Bacteria can help solar panels convert sunlight to energy, even on overcast days.

Scientists are working to harness the power of the static electricity to power our devices. It's a surprisingly mysterious natural phenomenon.

Connecticut inventor and tinkerer Dave Nichols thinks cars should run on biomass. He just might just be on to something.

Politically, it would help if we could grow tropical jatropha in the U.S., but this could be an imported fuel we'll welcome at the pumps.

Ethanol from switchgrass, a perennial plant traditionally used for foraging and decoration, promises to be among the next big biofuel breakthroughs marketed as

Plant waste has been seen as a possible source of sustainable biofuels, now modified E. coli would convert plant waste into fatty acids, and then into fuel.

An new power plant in England turns waste wood into power. But it doesn't burn it.

With more sophisticated satellite imagery, we can view Earth from space in new, enlightening ways that expand our understanding of the planet.

A deceased celebrity tops Barbara Walters' annual list for the first time.

The company that brands itself as kosher is now being sued by some of its customers who claim it actually isn't kosher.

We take a trip to a former Civil War-era insane asylum that has been called one of the most haunted places in America.

Sheryl Grossman has one of the rarest diseases on Earth and may not live to see 50. In spite of this, or perhaps because of it, this woman battling Bloom's Synd

Scenes from the Little People of America conference in Washington, D.C.

11-year-old camper had lost her passport.

Sure, you've seen classics like 'A Christmas Story' and 'Miracle on 34th Street.' But have you heard of 'Holiday in Handcuffs'? We didn't think so.

A new technology can look at you and tell if you're a great poker player, an extrovert or even a genius.

Once-in-17-year event in West Virginia brings out the bright and brave to study – and eat! – cicadas.

How embracing a serene, rural lifestyle has taught me to use a chainsaw, ride a pickup and get off my blood pressure medication.

Atlanta to Appalachia columnist Benyamin Cohen and his wife prepare for the arrival of their first chicks — and the wide new world of raising chickens.

Author John Temple was granted unprecedented access to the controversial family.

When the only way to visit your neighbors is to hop into a car, holiday parties take on a deeper significance.

Climate change could affect our food supply at the same time that global population is increasing.

Dramatic video shows the moment Jeremy Wade swims up to the 20-foot, 200 pound giant snake.

This monster of a bug was recently discovered in a remote area of China's Sichuan province.

The Aldabra banded snail was believed to have been driven to extinction by climate change, but researchers have found a few stragglers.

Jumbo squid, also known as "red devils," have been known to attack divers before. But a submarine? Watch the nightmarish Greenpeace video here.

A flamboyant cousin of the fearsome Velociraptor was covered in layers of showy feathers from head to tail.

The surprising discoveries were made by a CSIRO research team conducting routine surveys off the Australian coast.

Fossil reveals plumage patterns of these ancient beasts, further establishing an evolutionary link between dinosaurs and birds.

Handmade 'cuddlebatz' wraps swaddle distressed baby bats and make you forget all about vampires.

The breeding of these extremely rare, enormous insects is one of the most inspiring stories in the history of conservation.

Bizarre fish has evolved fins like no other and is capable of walking like a land animal.

Video could finally offer insight into the mysteries about how sharks get their shuteye.

Why are these crocodiles orange? One grotesque theory about their coloration might shock you.

Illacme tobini is the second leggiest animal species on the planet — but that's not it's only odd feature.

Video settles who is truly atop the ocean food chain.

Scientists have never seen a giant shipworm (Kuphus polythalamia) alive before, and it's the stuff of nightmares.

Once the 2011 tsunami rolled back into the ocean, it swept marine life as far away as California.

Zoom in on this supposed image of sheep on a hillside and you'll be in for quite the surprise.

This unexpected clash of alligators and sharks demonstrates which animal really sits atop the estuarine food chain.

A terrifying, meat-eating worm is named after John Bobbitt — you know, that terrible episode from 1993 involving Lorena Bobbit and a big knife.

Nicknamed the 'psychedelic Medusa,' this fascinating jellyfish was spotted during a NOAA research mission.

While dolphins and whales might get all the attention, here are some lesser-known sea creatures that are just as magnificent.

From sleep problems to back pain, a bad job can take a toll on your body.

Microsoft Japan gives staff Fridays off — and it pays off for both employees and the company's bottom line.

The average smoker takes about six days of smoke breaks each year, so maybe nonsmokers deserve extra vacation days in return.

It's remarkable how attitudes change when the issue is in your own backyard, but progressive boomers are making themselves heard.

A doctorate student from New Zealand explores the psychology of attraction to supernatural beings — both religious and secular.

Many public library systems are eliminating late fees on materials because they see them as a form of social inequity.

Homeless woman Emily Zamourka became a viral video star after singing in a Los Angeles metro station.