New biodegradable, plant-based, spray-on coating offers alternative to plastic food wrap and containers
The coating can be rinsed off with water and degrades in soil within three days, according to the study from Rutgers University.
Today (2017 C.E. - 2025 C.E.)
Canada bans manufacture and import of single-use plastics
The ban includes checkout bags, cutlery, straws and food-service ware made from or containing plastics that are hard to recycle, and will come into effect by the end of 2022.
Many U.S. states now allow mental health absences for students
At least nine states now allow students to take mental health days. Other states using less expensive solutions like in-class mediation, mindfulness exercises, and social-emotional training.
Colombia elects first Black woman vice president, Francia Marquez
Marquez is a celebrated environmental activist whose opposition to gold mining in her home municipality of Suarez saw her receive the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize in 2018.
New Chinese EV boasts groundbreaking 578-mile range
The Chinese manufacturer, NIO, claims the new ES7 can go 578 miles on a charge. By comparison, Tesla’s leading Model Y has a range of only 330 miles.
U.S. FDA approves first alopecia drug that restores hair growth in many patients
It is the first approved treatment for alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that affects about 7 million people in the United States.
Seattle offers utility pole EV chargers to city residents
Residents who live within city limits can request to have a public electric vehicle charging station installed in front of their home or residential property. Installations are expected to begin early next year.
Australia reduces plastic litter on its beaches by 30 percent in less than a decade
The study by Australia’s CSIRO involved 563 on-the-ground inspections and multiple interviews with waste managers in 32 municipalities.
Microsoft to begin disclosing salaries, drops non-compete clauses
The new salary disclosure policy makes Microsoft the first “Big Tech” company to take this approach.
Korean scientists develop “nanomachines” that can penetrate and kill cancer cells
This new method directly kills cancer cells via mechanical movements without anticancer medication, in contrast to the capsule-type nanocarriers that deliver therapeutic drugs.