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.
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."
Fabled 'Gate to Hell' really did kill people — and now we know why
February 20, 2018, 4:41 p.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
December 28, 2017, 2:43 p.m. by John Platt
The disease caused starfish to lose their limbs, dissolve and die.
Should intelligent animals have human rights?
November 15, 2017, 1:54 p.m. by John Platt
A lawsuit from the Nonhuman Rights Project seeks legal personhood for 3 captive elephants in Connecticut and other animals like them.
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.
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.
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Edit your closet
Empty your closet, then put back only the clothes you wore within the last year.
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How to declutter your life
A shift in how you think about housekeeping could result in a tidier and more relaxed life.
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Live out of just one bag
For one couple, one-bag living is way less stressful and a lot simpler than a life full of stuff.
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Less stuff makes you frugal
It's important to reevaluate all the stuff you own, and whether or not you really need it.
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Tidy up your electronic life
Marie Kondo's ideas work for your phone and computer, too.
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The experts' secrets to getting organized
Hint: There's a connection between clutter and your mental health.
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