Water
Tree branches provide the materials for safe and natural water filters
Xylem is a thin material that makes up the interiors of non-flowering trees. This straw-like conduit material draws water up from the ground to nourish trees and is interconnected with membranes that filter out sap and bubbles from the water. Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Read More...
Mussel-mounted motion sensors can help detect toxins in our water
Mussels are fascinating creatures that who's powerful role in our ecosystems is often overlooked. We’ve written previously about how mussels inspired highly effective surgical glue as well as how they can accurately gauge levels of pollution and identify contaminants in underwater Read More...
Floating seawater reservoirs could help Helsinki become carbon neutral
As humans, we pride ourselves on our ability to innovate and adapt to a variety of environments. This has led us to develop technology that can support civilization, even in extreme environments. However, this technology largely relies on fossil fuels. Now, there’s a global push to put human Read More...
Researchers map out where ocean conservation would be most impactful
Marine conservation is critical for ocean health and the continued survival of marine species, but when it comes to protecting our oceans, some regions pack a bigger conservation punch than others. A new study from the University of California, Santa Barbara has mapped out which areas of the ocean, Read More...
This startup is repurposing wastewater one flush at a time
Water conservation is a pillar of environmentalism and critical for protecting the Earth's dwindling fresh water supply. We've featured desalination solutions that are aiding in this effort, but today we're focusing on localized water treatment as a path to water security. Startup Epic Read More...
Pollution-eating, electricity-breathing bacteria may save our water
It’s no secret that humans have had an enormous impact on the world’s water supply. If we look at lakes, rivers, or shores that humans live near, chances are we will find a significant quantity of litter scattered in the area. According to Clean Water Action, these water pollutants have Read More...
New device may soon create water out of thin air in desert environments
There are more than 1.1 billion people worldwide who still lack access to clean drinking water, while about 2.7 billion are subject to water scarcity. Transporting clean and safe water to these places over long distances and hard-to-cross terrain represents a real logistical hurdle. Thanks to, a Read More...
Hydraloop: This system lets you recycle water in your own home
Imagine how much water and energy we could save if we recycled all the wastewater that goes down our sinks and shower drains right in our own homes? In a bid to make such a scenario a reality, startup Hydraloop has engineered a simple water recycling system that can be used in any building or home, Read More...
Scientists use aerogel to generate clean drinking water out of thin air
With 700 million people worldwide suffering from water insecurity, it would surely be great if we were able to pull clean water out of thin air. Well, thanks to a team of scientists from the National University of Singapore (NUS), we could soon do that in a simple and efficient way. The new Read More...
Researchers solve key desalination efficiency mystery
Desalination is the process of removing salt and other chemicals from water to make it potable. It holds immense promise for providing clean water in the future as we face dwindling fresh water supplies for a growing population. For years, inconsistent efficiency in desalination baffled Read More...