How organic wine finally caught on
If you cannot remember the last time you had a glass of organic wine, you are hardly alone. Overall, less than 5 percent of the world’s vineyards are organic. In the United States, the world’s largest consumer of wine, only 1 percent of wine sold by volume was organic. The paltry market for Read More...
Water purification breakthrough can even clean water from the Dead Sea
Despite all our advances, access to clean water is still a major problem – not just for developing nations, but here in the US, where water shortages during natural disasters can cost lives. Scientists have created a cost-effective technology that addresses this problem using hydrogels. Using Read More...
Mobile money is the key to growing Africa’s banking sector
Africa is a global leader in mobile money, with telecom operators embracing innovative practices that allow customers to not only pay bills but also access services including loans, insurance, and Read More...
5 ways to hold on to optimism — and reap health benefits
In these turbulent times, it may be a struggle to maintain a glass half full view of life. A poll just released by the Associated Press on New Year’s Day indicated that most Americans came out of 2016 feeling pretty discouraged. Only 18 percent feel things for the country got better, 33 percent Read More...
The next big thing in marijuana won't get you high
Recently, at the end of a surf trip with several friends, my pal Tim passed me a pipe packed with sticky green buds. I’m not much of a social smoker (more of a one-hitter-before-chores type) so politely declined. Then, he made an odd promise, for a guy brandishing a glass pipe and a lighter: Read More...
You might start seeing mushroom-beef burgers on menus in the near future
Not everyone is so keen on switching from all-beef burgers to a non-meat alternative, such as soy. That’s why there’s a growing movement backed by chefs, scientists, and environmental advocates to replace 100 percent ground beef in some foods with a blend that contains up to half mushrooms. The Read More...
UPS is showing us that mass integration of plug-in electric vehicles is possible
While it’s good news that UPS is switching to an all-electric fleet in London, a switch like that can still provide major headaches for utility companies. Fortunately, UPS is using on-site batteries and smart-grid software to time the recharging of its 170 electric trucks so that it occurs when Read More...
This yellow buoy is saving whales on the Atlantic coast
Shipping vessels are killing whales on the Atlantic coast at an unprecedented rate. To try and put an end to this, researchers placed a buoy containing a sophisticated hydrophone that eavesdrops on whales and records the sounds they make. The buoy also transmits data in almost real time, which not Read More...
How the fight against plastics is finally gaining momentum
It seems we're finally waking up to the reality that we must completely stop using plastics if we want to solve the plastic problem. France has completely banned plastic utensils, the UK is cracking on single-use carrier bags and disposable coffee cups, and plastic straws are being targeted by a Read More...
Why a long walk is as beneficial for the mind as it is for the body
There's no doubt that walking every day, even if only for 20 minutes or so, is good for your health. It gets the heart pumping, works your muscles, burns calories, and generally helps you avoid most of the dangers of an overly-sedentary life. But beyond the physical benefits, walking can also do Read More...