Engineering Design
- Animals
Cool Jobs: A world aglow
Three scientists probe how the natural world makes light, in hopes of using this information to design new and better products.
- Microbes
Teen invents a dip to keep germs away
A teen competing in the 2017 Regeneron Science Talent Search invented an eco-friendly chemical mix. It should keep bacteria from growing on treated paper, fabrics — including wound coverings — and more.
- Tech
Scientists turn toy into valuable tool for medical diagnosis
A human-powered ‘paperfuge,’ inspired by a toy, could serve as an easy, low-cost way to aid in medical diagnoses, even in regions of the world lacking access to electricity.
- Health & Medicine
Jiggly gelatin: Good workout snack for athletes?
Eating a vitamin-rich, Jell-O-like snack could help the body make the collagen needed to repair bones and ligaments that can be damaged by exercise.
- Computing
Germs power new paper batteries
New paper-based batteries rely on bacteria to generate electricity. These ‘papertronic’ power systems may be a safer choice for remote sites or dangerous environments.
- Animals
Cool Jobs: Abuzz for bees
These scientists are keeping bees healthy, making medicines for people from honey and constructing bee-inspired robots.
- Archaeology
Space archaeologists need your help to protect ancient treasures
Explorers who search for ancient ruins in satellite images are asking for help from the public. Volunteers can visit a new website to sign up.
- Computing
Wired and weird: Meet the cyborg plants
By mixing electronics with greenery, engineers have made plants that conduct electricity, detect bombs and send email.
- Physics
How to chill an object by sending its heat into space
Researchers have designed a device that can cool an object by radiating its energy into outer space. Think of it as a solar panel in reverse.
- Chemistry
How to spin synthetic spider silk
A new method for spinning artificial spider silk combines parts of proteins from two species and mimics what happens in a spider’s silk-forming gland.
- Computing
The Internet of Things wants to link all facets of our world
The Internet of Things means everyday objects are becoming computers. Can people harness this technology to make the world better?
- Computing
How to build computer chips only 3 atoms thick
Scientists have engineered an ultrathin material only three atoms thick. The material could be used to make extremely slender computer chips.
