All Stories by Kendra Redmond
- Math
Math reveals how skateboarders can ramp up their half-pipe power
To pick up speed, half-pipe skaters pump — move between crouching and standing — as they roll. A new study shows the fastest way to the top.
- Tech
Particles from tree waste could prevent fogged lenses, windshields
A new coating made from a renewable resource — water-loving nanoparticles made from wood — could keep glass surfaces fog-free.
- Tech
New glasses can ‘hear’ what you lip sync — and tell your phone
The lip-reading device enables voice commands without the voice. The glasses determine what their wearer is saying by tracking facial movements.
- 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.
- Tech
A tool as small as a human cell can scan for contaminants and more
Tiny spectrometers might someday show up on smart devices. They could help people scan for ingredients or contaminants in foods and other materials.
- Tech
You might someday ‘wallpaper’ your bedroom with this loudspeaker
This thin, flexible and lightweight loudspeaker could reduce noise in loud spaces. It also might enable listeners to experience sound in new ways.
- Tech
A new audio system confuses smart devices that try to eavesdrop
It works by playing soft, calculated sounds to help people protect their privacy from automatic speech-recognition systems.
- Physics
A new clock shows how gravity warps time — even over tiny distances
This clock measured how gravity changes the passage of time in different places — even spots just one millimeter apart.
- Humans
Explainer: How loud is too loud?
Loud sounds, be it music or noise, might seem like no big deal at the time. But permanent damage can occur without noticeable warning signs.
- Tech
This crumb-sized camera uses artificial intelligence to get big results
Researchers have developed a camera the size of a coarse grain of salt that takes amazingly clear photos.
- Physics
Future cars may offer personal sound zones — no earphones needed
Zones that offer each passenger personal listening are closer to reality. A new design improves performance by adapting to the conditions in your car.
