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.
Washington D.C. is doubling its commitment to renewable energy
In order to cut its carbon emissions by 50 percent in a little more than a decade, Washington DC is passing a new law that calls for 100 percent renewable electricity by 2032. The deadline is 13 years earlier than those in California or Hawaii, which are also moving to 100 percent renewable energy. Read More...
New deal offers open access to a big number of German research papers
Advocates of eradicating paywalls on scientific articles claim a win as a groundbreaking deal allows free public access to a considerable number of German studies. Wiley, an academic publisher headquartered in New Jersey, has made an agreement with a group of German libraries, universities, and Read More...
Paper-thin Bluetooth chip uses radio frequencies to harvest energy
Wiliot, a semiconductor company, has developed a paper-thin, battery-free Bluetooth tag, which can serve as a power unit for devices connected to the Internet of Things. The postage stamp-sized chip is able to harvest energy from ambient radio frequencies around us, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Read More...
How heat pumps could reduce the high carbon footprint of heating your house
Heat pumps could be the answer to offsetting the considerably high carbon footprint of heating people’s homes during the cold season. Compared to furnaces and boilers, heat pumps are more energy efficient as they simply move heat from one place to another, and can both heat and cool the home. Read More...
Tesla unveils first home charging station that can be plugged into a wall outlet
Tesla today is launching a new home charging station designed for the modern home. The new Wall Connector is the auto maker’s first home charging solution that can be plugged into a wall outlet rather than being hardwired into the home’s electrical system. This charger can plug directly into a Read More...
The world’s largest roofing company just launched a new solar startup
Standard Industries will now offer solar installation when it does roofing work in the U.S., in a potentially huge move for solar Read More...
These countries are pioneering hydrogen power
Renewable energy pioneers on the Scottish Orkney Islands are aiming to launch the world's first seagoing ferries powered by hydrogen. The project represents just one application for a fuel that has the potential to clean up the transport Read More...
Renewables overtook coal in Germany last year
It's an important inflection point. But a lot of work still remains. If we rewind a decade or so, all tree-hugging eyes were on Germany for its pro-renewables "Energiewende" (energy transition) policies. And the country was indeed adding solar at a rather astounding pace. Since then, however, the Read More...
Nuclear fusion research is gaining momentum as scientists join forces
Research on fusion power is gaining momentum as scientists are increasingly joining efforts together to find a practical way to stabilize fusion reactors. A collaboration between MIT and two energy companies is encouraging interdisciplinary research to fast-track the development of fusion plants Read More...
Tesla proposes microgrids with solar and batteries to power Greek islands
Tesla has met with the Greek government to propose ways to modernize the electric grid of the country’s many islands in the Mediterranean sea with microgrids and renewable energy to reduce their dependence on fossil Read More...