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

Invention & Innovation

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

Earth
Light levitation might help explore Earth’s ‘ignorosphere’

By Kathryn HulickApril 21, 2021
Climate
Surfing the winds would make future jet travel greener

By Harini BarathApril 16, 2021
Health & Medicine
Bandages made from crab shells speed healing

By Silke SchmidtApril 14, 2021
Physics
New ‘ionic wind’ can dry foods while preserving nutrients

By Sid PerkinsMarch 2, 2021
Materials Science
Super-absorbent swab could curb errors in COVID-19 testing

By Kathiann KowalskiFebruary 17, 2021
Chemistry
Here’s how to make flip-flops biodegradable

By Kathiann KowalskiDecember 8, 2020
Computing
New device tells smiles from frowns — even through a mask

By Kathryn HulickDecember 4, 2020
Materials Science
This artificial skin feels ‘ghosts’ — things you wish were there

By Stephen OrnesNovember 20, 2020

Chemistry
Ordinary paper turns into flexible human-powered keypad

By Kathryn HulickNovember 6, 2020
Genetics
Gene editing can alter body fat and may fight diabetes

By Silke SchmidtOctober 23, 2020
Physics
Trees power this alarm system for remote forest fires

By Stephen OrnesOctober 16, 2020
Health & Medicine
A glowing new way to measure antibodies

By Sid PerkinsSeptember 30, 2020