IBM developed a unique, eco-friendly way to recycle scrap silicon "wafers" -- the base material used for chips in everything from computers to consumer electronics. The process has dual advantages for the environment, as it will help reduce the estimated 3 million silicon wafers discarded each year across the computer industry, while also providing new supplies of raw materials to the supply-constrained solar energy industry.
Lennar Corp. said Thursday that orders for new homes increased for the first time in more than three years as homebuyers took advantage of lower prices and a federal tax credit.