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.
D.C. will get 50 percent of electricity from renewables by 2032
The nation’s capital will get half of its electricity from renewable sources by 2032, officials announced Monday. The new, 50 percent renewable portfolio standard will require the District’s utilities to increase electricity from sources such as wind and solar from the current goal of Read More...
Audi is trying to beat Tesla at its own game
Audi's ramping up its electric car plans and hopes to have three models by 2020. It'll also form a new subsidiary to work on autonomous cars. The company's chief executive Rupert Stadler told Reuters that Audi's renewed push for electric cars is a direct result of the emissions scandal that Read More...
Terrific wind energy deals are swaying major players
In search of low-cost, fixed-rate electricity, great wind energy deals are swaying Fortune 500 companies and other major players to throw their money “into the wind.” Signing contracts for over 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity, big brands, high-tech companies, and other non-utility Read More...
Making the cloud green: Tech firms push for renewable energy sources
At Green House Data in Cheyenne, Wyo., energy efficiency is an obsession. When someone enters one of the company's secured data vaults, they're asked to pause in the entryway and stomp their shoes on a clear rubber mat with a sticky, glue-like finish. "Dust is a huge concern of ours," says Art Read More...
You'll never guess which state is building a renewable energy empire
Nope, try again -- it's not California. Don't feel bad; most people probably thought of the Golden State first, too. But back east, it's New York that's busy, trying to prove it doesn't have to play second fiddle in leading the adoption of renewables. In January, New York's governor, Andrew Read More...
The next electric car has water coming out of its tailpipe
You may be getting used to the electric car—or at least to the news that this car is soon going to transform society. However, the next phase in the car revolution is already under way. Current electric cars are powered by batteries—not exactly the most environmentally-friendly technology. The Read More...
Tesla CEO Elon Musk announces heavy truck, ride sharing fleet of cars
Elon Musk unveiled his “master plan” for Tesla Motors Inc., delivering a long-term vision that includes making an integrated solar and battery storage system and building a freight truck and a bus. He even has a plan for a ride-sharing business. Musk delivered the long-awaited plan on Read More...
Researchers develop novel way of deriving hydrogen from grass using just sunlight and a cheap catalyst
Garden grass could become a source of cheap and clean renewable energy, scientists have claimed. A team of UK researchers, including experts from Cardiff University's Cardiff Catalysis Institute, have shown that significant amounts of hydrogen can be unlocked from fescue grass with the help of Read More...
How can we ensure the benefits of renewables reach those who need them most?
Investment in renewable energy was higher in the world’s poorest countries than the richest ones for the first time in 2015. As well as helping combat climate change, clean energy offers developing countries long-term affordable energy solutions. But, despite successes, one in five people Read More...
6 reasons why Texas is a wind energy leader
In our recent blog post, we told you how climate change is impacting the Lone Star State – with drier air, more intense droughts, longer heatwaves, and heavier downpours. But Texas hasn’t just been on the receiving end of climate change – it’s also become a national leader Read More...