Stanford engineers have developed a nanoparticle that could lead to a new way to purify water. In a press release, writer Andrew Myers provides details on the work - which involves the use of magnetism to clear the synthetic "nanoscavenger" from the water - and describes researchers' hope to "create a 'one-pot solution' that tackles water afflicted by a diverse mixture of contaminants." Given that 1.6 million people die each year from diarrheal diseases stemming from lack of access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation, such purification technology could have big public-health implications.
Previously: Waste not, want not, say global sanitation innovators