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.
CDC issues new warning about salmonella from pet turtles
August 30, 2017, 10:56 a.m. by John Platt
Small turtles are illegal, but they are still available from many less-reputable dealers.
Is Amazon Prime eco-friendly or wasteful?
July 10, 2017, 4:02 p.m. by John Platt
Does the ease of free, one-click shipping outweigh the potential environmental costs?
Why are bees producing blue honey?
June 22, 2017, 11:22 a.m. by John Platt
The bees may be eating discarded sugar from a nearby M&M factory.
Chagas disease more deadly than previously thought
May 23, 2017, 11:18 a.m. by John Platt
Transmitted by the assassin or kissing bug, this parasite can cause fatal heart disease.
What is methane and why should you care?
May 11, 2017, 3:55 p.m. by John Platt
This colorless, odorless gas has huge potential as a fuel, but it also poses a major threat to the climate.
Melting ice could release ancient viruses hidden in glaciers
May 8, 2017, 10:56 a.m. by John Platt
As global warming thaws permafrost, bacteria that have been frozen for millennia may come back to life.
The strange history of the man-eating lions of Tsavo
April 20, 2017, 12:05 p.m. by John Platt
The lions reportedly killed up to 135 people in 1898, but does the truth live up to the myth?
The 1919 Boston Molasses Flood: The forgotten tragedy too bizarre for the history books
November 28, 2016, 1:05 p.m. by John Platt
A 30-foot wave of molasses claimed the lives of 21 people and injured 150 more.
Did researchers find Amelia Earhart's skeleton?
November 1, 2016, 12:47 p.m. by John Platt
Remains found in 1940 and analyzed today may be the long-lost pilot.
6 incredible places where the ocean glows
July 14, 2016, 1:52 p.m. by John Platt
Tourists travel the world to see these sites where phosphorescent waves light up the night.
Meet the man who invented the emoticon ... in 1879
September 25, 2014, 5:29 p.m. by John Platt
Walter C. Phillips invented a code to help speed telegraph transmissions. 88 = Love.
Take warning when the sky is red in the morning
September 23, 2014, 8:36 a.m. by John Platt
Many old wives' tales about the weather turn out to be true.
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Why are my plants turning yellow?
A closer look at yellowing leaves on plants can help gardeners get to the root of the problem.
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7 surprising facts about dragonflies
Like did you know they can fly backward, have almost 360-degree vision and they're ferocious?
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What is the best way to get rid of poison ivy?
The simplest and best answer is 'very carefully.'
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Top 10 vegetables to grow in your garden
These nutritional powerhouses can flourish in your yard or in containers.
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Good bug, bad bug: How can you tell the difference?
Most bugs are harmless, but here's how to tell the good from the bad — plus organic solutions.
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Got moles? Read this
Don't make a mountain of a literal mole hill. Follow these tips to a mole-free lawn.
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