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

Invention & Innovation

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

Animals
Like bloodhounds, worms are sniffing out human cancers

By Katie Grace CarpenterMay 9, 2022
Science & Society
This sun-powered system delivers energy as it pulls water from the air

By Laura AllenMay 2, 2022
Materials Science
This new fabric can ‘hear’ sounds or broadcast them

By Carolyn WilkeApril 29, 2022
Chemistry
New cloth cools you when you’re hot, warms you when you’re cold

By Katie Grace CarpenterApril 18, 2022
Materials Science
Engineers borrow a tree’s cellulose to toughen new materials

By Kathryn HulickApril 4, 2022
Tech
A new device uses atoms’ quantum weirdness to peer underground

By Maria TemmingMarch 30, 2022
Chemistry
A disinfectant made from sawdust knocks out deadly microbes

By Carolyn WilkeMarch 25, 2022
Chemistry
New process can transform urban CO₂ pollution into a resource

By Alison Pearce StevensMarch 11, 2022

Health & Medicine
Here’s how a new sleeping bag could protect astronauts’ eyesight

By Kathiann KowalskiFebruary 4, 2022
Tech
This crumb-sized camera uses artificial intelligence to get big results

By Kendra RedmondJanuary 17, 2022
Chemistry
Could reusable ‘jelly ice’ cubes replace regular ice?

By Katie Grace CarpenterJanuary 10, 2022
Chemistry
A new way to make plastics could keep them from littering the seas

By Katie Grace CarpenterDecember 13, 2021