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

Invention & Innovation

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

Tech
New device can harvest clean energy from humid air anywhere

By Laura AllenAugust 18, 2023
Tech
Nanocrystal ‘painted’ films may someday help relieve summer heat

By Katie Grace CarpenterJune 7, 2023
Tech
A new solar-powered gel purifies water in a flash

By Katie Grace CarpenterApril 28, 2023
Computing
A single chip like this could transmit a world’s worth of data

By Kathryn HulickMarch 10, 2023
Tech
New robot can pick up a single drop of liquid

By Stephen OrnesFebruary 15, 2023
Tech
A tool as small as a human cell can scan for contaminants and more

By Kendra RedmondDecember 9, 2022
Tech
A shape-shifting robotic tooth-cleaner might one day brush for you

By Kathryn HulickNovember 11, 2022
Materials Science
These fabrics change color as they stretch

By Kathryn HulickNovember 4, 2022

Chemistry
No trees were harmed to 3-D print this piece of wood

By Katie Grace CarpenterSeptember 23, 2022
Chemistry
No sun? No prob! A new process might soon grow plants in the dark

By Katie Grace CarpenterSeptember 7, 2022
Physics
This leaping robot can out-jump anything — animal or machine

By Kathryn HulickAugust 22, 2022
Health & Medicine
Patches and robotic pills may one day replace injections

By Katie Grace CarpenterMay 16, 2022