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.
Hydrogen in every home
How the Japanese are trying to slash energy use and CO2 emissions—by installing fuel cells in people’s backyards. Winifred Bird | April 2009 issue Yasushi Kawamori has a power plant in his backyard. Not the kind that belches clouds of CO2 into the atmosphere, but the kind that’s small Read More...
Video: Life with a hydrogen fuel cell
Take a tour through the Kawamoris' house and see a brief interview with Mrs. Kawamori on having a hydrogen fuel cell that powers the family's home. Ode Editors | April 2009 Read More...
Norway puts hydrogen-powered cars on the road
Norway is creating a network of hydrogen filling stations to power cars that run on fuel cells. Diane Daniel | December 2008 issue From Oslo, where most Norwegians live, the nearest hydrogen filling station is about two hours away, first along a freeway, then down a smaller, winding highway and Read More...
How to operate a hydrogen pump
Ode Editors | December 2008 issue You've adjusted your mirrors, pumped up the tires, and filled up on windshield wiper fluid—and now it's time for some hydrogen. These eco-friendly cars need fuel to get going, but hydrogen pumps aren't the same as a Shell or BP gasoline station. Operating the Read More...
Into the wind
An artwork that sails into the wind Anne Berk | April 2006 Read More...
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...