Today on Squirrel News, Caribbean scientists and environmentalists turn invasive seaweed into renewable fuel, Montana ranchers adopt virtual fences to protect grasslands and wildlife, and US schools boost engagement and learning with the help of theatre programmes.
Caribbean innovators turn invasive seaweed into sustainable vehicle fuel
A Caribbean team has developed a method to convert sargassum seaweed, a tourism-disrupting invasive species, into biogas to fuel vehicles. This offers a renewable energy solution while protecting coastlines and supporting regional climate goals.
Virtual fences protect Montana’s grasslands and wildlife
In Montana, a new fund has just been established to help farmers and ranchers implement virtual fencing, reducing physical fences and protect native wildlife and grasslands.
New rule expands organ transplant options for people with HIV
A new US rule allows organ transplants between HIV-positive donors and recipients, previously limited to research studies. This change increases the organ donor pool, reducing wait times and improving access to life-saving transplants for all patients.
Battery swapping stations in Spanish cities offer a new way to power EVs
In Madrid and Barcelona electric vehicle owners can choose to pay a monthly fee to swap their vehicle batteries in minutes at charging stations they can find and access by app. BBC’s Business Daily looks at how this new power option can solve the problem of charging in big cities with limited parking.
Paris’ iconic zinc roofs intensify heat in top-floor flats during scorching summers, creating an ‘oven effect.’ A new solution uses wooden covers to shield the roofs from direct sunlight, improving insulation while preserving their historic charm.
Theatre programme boosts student engagement in US schools
Schools across the U.S. are seeing the benefits of the Spirit Series theatre programme. In Massachusetts, California, and Maine, the programme is improving teamwork, reducing absenteeism, and boosting student confidence.
Coffee shops in urban neighborhoods have spurred entrepreneurship
Third spaces that are neither the home nor the workplace have been shown to bring communities together. Magic Johnson partnered with Starbucks to bring coffee shops to predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods and now research out of Columbia University shows how that change sparked more entrepreneurship in those communities.
Canadian city creates legal homeless encampments to address housing crisis
A Canadian city is designating legal sites for homeless encampments to avoid forced removals amid a growing housing crisis. The temporary solution helps while the city waits for more affordable housing to be built.
Large-scale organic agriculture in Iowa succeeding without use of chemicals
Chemical companies insist that industrial agriculture depends on the use of chemical pesticides, fungicides and fertilisers. But 25,000-acre Clear Creek farm is demonstrating that even a huge farm can have more success growing organically than conventionally.
Adopt-a-family holiday programme brings relief to Hurricane Helene victims
After Hurricane Helene devastated hundreds of North Carolina families, a grassroots Facebook group began matching them with donors who “adopt” families by providing essentials or purchasing items from their wish lists. The effort has since helped nearly 300 families.
