Engineering Design

  1. Environment

    Older diesel school buses linked to more student absences

    Schools that replaced or upgraded old diesel school buses increased student attendance rates, new research shows.

    By Kathiann Kowalski
  2. Environment

    Making yards more diverse can reap big environmental benefits

    Replacing grass with native plants uses less water and fewer chemicals while providing additional benefits to people and wildlife.

    By Alison Pearce Stevens
  3. Tech

    A new solar-powered gel purifies water in a flash

    The unusual, fruit-inspired structure of this material provides quick filtration that could satisfy people's daily water needs.

    By Katie Grace Carpenter
  4. Animals

    Analyze This: Puppies naturally mimic human actions

    Unlike cats, whose ancestors hunted alone, dogs evolved from a species that hunted in packs. Being social might explain why pups copy humans.

    By Carolyn Wilke
  5. Tech

    Magnetic fields melt and re-form new shape-shifting devices

    Miniature machines made of gallium and magnetic particles can switch from solid to liquid and back.

    By McKenzie Prillaman
  6. Genetics

    Experiment: Are fingerprint patterns inherited?

    Let’s investigate whether fingerprint patterns are created randomly or whether they are influenced by genetics.

    By Science Buddies
  7. Chemistry

    Chemists have unlocked the secrets of long-lasting Roman concrete

    By searching ancient texts and ruins, scientists found a concrete recipe that could make buildings stronger — and help address climate change.

    By Carolyn Gramling
  8. Environment

    Sea life may suffer as plastic bits alter metals in water

    This interplay between plastics and metals could affect how each affects the environment — and suggests opportunities for controlling their risks.

    By Katie Grace Carpenter
  9. Climate

    Here’s how to increase clean energy without harming wildlife

    Wind farms, solar panels and more take up land and may harm wildlife. Researchers are working to resolve this conflict.

    By Kathryn Hulick
  10. Physics

    A powerful laser can control the paths that lightning takes

    In a mountaintop experiment, a laser beamed at the sky created a virtual lightning rod that snagged several bolts.

    By Maria Temming
  11. Health & Medicine

    New brain scans may show if a concussion has not yet healed

    Concussions change certain brain waves, and delta waves may be the best signs of when teens can return to competitive sports.

    By Silke Schmidt
  12. Tech

    Think of this new tech as sunglasses for our windows

    Keeping buildings cool can use a lot of energy. Thanks to quantum computing, engineers designed a coating to cut the warming light that enters windows.

    By Kendra Redmond