Scientists at startup Apeel Sciences have figured out the secret to doubling lifespans. Not our lifespans, alas, but those of fruits and veggies. Naturally.

It's a big deal. Worldwide, we throw away about a third of our food: some $750 billion per year—even more in the United States. One reason is rot: food goes bad before we can bite in. In response, James Rogers, Ph.D., and his team have developed an array of all-natural films for produce that prolongs its life—up to 200 percent in some cases—and reduces the need for pesticides. They're products for growers and grocers alike.

While Apeel's films won't replace pesticides, they could make a dent. The U.S. applies 1 billion pounds of pesticides per year,