Researchers at Columbia University are working on a new coating to keep buildings cool. As Yale Climate Connections reports, the inspiration for this material derives from a species of ant, which has a silvery coating of hair that reflects sunlight. The scientists have developed a paint-like material that mimics these functions. When applied to a rooftop, it reflects up to 99 % of sunlight and emits heat back to the atmosphere. About 2.26 million tonnes of flame retardants were processed worldwide in 2018. ...