Engineering Design

Materials Science

A disinfectant made from sawdust knocks out deadly microbes

It’s made by pressure-cooking sawdust and water, is cheap and easy to make — and could lead to greener cleaning products than chemicals used today.

Health & Medicine

Sickle-cell gene therapies offer hope — and challenges

Doctor Erica Esrick discusses existing treatments and an ongoing clinical trial for a gene therapy to treat sickle cell disease.

Tech

Scientists Say: Machine learning

Machine learning allows computers to learn new skills without programmers having to write out step-by-step instructions.

Humans

The earliest known pants are surprisingly modern — and comfy

This 3,000-year-old garment was not only stylish but also functional. By recreating it, scientists also unraveled its complex and multicultural origins.

Tech

Teen inventors say: There’s got to be a better way

Finalists in the 2022 Regeneron Science Talent Search are revamping prostheses, earthquake safety systems and air travel.

Environment

Satellites find big climate threats — ultra-emitters of methane

Eyes in the sky show many of the worst methane emitters are in countries that produce a lot of oil and gas, such as Russia and the United States.

Chemistry

New process can transform urban CO₂ pollution into a resource

Researchers have developed a liquid metal that breaks down carbon dioxide in the air, converting it from a climate threat into a valuable raw material.

Tech

These flying robots protect endangered wildlife

Flying drones make conservation work much easier. Around the world, drones and artificial intelligence help scientists study or protect endangered animals.

Tech

Space trash could kill satellites, space stations — and astronauts

As private companies prepare to sprinkle space with tens of thousands of satellites, experts worry about the mushrooming threat of space junk.

Animals

A new drug mix helps frogs regrow amputated legs

The treatment helped frogs grow working limbs useful for swimming, standing and kicking. It’ll be a while before people can do that.

Space

Wild art? No, it’s a radio image of the heart of our Milky Way

Eyelash-like radio filaments accent the brightest feature in this image — a supermassive black hole.

Environment

Clothes dryers may be a major source of airborne microplastics

Scientists thought washing machines were a leading contributor of microplastics. Now it appears dryers may be an even bigger problem.