Environmental Science
The environment is truly a thing of beauty and should be protected whenever possible. What can we do to save the environment, and what new technology is available to help us?
The Euphrates River, at the 'Cradle of Civilization,' Is Drying Up
Study Says 2035 Is Climate Change Point of No Return
5 Ideas for Doubling the World's Food Supply
The Cleanest Lakes in the U.S. Aren't the Same as the Clearest
Declaring the Largest Mountain in the World Is Complicated
How Do You Measure the Largest Waterfall in the World?
How a Lithium Mine Works and Impacts Local Communities
How to Sell Electricity Back to the Grid
Are there any risks associated with the production of wind energy?
The World Hits 8 Billion People; Is That Good or Bad?
Quiz: Can You Tell Climate Change Fact From Fiction?
Did the Mayan civilization end because of climate change?
Top 5 Green Robots
5 Things to Consider When Building a Solar-powered Home
What Uses the Most Electricity in a Home?
Learn More / Page 18
Invasive species are found around the globe, and their presence outside of their native areas is damaging the world's ecosystems and threatening biodiversity. Some -- like the five on this list -- seem almost unstoppable.
Plastic's handy, hardy stuff, but we don't want to leave piles of old forks and water bottles for future generations to trip over. Can special additives that break down plastics faster save the day?
When it comes to fossils, specimens like Sue the Tyrannosaurus rex grab much of the attention. And while Sue is a staggering 67 million years old, she's a new kid on the block, compared to some of the oldest fossils ever found. What's older than Sue?
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The Pacific Ocean trash vortex is explained in this article. Learn about the Pacific Ocean trash vortex.
You may have noticed that our planet isn't terribly predictable. Could a German polymath and an unfathomable pile of data change that?
By Robert Lamb
They may seem like a fun water sport or a noisy nuisance, but whatever your stance on personal watercraft, there's no denying they pollute. So how bad are they?
By Julia Layton
Geysers are beautiful and their eruptions are exciting, but these fragile natural wonders are not to be trifled with. The water shooting from the geyser -- and the eruptions themselves -- can cause serious damage.
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For decades, we've depended on an outdated, centralized power system that wastes power and occasionally fails to meet everyone's needs. The idea of a localized power grid, or microgrid, might just be the change we need.
By Robert Lamb
Many of us take clean water for granted, but hundreds of millions of people have no access to it. Luckily, technologies like LifeStraw can help make water safer for individuals and families who desperately need it.
As the symbol of innovation, the incandescent light bulb is not very innovative. Luckily, there's a new type of light bulb -- a greener one -- that stands poised to replace Edison's most famous invention as the icon of ideation.
By William Harris & Sascha Bos
If you've ever used a solar-powered calculator, you've experienced the power of thin-film solar cells. But can spray-on solar panels take that technology one step further?
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When you get that gas or electric bill at the end of the month, you may swear off long, hot showers. But if your resolution always seems to cool after a few days, you might be a good candidate for a solar water heater.
By Julia Layton
Imagine finishing off a nice cup of morning coffee and then, instead of throwing the grounds into the trash, pouring them into a cartridge where they become printer ink.
LED light bulbs have taken over the market. But what are their pros and cons?
If you turn off the lights in your computer room, you'll probably see the glowing eyes of vampire electronics peering back at you. A smart power strip can help you cut down on how much energy they waste.
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While you shouldn't expect to find a "flying electric" option at the airport anytime soon, electrically powered aircraft not only exist, but the technology continues to evolve at an encouraging rate.
By Robert Lamb
As high-yield oil supplies become harder to find, energy companies are turning to oil sands: mixtures of bitumen, sand and water. How do you extract oil from mucky, viscous soil?
Haunted by ideas of your body polluting the Earth after you're gone? Microbial fuel cell technology could allow you to harness the energy of your own decomposition to power batteries.
Ever wish the lawn would just mow itself? Well, the Husqvarna Automower is about as close as you'll get to that dream -- with the added bonus of using the sun for power.
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The Earth is incredibly heavy. How do scientists determine the weight of the Earth?
By HowStuffWorks
From toothbrushes to iPhones, we fill our lives with a seemingly unending string of gizmos -- all of which depend on electricity to give us what we need to make it through the day. What if you could generate that power?
By Robert Lamb
The world flushes up to 20 percent of its drinking water down various drains. That's a lot of water going to waste. Waterless toilets could squelch the squandering.
Solar energy is abundant and infinitely renewable. Therefore, it's not surprising to see the proliferation of devices that rely on the sun -- especially solar aircraft.
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The Northeast Blackout of 2003 left millions without power and cost approximately $6 billion. Experts believe we can avoid future blackouts by storing energy along the U.S. electric grid.
Did you ever make a potato clock as a kid? If so, you already understand the basic principles that make a soil lamp work.
By Julia Layton