KNOWABLE MAGAZINE
Cochineal, a red dye from bugs, moves to the lab
Carminic acid is a bright, natural coloring used in some cosmetics and foods. It’s traditionally sourced from ‘farming’ an insect on acres of prickly pears. Today, scientists are moving to engineer it in microbes.
(Republished in Smithsonian Magazine and Inverse.)
How smart windows save energy
Specialized glass that keeps heat in during winter and lets it out during summer could make buildings much more efficient — if costs and complexities don’t get in the way.
(Republished in Smithsonian Magazine.)