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.
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.
Chagas disease more deadly than we thought
August 23, 2018, 2:13 p.m. by John Platt
Transmitted by the kissing bug, this parasite can damage the heart.
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.
Why San Diego's tides are glowing blue
May 10, 2018, 10:31 a.m. by John Platt
Bioluminescent algae blooms every few years on the California coast.
Is Amazon Prime eco-friendly or wasteful?
April 19, 2018, 8:42 a.m. by John Platt
Does the ease of free, one-click shipping outweigh the potential environmental costs?
Did researchers find Amelia Earhart's skeleton?
March 8, 2018, 10:56 a.m. by John Platt
Remains found in 1940 and analyzed in recent years may be the pilot.
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A horse named Jenny takes a daily stroll through the streets of Frankfurt
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What's next for SpaceX in its mission to send humans to space?
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9 of the world's largest dog breeds
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Where has all the plastic pollution gone in the Indian Ocean?
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At least this year wasn't as bad as A.D. 536 — the worst year in human history
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The colorful, fantastical world of Dale Chihuly
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10 ways to give without buying stuff
Thoughtful gifts can be experiences, time or even a special treat.
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Carbon footprint reality
If you really want to reduce your footprint, have fewer kids and ditch your car.
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Why you should kick the plastic straw habit
Straws create litter and end up in the marine food chain — but it doesn't have to be that way.
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16 simple ways to reduce plastic waste
These easy things can decrease the amount of plastic trash you make.
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9 skills they don't teach in school (but should)
From CPR to car repair, these building blocks create safe, successful adults.
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