Ancient sewer excavation sheds light on the Roman diet

(PhysOrg.com) -- Archaeologists working in a system of connected sewers and drains under the ancient town of Herculaneum in the Bay of Naples area of Italy have analyzed the human excrement found there and discovered the ...

Hippos, the animal silicon pumps

The excrement of hippos plays an important role in the ecosystem of African lakes and rivers. Because there are fewer and fewer hippos, this ecosystem is in danger. In the long term, this could lead to food shortages at Lake ...

No. 2 if by sea: Outhouse tied to Paul Revere is excavated

No. 1 if by land, No. 2 if by sea? Archaeologists are excavating what they believe was the site of an outhouse next door to Paul Revere's home—and the "privy," as the colonists politely called their potties, could be flush ...

Soil loss—an unfolding global disaster

Soil loss is an unfolding global disaster that will have catastrophic effects on world food production, scientists at the United Nations Conference on Climate Change have warned.

Can we turn sewage 'sludge' into something valuable?

Over the past few years I have become an academic expert in "sewage sludge" – the residual, semi-solid mix of excrement packed with microorganisms that is left behind within wastewater treatment plants. Every year the UK ...

Turning human waste into next generation biofuel

Researchers affiliated with Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), South Korea, have found a new way to convert human waste into renewable energy sources.

Peak break: China to add 'eco' toilet on Mount Everest

Climbers with pressing needs on Mount Everest will soon find an "eco-friendly" toilet at a Chinese campsite 7,028 metres (23,058 feet) above sea level in an ongoing campaign to deal with the peak's waste problem.

Why man allows his best friend to poop in public

Generally, Western societies maintain high standards of everyday hygiene. When it comes to man's best friend, however, it seems we turn a blind eye! New research published in Environmental Sociology this month explores the ...

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