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.
Sunflower solar design could be industry leader
IBM has revealed a new type of solar array that is capable of capturing more of the sun’s energy than any other design. The IBM prototype can convert 80 percent of the sun’s energy into electricity and hot water. Each array is 30-feet tall and made of concrete, thin aluminum mirrors, and a Read More...
Efficient way to store solar energy keeps generators on all night
An Israeli solar power company says they have a new way to store solar to use during the night. Its solar fields in the Negev desert harness solar power at night by heating a liquid to 550 degrees Celsius. Then the hot liquid is used to produce steam and spin a turbine. The process is old but the Read More...
First car powered by saltwater hits streets in Europe
The first electric car powered by saltwater will soon be rolling through European cities. Nanoflowcell, a Lichtenstein based car manufacturer, has just received approval to start testing its innovative electric car on streets and highways in Germany. The car produces power similar to a hydrogen Read More...
The greening of cities around the world
Slowly but surely cities are adopting green energy targets that will have major global impacts. But where it might be difficult to see the path to net zero energy in any city powered by non-renewable energy sources, compartmentalizing each step to net zero creates more attainable goals, which can Read More...
Hydrogen production breakthrough could lead to widespread adoption
A major problem with eco-friendly energy sources is that the energy from wind and solar often has to be used immediately. Chemists have come up with a new way to create hydrogen that is 30 times faster than current methods. If the new process is coupled with solar and wind power a major Read More...
Google helps build solar plant over oil field
What was once the point of extraction for crude oil will soon be the place for capturing solar energy. Google is investing $145 million in building a solar field in California that will be made up of 250,000 SunEdison solar panels. The solar arrays will provide power to 10,000 homes and create 650 Read More...
Green lighting can save tax dollars
The green lighting revolution is in full swing. Activists are praising environmentally friendly lighting for its energy saving benefits, and businesses are saving money by switching to green—one Las Vegas Furniture company saves $182,00 per year by switching it’s 50,000 square-foot facility to Read More...
Renewables account for 22% of global energy production
Green energy is being adopted at an unprecedented rate—and that’s official. Solar, wind, and other renewable power sources now produce 22% of the world's electricity, says the IEA, a Paris-based agency established to ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy for its 29 member countries. Read More...
Largest private bank predicts major shift toward renewables in next 20 years
Could power plants become obsolete in the next two decades? That seems like a far off idea to some, but is exactly what UBS bank, the world’s largest private bank, has suggested in a recent briefing paper it sent to clients and investors. The German bank believes that current centralized energy Read More...
Sub-Saharan Africa will add more renewables in 2014 than in last 14 years combined
Clean energy technology is becoming more efficient, and affordable—two must-haves for widespread adoption. Because of this the sub-Saharan Africa is planning to roll out green energy sources, and in record numbers. The region will add about 1.8 gigawatts of capacity generated from renewable Read More...