New AI tool is better than doctors at diagnosing complicated medical issues, Microsoft says

The 20 best men's skin care products on Amazon, according to dermatologists

CNN

13 minutes ago

CNN

The 20 best men's skin care products on Amazon, according to dermatologists

Men's Amazon skin care quick picks A cleanser that won't strip your skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser A bestselling exfoliant: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant A moisturizer that punches above its price: The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA The best sunscreen we've tested: Murad Multivitamin Clear Coat Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 With some of the best men's skin care available on Amazon, an affordable skin care regimen is just a few clicks away. Yet only 11% of men have a daily skin care routine, according to a 2023 CivicScience survey. If you count yourself among the majority of guys slacking on grooming, this guide will fix that. Ahead, you'll find everything you need to take care of your skin, including dermatologist- and editor-approved Amazon skin care products that ship straight to your door. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser With its wide availability and derm-approved formulas, La Roche-Posay has become a mainstay in our skin care guides, and the brand's Toleriane cleansers continue that trend. 'This daily gentle cleanser is made with prebiotic thermal spring water, niacinamide and ceramides to effectively wash away dirt, oil and pollutants while maintaining the skin's natural moisture barrier,' said Dr. Brendan Camp, double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. Order it if you have normal or dry skin. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser La Roche-Posay's Purifying Cleanser boasts a similar formula with a little extra cleansing oomph for oilier skin types. 'In my experience, men prefer a foaming cleanser, and this one checks all the boxes in terms of leaving the skin feeling refreshed without stripping the barrier,' said Catie Boucher, a board-certified dermatology nurse practitioner and founder of SavvyDerm. Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, directed men with normal to oily skin to Cetaphil's Daily Facial Cleanser. 'It contains glycerin, vitamin B3 and vitamin B5, so it won't leave the skin feeling dry while still adequately cleansing,' she said. Neutrogena Stubborn Texture Daily Cleanser If there's one product I credit with keeping my skin (mostly) clear, it's this drugstore face wash. Infused with 1% salicylic acid, the foaming formula breaks down excess oil without completely stripping the skin, making it an excellent choice for oily, acne-prone skin types. Read our review CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser CeraVe is everywhere, and for good reason. Not only are its products affordable and available at most stores, but they also receive high praise from derms like Dr. Noah Gratch, a board-certified dermatologist at MCDS Dermatology. He said CeraVe's Foaming Cleanser works for all skin types, thanks to its fragrance-free, oil-regulating formula that won't dry out the skin. Kiehl's Facial Fuel Energizing Scrub Part cleanser, part exfoliator, Kiehl's Facial Fuel Scrub removes dead skin and pollutants while also softening facial hair for a closer shave. As soothing as the menthol and vitamin E formula is, Gratch recommends only using it twice a week. CeraVe Acne Control Gel This AHA- and BHA-based gel from CeraVe is Boucher's pick for exfoliation, as it helps 'decongest the pores' while calming and hydrating the skin with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Be sure to wear sunscreen after applying. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment 'A few months ago, my brother asked me for the name of my dermatologist so he could get his skin in order ahead of his wedding,' associate deals editor Elena Matarazzo said. The derm's advice? Try this serum to reduce blemishes and pore size. 'He's been using it ever since, along with a gentle cleanser from the brand, and has seen noticeable differences on his cheeks, which were a major problem area during his initial consult with the doctor.' Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant This Amazon bestseller earns a nod from Garshick. With active ingredients like salicylic acid, it helps to fight ingrown hairs, smooth the skin and unclog pores, according to the dermatologist. Start by using it every other day, followed by daily or twice-daily applications. Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment 'Used just one to two times a week, this exfoliating treatment eliminates dull skin, removes buildup and reveals smoother, healthier-looking skin,' Camp said. The anti-aging treatment works with the help of ingredients like lactic and salicylic acid, plus soothing aloe vera, honey and vitamin E. The Ordinary Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner 'Though it's not one of beauty editor Sophie Shaw's top products from The Ordinary, I do love the hydrating qualities of this affordable toner,' associate testing writer Joe Bloss said. After cleansing with a face wash, toners like this one can remove dead skin and offer a moisture boost. The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA I'm testing this formula for an upcoming story on the best men's moisturizers, and though I've used it before, I'm once again stunned by The Ordinary's price-to-quality ratio. For less than a latte, you get an excellent face moisturizer with clean ingredients that works for nearly all skin types. If you pick one moisturizer, make it this one. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream Men looking for a do-it-all moisturizer they can apply everywhere should consider this cream, which topped our testing pool in our review of the best moisturizers for dry skin. Gratch likes that it's lightweight and fragrance-free, so it won't clog pores or irritate sensitive skin. Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer Free from dyes, fragrances and other irritating ingredients, Vanicream's moisturizer should be a go-to for anyone with eczema or extra-sensitive skin. Camp also commends the product's rich but lightweight texture, which he said is 'formulated with hyaluronic acid and five key ceramides to retain moisture and leave skin feeling soft.' La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum 'For men who prefer more of a serum, La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 is a great option as it allows for easy application, especially for men with facial hair who feel moisturizers get caught in their beard,' Boucher said. She also recommends CeraVe's Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Gel Cream Greasy skin? Try Neutrogena's gel cream, which Garshick said provides moisture while feeling weightless. In our drugstore moisturizer review, our tester confirmed that the gel is very lightweight, making it a great choice for sweltering hot weather and those with normal or combination skin. For best results, apply it to damp skin. Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen SPF 70+ Men's skin is more susceptible to sun damage, Gratch said, so it's vital to add sunscreen to your routine. Neutrogena's Sport Face Sunscreen is his choice, thanks to its lightweight formula that doesn't clog pores. Murad Multivitamin Clear Coat Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 After our panel tested 25 sunscreens, Murad's lightweight gel stunned us with its invisible application and nourishing skin-perfecting ingredients. It's expensive, but one tester said that just a little bit of the potent formula goes a long our review Andalou Naturals Daily Shade + Blue Light Defense Facial Lotion SPF 30 In our roundup of the best face sunscreens, Garshick called this one of her favorite formulas, praising its broad-spectrum protection and its moisture-boosting ingredients. Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40 Guys may be reluctant to use tinted sunscreen because it seems like makeup, but I've used this formula for years and can confidently say the tint is imperceptible. On top of its invisible, matte application, it's wonderfully light, soaking into greasy skin without adding any oil or heft. The only con is the price. The following FAQs have been answered by clinicians Dr. Brendan Camp and Catie Boucher. What is the highest-rated men's skin care product on Amazon? What is the highest-rated men's skin care product on Amazon? If you filter skin care products by gender on Amazon and sort by bestsellers, you'll find top-rated products from brands like Thayers, Dove Men and Harry's, as well as viral hits like Medicube and Hero Cosmetics. But I'd use our clinicians' picks to steer you in the right direction, given they have the expertise to surface products with science-based ingredients. What is the best daily skin care routine for men? What is the best daily skin care routine for men? A skin care routine doesn't have to be complicated. If you want to stick to the basics, Camp suggests a simple three-step approach. In the morning, cleanse, moisturize and apply sunscreen. (Remember that a moisturizer with SPF can serve two purposes.) In the evening, repeat the same process but skip the sun protection. You can add other products — like toners and exfoliants — gradually, Camp added. Skin care kits can also be a good starting point, as they often include everything needed for a well-rounded daily regimen. Still lost? Don't be afraid to ask for help, Boucher said. 'Beyond those essential foundational products, it can be very helpful to schedule a consult with a professional to learn more about how you can best care for your skin in the long term.' Are there differences between men's and women's skin? Are there differences between men's and women's skin? In general, men and women tend to share the same skin care concerns, Boucher said, though guys with facial hair may gravitate to lighter formulations that won't get caught in their beards. There are, however, some physiological differences. 'The main differences between men's and women's skin is the fact that, as a general rule, men's skin is thicker and produces more oil,' she said. 'While these are key differences to keep in mind when choosing skin care products, marketing tends to put men into a 'one size fits all' box when it comes to their routine.' For this article, I consulted the following four clinicians to gain their professional insights on men's skin care. Catie Boucher, board-certified dermatology nurse practitioner and founder of SavvyDerm Dr. Brendan Camp, double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York Dr. Marisa Garshick, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York and New Jersey Dr. Noah Gratch, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this guide, associate writer Maxwell Shukuya leaned on board-certified clinicians and hands-on testing to compile a list of the best men's skin care available on Amazon. Shukuya also brings his own experience as a product tester, having written guides on mineral sunscreens, drugstore face washes and sustainable skin care.

An Israeli startup says its new technology will save the planet. Scientists have doubts

Yahoo

14 minutes ago

Yahoo

An Israeli startup says its new technology will save the planet. Scientists have doubts

The startup Gigablue announced with fanfare this year that it reached a historic milestone: selling 200,000 carbon credits to fund what it describes as a groundbreaking technology in the fight against climate change. Formed three years ago by a group of entrepreneurs in Israel, the company says it has designed particles that when released in the ocean will trap carbon at the bottom of the sea. By 'harnessing the power of nature,' Gigablue says, its work will do nothing less than save the planet. But outside scientists frustrated by the lack of information released by the company say serious questions remain about whether Gigablue's technology works as the company describes. Their questions showcase tensions in an industry built on little regulation and big promises — and a tantalizing chance to profit. Jimmy Pallas, an event organizer based in Italy, struck a deal with Gigablue last year. He said he trusts the company does what it has promised him — ensuring the transportation, meals, and electricity of a recent 1,000-person event will be offset by particles in the ocean. Gigablue's service is like 'an extra trash can' where Pallas can discard his unwanted emissions, he said. 'Same way I use my trash can — I don't follow where the truck that comes and picks up my trash brings it to,' he said. 'I'll take their word for it.' 'Hundreds of thousands of carbon credits' Gigablue has a grand vision for the future of carbon removal. It was originally named 'Gigaton' after the one billion metric tons of carbon dioxide most scientists say will be necessary to remove from the atmosphere each year to slow global warming. The company began trials in the South Pacific Ocean last year, and says it will work with country authorities to create a 'sequestration field' — a dedicated part of the ocean where 'pulses' of particles will be released on a seasonal basis. Gigablue says its solution is affordable, too — priced to attract investors. 'Every time we go to the ocean, we generate hundreds of thousands of carbon credits, and this is what we're going to do continuously over the upcoming years and towards the future, in greater and greater quantities,' co-founder Ori Shaashua said. Carbon credits, which have grown in popularity over the last decade, are tokens that symbolize the removal of one metric ton of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. On paper, companies that buy credits achieve a smaller carbon footprint without needing to reduce their own emissions — for instance, by paying another vendor to plant trees or capture carbon dioxide from the air. Only a few countries have required local industries to purchase carbon credits. Most companies that buy them, including Microsoft and Google, do so voluntarily. The credits have helped fund a band of startups like Gigablue that are eager to tackle the climate crisis, but they are also unevenly regulated, scientifically complex, and have in some cases been linked to fraud. Gigablue's 200,000 credits are pledged to SkiesFifty, a newly formed company investing in greener practices for the aviation industry. It's the largest sale to date for a climate startup operating in the ocean, according to the tracking site making up more than half of all ocean-based carbon credits sold last year. And it could beckon a rapid acceleration of the company's work. Gigablue hopes to reach a goal this year of capturing 10 metric tons of carbon dioxide for each ton of particles it deploys, Shaashua said. At that rate, Gigablue would disperse at least 20,000 tons of particles in the ocean. Gigablue wouldn't reveal what it earned in the sale, and SkiesFifty's team declined to be interviewed for this story. Most credits are sold for a few hundred dollars each — but a chart on Gigablue's website suggests its prices are lower than almost any other form of carbon capture on the market. A mission to save the world The startup is the brainchild of four entrepreneurs hailing from the tech industry. According to their LinkedIn profiles, Gigablue's CEO previously worked for an online grocery startup, while its COO was vice president of SeeTree, a company that raised $60 million to provide farmers with information on their trees. Shaashua, who often serves as the face of Gigablue, said he specializes in using artificial intelligence to pursue positive outcomes in the world. He co-founded a data mining company that tracked exposure risks during the COVID-19 pandemic, and led an auto startup that brokered data on car mileage and traffic patterns. 'Three years ago, I decided to take the same formula, so to say, to climate,' Shaashua said. Under his guidance, he said, Gigablue created an AI-driven 'digital twin' of the ocean based on dozens of metrics to determine where to release the particles. Chief technology officer Sapir Markus-Alford earned a bachelor's degree in earth and environmental sciences from Israel's Ben-Gurion University in 2021, shortly before founding Gigablue. Markus-Alford said she began her studies and eventual path to Gigablue after seeing bleached coral reefs and other impacts of warming waters on a series of diving trips around the world. 'I understood that the best thing we could do for the ocean is to be able to remove CO2,' Markus-Alford said. A spokesperson for Gigablue did not answer whether the other co-founders have graduate degrees in oceanography or environmental science, but said the company's broader team holds a total of 46 Ph.D.s with expertise in biology, chemistry, oceanography, and environmental science. Markus-Alford said that figure includes outside experts and academics and 'everyone that supports us.' The company's staffing has expanded from Israel to hubs in New York and New Zealand, Shaashua said. In social media posts advertising open jobs, Gigablue employees encouraged applicants to 'Join Our Mission to Save the World!' Trapping carbon at the bottom of the ocean The particles Gigablue has patented are meant to capture carbon in the ocean by floating for a number of days and growing algae, before sinking rapidly to the ocean floor. 'We are an elevator for carbon,' Shaashua said. 'We are exporting the carbon from the top to the bottom.' Algae — sometimes referred to as phytoplankton — has long been attractive to climate scientists because it absorbs carbon dioxide from the surrounding water as it grows. If the algae sinks to the deep sea or ocean floor, Gigablue expects the carbon to be trapped there for hundreds to thousands of years. The ultimate goal is to lower carbon dioxide levels so drastically that the ocean rebalances with the atmosphere by soaking up more CO2 from the air. It's a feat that would help slow climate change, but one that is still under active study by climate scientists. Gigablue's founders have said the company's work is inspired by nature and 'very, very environmentally safe.' The company's particles and sinking methods simply recreate what nature has been doing 'since forever,' Shaashua said. Gigablue ran its first trial sinking particles in the Mediterranean in March last year. Later, on two voyages to the South Pacific, the company released 60 cubic meters — about two shipping containers — of particles off the coast of New Zealand. Materials kept a mystery While Gigablue has made several commercial deals, it has not yet revealed what its particles are made of. Partly this is because the company says it will build different particles tailored to different seasons and areas of the ocean. 'It's proprietary,' Markus-Alford said. Documents provide a window into the possible ingredients. According to information on the permit, Gigablue's first New Zealand trial last year involved releasing particles of pure vermiculite, a porous clay often used in potting soil. In the second New Zealand trial, the company released particles made of vermiculite, ground rock, a plant-based wax, as well as manganese and iron. A patent published last year hints the particles could also be made of scores of other materials, including cotton, rice husks or jute, as well as synthetic ingredients like polyester fibers or lint. The particles contain a range of possible binding agents, and up to 18 different chemicals and metals, from iron to nickel to vanadium. Without specifying future designs, Markus-Alford said Gigablue's particles meet certain requirements: 'All the materials we use are materials that are natural, nontoxic, nonhazardous, and can be found in the ocean,' she said. She wouldn't comment on the possible use of cotton or rice, but said the particles won't include any kind of plastic. When asked about vermiculite, which is typically mined on land and heated to expand, Markus-Alford said rivers and erosion transport most materials including vermiculite to the ocean. 'Almost everything, basically, that exists on land can be found in the ocean,' she said. The company said it had commissioned an environmental institute to verify that the particles are safe for thousands of organisms, including mussels and oysters. Any materials in future particles, Gigablue said, will be approved by local authorities. Shaashua has said the particles are so benign that they have zero impact on the ocean. 'We are not changing the water chemistry or the water biology,' Shaashua said. Ken Buesseler, a senior scientist with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution who has spent decades studying the biological carbon cycle of the ocean, says that while he's intrigued by Gigablue's proposal, the idea that the particles don't alter the ocean is 'almost inconceivable.' 'There has to be a relationship between what they're putting in the ocean and the carbon dioxide that's dissolved in seawater for this to, quote, work,' Buesseler said. Buesseler co-leads a nonprofit group of scientists hoping to tap the power of algae in the ocean to capture carbon. The group organizes regular forums on the subject, and Gigablue presented in April. 'I left with more questions than answers,' Buesseler said. Scientists raise questions Several scientists not affiliated with Gigablue interviewed by The Associated Press said they were interested in how a company with so little public information about its technology could secure a deal for 200,000 carbon credits. The success of the company's method, they said, will depend on how much algae grows on the particles, and the amount that sinks to the deep ocean. So far, Gigablue has not released any studies demonstrating those rates. Thomas Kiørboe, a professor of ocean ecology at the Technical University of Denmark, and Philip Boyd, an oceanographer at the University of Tasmania who studies the role of algae in the Earth's carbon cycle, said they were doubtful algae would get enough sunlight to grow inside the particles. It's more likely the particles would attract hungry bacteria, Kiørboe said. 'Typical phytoplankton do not grow on surfaces, and they do not colonize particles,' Kiørboe said. 'To most phytoplankton ecologists, this would just be, I think, absurd.' The rates at which Gigablue says its particles sink — up to a hundred meters (yards) per hour — might shear off algae from the particles in the quick descent, Boyd said. It's likely that some particles would also be eaten by fish — limiting the carbon capture, and raising the question of how the particles could impact marine life. Boyd is eager to see field results showing algae growth, and wants to see proof that Gigablue's particles cause the ocean to absorb more CO2 from the air. 'These are incredibly challenging issues that I don't think, certainly for the biological part, I don't think anyone on the planet has got solutions for them,' he said. James Kerry, a senior marine and climate scientist for the conservation group OceanCare and senior research fellow at Australia's James Cook University, has closely followed Gigablue's work. 'What we've got is a situation of a company, a startup, upfront selling large quantities of credits for a technology that is unproven,' he said. In a statement, Gigablue said that bacteria does consume the particles but the effect is minimal, and its measurements will account for any loss of algae or particles as they sink. The company noted that a major science institute in New Zealand has given Gigablue its stamp of approval. Gigablue hired the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, a government-owned company, to review several drafts of its methodology. In a recent letter posted to Gigablue's website, the institute's chief ocean scientist said his staff had confidence the company's work is 'scientifically sound' and the proposed measurements for carbon sequestration were robust. Whether Gigablue's methods are deemed successful, for now, will be determined not by regulators — but by another private company. A new market is one of several companies known as registries that serve the carbon credit market. Amid the lack of regulation and the potential for climate startups to overstate their impact, registries aim to verify how much carbon was really removed. The Finnish has verified more than a million carbon credits since its founding seven years ago. But most of those credits originated in land-based climate projects. Only recently has it aimed to set standards for the ocean. In part, that's because marine carbon credits are some of the newest to be traded. Dozens of ocean startups have entered the industry, with credit sales catapulting from 2,000 in 2021 to more than 340,000, including Gigablue's deal, last year. But the ocean remains a hostile and expensive place in which to operate a business or monitor research. Some ocean startups have sold credits only to fold before they could complete their work. Running Tide, a Maine-based startup aimed at removing carbon from the atmosphere by sinking wood chips and seaweed, abruptly shuttered last year despite the backing of $50 million from investors, leaving sales of about 7,000 carbon credits unfulfilled. In June, published a draft methodology that will be used to verify Gigablue's work, which it designed in consultation with Gigablue. Once finalized, Gigablue will pay the registry for each metric ton of carbon dioxide that it claims to remove. Marianne Tikkanen, head of standards at said that although this methodology was designed with Gigablue, her team expects other startups to adopt the same approach. 'We hope that there will be many who can do it and that it stimulates the market,' she said. The road ahead It remains to be seen whether New Zealand officials will grant permission for the expanded 'sequestration field' that Gigablue has proposed creating, or if the company will look to other countries. New Zealand's environmental authority has so far treated Gigablue's work as research — a designation that requires no formal review process or consultations with the public. The agency said in a statement that it could not comment on how it would handle a future commercial application from Gigablue. But like many climate startups, Gigablue was involved in selling carbon credits during its research expeditions — not only inking a major deal, but smaller agreements, too. Pallas, the Italian businessman, said he ordered 22 carbon credits from Gigablue last year to offset the emissions associated with his event in November. He said Gigablue gave them to him for free — but says he will pay for more in the future. Pallas sought out carbon credits because he sees the signs of climate change all around him, he says, and expects more requirements in Italy for businesses to decarbonize in coming years. He chose Gigablue because they are one of the largest suppliers: 'They've got quantity,' he said. How authorities view Gigablue's growing commercial activity could matter in the context of an international treaty that has banned certain climate operations in the ocean. More than a decade ago, dozens of countries including New Zealand agreed they should not allow any commercial climate endeavor that involves releasing iron in the ocean, a technique known as 'iron fertilization.' Only research, they said, with no prospect of economic gain should be allowed. Iron is considered a key ingredient for spurring algae growth and was embedded in the particles that Gigablue dispersed in October in the Pacific Ocean. Several scientific papers have raised concerns that spurring iron-fueled algae blooms on a large scale would deplete important nutrients in the ocean and harm fisheries. The startup denies any link to iron dumping on the basis that its particles don't release iron directly into the water and don't create an uncontrolled algae bloom. 'We are not fertilizing the ocean,' Markus-Alford said. 'In fact, we looked at iron fertilization as an inspiration of something to avoid,' Shaashua said. But the draft methodology that will use to verify Gigablue's work notes many of the same concerns that have been raised about iron fertilization, including disruptions to the marine food web. Other scientists who spoke with AP see a clear link between Gigablue's work and the controversial practice. 'If they're using iron to stimulate phytoplankton growth,' said Kerry, the OceanCare scientist, 'then it is iron fertilization.' For now, scientific concerns don't seem to have troubled Gigablue's buyers. The company has already planned its next research expedition in New Zealand and hopes to release more particles this fall. 'They mean well, and so do I,' said Pallas, of his support for Gigablue. 'Sooner or later, I'll catch a plane, go to New Zealand, and grab a boat to see what they've done.' — This story was supported by funding from the Walton Family Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. __ Contact AP's global investigative team at Investigative@ or

Company's carbon credits raise questions about unproven ocean technology to fight global warming

Yahoo

14 minutes ago

Yahoo

Company's carbon credits raise questions about unproven ocean technology to fight global warming

The startup Gigablue announced with fanfare this year that it reached a historic milestone: selling 200,000 carbon credits to fund what it describes as a groundbreaking technology in the fight against climate change. Formed three years ago by a group of entrepreneurs in Israel, the company says it has designed particles that when released in the ocean will trap carbon at the bottom of the sea. By 'harnessing the power of nature,' Gigablue says, its work will do nothing less than save the planet. But outside scientists frustrated by the lack of information released by the company say serious questions remain about whether Gigablue's technology works as the company describes. Their questions showcase tensions in an industry built on little regulation and big promises — and a tantalizing chance to profit. Jimmy Pallas, an event organizer based in Italy, struck a deal with Gigablue last year. He said he trusts the company does what it has promised him — ensuring the transportation, meals, and electricity of a recent 1,000-person event will be offset by particles in the ocean. Gigablue's service is like 'an extra trash can' where Pallas can discard his unwanted emissions, he said. 'Same way I use my trash can — I don't follow where the truck that comes and picks up my trash brings it to,' he said. 'I'll take their word for it.' 'Hundreds of thousands of carbon credits' Gigablue has a grand vision for the future of carbon removal. It was originally named 'Gigaton' after the one billion metric tons of carbon dioxide most scientists say will be necessary to remove from the atmosphere each year to slow global warming. The company began trials in the South Pacific Ocean last year, and says it will work with country authorities to create a 'sequestration field' — a dedicated part of the ocean where 'pulses' of particles will be released on a seasonal basis. Gigablue says its solution is affordable, too — priced to attract investors. 'Every time we go to the ocean, we generate hundreds of thousands of carbon credits, and this is what we're going to do continuously over the upcoming years and towards the future, in greater and greater quantities,' co-founder Ori Shaashua said. Carbon credits, which have grown in popularity over the last decade, are tokens that symbolize the removal of one metric ton of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. On paper, companies that buy credits achieve a smaller carbon footprint without needing to reduce their own emissions — for instance, by paying another vendor to plant trees or capture carbon dioxide from the air. Only a few countries have required local industries to purchase carbon credits. Most companies that buy them, including Microsoft and Google, do so voluntarily. The credits have helped fund a band of startups like Gigablue that are eager to tackle the climate crisis, but they are also unevenly regulated, scientifically complex, and have in some cases been linked to fraud. Gigablue's 200,000 credits are pledged to SkiesFifty, a newly formed company investing in greener practices for the aviation industry. It's the largest sale to date for a climate startup operating in the ocean, according to the tracking site making up more than half of all ocean-based carbon credits sold last year. And it could beckon a rapid acceleration of the company's work. Gigablue hopes to reach a goal this year of capturing 10 metric tons of carbon dioxide for each ton of particles it deploys, Shaashua said. At that rate, Gigablue would disperse at least 20,000 tons of particles in the ocean. Gigablue wouldn't reveal what it earned in the sale, and SkiesFifty's team declined to be interviewed for this story. Most credits are sold for a few hundred dollars each — but a chart on Gigablue's website suggests its prices are lower than almost any other form of carbon capture on the market. A mission to save the world The startup is the brainchild of four entrepreneurs hailing from the tech industry. According to their LinkedIn profiles, Gigablue's CEO previously worked for an online grocery startup, while its COO was vice president of SeeTree, a company that raised $60 million to provide farmers with information on their trees. Shaashua, who often serves as the face of Gigablue, said he specializes in using artificial intelligence to pursue positive outcomes in the world. He co-founded a data mining company that tracked exposure risks during the COVID-19 pandemic, and led an auto startup that brokered data on car mileage and traffic patterns. 'Three years ago, I decided to take the same formula, so to say, to climate,' Shaashua said. Under his guidance, he said, Gigablue created an AI-driven 'digital twin' of the ocean based on dozens of metrics to determine where to release the particles. Chief technology officer Sapir Markus-Alford earned a bachelor's degree in earth and environmental sciences from Israel's Ben-Gurion University in 2021, shortly before founding Gigablue. Markus-Alford said she began her studies and eventual path to Gigablue after seeing bleached coral reefs and other impacts of warming waters on a series of diving trips around the world. 'I understood that the best thing we could do for the ocean is to be able to remove CO2,' Markus-Alford said. A spokesperson for Gigablue did not answer whether the other co-founders have graduate degrees in oceanography or environmental science, but said the company's broader team holds a total of 46 Ph.D.s with expertise in biology, chemistry, oceanography, and environmental science. Markus-Alford said that figure includes outside experts and academics and 'everyone that supports us.' The company's staffing has expanded from Israel to hubs in New York and New Zealand, Shaashua said. In social media posts advertising open jobs, Gigablue employees encouraged applicants to 'Join Our Mission to Save the World!' Trapping carbon at the bottom of the ocean The particles Gigablue has patented are meant to capture carbon in the ocean by floating for a number of days and growing algae, before sinking rapidly to the ocean floor. 'We are an elevator for carbon,' Shaashua said. 'We are exporting the carbon from the top to the bottom.' Algae — sometimes referred to as phytoplankton — has long been attractive to climate scientists because it absorbs carbon dioxide from the surrounding water as it grows. If the algae sinks to the deep sea or ocean floor, Gigablue expects the carbon to be trapped there for hundreds to thousands of years. The ultimate goal is to lower carbon dioxide levels so drastically that the ocean rebalances with the atmosphere by soaking up more CO2 from the air. It's a feat that would help slow climate change, but one that is still under active study by climate scientists. Gigablue's founders have said the company's work is inspired by nature and 'very, very environmentally safe.' The company's particles and sinking methods simply recreate what nature has been doing 'since forever,' Shaashua said. Gigablue ran its first trial sinking particles in the Mediterranean in March last year. Later, on two voyages to the South Pacific, the company released 60 cubic meters — about two shipping containers — of particles off the coast of New Zealand. Materials kept a mystery While Gigablue has made several commercial deals, it has not yet revealed what its particles are made of. Partly this is because the company says it will build different particles tailored to different seasons and areas of the ocean. 'It's proprietary,' Markus-Alford said. Documents provide a window into the possible ingredients. According to information on the permit, Gigablue's first New Zealand trial last year involved releasing particles of pure vermiculite, a porous clay often used in potting soil. In the second New Zealand trial, the company released particles made of vermiculite, ground rock, a plant-based wax, as well as manganese and iron. A patent published last year hints the particles could also be made of scores of other materials, including cotton, rice husks or jute, as well as synthetic ingredients like polyester fibers or lint. The particles contain a range of possible binding agents, and up to 18 different chemicals and metals, from iron to nickel to vanadium. Without specifying future designs, Markus-Alford said Gigablue's particles meet certain requirements: 'All the materials we use are materials that are natural, nontoxic, nonhazardous, and can be found in the ocean,' she said. She wouldn't comment on the possible use of cotton or rice, but said the particles won't include any kind of plastic. When asked about vermiculite, which is typically mined on land and heated to expand, Markus-Alford said rivers and erosion transport most materials including vermiculite to the ocean. 'Almost everything, basically, that exists on land can be found in the ocean,' she said. The company said it had commissioned an environmental institute to verify that the particles are safe for thousands of organisms, including mussels and oysters. Any materials in future particles, Gigablue said, will be approved by local authorities. Shaashua has said the particles are so benign that they have zero impact on the ocean. 'We are not changing the water chemistry or the water biology,' Shaashua said. Ken Buesseler, a senior scientist with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution who has spent decades studying the biological carbon cycle of the ocean, says that while he's intrigued by Gigablue's proposal, the idea that the particles don't alter the ocean is 'almost inconceivable.' 'There has to be a relationship between what they're putting in the ocean and the carbon dioxide that's dissolved in seawater for this to, quote, work,' Buesseler said. Buesseler co-leads a nonprofit group of scientists hoping to tap the power of algae in the ocean to capture carbon. The group organizes regular forums on the subject, and Gigablue presented in April. 'I left with more questions than answers,' Buesseler said. Scientists raise questions Several scientists not affiliated with Gigablue interviewed by The Associated Press said they were interested in how a company with so little public information about its technology could secure a deal for 200,000 carbon credits. The success of the company's method, they said, will depend on how much algae grows on the particles, and the amount that sinks to the deep ocean. So far, Gigablue has not released any studies demonstrating those rates. Thomas Kiørboe, a professor of ocean ecology at the Technical University of Denmark, and Philip Boyd, an oceanographer at the University of Tasmania who studies the role of algae in the Earth's carbon cycle, said they were doubtful algae would get enough sunlight to grow inside the particles. It's more likely the particles would attract hungry bacteria, Kiørboe said. 'Typical phytoplankton do not grow on surfaces, and they do not colonize particles,' Kiørboe said. 'To most phytoplankton ecologists, this would just be, I think, absurd.' The rates at which Gigablue says its particles sink — up to a hundred meters (yards) per hour — might shear off algae from the particles in the quick descent, Boyd said. It's likely that some particles would also be eaten by fish — limiting the carbon capture, and raising the question of how the particles could impact marine life. Boyd is eager to see field results showing algae growth, and wants to see proof that Gigablue's particles cause the ocean to absorb more CO2 from the air. 'These are incredibly challenging issues that I don't think, certainly for the biological part, I don't think anyone on the planet has got solutions for them,' he said. James Kerry, a senior marine and climate scientist for the conservation group OceanCare and senior research fellow at Australia's James Cook University, has closely followed Gigablue's work. 'What we've got is a situation of a company, a startup, upfront selling large quantities of credits for a technology that is unproven,' he said. In a statement, Gigablue said that bacteria does consume the particles but the effect is minimal, and its measurements will account for any loss of algae or particles as they sink. The company noted that a major science institute in New Zealand has given Gigablue its stamp of approval. Gigablue hired the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, a government-owned company, to review several drafts of its methodology. In a recent letter posted to Gigablue's website, the institute's chief ocean scientist said his staff had confidence the company's work is 'scientifically sound' and the proposed measurements for carbon sequestration were robust. Whether Gigablue's methods are deemed successful, for now, will be determined not by regulators — but by another private company. A new market is one of several companies known as registries that serve the carbon credit market. Amid the lack of regulation and the potential for climate startups to overstate their impact, registries aim to verify how much carbon was really removed. The Finnish has verified more than a million carbon credits since its founding seven years ago. But most of those credits originated in land-based climate projects. Only recently has it aimed to set standards for the ocean. In part, that's because marine carbon credits are some of the newest to be traded. Dozens of ocean startups have entered the industry, with credit sales catapulting from 2,000 in 2021 to more than 340,000, including Gigablue's deal, last year. But the ocean remains a hostile and expensive place in which to operate a business or monitor research. Some ocean startups have sold credits only to fold before they could complete their work. Running Tide, a Maine-based startup aimed at removing carbon from the atmosphere by sinking wood chips and seaweed, abruptly shuttered last year despite the backing of $50 million from investors, leaving sales of about 7,000 carbon credits unfulfilled. In June, published a draft methodology that will be used to verify Gigablue's work, which it designed in consultation with Gigablue. Once finalized, Gigablue will pay the registry for each metric ton of carbon dioxide that it claims to remove. Marianne Tikkanen, head of standards at said that although this methodology was designed with Gigablue, her team expects other startups to adopt the same approach. 'We hope that there will be many who can do it and that it stimulates the market,' she said. The road ahead It remains to be seen whether New Zealand officials will grant permission for the expanded 'sequestration field' that Gigablue has proposed creating, or if the company will look to other countries. New Zealand's environmental authority has so far treated Gigablue's work as research — a designation that requires no formal review process or consultations with the public. The agency said in a statement that it could not comment on how it would handle a future commercial application from Gigablue. But like many climate startups, Gigablue was involved in selling carbon credits during its research expeditions — not only inking a major deal, but smaller agreements, too. Pallas, the Italian businessman, said he ordered 22 carbon credits from Gigablue last year to offset the emissions associated with his event in November. He said Gigablue gave them to him for free — but says he will pay for more in the future. Pallas sought out carbon credits because he sees the signs of climate change all around him, he says, and expects more requirements in Italy for businesses to decarbonize in coming years. He chose Gigablue because they are one of the largest suppliers: 'They've got quantity,' he said. How authorities view Gigablue's growing commercial activity could matter in the context of an international treaty that has banned certain climate operations in the ocean. More than a decade ago, dozens of countries including New Zealand agreed they should not allow any commercial climate endeavor that involves releasing iron in the ocean, a technique known as 'iron fertilization.' Only research, they said, with no prospect of economic gain should be allowed. Iron is considered a key ingredient for spurring algae growth and was embedded in the particles that Gigablue dispersed in October in the Pacific Ocean. Several scientific papers have raised concerns that spurring iron-fueled algae blooms on a large scale would deplete important nutrients in the ocean and harm fisheries. The startup denies any link to iron dumping on the basis that its particles don't release iron directly into the water and don't create an uncontrolled algae bloom. 'We are not fertilizing the ocean,' Markus-Alford said. 'In fact, we looked at iron fertilization as an inspiration of something to avoid,' Shaashua said. But the draft methodology that will use to verify Gigablue's work notes many of the same concerns that have been raised about iron fertilization, including disruptions to the marine food web. Other scientists who spoke with AP see a clear link between Gigablue's work and the controversial practice. 'If they're using iron to stimulate phytoplankton growth,' said Kerry, the OceanCare scientist, 'then it is iron fertilization.' For now, scientific concerns don't seem to have troubled Gigablue's buyers. The company has already planned its next research expedition in New Zealand and hopes to release more particles this fall. 'They mean well, and so do I,' said Pallas, of his support for Gigablue. 'Sooner or later, I'll catch a plane, go to New Zealand, and grab a boat to see what they've done.' — This story was supported by funding from the Walton Family Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. __ Contact AP's global investigative team at Investigative@ or

New AI tool is better than doctors at diagnosing complicated medical issues, Microsoft says

Hashtags

Try Our AI Features

Comments

Related Articles

The 20 best men's skin care products on Amazon, according to dermatologists

An Israeli startup says its new technology will save the planet. Scientists have doubts

Company's carbon credits raise questions about unproven ocean technology to fight global warming

New AI tool is better than doctors at diagnosing complicated medical issues, Microsoft says

Hashtags

Try Our AI Features

Comments

Related Articles

The 20 best men's skin care products on Amazon, according to dermatologists

An Israeli startup says its new technology will save the planet. Scientists have doubts

Company's carbon credits raise questions about unproven ocean technology to fight global warming

Get Started Now: Download the App