innovation & technology
New York design company turning to mushrooms to grow natural packaging to replace styrofoam
The increase in online shopping has led to more items arriving on doorsteps ensconced in styrofoam packaging. The purchase is safe-and-sound, but what to do with the styrofoam? One New York-based company is turning to mushrooms to literally grow new, biodegradable, all-natural packaging.
Scientist finds beauty in search for elusive dark matter
Dark matter makes up some 95 percent of our universe, according to physicists, but its proven elusive. Scientists at Columbia University are part of the team looking for this elusive component of the universe -- and creating unintentional art along the way.
Famed Spanish restaurant El Bulli reopens as foundation and food lab
El Bulli was a highly successful, highly celebrated restaurant in Spain, until its founder shut it down at practically the peak of its popularity. But now it's back -- but with a focus on innovation and research, rather than just on eating.
Electric cars could produce efficiencies for national electric grid
Electric cars have large batteries that go mostly unused for hours at a time. But a team of researchers in Delaware are hoping to use these electric cars to improve how the national electric grid works. So far, the results are promising. And it could provide benefits to electric car owners, too.
Spain trying to combat joblessness by promoting entrepreneurship
Spain's unemployment is persistently high, and the latest effort to combat that doesn't seek to get businesses hiring again, but seeks to get individuals to go into business for themselves. But there are a host of practical and cultural barriers in their way.
Chilean social entrepreneur saves families money by taking detergent out of its packaging
When it comes to detergent, the price is in the packaging. A lot of the price, anyway. And that means people get a better deal when they buy in bulk. But for many families surviving day by day, bulk buying is an unthinkable luxury. So one entrepreneur decided to do away with the packaging all together.
Recent solar panel adopter sees success in eliminating electric bill
Helen Palmer installed solar panels on the roof of her home in 2012. And since then, basically, she hasn't seen an electric bill. In fact, when last she checked, she had a credit of nearly $43 on her bill. She hasn't paid off her initial investment, but she's making progress.
Researcher pioneers low-cost means of storing energy
When it comes to storing energy, there are few simple solutions. But a group of Canadian scientists has changed an old technology to make it more convenient and cost effective to store energy on a large scale.
Bullitt Foundation opens new building in Seattle that redefines environmentally-friendly
The Bullitt Foundation, a Seattle-based nonprofit focused on improving the environment in the Pacific Northwest, has taken on a new endeavor. It's opened a building for its headquarters, and house other companies, that will be a demonstrator of sustainable technologies.
London's water service looking to turn sewer's 'fatbergs' into power
London's sewer system, like in most major cities around the country, are often clogged by accumulations of fat that must be freed by sewer workers. But now, London is trying to turn that trash literally into treasure. They want to use the fat to fuel a power plant.
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(21 May, 2013 08:58:54)Stop moaning everyone - unbelievable and endless queue of worlds biggest collection of all minded moaning Minnie's -
PUdden N Tane (20 May, 2013 09:40:50)Take her crayons away then put her in the corner. How could anyone even 'think' they are doing right by the picture when they make ...
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Womprat (20 May, 2013 02:50:44)There were no swamp rats. There were Womprats, though.
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Jonathan (20 May, 2013 11:59:28)You're quite right. Sorry about that! Jonathan Kealing PRI.org
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My Other Car's the Tardis (20 May, 2013 11:37:03)I think you dropped a letter in the album's title: "Ela" is "she"--not "he"--in Portuguese.