Engineering Design

  1. Materials Science

    This artificial skin feels ‘ghosts’ — things you wish were there

    Engineers have developed a wearable device that simulates the sense of touch. It may benefit robotic surgery and deep-sea exploration.

    By Stephen Ornes
  2. Health & Medicine

    Moderna vaccine for COVID-19 appears nearly 95 percent effective

    A second coronavirus vaccine appears super effective in preventing people from being sickened by COVID-19.

    By Erin Garcia de Jesús
  3. Tech

    Computers are changing how art is made

    Some people have challenged the idea that artificial intelligence can be creative. But new software can provide inspiration to artists or fully partner with them in the creative process.

    By Stephen Ornes
  4. Health & Medicine

    New Pfizer vaccine appears 90 percent effective against COVID-19

    Preliminary finds show one of the new coronavirus vaccines appears 90 percent effective at reducing symptomatic COVID-19 infections.

    By Erin Garcia de Jesús
  5. Chemistry

    Ordinary paper turns into flexible human-powered keypad

    Engineers have figured out how to turn sheets of paper into rugged, low-cost electronic devices, such as a computer keypad.

    By Kathryn Hulick
  6. Materials Science

    Analyze This: Insect shells could help builders on Mars

    When mixed with rocky soil, a compound called chitin makes a strong material. It could be pulled from the shells of insects used for food.

    By Carolyn Wilke
  7. Brain

    Many student athletes face risk of concussions that heal slowly

    High school girls and those with a history of concussions appear to take longest to recover.

    By Rebecca E. Hirsch
  8. Agriculture

    Learning what stresses queen bees could save their hives

    Beehives often die off after the queen gets too stressed to make enough babies. New tests could identify what stressed her — and point to solutions.

    By Sharon Oosthoek
  9. Materials Science

    ‘Frozen smoke’ could protect electronics from annoying static

    A fluffy material made from cellulose nanofibers and silver nanowires can protect electronic devices by blocking more than 99.99 percent of disrupting interference, a new study reveals.

    By Sid Perkins
  10. Physics

    Here’s how giant pumpkins get so big

    Cinderella took a ride in a pumpkin coach. Though real pumpkins do get big enough, here’s why their ride would be uncomfortable at best.

    By Bethany Brookshire
  11. Climate

    Let’s learn about solar power

    Solar power is a way to harness energy from the sun, and lessen our reliance on fossil fuels.

    By Bethany Brookshire
  12. Genetics

    Gene editing can alter body fat and may fight diabetes

    Researchers have long dreamed of using brown fat to fight obesity and diabetes. Work in animals shows they’re closing in on achieving that dream.

    By Silke Schmidt