It’s a wonderful world — and universe — out there.

Invention & Innovation

A series made possible with generous support from The Lemelson Foundation.

Health & Medicine
Tiny spongelike machines sop up blood sugar

By Kathryn HulickSeptember 22, 2017
Chemistry
Recycling urine may be a way to boost plant growth

By Kathiann KowalskiSeptember 8, 2017
Earth
Vinegar dissolves new electronics when they’re no longer needed

By Stephen OrnesAugust 25, 2017
Animals
Underwater robot vacuums up lionfish

By Kathryn HulickJune 5, 2017
Materials Science
Nanowires made from silver are super stretchy

By Sid PerkinsMay 16, 2017
Physics
These antennas turn anything into a radio station

By Stephen OrnesMay 9, 2017
Life
‘Nanostraws’ safely sneak a peek inside cells

By Stephen OrnesApril 24, 2017
Physics
Auto-focus eyeglasses rely on liquid lenses

By Stephen OrnesApril 4, 2017

Physics
Father and son harness magnetic fields for new type of 3-D printing

By Kathiann KowalskiMarch 17, 2017
Tech
Scientists turn toy into valuable tool for medical diagnosis

By Sid PerkinsMarch 8, 2017
Computing
Germs power new paper batteries

By Stephen OrnesMarch 3, 2017
Chemistry
How to spin synthetic spider silk

By Kathiann KowalskiJanuary 30, 2017