Indian Railways fights air pollution with first train with solar-powered coaches
To reduce the air pollution that has become a plague in many cities in India, the Indian Railways has introduced their first train outfitted with rooftop solar panels. The solar panels will completely power fans, lighting, and display systems in the coaches. In the past, a diesel-fueled generator Read More...
Let it flow: The Netherlands has a new approach to water management
The Dutch have been building dikes—and controlling nature—for centuries as much of their country is below sea level. Global warming with rising sea levels poses new challenges for the Netherlands. As the chief water managers of the world, their response can be relevant for many sea-bordering Read More...
Mediterranean diet now also linked to preventing dementia
Many studies show the benefits of the Mediterranean diet around vegetables, fish, grains and olive oil for healthier hearts, longer lives, stronger bones along with a reduced risk for diabetes and high blood pressure. A new study adds a new benefit to the list: the Mediterranean diet lowers your Read More...
Science: Doodling is good for your brain
A new study shows that doodling, coloring, and free-drawing increase blood flow to the parts of the brain associated with reward. That’s the same area that makes dancing, laughing, and eating chocolate so much Read More...
Anyone home? Meet the couple revolutionizing the humble doorbell
There are few things more infuriating than arriving home to a “Sorry we missed you”card after waiting hours for a delivery. A report last year from IMRG estimated that failed deliveries are costing retailers up to £780m, not to mention the frustration and inconvenience for Read More...
Driving home the good news about electric cars with Richard Branson
Sir Richard Branson – showman, self-publicist and master of the media – could hardly have come up with a more symbolic setting if he tried. Last weekend, his electric car racing team sped through New York City, clocking speeds of 150mph (240kmph) in cars built with technology Read More...
‘Renewable energy will be the cheapest form of power in every country by 2020’
The plummeting cost of renewable energy means even if Donald Trump pulls the US out of the Paris climate change accord, America will still meet its commitments in the agreement, a new report has said. Analysts at investment company Morgan Stanley say prices for clean Read More...
Happiness can affect physical health
Subjective well-being may exert its effects on physical health through health behaviors, as well as through the immune and cardiovascular systems. Although scientists still are exploring and debating when happiness most affects health, there is no doubt that it can do so. With more research, it may Read More...
Utilities are giving people cash for clean cars
Utilities have begun offering direct rebates for electric vehicles in an effort to jump-start sluggish sales in an emerging car market that stands to benefit them financially. Electric companies in Vermont and California have offered customers $450 to $1,200 off their electric bill if they buy a Read More...
Here’s how coal-reliant communities should transition away from fossil fuels
As much as we applaud news of coal-fired power stations being shut down, the truth is that these closures can dramatically affect the communities that relied on these stations economically. Tonawanda, New York is no different. The working class Buffalo suburb lost its largest air and water Read More...