Paradise by the bioluminescent light

Bioluminescence is the emission of light by organisms. This article explores the origin and functions of bioluminescence. While bioluminescence is most present in the deep sea, there are also several possibilities of using bioluminescence in an Urban environment.

Lichens, inconspicuous masterpieces

Lichens are tiny, inconspicuous symbionts made up of unicellular photosynthesising organisms and fungi. They are extremely resilient and can survive where little else can, even on the barren walls of city structures. Lichen-forming fungi do not all share a common ancestry but evolved numerous times, which illustrates the evolutionary success of this trait. By getting their sugars from their photosynthetic partners, the fungi were free to experiment in producing all sorts of useful compounds, such as antibacterial and anti-cancer substances. The latter are very interesting for medicinal purposes, but research into lichens and their substances is no walk in the park. Read on and find out more.

Biomimicry, the rise of the biomimetic building

Over the last century, earth's resources are being depleted by our use of energy and building components, while at the same time urban areas produce waste in enormous proportions. Solutions for more sustainable cities may come from biomimicry: The science and art of using nature as a source of inspiration to deal with mankind's pressing problems. Because buildings contribute to these problems greatly, this article focuses on using biomimicry in architecture. But how could biomimicry in architecture contribute to more sustainable cities?

Bioremediation against nuclear radiation

Nuclear power plants supply many cities with energy, but their radioactive waste is a threat to the environment. On top of that, radioactive waste is continuously being formed in medical care industries and research as well. Once this waste pollutes the environment, it is difficult to remove. However, recent advancements have resulted in new methods to deal with this pollution. One highly promising approach is bioremediation, the removal of pollution from the environment with the help of organisms. This article will show you how, by using organisms such as bacteria, plants and algae, bioremediation can provide us with a solution for the future.

Dog Denizens: a poop primer

Don't we all love dog poop? No? Well, that is about to change. Dog poop has a hugely interesting story to tell, if only you know how to find it. Come, and be whisked away by this exciting excrement!

Ant behaviour to solve urban problems

We can imagine that you think of ants as those annoying little insects that mess up your garden and infest your kitchen. But did you ever consider how amazing ants are? They are everywhere, not just in your garden...

The impact of Green Roofs on the Urban Ecosystem

With a growing human population and an expected 70% of people living in urban areas by 2050, urbanisation is bound to have a major impact on ecosystems and biodiversity. But does this have to be a bad thing? While causing the loss of natural habitats and biodiversity, urbanisation has also created a new and unique urban ecosystem. To make this ecosystem flourish and to increase biodiversity, cities need more green areas and suitable habitats. One way this might be achieved is by building green roofs. Do you want to know how green roofs work and how they might benefit the urban ecosystem? This article will tell you all about it.

Urban Evolution

We live in rapidly urbanising world and with that urban ecosystems are expanding worldwide. This new type of biome is in many ways unique and opens up a new playing field for evolution, the inherent driving force behind the diversity of life. Ready for some evolution 101? Want to know more about the ingenious ways life has already started to adapt to the ongoing urbanisation? Then feel free to dive into our article on urban evolution!

Garbage gobblers: a tale of tiny garbagemen

Luckily, we are not alone in cleaning up the mess that our cities produce. We get help from other organisms, microbial aides that break down our plastics, our garden refuse and the sewage we produce. For them, the party is just getting started when the waste is served, and they can boogie all night long to the garbage groove.

Urban intruders

From the moment humans clambered down the trees in the African savannahs, we set forth to invade the furthest reaches of the globe. We left many species in our wake, and introduced a new ecosystem: the urban ecosystem. It is constantly expanding. This brings animals into closer contact with humans, and makes an urgent demand: adapt or perish. In this article, we explore some characteristics of true invaders, before turning to our more benign urban intruders. Join us as we explore how released parakeets, bold boars and intrepid foxes fare in the city!

Plastic soup, anyone?

Have you ever heard of garbage island, a giant platform of plastic flotsam of human waste floating in the Pacific Ocean? Well, it doesn't exist. While it is true that large pieces of plastic end up in the ocean, the true garbage island can't be seen because it is suspended in the ocean as microplastics. This product of human success not only damages aquatic life out in the ocean, but also threatens our health, here in the city!

Bioplastics to the rescue!

In our current society, it is almost impossible to imagine a life without plastic. As a result of its long life span and versatility, the material is used for a wide variety of applications. The use of plastic has increased significantly from around 5 million tonnes in the '50s to about 300 million tonnes in 2014. Much of this plastic is used for the food and product packaging we use every single day in our cities. Since the regular petroleum-based plastic has a long lifespan, the amount of waste in the landfills increases every year.

Chasing bats in Utrecht

Imagine... a beautiful summer night in Utrecht's most beautiful park. The sunset paints the sky in wonderful tones of yellow and orange. Then, a group of people walk by, staring at the sky and pointing skywards with a mysterious, beeping device. To make the situation even more suspicious, they all wear a bright yellow vest... what are they looking for? Aliens? No. Spies? No. Pokemon? Almost right. They are searching for bats!