Matthew Russell

Matthew Russell

Matthew Russell is a West Michigan native and with a background in journalism, data analysis, cartography and design thinking. He likes to learn new things and solve old problems whenever possible, and enjoys bicycling, spending time with his daughters, and coffee.

Articles by Matthew Russell

A hand holding a collection of small plastic fragments and debris, including an aqua-colored letter “A.”

Texas Teens Turn Sound Waves Into a Weapon Against Microplastics

Two teenagers from Texas just built a pen-sized device that removes up to 94% of toxic microplastics from water using nothing but sound waves.

Texas Teens Turn Sound Waves Into a Weapon Against Microplastics

Two teenagers from Texas just built a pen-sized device that removes up to 94% of toxic microplastics from water using nothing but sound waves.

Side-by-side images of a hand holding a ripe avocado and avocados growing on a tree.

Mexican Innovators Turn Avocado Waste Into Cutlery That Could Save the Oceans

Plastic forks and straws often end up in the ocean, where they linger for centuries. A Mexican company is fighting back by turning discarded avocado pits into durable utensils that...

Mexican Innovators Turn Avocado Waste Into Cutlery That Could Save the Oceans

Plastic forks and straws often end up in the ocean, where they linger for centuries. A Mexican company is fighting back by turning discarded avocado pits into durable utensils that...

Split image showing a loggerhead sea turtle swimming underwater on the left and surfacing in clear blue water on the right.

Hurricane Erin Sweeps Away Fragile Sea Turtle Nests Leaving Heartbreak on the Shore

Hurricane Erin never struck land with catastrophic force, but its fury hit where few could see. Along the fragile coastlines of North Carolina and Florida, waves swallowed sea turtle nests,...

Hurricane Erin Sweeps Away Fragile Sea Turtle Nests Leaving Heartbreak on the Shore

Hurricane Erin never struck land with catastrophic force, but its fury hit where few could see. Along the fragile coastlines of North Carolina and Florida, waves swallowed sea turtle nests,...

Four Officers Lose Their Badges After Viral Video Showing Deputy Killing Baby Rabbit

Four Officers Lose Their Badges After Viral Video Showing Deputy Killing Baby Rabbit

A disturbing video shows a New Mexico sheriff’s deputy smiling as he hurls a baby rabbit into a patrol car, killing the animal. What followed shattered trust in the entire...

Four Officers Lose Their Badges After Viral Video Showing Deputy Killing Baby Rabbit

A disturbing video shows a New Mexico sheriff’s deputy smiling as he hurls a baby rabbit into a patrol car, killing the animal. What followed shattered trust in the entire...

Two pigs close up, one with dirt on its snout and ear tag visible.

Lawmakers Push To End The Slaughter Of Sick Pigs Threatening Human Health

Pigs too sick or injured to stand — known as “downed pigs” — occupy one of the most vulnerable positions in industrial farming. Instead of receiving care, they are often...

Lawmakers Push To End The Slaughter Of Sick Pigs Threatening Human Health

Pigs too sick or injured to stand — known as “downed pigs” — occupy one of the most vulnerable positions in industrial farming. Instead of receiving care, they are often...

Robots Capture Rare Ocean Mixing That Speeds Arctic Ice Loss

Robots Capture Rare Ocean Mixing That Speeds Arctic Ice Loss

In the icy Greenland Sea, scientists witnessed something almost impossible to capture with traditional tools: a fleeting ocean phenomenon that can accelerate Arctic ice loss. Using robotic technology, researchers uncovered...

Robots Capture Rare Ocean Mixing That Speeds Arctic Ice Loss

In the icy Greenland Sea, scientists witnessed something almost impossible to capture with traditional tools: a fleeting ocean phenomenon that can accelerate Arctic ice loss. Using robotic technology, researchers uncovered...