Articles for category: Ecology, Material Science

A fulgurite.

How Lightning Can Create Glass Sculptures Underground

Trizzy Orozco

Imagine standing in a quiet field after a thunderstorm, the air still charged with mystery. Beneath your feet, hidden from view, nature has just performed one of its most spectacular and secretive tricks. In a single explosive moment, a bolt of lightning has carved a delicate, glassy sculpture right into the earth—one that few will ...

The Ice That Burns: What Methane Hydrates Are and Why They Terrify Scientists

The Ice That Burns: What Methane Hydrates Are and Why They Terrify Scientists

Annette Uy

Imagine a world where ice can ignite into flames. It sounds like something out of a science fiction novel, doesn’t it? Yet, this is the reality of methane hydrates, a fascinating yet fearsome natural phenomenon. These combustible ice-like structures are buried deep beneath the ocean floor and permafrost regions. Their potential energy is staggering, but ...

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Edible Water Bottles: The Strange but Promising Future of Waste-Free Hydration

Trizzy Orozco

Imagine a world where quenching your thirst doesn’t contribute to the ever-growing mountain of plastic waste. A world where sipping water is not only refreshing but also environmentally guilt-free. Welcome to the realm of edible water bottles—a revolutionary concept that promises to reshape our hydration habits and reduce our ecological footprint. This fascinating innovation is ...

Pile of pyrite.

Preserved in Pyrite: How ‘Fool’s Gold’ Is Saving Ancient Biology

Trizzy Orozco

Imagine stumbling upon a glimmering rock, only to realize it’s not the gold you hoped for but something far more valuable to science. This rock, known as pyrite or “fool’s gold,” is revealing secrets from the ancient world, preserving biological treasures that have captivated scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. The allure of pyrite extends beyond ...

Treedome - living architecture.

Can We Grow Buildings? The Science of Living Architecture

Trizzy Orozco

Imagine stepping into a world where buildings breathe, adapt, and even heal themselves. This is not the plot of a futuristic novel but a burgeoning reality as scientists and architects explore the possibilities of living architecture. The concept of growing buildings has captivated the imagination of many, blending the boundaries between biology and architecture. But ...

City animals, fox

Ash to Asphalt: How Coal, Tires, and Trash Are Paving the Roads We Drive On

Trizzy Orozco

Imagine a world where the very roads we traverse are built from the remnants of yesterday’s refuse. It might sound like a scene from a futuristic novel, but it’s an astonishing reality today. Our highways and streets are increasingly being paved with materials that once were considered waste. This innovative approach not only addresses environmental ...

The Cities Using Air-Purifying Concrete to Fight Pollution

The Cities Using Air-Purifying Concrete to Fight Pollution

Annette Uy

Imagine walking through a bustling city, the air crisp and clean, despite the traffic and industry around you. This isn’t a scene from a futuristic movie; it’s becoming a reality in cities around the world, thanks to air-purifying concrete. As urban areas grow and pollution becomes an ever-pressing concern, innovative solutions like this are not ...