How diesel cars could run on algae-based fuel in the future
For years corn and soybeans have been touted as possible alternatives to dirty diesel fuel, but until now, nobody has figured out how to make biofuel from these crops in a cheap, sustainable manner. That’s why researchers from the University of Michigan are turning to algae. Unlike corn or Read More...
Ocean plastic is a huge problem, blockchain could be part of the solution
The world’s oceans are awash in plastic, and the problem is only getting worse. Each year, 8 million metric tons of plastic debris ends up in the oceans, and that’s on top of the 150 million metric tons already in marine environments. The debris ensnares seabirds, starves whales Read More...
Denmark has the flattest work hierarchy in the world
Denmark may be the birthplace of the Lego tower, but its workplace hierarchy is the flattest in the world. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report 2018, the nation tops an index measuring “willingness to delegate authority” at work, beating 139 other Read More...
Lyft is introducing a U.S. subscription service
The inevitable business model singularity has arrived, which is to say the Netflix for Ubers has arrived via Read More...
Could cutting CO2 emissions provide water during droughts?
Power plants provide homes and businesses with electricity on a daily basis. But plants also consume a daily essential: Read More...
For the good of all, make your city more walkable
If you care about humanity, you should be doing what you can to make your city more cyclist- and pedestrian-friendly. Almost everyone benefits, especially the most vulnerable among us, including the poor, the elderly, and the Read More...
Small Indian state takes top prize in UN award for going 100 percent organic
When the small Indian state of Sikkim decided to ban chemical fertilizers and pesticides in 2016, the state’s decision was met with much skepticism. Now those skeptics have been turned into believers after the state won the top prize in a UN-backed award for its 100 percent organic policies. Read More...
How the UK is using postal workers to fix the problem of loneliness
Evidence is mounting that social isolation negatively impacts our health. In the UK, where loneliness has become a major issue, the government is launching a pilot program that will send postal workers door to door to see if people are feeling socially isolated. If so, the resident will get Read More...
This French city is now offering free public transport to everyone
Dunkirk, a city in France, is one month into a project that makes it the biggest European city to offer entirely free public transport to residents and visitors alike. Beyond the environmental benefits, a study found that free public transport leads to an increase in mobility among older and Read More...
New smartphone app can find out whether or not its users are depressed
A startup in California is trying to use our obsession with the technology in our pockets to treat depression. When a patient installs the startup's app, it monitors things like the way the person types, taps, scrolls while using other apps. These seemingly mundane interactions with your phone can Read More...