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.
Water, water everywhere
New technology lowers the cost of making salt water drinkable Tijn Touber | April 2006 issue It sounds strange, but even with 70 percent of the Earth’s surface covered by water, our blue planet is in the grip of a drinking-water shortage. The reason: only 2.5 percent of all that water is fresh, Read More...
Hey buddy, can you spare some carbon credits?
Personal carbon trading could enable consumers to reduce carbon emissions and make money too. Marc van Dinther | April 2008 issue Andy Ross and Shannon Moore think twice before hopping on a train or raising the thermostat. Their concerns aren’t limited to transport and utility costs though. Ross Read More...
More than the facts
Science tells us how the world works, but to decide what those discoveries mean, we need moral and philosophical debate. | April 2008 issue Scientists at one of Rome’s most prestigious universities, La Sapienza, were protesting against a visit by Pope Benedict XVI early this year. The Pope was Read More...
Argument 1: Clean air
Every dollar invested to limit air pollution saves US$10 in healthcare costs. A car powered by hydrogen only emits water vapour: no pollution. | August 2003 issue Air pollution is the argument for the hydrogen economy. Air pollution generated by exhaust from factories and cars kills thousands of Read More...
Argument 2: Economic impulse
The advent of the hydrogen car could prompt a wave of automobile sales comparable to the rapid spread of the mobile telephone. This innovation, which is associated with an important technological breakthrough, will provide an economic impulse. | August 2003 issue Much more inspiring than Read More...
Argument 3: Security
Wealth in the modern world is based on oil. As a result, oil creates conflicts. Hydrogen doesn't have to be stolen; it is not a source of power struggles. Hydrogen is everywhere. | August 2003 issue Energy is the basis of wealth. The Roman Empire was founded on slave labour. Wealth in the modern Read More...
Argument 4: Division of wealth
Hydrogen will not only supply the rich with energy. The same hydrogen fuel cell that provides power to a house in New York will also supply energy for a hut in a Delhi suburb. | August 2003 issue Television has projected a view of Western wealth to the furthest corners of the earth. The Read More...
Argument 5: Democratic energy
Every car, home or landowner will become an electricity producer at the same time. Away with dependence on oil and electricity companies! | August 2003 issue3 Of course, the question remains: Who wants a revolution? The hydrogen economy promises to create a new world. Not only as regards Read More...
Argument 6: Global warming
Finally, there is global warming, not the most powerful argument for launching the hydrogen economy. However, there is no disputing that climate change is responsible for numerous natural disasters. An economy based on hydrogen doesn't have that problem. | August 2003 issue Global warming is Read More...
High on hydrogen
It is possible, it is necessary: six arguments for a fast energy revolution.Jurriaan Kamp | August 2003 issue Politicians, the business community and protest groups rarely agree on important issues. Except this one: the current economy, founded on the polluting burning of fossil fuels, will be Read More...