lead to earlier detection of disease
A couple of years ago, a bizarre news story broke about a Scottish woman by the name of Joy Milne who could detect whether or not someone had Parkinson’s disease through smell. Milne first noticed the “musky” smell on her husband Les, who was years later diagnosed with Parkinson’s Read More...
Scientists are putting backpacks on pigeons to collect climate data in cities
While you may not see the positives that pigeons can bring to the world, researchers at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom do. The researchers have developed a tiny set of sensors that can be strapped onto the backs of pigeons in order to collect data on urban microclimate. It may Read More...
Stanford scientists have figured out a way to turn seawater into hydrogen fuel
Harnessing the power of waves isn’t the only way to generate energy from the ocean. As it turns out, a team of scientists at Stanford have figured out a way to make hydrogen fuel out of saltwater. The discovery could open up the world's oceans as a potential source of energy. Researchers Read More...
Kansas City sets bold target to make government 100 percent carbon-free by 2020
Kansas City aka “The Heart of America” has voted unanimously to transition all its municipal electricity to carbon-free sources by the end of 2020. Kansas City was among the first US cities to declare its support for the goals of the Paris Agreement and has been putting that support into Read More...
Wales takes on challenge of delivering 100 percent renewable energy by 2035
Policy experts in Wales have set out a new ambitious energy plan that could put the country on the track of achieving 100 percent electricity from renewable sources by 2035. The transition process is expected to create over 20,000 new jobs and deliver a $10 billion economic boost for the Read More...
New analysis shows electric cars are the cheapest option in the long run
While average car buyers pay more attention to the sticker price of a new car, fleet owners focus on lifetime costs (maintenance, fuel, and ancillaries). They want to know every penny they’ll be spending over the course of a decade or so to keep their vehicles going. Now that fleet owners in Read More...
Wind energy alone provided half of Germany's power last week
With Germany getting set to give coal the boot by 2038, its renewables are proving to be more than capable of mitigating the country’s dependence on fossil fuels. Just last week, thanks to strong gusts, wind energy provided half of the country's energy. Together with solar panels and other clean Read More...