Tech

  1. Artificial Intelligence

    At least half of U.S. teens use chatbots for homework and more

    Most also feel optimistic about benefits of chatbots and other AI. But use of this tech varies quite a bit by race and family income.

    By Kathryn Hulick
  2. Science & Society

    Understanding algorithms — and how to make them work for you

    They’re the recipes behind everything from cooking to social media feeds. Learn how algorithms work to avoid their pitfalls. You can even make your own.

    By Wendy Orlando
  3. Science & Society

    How ‘nutritious’ is the diet that social media feeds us?

    Algorithms feed us what they’ve decided we will probably like. The problem: This often proves a truly unhealthy diet for our minds.

    By Wendy Orlando
  4. Physics

    Could a Star Wars lightsaber work?

    The main problem with real-world lightsabers is that they would pass through each other. This means no intergalactic duels between Jedis and Siths.

    By Tejasri Gururaj
  5. Tech

    These smart robots are smaller than a grain of salt

    Such tiny robots could someday explore the cellular realm to study health and treat diseases.

    By Kendra Redmond
  6. Health & Medicine

    Got brain rot?

    Excessive scrolling through social media or viral videos can mess with your mental health — and possibly alter your brain’s development, studies show.

    By Kathryn Hulick
  7. Science & Society

    Stressed by tech? Here’s how to find help

    This checklist can help you assess and improve your experiences — and your mental health.

    By Wendy Orlando and Janet Raloff
  8. Agriculture

    This engineer designed a device to make farm work easier

    Juan Espinoza engineered a device to help ease physical demands on workers at citrus farms.

    By Aaron Tremper
  9. Earth

    Build your own seismograph with this science activity

    By recording earthquakes, seismographs help scientists better understand and hopefully predict quakes.

    By Science Buddies
  10. Physics

    Could a person ever wield lightning as a weapon? 

    From the shocking powers of electric eels to laser-guided lightning, aiming electricity is more real than it sounds.

    By Celina Zhao
  11. Tech

    New light-activated coating can kill stubborn germs

    Based on graphene, this new material can knock out hard-to-kill germs on contact — even in your mouth.

    By Stephen Ornes
  12. Tech

    Scientists Say: Cryogenic

    This deep-frozen field of science allows conservation biologists to preserve the DNA of endangered species and more.

    By Katie Grace Carpenter