Julie Taboh

Machine Transforms Household Trash into Fuel

British inventor Nik Spencer believes household garbage is a valuable and underrated resource. That's because trash happens to be the perfect fuel for his latest invention: the Home Energy Resources Unit, or HERU. VOA's Julie Taboh has more.

Fingerprinting Technology Could Save Endangered Pangolins

Pangolins are the world's most illegally trafficked animal. Eight species of the elusive mammals are found in Africa and Southeast Asia, but as many as 300 are poached every day, destined for markets in Vietnam and China, where their meat is considered a delicacy and their scales believed to have medicinal properties. Researchers in the UK are hoping to deter pangolin poaching with fingerprint technology that's designed to identify poachers and bring them to justice. VOA's Julie Taboh explains.

1968 Exhibit Looks Back at Tumultuous Year in US

Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington offers visual glimpse into period marked by great social and political upheaval in America

1968 Exhibit Looks Back at Tumultuous Year in US

The year 1968 was a time of great social and political upheaval in America. Coincidentally, the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington also opened to the public that year. To celebrate its 50th anniversary, the museum is presenting a time capsule of that important period and the cultural icons who shaped it. The exhibit is especially timely as the nation once again grapples with political and social turmoil. VOA’s Julie Taboh has more.

First LP Record is Re-Released Amid Vinyl Revival

Seventy years ago this month, a major record company, Columbia Records, introduced the first LP, or long-playing record. The new format revolutionized music sound recording and was quickly adopted as the new standard by the recording industry. To celebrate the milestone anniversary, Sony has pressed a very limited quantity of that original LP — 500 records — to give away to their customers. The anniversary comes at a time when vinyl has been enjoying a revival. VOA's Julie Taboh has more.

American Photographer Documents 44 Days with Endangered Tribe

American Photographer Documents 44 Days with an Endangered Tribe

Refugee Crisis Reaches Record Levels

An unprecedented 68.5 million people have been forcibly displaced from their homelands worldwide -- the highest levels of displacement on record, according to a just-released report by UNHCR. In June 2016 the UN Refugee Agency launched the #WithRefugees petition to petition governments to work together and do their fair share for refugees. But as the world gets ready for World Refugee Day on June 20, that message is not really being heeded. VOA’s Julie Taboh has more.

Time Machine Camera Means Never Missing the Moment

It's happened to many of us. You fumble for your camera to record a precious moment but you're a little too late. A delayed touch of the button, an opportunity missed forever. But now entrepreneurs in the Netherlands are hoping to change that dynamic with a new camera that can capture events even before you hit the record button. VOA's Julie Taboh has more.

Health Experts Dispatch Experimental Vaccine to Fight Congo's Latest Ebola Outbreak

Health experts are dispatching an experimental vaccine in areas of The Democratic Republic of the Congo that are considered ground zero in the fight against Ebola. Their hope is to try to combat the outbreak from the onset. The crucial test is providing hope, in times of uncertainty. VOA's Julie Taboh has more.

Seaweed May Hold Key Ingredient for Ocean Friendly Sunscreen

As summer draws near in the Northern Hemisphere, millions of people will slather on sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun's harmful rays. But most sunscreens contain chemicals harmful to the oceans. Now researchers in London have developed a compound found in seaweed that could be the basis for a new generation of environmentally friendly sunscreens. As VOA's Julie Taboh reports, they may not only protect us from damaging rays from the sun but also act as an anti-oxidant.

Quake Clears Blackened Air Over Nepal's Brick Kilns

Quake Helps Nepal Clear Blackened Air Over Brick Kilns

There are more than 150,000 kilns in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal that belch out tons of soot, known as black carbon, a major air pollutant and the second largest contributor to climate change after carbon dioxide. But in one corner of the region, a devastating earthquake in 2015 that laid waste to much of Nepal, gave the country a chance to clean up its act. VOA's Julie Taboh has more.

Picasso Painting Showing in Hong Kong Estimated at $45 Million

Pablo Picasso’s painting of 'Golden Muse' Marie-Therese Walter, estimated to be worth up to $45 million, is on display in Hong Kong. The highly celebrated painting of his secret mistress of many years is the highlight of a collection of treasured works of art by Old Master painters that will be up for sale in London. VOA’s Julie Taboh has more.

'Star Wars' Arm Improving Life for Amputees

When Junius Moore lost part of his arm in a car accident, it limited his ability to perform simple everyday tasks like eating and drinking. But now, a special prosthesis has not only improved his movements, but his confidence and overall quality of life. VOA's Julie Taboh has more.

VOA Persian Interviews Secretary Pompeo on Iran

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo outlined the Trump administration's efforts to end Iran's nuclear program in an exclusive interview with VOA's Persian service. VOA's Julie Taboh reports, Thursday's conversation also covered recent protests in Iran and the administration's efforts to free Americans detained by Iran.

Artist Makes Art From Discarded Cosmetics

A British university student has created a range of watercolor paints made from discarded cosmetics. An example, she says, of how the so-called 'circular economy' can help improve the environment. It could also be a way for cosmetics companies and retailers to reduce waste and make more money. VOA's Julie Taboh has more.

American Inventors You've Never Heard Of

Trailblazing individuals recently honored at National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum

Inventors Honored in Hall of Fame Special Ceremony

Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Apple founder Steve Jobs are some of America's best known inventors. But there are other, less recognizable individuals whose innovative products have greatly impacted our world. More than a dozen of them were recently honored for their unique contributions in a special ceremony at the National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum in Alexandria, Virginia. VOA's Julie Taboh has more.

Glacier National Park Offers More Than Glaciers

Unofficial ambassador, local marmot, welcomes visitors to Glacier National Park in Montana

A Landscape Carved in the Last Ice Age

How many places are there in the U.S. where visitors get to see nature in all its abundance within a single setting? National parks traveler Mikah Meyer thinks Glacier National Park, in northern Montana on the border with Canada, comes pretty darn close. He shared highlights of his experiences with VOA’s Julie Taboh.