Tech

  1. Microbes

    Genes point to how some bacteria can gobble up electricity

    A new study shows how some microbes absorb and release electrons — a trait that may point to new fuels or ways to store energy.

    By Stephen Ornes
  2. Tech

    Someday soon, smartwatches may know you’re sick before you do

    Such an early detection of flu-like infections could tell you when to avoid others to limit the spread of disease.

    By Silke Schmidt
  3. Tech

    Easy for you, tough for a robot

    Robots still can’t do many things that we find easy. Can engineers reduce how klutzy robots are and boost their common sense?

    By Kathryn Hulick
  4. 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.

    By Kendra Redmond
  5. Materials Science

    These colorful butterflies were printed with transparent ink

    Clear ink creates a whole rainbow of colors when printed in precise, microscopic patterns. This phenomenon is known as structural color.

    By Maria Temming
  6. Tech

    Scientists find a ‘greener’ way to make jeans blue

    When coated onto jeans, a plant-based polymer reduces water and cuts the amount of toxic chemicals needed.

    By Shi En Kim
  7. Tech

    Did Facebook put Instagram profits ahead of teen safety?

    Former employee said Facebook (now Meta) ignored its own research on Instagram risks to teens’ mental health. We look at the issues and what you can do.

    By Kathiann Kowalski
  8. Brain

    Ask the experts: How to create a top-notch science fair project

    Five finalists in the Broadcom MASTERS middle-school competition reveal how they created nationally competitive projects.

    By JoAnna Wendel
  9. Tech

    Will you learn better from reading on screen or on paper?

    Some studies find students don’t learn as well by reading on screens as from paper. But that's not always true. Here’s how to make the most of reading in either format.

    By Avery Elizabeth Hurt
  10. Tech

    A sense of touch could upgrade virtual reality, prosthetics and more

    Scientists and engineers are trying to add touch to online shopping, virtual doctor appointments and artificial limbs.

    By Kathiann Kowalski
  11. Tech

    Synthetic trees could tap underground water in arid areas

    They also could also help coastal residents mine fresh water from salty sources.

    By Sid Perkins
  12. Brain

    Scientists Say: Haptic

    Haptic is an adjective used to describe things related to our sense of touch.

    By Maria Temming
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