Economy

Microplastics are showing up everywhere—from dollar store toys and synthetic clothing to bottled water, toothbrushes and even human sperm. A new Ocean Conservancy survey finds that nearly 9 in 10 Americans are concerned about the health impacts of microplastics, while support is growing for tougher regulations. As scientists uncover plastic particles in the heart, placenta and reproductive organs, the question is no longer whether microplastics are affecting our lives, but how much damage they are already doing.

Karl Studer occupies an unusual position in American business. As President of Quanta Services, he oversees electrical infrastructure operations across the United States, Canada, and Australia, managing thousands of employees and multibillion-dollar projects.

A fresh oil spill in the Tigris River, filmed by an Iraqi university student, has reignited concern over Iraq's polluted waterways. From ancient Mesopotamia to modern Basra, the country's dependence on oil has come at a steep environmental and human cost, with activists warning that unchecked contamination is putting ecosystems and public health at risk.

Hair restoration technology continues to evolve, but the surgeon behind the procedure remains the most important factor. Doctor-led hair transplants emphasize careful diagnosis, conservative donor management, natural hairline design, and long-term planning rather than simply maximizing graft counts. By treating donor hair as a limited resource and tailoring each procedure to the patient's future hair loss, experienced surgeons can reduce the need for corrective surgery while delivering more natural, sustainable results.

Can data centers really be built in space? Pasadena-based Sophia Space is partnering with Apex to test the idea by launching modular AI computing systems into low Earth orbit in 2027. Using radiation-hardened compute TILEs cooled by passive radiative systems and mounted on scalable satellite buses, the companies aim to prove that edge computing can operate reliably in space. While challenges remain, the project represents an important step toward distributed orbital computing networks that could support everything from climate monitoring and pollution tracking to autonomous spacecraft navigation in an increasingly crowded orbital environment.

Mona Khalil spent decades protecting Lebanon's sea turtles and coastal ecosystems. Her death in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah shines a light on a broader environmental tragedy unfolding across northern Israel and southern Lebanon. From damaged wetlands and disrupted bird migrations to threatened seed banks and endangered wildlife, the region's ecosystems are becoming casualties of a war with no clear end in sight.

Want your rental property to pay the mortgage? Build a sustainable home that practically advertises itself. From solar-heated hot tubs and energy-efficient appliances to pet-friendly yards and Nordic-style saunas, eco-conscious upgrades can justify higher rents, attract better tenants, and reduce costly vacancies. This guide explores practical ways landlords can improve cash flow without major renovations, including working with property managers, adjusting rental rates strategically, reducing operating expenses, and uncovering new revenue streams. Whether you're running an Airbnb, a vacation cabin, or a long-term rental, sustainability isn't just good for the planet—it can be good for your bottom line. A greener property often becomes a more profitable one.

Dior highlights recycled materials, regenerative agriculture, circularity initiatives, and digital traceability, but the luxury fashion business model still depends on constant consumption, global supply chains, fashion shows, and high-carbon production.