Despite how annoying dandelions may be for homeowners who take pride in their lawns, the weed's roots have shown potential in making a new, green source of rubber.

Ford and Ohio State researchers are using the milky-white goo that seeps from dandelion roots to make a type of rubber that could be used in the plastics of cup holders, floor mats, and interior trim of cars.

Civil engineers at Purdue University are working to design a cost-effective material for road construction and bridge support.  

The lightweight mixture is composed of shredded tires and sand, and it is useful for supporting the area of roads and bridges that bears a majority of the weight or pressure, especially those areas built over soft, weak soil deposits.

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