Prashant Sarswat/University of Utah U. team makes LED lights out of tortillas, soda

Food and beverage waste could shine in the LED lights of the future, thanks to researchers at the University of Utah. Two professors made carbon quantum dots — the tiny luminescent crystals that give LEDs their light — out of discarded bread, tortillas and soft drinks, according to a recently published report. Researchers said using food waste as material for LEDs could reduce costs and eliminate the need for toxic chemicals while benefitting the environment