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Updated: 2 hours 57 min ago

Israel’s crocodile prison plan puts wildlife protection and land use under scrutiny

15/09/2026
A controversial initiative to incorporate crocodiles into prison moats has prompted environmental scrutiny. This initiative centers on Nile crocodiles, deemed a 'cultivated wild animal.' Animal rights advocates are pressing the judiciary, highlighting ethical dilemmas. The discourse also engages with land utilization and conservation frameworks within Israel, underscoring the intricate ramifications of wildlife governance in society.

MIT scientists developed a way to turn discarded plastic into strong building materials

15/09/2026
Atlas Building Composites uses AI and robotics to recycle plastic into strong building components. This innovative system melts and fuses plastic with fiberglass for durable construction materials. The company has already supplied recycled trusses for a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers bridge project. Their waterless recycling method processes low-grade plastic efficiently and locally. Atlas aims to build one billion homes by converting plastic pollution into useful materials.

Scientists built a floating farm using seawater; three crops topped 80% germination in tests

15/09/2026
Scientists have developed a floating farm which uses sunlight to desalinate seawater. This innovative system successfully grew broccoli, lettuce, and Pak Choi with high germination rates. The double-layered vertical solar sea farm design integrates evaporation and cultivation chambers efficiently. Researchers tested six units in artificial seawater, demonstrating practical cultivation potential. This technology offers a promising route for marine agriculture and efficient water use.

Scientists create solar cells that work underwater at 10 metres and run robots

15/09/2026
Innovative research has led to the creation of wide-bandgap perovskite solar cells tailored for underwater energy generation. Capable of harnessing limited light at depths of up to ten meters, these cells have been tested on underwater robots, showcasing their effectiveness and considerable power output. They displayed impressive durability during extensive storage and under simulated marine conditions, marking a significant advancement in power supply for sub-oceanic technologies and sensors.

Singapore researchers use fruit peels to recover metals from old batteries

15/09/2026
Singaporean researchers are using fruit peels to recycle lithium-ion batteries. Waste from oranges, lemons, and pineapples helps dissolve battery material and recover metals. This pilot plant processes shredded batteries, recovering valuable components for new battery production. The innovative method combines food waste and spent batteries, moving laboratory work towards commercial use. This approach aims to tackle battery waste and food waste together effectively.

Scientists turn railway track vibrations into electricity with a system producing peak power

14/09/2026
Researchers developed a system to capture wasted energy from heavy freight train vibrations. This system converts vertical track movement into one-way rotation to drive a generator. Tests showed a maximum mechanical efficiency of over seventy-three percent and peak power output. The recovered electricity can power low-power sensors and reduce battery needs. This innovation offers a self-powered solution for railway monitoring equipment.

How Singapore turned garbage ash into a 350-hectare island where mangroves and coral now flourish

14/09/2026
Singapore has pioneered a remarkable 350-hectare landfill created from incinerated waste, known as Semakau Landfill. This innovative site not only manages the nation’s scarce land but also provides a habitat for diverse marine life. With migratory birds nesting and corals thriving, this man-made island exemplifies successful waste management, projected to remain operational until 2035.

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