Tag Archives: Plants and Animals

Oil-Contaminated Soil Finds New Fertility

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Oil contaminated soil is restored.Oil spills are unfortunately a fact of life in our industrialized world. Until we find a renewable resource that can fulfill our energy demands, the transportation of oil and other petroleum products is a requisite and no method is entirely foolproof. Scientists at Rice University have addressed this problem by developing a new technique that not only rids contaminated soil of oil, but restores its fertility. Salad anyone?

The Business Of Subscription Boxes Reaches New Highs With PotBox

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Subscription box services have been a trend for a number of years, popular for their convenience and the fact that they're like unwrapping a present when the contents are (somewhat of) a surprise. Everything from pet items, to razors, to delectable snacks, and makeup have been sold in this format by businesses that deal exclusively in items that are packed in cardboard and left on your doorstep once a month or so. But, if you think you've already seen it all, you'd be wrong.

Much Buzz About Timberland, Pharrell Williams and Bee-Inspired Boots

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Timberland Beeline BootsBoot giant, Timberland and music mogul, Pharrell Williams, have collaborated on the creation of boots inspired by bees. These cool boots are comprised of eco-friendly textiles and recycled plastic bottles. Read on to learn more about this amazng innovative footwear.

Geoengineering Might Be The Last Chance For Coral Reefs

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Bleached (foreground) and healthy (background) coral at the Great Barrier Reef.We are all aware of many of the myriad effects of climate change – higher temperatures, rising sea levels, more extreme weather events, but coral bleaching has tended to escape notice despite being one of the most acute problems facing our oceans right now. New research resulting from a worldwide collaboration suggests that we have reached a tipping point and a geoengineering technique called Solar Radiation Management may be the only way to save coral reefs from mass bleaching.

Could Bionic Plants Be The New Solar Cell?

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Chloroplasts are the green organelles responsible for photosynthesis. Image by Kristian Peters.Photosynthesis – the means by which plants are able to convert sunlight and carbon dioxide to useable chemical energy -- is one of the more remarkable natural feats. Scientists have long sought to exploit the process as a method of more efficiently harvesting solar energy, but have so far been thwarted by relatively low efficiencies. Now a research team has found a nanobioengineering technique using carbon nanotubes to dramatically increase light absorption and enhance energy generation by nearly 50%.

Finland’s Wildflowers Inspire Ethereal Jewelry Collection

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Jewelry inspired By NatureA delicate and ethereal line of jewelry from Finland was inspired by a purple wild flower that grows along the roadsides in this Nordic nation bordered by Sweden on the west, Norway to the north, Russia to the east and Estonia to the south. Read on to learn more about designer, Chao-Hsein Kuo, and her unique artistic vision.

The Joinery of South Africa: Fashion Activism Takes Hold

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A Joinery GarmentThe Joinery fashion brand stands for sustainable fashion and the belief that everyone can do something to make this a better, greener world. Read on for more on this revoltuionary new program.

Grass iPhones: A Green Trend In More Ways Than One

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Grass Mobile PhoneThe use of natural products in the creation of mobile phones as well as other wearable gadgets is an emerging trend in fashionable electronics. Read all about the latest iPhone from Design Works that is made entirely of grass!

Spider Webs May Soon Make Us All Strong Like Spiderman

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The Madagascar Bark Spider's bridging silk is the toughest biomaterial in the world.There is no shortage of scientific inspiration to be found in the workings of nature. With hundreds of millions of years of evolution on her side, Mother Nature has achieved some remarkable feats that human scientists are only just beginning to approach. One area in which this is particularly relevant is that of biomaterials. Currently, a new crop of materials scientists is investigating the structure and composition of spiders’ silk – the toughest of all biomaterials – with an eye towards everything from artificial tendons and ligaments to drug-delivering bandages.

The Analog Ant Watch: Get Out of Here!

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The Analog Ant Watch Can a watch respond to the joys and annoyances of Mother Nature? WatchCo says yes, and puts its money where its mouth is. with its newest creation, the Analog Ant Watch. Read on for more on this incredible innovation.