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.
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.
Starfish make remarkable comeback years after deadly disease outbreak
June 26, 2018, 10:16 a.m. by John Platt
The disease caused starfish to lose their limbs, dissolve and die.
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.
Should texting while walking be banned?
February 27, 2018, 10:04 a.m. by John Platt
More places want to fine people who cross the street with their eyes glued to their phones.
Installation begins on Jeff Bezos' 10,000-year clock
February 21, 2018, 11:51 a.m. by John Platt
The clock is "designed to be a symbol, an icon for long-term thinking."
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Viking ship detected under Norwegian field
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New England is experiencing a squirrel boom
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In 1972, a computer model predicted the end of the world — and we're on track
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Fishermen discover massive skull and antlers from ancient 'Irish elk'
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What is the blue hour? Learn about this magic time between daylight and darkness
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9 of the world's largest dog breeds
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Your 2018 fall foliage guide
Now you know the best time to be a 'leaf peeper' in any part of the U.S.
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Why do leaves change color in autumn?
Learn about the natural mechanisms that produce breathtaking fall foliage each year.
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Test your fall knowledge
The days are getting shorter and pumpkin spice seems to be everywhere: It must be fall.
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10 best places outside the U.S. for fall color
These places around the world that equal U.S. locales when it comes to colorful scenery.
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5 classic fall recipes
Roasted veggies and soups of all kinds are what we're talking about.
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