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.
College dropout says he’s cracked the crucial component for self-driving cars
When I met him in San Francisco this week, 22-year-old Austin Russell couldn’t help but smile when I mentioned the acrimonious legal battle between Uber and Alphabet’s self-driving car unit, Waymo. Waymo says a top engineer took secret plans for lidar sensors, which map the world in 3-D using Read More...
Technology for sustainability: Meet Tarzan, the machine inspecting crops
If farmers can spot diseases in their crops sooner, they can avoid using chemicals that are unhealthy for people and planet. Technology can help them. At Georgia Tech, a team of researchers has designed a machine that will be able to use its 3D printed claws to grab onto a wire suspended over the Read More...
Glowing bacteria could help in landmine cleanup efforts
Every year a few thousand people die while clearing leftover landmines from war zones. Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have found a special type of bacteria that illuminates when in the presence of explosive vapors seeping from the landmines. By placing the glowing bacteria into Read More...
The cows of America have a renewable energy message for you
The Trump Administration has been tooting the domestic energy production horn, so it stands to reason they would enthuse over the latest development from the US Department of Energy. Scientists at the agency’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have discovered a new secret to tapping the Read More...
At this bike shop, you can trade your old car for an electric bicycle
If you show up at The New Wheel, an electric bike shop in San Francisco, the store will give you a chance to trade in your old car for a new e-bike. As you browse or take an electric bike for a spin up one of the city’s hills, staff at the store will take notes on the condition of your car Read More...
Chicago city buildings to be powered by 100 percent renewable energy
Government representatives of Chicago just announced their commitment to converting their city pulling buildings’ electricity supply to 100% renewable energy by 2025. When implemented, Chicago will be the largest major city in the country to have a 100% renewable energy supply for its public Read More...
Google develops ‘see-through’ air conditioner without fan
Google has filed a patent for a bladeless air conditioner that offers a better seal with your window and lets you see straight through it. The fanless air conditioner is quiet, non-obstructive, uses less energy and doesn’t even necessarily use refrigerant to help cool your home. The new design Read More...
Proof of the unstoppable rise of the electric car: Tesla’s market value passes GM
Electric car maker Tesla eclipsed General Motors in terms of market capitalization yesterday to briefly become the most valuable auto company in the world. To put that in perspective: GM sold 10 million cars last year and generated a record profit; Tesla sold 76,000 cars and produced a loss. Read More...
‘Tornado man’ wants to power the world with clean energy through vortexes
There was a time, just over a century ago, that horses and their manure were a big problem for the fast-growing cities. Governments and universities struggled to find a solution. Ultimately, out of their sight, that solution came from the man who introduced the mass-produced car: Henry Ford. The Read More...
A coal museum in Kentucky looks to an unlikely power source: solar energy
The tiny town of Benham, Kentucky, was originally built to serve the coal mining industry. Now it's embracing solar energy. Benham, population 500, will soon get an array of solar panels atop the Kentucky Coal Mining Museum. The decision to go solar is packed with symbolism, but mostly it Read More...