The Cool Down

Experts sound alarm as harmful growth takes over US region: 'You've got to pick your battles'

North Carolina is fighting to control the fast-growing, highly flammable kudzu vine that’s destroying ecosystems.
The Cool Down

Housesitter makes a troubling discovery while watching over neighbor's garden: 'It was bad'

Unfortunately that was definitely going to be the case for one neighbor who posted in the r/Gardening subreddit asking for help after spotting eggs in a zucchini plant.
The Cool Down

Scientists make disturbing discovery after studying donated human brains: 'Is this worse than we thought?'

The study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, looked at 52 donated brains and confirmed that microplastics can make ...
The Cool Down

New data reveals concerning phenomenon impacting 80% of major US cities: 'These are not just impacts that you see when you look out the window'

The Guardian shared the results of a Climate Matters analysis, which revealed that winters in 80% of major U.S. cities are now an average of nine days shorter than they were from 1970 to 1997.
thecooldown

Massive new 30-gigawatt data center project could alter US power grid: 'Google ... has planned carefully'

The Pine Island project is a partnership between utility Xcel Energy and battery maker Form Energy, which has invented an iron-air pack that is more capable than common lithium-ion batteries, Canary ...
thecooldown

US officials urge residents to eat invasive species wreaking havoc on native ecosystems: 'Surprisingly tasty'

State and federal agencies are encouraging residents to help control populations of feral hogs and nutria — sometimes called swamp rats — by putting them on the menu, according to The Clarion Ledger.
The Cool Down

Healthcare professionals reveal how solar panels are preventing life-threatening situations: 'Long-term consequences for the health of people'

Going solar has helped healthcare clinics in Puerto Rico keep their power on during outages, says humanitarian aid ...
The Cool Down

Cautious homebuyer searches for advice after discovering 23-year contract attached to new listing: 'Valuable or liability?'

A homeowner asked r/solar on Reddit if they should buy a home with preestablished solar panels.
The Cool Down

Energy expert reveals why US could see massive surge in home battery backup installations: '[The] wave is just beginning'

By October, most installers in the solar energy industry had reached their yearly capacity, according to EnergySage. Its ...
The Cool Down

Off-grid homeowner offers advice for people trying to cut ties with their power companies: 'We've lived off-grid for 25 years'

The Ready Life, an off-grid homesteading account, broke down four types of solar power systems to help you figure out the one ...
The Cool Down

Homeowner debunks common induction technology myth three years after upgrading kitchen: 'It's frustrating that many makers choose not to do this'

"Making me rethink my priorities!" While it's a common myth that induction stoves with touch controls don't work with wet or ...
thecooldown

Expert issues warning about overlooked threat that can lower your home's value: 'I would have never known'

A real estate professional took to TikTok to warn homeowners and buyers about a fast-spreading plant that can cause thousands of dollars in property damage. "They grow insanely fast, and when they ...