(Nanowerk Spotlight) One-third of the global population lacks access to clean water, with the challenge most severe in arid regions that make up 41% of Earth's land surface. The atmosphere holds vast ...

How the New Material Works The device, made from refined balsa wood, works like a high-tech sponge. It captures moisture from the air and, when heated by the sun, releases it as clean water into a cup ...

Engineers have developed a new sponge that can remove metals -- including toxic heavy metals like lead and critical metals like cobalt -- from contaminated water, leaving safe, drinkable water behind.

Scientists have created a reusable, biodegradable sponge that can readily soak up oil and other organic solvents from contaminated water sources, making it a promising alternative for tackling marine ...