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.
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.
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.
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This map tells you exactly what lies on the other side of the ocean
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'Super mom' spotted on a Minnesota lake — with 56 ducklings in tow
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Fireflies! 12 things you didn't know about lightning bugs
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It's time to stop releasing balloons
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13 natural solutions for killing and deterring ants
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This newly identified critter eats rocks and secretes them as sand
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How to tell what's eating your garden plants
There are plenty of potential culprits, and there are just as many ways to stop them.
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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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Grow birdseed, don't buy it
Here are 10 flowering plants that look gorgeous and reward you with seeds.
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10 secret gardens in the middle of major cities
These hidden gardens are peaceful oases in the middle of the urban hustle and bustle.
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How to make a sun map of your garden
There are many ways to map an area's sunlight exposure. Here are a few tips to make sure your pla...
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How to fight the heat
Plant selection and design in addition to proper watering can help reduce stress on plants.
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9 ideas for creating shade
When the sun gets overbearing — and it will — you have options.
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