Tech
- Tech
New ‘ionic wind’ can dry foods while preserving nutrients
Researchers have come up with a way to increase the energy efficiency of a drying technique, possibly making it ready for prime time.
- Tech
A robot made with a Venus flytrap can grab fragile objects
Scientists have “borrowed” the hair-trigger leaves of Venus flytraps to make a gentle grabber that can be controlled by a cellphone app.
- Science & Society
New technology can get inside your head. Are you ready?
New technologies aim to listen to — and maybe even change — your brain activity. But just because scientists can do this, should they?
- Science & Society
How to fight online hate before it leads to violence
Counter-speech, artificial intelligence and other tools can help spot online hate — and maybe thwart it. New studies show how.
- Chemistry
A new catalyst turns greenhouse gas into jet fuel
The catalyst is an improvement over its predecessors. Made of cheap materials like iron, it produces jet fuel in a single step.
- Tech
Bye-bye batteries? Power a phone with fabric or a beacon with sound
New piezoelectric systems produce electricity in unusual ways, such as when a certain nylon bends or underwater ceramics vibrate.
- Math
Scientists Say: Algebra
Algebra is a type of mathematics that studies symbols and how they can be shifted around.
- Tech
Tracking Santa with science
Santa may be magical. But the North American Aerospace Defense Command (or NORAD) uses science to track his journey.
- Tech
Flexible devices may help clothes solar power your screens
A fluorescent polymer duo boosts the efficiency of solar cells. One day this material may coat your jacket, hat or backpack to provide power on the go.
- Tech
New device tells smiles from frowns — even through a mask
Most facial-recognition software has to see the whole face to work. The new type can reconstruct an entire expression from just viewing your cheeks.
- Tech
Let’s learn about virtual reality
Scientists use virtual reality to build new games and to help people fight their fears.
- Tech
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.
