Researchers laser-treat cork to create a nontoxic, carbon-neutral oil spill clean-up tool.

Researchers from three universities used laser treatments to turn cork into a nontoxic, carbon-neutral tool for treating oil spills. By altering the cork's structure and making it more water-repelling and oil-attracting, they created an effective, low-carbon footprint solution for oil cleanup. Laser treatment also increases the cork's surface area, allowing it to trap sunlight and warm the oil, making it easier to collect.