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5 cool Gates Foundation projects you probably haven’t heard of

Feb 10, 2015, 11:46 AM | Updated: Mar 6, 2015, 1:35 pm

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The problem: According to the foundation, 2.5 billion people worldwide don't have access to safe, affordable sanitation. A solution: The University of Colorado-Boulder was awarded a grant to help develop a solar toilet. It would use concentrated sunlight to disinfect liquid-solid waste and produce biological charcoal (biochar - shown above.) Biochar can then be used as a wood charcoal or chemical fertilizer. The foundation has awarded grants to other groups for similar projects. Why it's cool: If it works, your waste may no longer be waste - it would be a power source. Find out more The problem: Vitamin A deficiency is a global public health issue affecting millions of children and pregnant women. A solution: Golden Rice is a type of genetically modified food containing beta carotene, a source of vitamin A. The project is still under development and evaluation. Why it's cool: If golden rice provides the nutrition scientists believe it will, it could reduce the prevalence and severity of vitamin A deficiency. According to the foundation, it could prevent hundreds of thousands of unnecessary deaths and cases of blindness each year. Find out more The problem: Unintended pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted disease, including the spread of HIV in the Third World. A solution: One of the ideas being explored includes a condom made from bovine tendon collagen fibers. It would make the prophylactic feel more like human skin to both partners. Why it's cool: Condom technology hasn't seen a big innovation in 50 years, according to the Gates Foundation. Find out more The problem: Insects are spreading malaria and other life-threatening illnesses. A solution: By changing the scent of livestock, in particular cows, insects are diverted from humans. Why it's cool: Cows wearing the human cologne will have been pre-treated for the diseases. Find out more The problem: Only a quarter of Washington state's students will earn a college degree, according to the Gates Foundation. And that's in large part due to the poverty cycle. The solution: The Road Map Project will keep students on track in and out of school. "Seven school districts, six higher education institutions, local governments, and hundreds of community organizations, education leaders, teachers, and parents are involved in creating a system where every student has the opportunities they need to succeed," said The Gates Foundation. Why it's cool: The foundation chose to focus on its own backyard. Find out more

Bill Gates has once again topped the Forbes list of the 10 richest people in the world. And what does he do with all that cash? The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has gained fame for giving back, in Washington and globally.

Whether it’s the newest technology that turns waste into fuel, or an education at home, here are five projects from the Gates Foundation you may not have heard of – yet.

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5 cool Gates Foundation projects you probably haven’t heard of