. >> they are, and both of them and everybody that works at ecovative that fungi can completely change the way that we package materials and that there are millions of other applications, too. >> it was really interesting. i was looking at the home insulation, and i was wondering about that application. the problem is is that it's biodegradable. dust eats it, and i'm not sure i want things eating my home. >> that's true. that's something they're working with and adapt the materials. it's designed by nature, which i think is totally, totally cool. >> amazing stories, you guys. it was cool to hear about forest fires, police work and fungi. they're all really fascinating. check back with us next week on "tech know" for awesome cool science. dive deep into the stories and go behind the scenes at aljazeera.com/ajtechknow. >> this is al jazeera america live from new york city. i'm tony harris with a look at today's top stories. marijuana sales are brisk in colorado. today was the first day that it was allowed to sell pot for recreational use. and another first day, humans benefits under the

the company has had an incredibly challenging time and has not been able to really .ecover look at all the changes that have had to be made, rolling back the changes that ron johnson made. the latest one being the commissions coming back. this is a little more dramatic of a move, to close the early three stores. there has been talk all along about jcpenney's real estate. >> in other words, there is some value away from retail. >> if they are closing these stores, what are they doing with the physical stores? there are still some questions about that. >> we have more breaking news -- the house has enough votes to pass a spending bill. >> this is a vote that is not a huge surprise, but an important vote nonetheless. how's passing the last few -- the house passing in the last few moments this omnibus spending bill that funds the government for the next eight and a half months. this is the budget cease-fire we .ave been talking about this is a continuation. the deadline was tonight to get this done. they passed a three-day extension. now the has -- the house has passed this larger bill, an