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.
Berlin joins the growing list of cities that will not invest in fossil fuels
On Thursday, as the U.K. was taking its big Brexit vote, German legislators in Berlin voted on a very different kind of exit. The city became the latest in Europe to decide to divest its resources from the fossil fuel industry. Berlin’s $825 million pension fund will no longer invest in coal, Read More...
Renewable energy progress in 3 numbers: 7, 43 and 50
The renewable energy revolution is in full swing. Here are three key numbers that illustrate the progress of wind and solar energy and the U.S. states that are making it happen: 7, 43 and Read More...
Green energy will overtake fossil fuels by 2020, Morgan Stanley analyst states
Many concerned citizens and institutions around the world were disheartened when President Trump pulled out of the Paris Climate Agreement. According to leading global investment firm Morgan Stanley, it doesn’t matter much. The continuous drop in costs and the benefits surrounding green Read More...
Researchers create instant hydrogen from water and aluminum
Hydrogen power seemed all the rage for awhile, until we had to face the practical considerations of using it. Yes, it's clean and abundant, but it's also incredibly difficult to transport. One team may have accidentally found the key to jump starting this struggling economy, though; researchers at Read More...
Report: The world invested $264 billion in new renewables in 2016
In Brief REN21's latest Renewables Global Status Report it claims that more solar energy technology was installed worldwide in 2016 than any other form of renewable energy. Overall, renewable energy is growing much faster than fossil fuels, with the former receiving double the investment dollars Read More...
Tesla’s Solar Roof is cheaper than a normal roof, comes with lifetime warranty
Just in case you had forgotten: Tesla is not only in the electric car business. The company is also offering a Solar Roof and it has just announced the pricing for its photovoltaic tiles. As it turns out, Tesla offers the solar roof for nearly 20 percent less money than an average roof. That’s Read More...
Lyft partners with Amtrak for first- and last-mile trip tie-ins
Lyft and Amtrak are teaming up on a partnership that will allow Amtrak app users to book a trip directly in the train operator’s mobile software. The Lyft ride quest feature is designed to help travellers manage those first and last legs of their journey, and the team-up also comes with a $5 Read More...
California regulators approve $200m Volkswagen zero-emission cars investment
Late last week, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced that it had approved the first of four plans for Volkswagen to invest $800 million in zero-emission infrastructure, outreach and electric vehicle access for citizens who live in disadvantaged communities. The first phase, which Read More...
BP in talks with electric carmakers about adding chargers to gas stations
Oil companies have networks of gas stations around the world. Car owners are use to going to these places for obvious reasons. So, wouldn’t it make sense to offer battery re-charging docks at fuel service stations? It could be a win-win as the oil companies need to find new revenue streams as the Read More...
The best folding bike now has e-version with a portable battery
The British company Brompton produces arguably the best folding bikes in the world. Your editor tested the bike, ideal for city commuting, years ago and found that it provides a normal biking experience despite the much smaller wheels. Now Brompton is launching an e-bike with a portable battery Read More...