Growing Vitality

17/09/2025

Innovation knows no age limit, and two Texas teens, Victoria Ou and Justin Huang, have proven this by developing a groundbreaking ultrasonic device that removes microplastics from water. Their pen-sized device uses sound waves to effectively filter out microplastics, which are notoriously difficult to remove from water sources. The duo won $50,000 for their invention, which showcases how young minds can drive significant environmental change. This technology can be used in large-scale water filtration systems, bringing hope for cleaner oceans and freshwater supplies around the globe.

Microplastics have become a pervasive pollutant in our oceans and water systems, posing serious risks to wildlife, human health, and the environment. The development of a portable, efficient way to remove these particles is a major breakthrough. With millions of tons of plastic waste making its way into the ocean every year, having a solution that can target microplastics at such a small scale could revolutionize water treatment and conservation efforts. This technology could be deployed in both urban and rural settings, giving communities access to cleaner water.

Victoria and Justin's invention proves that youth-led innovation can create scalable, real-world solutions to global problems. As we continue to confront the issue of plastic pollution, innovations like theirs offer hope for reversing the damage already done. This is just the beginning—who knows what the next generation of young innovators will bring to the table in the fight against pollution and environmental destruction? 🌊🧑‍🔬

26/07/2025

In 1948, scientist Mária Telkes, known as “The Sun Queen,” built a revolutionary home in Massachusetts that stayed warm through freezing winters using only sunlight and salt—no gas, no electricity. Partnering with architect Eleanor Raymond, she developed the Dover Sun House, which stored solar energy in Glauber’s salt (sodium sulfate), a phase-change material that captured and slowly released heat. It was one of the world’s first passive solar-heated homes—and it worked, even on cloudy days.

But this wasn’t just about tech—it was about freedom. Telkes believed energy innovation should serve people, especially women burdened by smoke-filled kitchens and unreliable heating. She went on to invent solar ovens, desalination kits, and off-grid systems that empowered communities worldwide. With over 20 patents and a legacy that reshaped green technology, she proved that clean energy isn't just a future goal—it’s been possible for decades.

Full Story: https://engineerine.com/sunlight-salt-heated-house/

19/07/2025

A groundbreaking study from Tel Aviv University, published in eLife on July 15, 2025, reveals that tomato plants emit ultrasonic sounds when under stress—specifically when dehydrated—and that these sounds can alter insect behavior.

These sounds, which are inaudible to the human ear, are detected by certain insects such as female Spodoptera littoralis moths.

In a controlled lab environment, researchers found that these moths actively avoided laying eggs on dehydrated plants that emitted ultrasonic clicks.

Remarkably, when researchers played these distress sounds through speakers near healthy plants, moths still avoided them, indicating they rely on sound rather than visual or olfactory cues to assess plant health.

When the moths' auditory abilities were blocked, they showed no preference between the healthy and stressed plants, further confirming that their behavior was sound-driven.

This research provides the first documented evidence that plant-generated sounds can directly influence insect decisions, revealing a new channel of plant-animal interaction.

The discovery challenges the traditional belief that plants communicate only through chemicals or visual cues. Scientists are optimistic that this could lead to the development of new, non-chemical pest deterrents by mimicking or amplifying stress sounds to protect crops.

Furthermore, the study opens avenues for exploring whether other animals—like bats or rodents—can also interpret plant distress acoustics in natural settings.

Overall, this research uncovers a hidden layer of ecological communication, demonstrating that plants do "talk," and that insects "listen"—an insight that could reshape both ecological theory and agricultural practices.

16/06/2025

🌿 “Before we named it climate change, she warned us the land remembers.”

In an age when women were expected to study embroidery, not Earth systems, Mary Somerville quietly defied expectations. Born in 1780 in the rugged beauty of Scotland, she had little formal education. But what she lacked in access, she made up for in fierce curiosity. Teaching herself mathematics and astronomy in stolen hours, Mary would grow into one of the most respected scientific thinkers of the 19th century—and a pioneer in understanding humanity’s impact on the environment.

Her 1848 book, Physical Geography, wasn’t just a catalogue of mountains, rivers, and climates. It was a radical work for its time—gently but clearly highlighting how human actions were changing the Earth itself. She wrote of deforestation altering local temperatures and moisture levels, and how farming practices shaped the flow of water and health of soils. These were sharp insights into environmental feedback loops, long before the term “ecology” entered scientific vocabulary.

At a time when industrialization was still romanticized as progress, Somerville was quietly documenting its costs. She didn’t have satellites or climate models, yet she could see the signs. Forests felled, rivers diverted, rainfall patterns disturbed—her careful observations laid the groundwork for thinking that would echo through later environmental works. In fact, her writings predated George Perkins Marsh’s famous Man and Nature by over a decade.

Her work gained recognition. Somerville earned the respect of top scientific institutions, including the Royal Geographical Society, which awarded her the Victoria Gold Medal—an extraordinary honor for any scholar, let alone a woman at that time. Still, she remained humble, often crediting nature itself as her teacher. And though she never used the words “climate crisis,” she gave us early proof that the Earth listens—and responds—to everything we do.

🌎 “Humanity’s touch leaves footprints not just on paths, but in the winds and waters. Mary saw it first.”

01/06/2025

Moss is a highly underestimated plant that offers significant environmental benefits.

Studies show that moss-covered areas can store billions of tons more carbon than bare ground, making moss a powerful tool for carbon capture.

Unlike most plants, moss thrives without soil and can grow on walls, roofs, and other urban surfaces, making it ideal for greening cities.

In urban areas, moss helps cool temperatures through evaporation and can absorb pollutants like CO₂ and fine dust, improving air quality.

It also supports biodiversity and aids in rainwater retention. Despite these advantages, moss is often removed during construction or landscaping due to aesthetic preferences.

Embracing moss in city design could play a crucial role in tackling climate change, reducing pollution, and creating healthier living spaces.

27/05/2025

12/12/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/198XP5XBHn/?mibextid=WC7FNe

This is what grains of sand look like when magnified 100 to 300 times. Dr. Gary Greenberg's photographs magnify grains of sand 100 to 300 times, exposing swirling microscopic shells, eroded crystals and colorful coral fragments.

More details/photos: https://bit.ly/41sOFPm

Follow David Attenborough Fans. for more.

27/11/2024

Cherry Slug?

See my beautiful quince tree growing in a pot?
I was starting to have an issue with the cherry slug.
Solution:
I sprayed the tree with a mixture of bokashi juice, ACV and water. That killed the slugs. Just ACV and water probably works.
I then got a little balm past its use by date and smeared it around the trunk. NO MORE cherry slug.
If you order something from my website (I make balms) www.apothecarychorale.com and message that you want some out of date balm I’ll gladly send you a jar. That will do lots of trees.

27/11/2024