Today’s Solutions: January 19, 2026

Researchers have created a reusable sponge that can effectively clean up oil spills. Unlike most methods that can only clean up the surface, the Oleo Sponge can go deep into a column of water and soak up oil beneath the surface. When the spill is cleaned up, the sponges can be wrung out and reused, and the oil that comes out can be recovered. The researchers say the sponge could be adapted to help clean up ports and harbors.

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