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.
The future of transportation could be this drone-like electric jet
A startup is developing a five-seat electric aircraft that can take off and land vertically. The startup, which recently won a prestigious award for sustainability innovation, envisions using the aircraft like an Uber, hailing it from your phone to take you around the city, avoiding traffic. The Read More...
Residential solar is cheap, but can it get cheaper? Paths to $0.05 per kWh
The price of solar panels has fallen far and fast. But the Energy Department (DOE) wants to bring those costs down even further, especially for residential homes. After all, studies have shown that if every inch of useable rooftop in the US had solar panels on it, the panels could provide about 40% Read More...
Public support for coal is rapidly declining in America
Although the executive branch continues to tout coal as America’s top energy source, the public is not buying into this illusion. A new survey of US public opinion found that while Americans still seem lukewarm on reducing fossil fuel production in general, they are rapidly turning against coal. Read More...
A new AI detected 17 times more earthquakes than traditional methods
Earthquakes are a lot more common than people may think. Each year, Southern California alone experiences roughly 10,000 earthquakes, and they’re happening more frequently in the central United States, possibly due to wastewater Read More...
There could be an entire line of Dyson electric cars
Best known for slick-looking vacuum cleaners and hand dryers, James Dyson has already stated his intentions to tackle a completely different machine — the electric car. Now, however, the inventor is looking to build more than just a niche model as the list of EV models on sale Read More...
Cotton waste converted into eco-friendly aerogel
Scientists from the National University of Singapore have found a new use for unwanted clothing and other cotton-based fabric waste – they've devised a method of converting it into an aerogel. Among other things, the ultralight material could be used to keep water bottles cold, and to control Read More...
You must see the photos that won this year’s Science Photography competition
Science photography is always fascinating because it places the sciences in an artistic light. The photos featured in this year’s annual science photography competition run by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council include butterfly wings, micro-bubbles, and a spectacular shot of Read More...
The winds created by trains in London could soon help power the city
As the energy needs of urban areas continue to increase, innovators are looking for new ways to generate energy in unexpected places. One woman in London has created a startup that seeks to harness wind energy from the draft winds created by the Crossrail trains in the city’s underground. The Read More...
Plants appear to lose consciousness when sedated
Are plants conscious? A new study found that anesthetics work on flora – but what exactly is happening here? University of Bonn plant cell biologist Frantisek Baluska told The New York Times, “Plants are not just robotic, stimulus-response devices. They’re living organisms which have their Read More...
Natural gas can’t compete with the powerful mix of solar and batteries
The powerful combination of solar and batteries are nudging natural gas out of the power market. Not only because solar energy is becoming cheaper than burning gas, but also because government is supporting the use of battery systems. In California, for example, regulators have called on PG&E Read More...