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.
Volkswagen is working on an electric version of its legendary microbus
The Volkswagen bus has been an iconic presence in many parts of the world for decades. But its long-term future seems bleak given the electric car revolution that is fast gathering speed. However, Volkswagen has announced that the legendary bus will return as an electric vehicle. The car maker aims Read More...
Clean energy needs a better battery and it’s coming
The world of clean energy needs a lot of batteries to power a vast range of equipment from electric cars to mobile phones. But the battery is still a problem. There are alkaline batteries that are safe, cheap and reliable but not powerful enough to power, for example, electric cars. Then there are Read More...
Wind energy saves up to 12,000 lives, $108 billion in health costs
Wind energy saves up to 12,000 lives, $108 billion in health costs. We often write about the economic benefits of wind power. But a new report released this week reveals that wind is not just a low-cost energy source that’s supporting over 100,000 Read More...
Research shows that memories of fear can be permanently erased
Scientists have succeeded in erasing memories of fear in mice bringing closer the eternal sunshine of a spotless mind. They were also able to selectively manipulate memories, weakening or strengthening particular memories while leaving others unchanged. The approach could potentially be used to Read More...
U.S. utilities use solar eclipse to test impact renewables on power networks
Power grid operators in the U.S. are looking forward to Monday’s solar eclipse as an opportunity to test the impact of renewables on the power networks. The eclipse offers a completely predictable stage for experiments. It’s not often that utilities get such precise and advance notice about Read More...
Net neutrality activists launch billboards campaign to influence Congress
Today digital rights organization Fight for the Future unleashed a series of crowdfunded billboards targeting lawmakers who support FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s efforts to repeal the country’s net neutrality rules. With members of Congress back in their home districts, the billboards - paid for by Read More...
People in Denmark are earning up to $1,530 just by parking their EVs
What if you could get cash for parking your electric car? Vehicle owners in Denmark have been able to do just that, bringing in around 1,300 Euros, or around $1,530, a year by feeding excess power back into the grid. Nissan Motor Company conducted trials in the country with Italy’s utility Read More...
South Australia to build world's largest single-tower solar thermal power plant
Just a month after the state government of South Australia announced a deal with Tesla to create the largest lithium-ion battery storage facility in the world, it has now revealed plans to build the biggest, single-tower solar thermal power plant on the planet with a proposed output of 150 Read More...
Rechargeable zinc-air batteries zero in on lithium
Zinc-air batteries are an enticing prospect thanks to their high energy density and the fact they're made with some of the most common materials on Earth. Unfortunately, those advantages are countered by how difficult it is to recharge these cells. Now, a team at the University of Sydney has Read More...
Tesla on “solar tiny house” roadshow in Australia
Tesla is on a roadshow in Australia to show off its solar house ambitions in the form of a fully-functional miniature house on wheels. The Tesla Tiny House is outfitted with a system of six solar panels and one of the company's Powerwall batteries for energy storage, making it 100 percent Read More...