John R. Platt is a freelance journalist specializing in environmental issues, cutting-edge technology, and entrepreneurship. He writes about endangered species for Scientific American and green technology for several publishers. John lives on the coast of Maine where he spends his spare time drawing cartoons. Visit him online at www.johnrplatt.com.
Can bananas fend off fatal fungus?
August 26, 2019, 11:55 a.m. by John Platt
Devastating banana fungus continues to spread to new parts of the globe.
Does Amazon Prime have to be so wasteful?
June 24, 2019, 12:34 p.m. by John Platt
Does the ease of free, one-click shipping outweigh the potential environmental costs?
What is Valley fever?
June 17, 2019, 12:16 p.m. by John Platt
This potentially deadly fungal infection has been called California's 'silent epidemic.'
Chagas disease more deadly than we thought
April 25, 2019, 10:17 a.m. by John Platt
Transmitted by the kissing bug, this parasite can damage the heart.
U.S. seafood is widely mislabeled, report finds
March 8, 2019, 1:57 p.m. by John Platt
Seafood fraud remains rampant in the U.S., according to a new report, with one in five samples mislabeled.
Starfish make remarkable comeback in California years after deadly disease outbreak
January 31, 2019, 10:20 a.m. by John Platt
The disease caused starfish to lose their limbs, dissolve and die.
Scientists discover 60% wild coffee species are under threat of extinction
January 17, 2019, 12:14 p.m. by John Platt
The world's most popular type, Arabica, is now listed as endangered.
Is beach restoration a forever task?
September 28, 2018, 11:18 a.m. by John Platt
Beaches change — whether from natural erosion or from storms such as Hurricane Florence. That's where human intervention can play a role.
You can thank 1940s sex symbol Hedy Lamarr for today's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices
August 7, 2018, 10:57 a.m. by John Platt
The actress helped invent spread-spectrum radio technology, the precursor of modern wireless communications.
Fabled 'Gate to Hell' really did kill people — and now we know why
July 30, 2018, 10:19 a.m. by John Platt
The ancient Romans saw 'Pluto's Gate' as the entrance to the underworld.
Invasive plant that can cause blindness pops up in Virginia for first time
June 18, 2018, 10:10 a.m. by John Platt
Touching a giant hogweed can cause burns and even blindness.
Cyberslacking boosts workplace productivity
May 21, 2018, 11:08 a.m. by John Platt
Checking Facebook and laughing at LOLcats makes you a more productive worker, research shows.
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12 astonishing facts about jellyfish
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Coyote finds old dog toy, acts like a puppy
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How to help your cat lose weight
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Don't feel weird about saying 'Hi' to strangers
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A badly injured leopard beats the odds to make a miracle recovery
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Something mysterious is syncing the movements of galaxies across the universe
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Ice-skating babushka is today's moment of zen
71-year-old woman skates across Lake Baikal to gather her wandering cows.
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Why is ice so slippery?
The answer may be stranger than friction.
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25 of the best foods for food donations
Food banks need your help providing healthy foods.
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A fox and a snowy owl met on a winter night
They came. They danced. They may have tried to eat each other.
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How 'hygge' can help you get through winter
The vague cultural concept doesn't translate easily, but it works for Denmark.
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11 home remedies for laryngitis
You're hoarse and you've lost your voice. Here's what might help.
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Why don't birds' feet freeze in the cold?
Despite what you may think, birds manage just fine in the freezing cold.
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