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.
A Republican mayor in Texas is helping create America’s eco-city of the future
Don’t be fooled. Just because the current president of the United States is a staunch supporter of fossil fuels doesn’t mean that all Republicans think the same. Just take a look at the mayor of Georgetown, Texas, a town in the middle of oil-and-gas centric Texas. His decision to source all of Read More...
This blockchain-based energy platform is building a peer-to-peer grid
Residential solar customers are already used to selling power back to the grid. When their rooftop panels produce more electricity than is needed at any time, they can send the energy to the wider network and gain a credit on their utility bill in Read More...
Coal power plant closures ramp up in spite of White House plans
No matter what President Trump claimed about coal in his election campaign, there is no way he could reverse the downward spiral of the dirty fossil fuel. In fact, another three major coal plants in Texas have just announced plans to close their doors. The company behind the closures blamed Read More...
The benefits of building ‘floating’ solar farms
In China and beyond, more countries are chasing the same idea: place massive solar panels on bodies of water to soak up the Sun. By doing so, countries are able to free up precious land while generating large amounts of green energy. On an increasingly overcrowded planet that needs more space and Read More...
Sodium-based batteries can make renewable energy accessible in poorer regions
Although lithium-ion batteries are the best in terms of efficiency, they are amongst the worst in terms of cost. On top of that, lithium reserves around the world are rapidly depleting. The world is in need of a more cost-effective, environmentally-friendly alternative, which is why a team of Read More...
Plenty of energy: ‘North Atlantic wind farms could power the whole world’
The promising news about renewable energy keeps pouring in. By now, we hope you are convinced with us that there’s no problem providing the world with clean power. A new study has found that wind speeds over the oceans could allow offshore turbines to generate far more energy than a land-based Read More...
The competition for solar energy is growing in the oceans: seaweed
Seaweed, in all its slimy glory, could become a major source of renewable energy in the future after the US Department of Energy invested nearly $1.5 million in two projects that will help develop seaweed farms and explore harvesting methods. Although it may sound strange that seaweed energy is Read More...
Welcome to first solar-powered town where you don’t need your own car anymore
A town in Florida is giving its residents a real reason to let go of their gas-powered cars. The fully solar-powered town is in the process of establishing the first autonomous network of transportation in the U.S.. Using an app, residents in the town can gain access to autonomous pods that carry Read More...
California wants to let driverless cars be tested without a human at the wheel
California is preparing to let companies test driverless cars without a human at the steering wheel. The state Department of Motor Vehicles released proposed rule revisions today (Oct. 11) that would allow testing of self-driving cars without a human in the driver’s seat. The new rules also would Read More...
Bio-methane transforms from landfill waste to energy source
Methane produced by manure and food waste in landfills doesn't have to go to waste. Using anaerobic digesters, the gas can be harnessed for Read More...