Nanoscale carbon, for example, is enabling greater efficiency and longer lifetimes for the familiar activated carbon water filter.

FORBES: Innovation: Water's Life Saver

To create his test, Jack mixed human mesothelin-specific antibodies with carbon nanotubes and coated strips of ordinary filter paper.

FORBES: Cancer, Innovation and a Boy Named Jack

Mr. Savoni and others devised a way to push the water through the filter, a block of carbon encased in plastic, more swiftly.

WSJ: With Bottle-Fillers in Mind, the Water Fountain Evolves

Beyond that, it was fascinating to see seeing what Detroit automakers are doing to reduce their carbon footprints, like using green roofs that insulate their buildings, porous pavement to filter rain water and even solar panels to help power their facilities.

FORBES: An Eye-Opening Trip To The Motor City