Read the rest of 6 Groundbreaking Green Innovations We Spotted at Popular Mechanics’ Breakthrough Awards

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Watch out — swarms of gigantic bugs are invading the city and may be coming soon to a rooftop near you! Designer Natalie Jeremijenk has conceived of a series of bug-like urban gardens that are reminiscent of cocoons or insect larvae. Her modular symbiotic greenhouses are designed to be easily installed on towering skyscrapers and are capable of filtering stale skyscraper air and recycling gray water.

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Harvard scientists believe in the power of the good earth — literally. A team at the Boston-based college have created microbial fuel cell (MFC) batteries that derive energy from naturally occurring bacteria in soil. If the product takes off, the eco-friendly batteries could provide power for some of the 500 million people in sub-Saharan Africa who lack access to electricity.

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If you’re in search of a home that can withstand even the most powerful natural disasters, the solution might reside in the nearest tree. A team of researchers from five universities are currently working on ways to make wood earthquake-proof. If they succeed, the world may soon see cheap, sustainable wooden homes that can hold up even when earthquakes shake them to their cores.

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