Engineering Design

Animals

What medicine can learn from squid teeth

Scientists have identified what makes a squid's sucker teeth so strong. The findings may one day prove useful in medicine.

Health & Medicine

The cool science of hot peppers

Why are chili peppers spicy? Why does anyone crave food that burns? Uncovering this fiery veggie’s secrets could help fight pain and obesity.

Computing

DNA can now store images, video and other types of data

Tiny test tubes might one day replace sprawling data-storage centers, thanks to a new way to encode and retrieve information on strands of synthetic DNA.

Brain

Headed to a concert this summer? Pack earplugs

Wearing earplugs at concerts and other loud events may prevent hearing loss and permanent ear damage, a new study suggests.

Materials Science

How to make window ‘glass’ from wood

Scientists have come up with a way to make wood transparent. The new material could be used in everything from windows to packaging.

Materials Science

Sunlight + gold = steaming water (no boiling needed)

Nano-gold is the new black, at least when it comes to absorbing heat. When tiny gold particles get together, they become energy super-absorbers — turning them black.

Tech

Tiny microrobots team up and move full-size car

Researchers have just created robots that mimic the ability of ants to move super-large objects.

Chemistry

Particles in air help fatten clouds’ water droplets

Making their own clouds has shown scientists how the fattest water droplets form. Understanding this could lead to better forecasts of climate change.

Computing

Feeling objects that aren’t there

A new technology uses high-frequency sound waves to create virtual objects you can feel. Its uses include better video games and safer driving.

Chemistry

Gotcha! New test stalks diseases early

Chemists screen blood for disease markers by adapting a common DNA test. The test can find disease earlier, when it also may be easier to treat.