Oil spills create many problems throughout the world. The impact on the ecosystem in an area can be severe. To address this problem, scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory have invented a new foam, called Oleo Sponge. The material not only easily absorbs oil from water, but is also reusable and can pull dispersed oil from the entire water column - not just the surface.

At tests at a giant seawater tank in New Jersey, the Oleo Sponge successfully collected diesel and crude oil from both below and on the water surface. 'The material is extremely sturdy. We've run dozens to hundreds of tests, wringing it out each time, and we have yet to see it break down at all,' co-inventor Seth Darling said. Those interested in licensing the technology or collaborating may contact partners@anl.gov.