Engineering Design

  1. Materials Science

    Made from fungi, this vegan leather can self-heal holes or rips

    If made under gentle conditions, leather formed from the “roots” of mushrooms can retain the ability to regrow and repair minor damage.

    By Jude Coleman
  2. Tech

    This electronic bandage sterilizes wounds with flashes of light

    Dentists have sterilized medical equipment with ultraviolet-C light for years. Applying this tech to bandages had proven a challenge — until now.

    By Katie Grace Carpenter
  3. Tech

    Gravity ‘batteries’ might help a weighty renewable-energy problem

    To store the energy generated by wind and solar power, researchers are looking at mammoth systems that raise and lower weights.

    By Stephen Ornes
  4. Tech

    New device can harvest clean energy from humid air anywhere

    Unlike solar power, this new source of electricity is available day or night.

    By Laura Allen
  5. Tech

    What is my pet saying? Scientists are working to find out

    Researchers are using artificial intelligence for pet-translation apps. One day, it might put into words what our furry friends are vocalizing.

    By Kathryn Hulick
  6. Animals

    How artificial intelligence could help us talk to animals

    AI translates human languages with ease. Researchers are now using this tech to analyze the sounds of whales, rodents and many other animals.

    By Kathryn Hulick
  7. Tech

    High-tech solar ‘leaves’ create green fuels from the sun

    Chemists make a liquid alternative to fossil fuels from carbon dioxide, water and the sun. Their trick? They use a new type of artificial leaf.

    By Laura Allen
  8. Tech

    A ‘mini cyclone’ helps detect coronavirus in the air

    A new device can detect from seven to 35 coronavirus particles per liter of air in minutes. That’s close to a PCR test’s sensitivity — but much quicker.

    By Tina Hesman Saey
  9. Tech

    New thermal ‘cloak’ keeps spaces from getting too hot or too cold

     A prototype fabric could help keep cars, buildings and other spaces cooler during heat waves while also reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.

    By Skyler Ware
  10. Tech

    Horses are inspiring this roboticist to build trustworthy robots

    Computer scientist Eakta Jain is looking at human-horse interactions for ideas about how to design robots that work well with people.

    By Rachel Crowell
  11. Plants

    A single particle of light can kick off photosynthesis

    In a new experiment with bacteria, a lone photon sparked the process of turning light to chemical energy.

    By Emily Conover
  12. Animals

    Explainer: What is animal domestication?

    The difference between a dog and a wolf isn’t looks or genes or even behavior. It’s the relationship these animals have with people.

    By Bethany Brookshire