Plastic Archives | The Cool Down

Aerial view of beachfront houses on stilts, with waves lapping at the shore and greenery in the background.

Outdoors

Coastal homes are being wheeled away from the shore as sea levels rise

A chest X-ray showing the lungs, heart, and shoulder joints in detail.

Tech

Black rubbery 'plugs' found stuck in man's airways after inhaling wildfire smoke

An octopus emerges from a plastic cup on the ocean floor and reaches for a shell.

Outdoors

Video shows tiny octopus accepting diver's shell offering

A person in gloves is stacking concrete blocks on a table.

Tech

5 new materials scientists are using to reinvent concrete

Taylor Swift stands at a microphone holding a trophy, looking thoughtful amid a colorful stage backdrop.

Business

Taylor Swift files trademark for voice and likeness to protect against AI misuse

A shark's dorsal fin emerging from water.

Outdoors

Overheating sharks in 'double jeopardy' as waters warm

Digitally sperm cells swimming against a dark background.

Home

Study links 'alarming' drop in fertility rate to two key stressors

A researcher observes bright green tubes of algae under red and white LED lights in a laboratory setting.

Tech

Genetically engineered algae can remove microplastics from water

A person lies in a hospital bed, with an IV drip in the foreground.

Tech

US launches $144M plan to address microplastics accumulating in human bodies

A group of pigeons gathered on a sunlit, textured concrete surface.

Outdoors

These city birds once saved lives — now they're struggling to survive

A shopping cart is in an aisle with personal care products.

Business

Dove unveils refillable deodorant to cut plastic waste

A kea parrot preening its colorful feathers.

Outdoors

Disabled parrot without beak becomes alpha male of his group