Tech

  1. Life

    Research without lab animals? New tech is making it possible

    For decades, scientists have worked to phase out the use of animals in research. AI, ‘lungs’ on a chip and more are bringing that goal closer.

    By Avery Elizabeth Hurt
  2. Tech

    You can ‘grab’ these virtual displays and manipulate them midair

    Such interactive floating graphics and virtual objects could be used to make more immersive video games and museum exhibits.

    By Maria Temming
  3. Tech

    Soft helpers and bio-inspired tech: a match made in robot heaven

    Hugging toys offer emotional support to anxious kids and slithering snake-like robots may bring rescue aid to people trapped in dangerous conditions.

    By Katie Grace Carpenter
  4. Health & Medicine

    Nearsighted? Teens’ benefits from special contacts can be lasting

    Multifocal contact lenses stop the progression of myopia — and the benefits can last even after use of these special lenses ends.

    By Laura Allen
  5. Artificial Intelligence

    Teen’s software for spotting AI-generated text just got personal

    Rather than seeking generic signs of AI-generated text, it compares two texts to confirm they both share a writer’s unique style.

    By Katie Grace Carpenter
  6. Artificial Intelligence

    AI, make me a video game

    Developers can use AI to generate code, dialog, playable environments and more. But at its heart, making video games remains a creative human endeavor.

    By Kathryn Hulick
  7. Tech

    Squirty gels bring food-like flavors to virtual reality

    A new device recreates complex flavors including lemonade, coffee and fish soup by delivering a mix of chemicals.

    By Simon Makin
  8. Microbes

    Living lenses? Glass-coated microbes might take better photos

    Bacteria with a gene from sea sponges can coat themselves in glass. Working as tiny, bendable lenses, they could lead to thinner cameras or sensors.

    By Katie Cottingham
  9. Tech

    Scientists Say: Agrivoltaics

    This win-win technology means future farmers may produce both food and electricity.

    By Katie Grace Carpenter
  10. Tech

    Experiment: Make the fastest rubber band paddleboat

    With a rubber band and some cardboard, you can build your own paddleboat to speed across the surface of a pool.

    By Science Buddies
  11. Earth

    Analyze This: Smartphone data may help improve GPS

    Data from millions of phones helped fill in maps of the ionosphere, an atmospheric layer that can muddle radio signals key for navigation systems.

    By Carolyn Wilke
  12. Artificial Intelligence

    AI-designed proteins target toxins in deadly snake venom

    The current way to produce antivenoms is outdated. In lab tests, AI-designed proteins could save mice from a lethal dose of snake toxin.

    By Meghan Rosen