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

Invention & Innovation

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

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
Health & Medicine
Someday soon, smartwatches may know you’re sick before you do

By Silke SchmidtNovember 22, 2021
Physics
Future cars may offer personal sound zones — no earphones needed

By Kendra RedmondNovember 15, 2021
Materials Science
These colorful butterflies were printed with transparent ink

By Maria TemmingNovember 8, 2021
Chemistry
Scientists find a ‘greener’ way to make jeans blue

By Shi En KimNovember 3, 2021
Animals
Bacteria make ‘spider silk’ that’s stronger than steel

By Manasee WaghOctober 27, 2021
Tech
Synthetic trees could tap underground water in arid areas

By Sid PerkinsSeptember 24, 2021

Materials Science
Tiny swimming robots may help clean up a microplastics mess

By Stephen OrnesSeptember 10, 2021
Tech
Headphones or earmuffs could replace needles in some disease testing

By Sid PerkinsAugust 27, 2021
Chemistry
New glue offers to turn any small walking robot into Spider-Man

By Shi En KimAugust 18, 2021
Life
No animal died to make this steak

By Stephen OrnesMay 21, 2021