UNC-Charlotte researchers have created a formula for recycling plastic bottles into building materials. The result, which resists water damage, may possibly outperform composite and wood lumber in many uses. Read more about it here.

Even in this recession it pays to be a scientist.

The Scientist, a life sciences magazine, has issued its annual salary
survey and the numbers look good, especially if you're a guy.

Among the findings: Female scientists overall have 25 percent lower salaries than their male colleagues.

The overall compensation for life scientists increased 5 percent since 2008.