Sacramento researchers coated a retail store’s dark roof white in 2002. Its peak roof temperature fell by up to 42°C and air-conditioning energy use dropped 52%In 2002, Sacramento researchers coated a retail store’s dark roof with a reflective cool-roof coating. The roof’s peak surface temperature ...
09 Sep, 2026, 09.00 PM IST
Can artificial snow save a melting glacier? Scientists tested cloud seeding on China’s Muz Taw Glacier and found a surprising change in ice lossScientists experimented with cloud seeding to encourage snowfall on China's Muz Taw Glacier. This artificial snow increased the glacier's r...
09 Sep, 2026, 12.04 AM IST
Silver Sands Middle School replaced gray shingles with reflective white metal; plenum temperature fell by over 25°F, and cooling energy in Portable 096 dropped by over 33%A recent study revealed that dark roofs on portable classrooms led to increased cooling costs. By switching to white metal roofing, energy ...
08 Sep, 2026, 02.50 PM IST
Psychology says people who know the difference between needs and wants may have a powerful form of self-controlThe word need carries a more specific meaning in psychology than it does in everyday conversation. People often say, “I need a vacation,” “...
08 Sep, 2026, 02.37 PM IST
A Fresno home replaced dark asphalt shingles with reflective concrete roof tiles; a Lawrence Berkeley study reported 26% lower annual cooling energy use and 37% lower peak-hour demandA recent study in Fresno demonstrated that reflective roofs could lower cooling energy consumption by an impressive twenty-six percent. Hom...
08 Sep, 2026, 01.00 PM IST
- Science says comets develop tails only near the Sun: Here’s what really makes them ‘come alive’
A comet’s nucleus is made up primarily of frozen material mixed with dust and rocky particles. When the comet is far from the Sun, extremel...
07 Sep, 2026, 08.40 PM IST
Putting a plastic bottle filled with water on your roof: 30+ countries use this unusual trick; here’s what it does and how to use it correctlyPutting a plastic bottle filled with water on your roof: The Moser lamp is a simple invention that uses sunlight to brighten dark indoor sp...
07 Sep, 2026, 06.53 PM IST
Think a money plant always brings wealth? 6 places where you should never keep itMoney plants are popular indoor plants associated with prosperity in Vastu Shastra, but their placement is believed to matter. Vastu guidel...
07 Sep, 2026, 12.03 PM IST
Psychologist Carl Jung grew corn at his famous lakehouse retreat in Switzerland. 5 easy steps to grow corn for beginnersCarl Jung, a renowned psychologist, found solace in simple living at his Swiss retreat. He deliberately chose a life without modern conveni...
06 Sep, 2026, 07.36 PM IST
Michigan scientists in 2024 dyed a lake blue and added fertilizer to test if blocking sunlight could prevent algal blooms; rain washed away the dye and the water turned greenScientists dyed Peter Lake blue to test sunlight reduction for algal bloom prevention. Repeated rainfall washed out the dye, allowing algae...
06 Sep, 2026, 02.20 PM IST
What to do with old bedsheets? Try these 4 easy DIY reuse ideas to protect floors, keep cars cooler and pack fragile itemsOld bedsheets can be a treasure trove of practical household solutions beyond just bedding. These versatile fabrics work wonders, like shie...
06 Sep, 2026, 12.54 PM IST
Best pizzas are made from fresh ingredients. 8 pizza herbs and toppings you can grow in your kitchen gardenPlanning to bake a pizza at home? The best pizzas are those which are prepared from fresh ingredients, as frozen, heavily processed vegetab...
04 Sep, 2026, 07.34 PM IST
In 1991, EPFL scientists Brian O’Regan and Michael Grätzel developed solar cells inspired by plant photosynthesis. 34 years later, the technology had reached 12% efficiencyIn 1991, EPFL scientists Brian O’Regan and Michael Grätzel developed a solar cell inspired by plant photosynthesis. Their dye-sensitized so...
04 Sep, 2026, 07.25 PM IST
In 2018, a University of Hawaii study compared green and white roofs in Honolulu; the green roof was reported to have lower peak temperatures at the surface and nearby airA University of Hawaii graduate student tested green roofs against white ones. The green roof proved significantly cooler than the adjacent...
04 Sep, 2026, 02.00 PM IST
In 1997, NPS installed 3 solar hot-water systems at Oklahoma’s Chickasaw park. 2 years later, the largest system supplied 18,194 kWh annually, replacing electric heatingIn 1997, the National Park Service replaced electric heaters at Oklahoma’s Chickasaw National Recreation Area with three solar hot-water sy...
02 Sep, 2026, 08.35 PM IST
7 plants that naturally make your home smell amazing without air freshenersWant your home to smell fresh without relying on artificial air fresheners? Fragrant plants can add natural floral, herbal or citrusy aroma...
02 Sep, 2026, 02.56 PM IST
City University of Hong Kong built a radiative-cooling ceramic tile reflecting 99.6% of sunlight; field tests found it about 5°C cooler than standard tilesResearchers developed a new ceramic tile inspired by beetles. This tile reflects 99.6% of sunlight and releases absorbed heat effectively. ...
01 Sep, 2026, 06.50 PM IST