innovation

Latest about innovation

The "super" laser brings together the power of multiple laser beams directed into a single intense output using an ultra-pure diamond crystal at the point of convergence.

Straight Out of 'Star Wars': This 'Death Star' Laser Actually Works

By Kacey Deamer published 25 April 17

Scientists used a diamond crystal to increase power of multiple laser beams into one super-powered beam.

Engineering

Bill Nye Is Marching Because 'Science Is Part of Politics'

By Laura Geggel published 20 April 17

Bill Nye, the acclaimed science guy, wants to know: "Are you planning to march?"

Human Behavior

Neil deGrasse Tyson says that when people who deny science rise to power that is a recipe for a complete dismantling of our democracy.

Neil deGrasse Tyson Warns Science Denial Could 'Dismantle' Democracy

By Tracy Staedter published 20 April 17

Renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson urges Americans to become more scientifically literate in a short video he posted yesterday (April 19) on his Facebook page.

Planet Earth

A "4D-printed" structure can be transformed from its permanent shape into many different shapes that are structurally stiff at room temperature and then returned to its permanent shape by applying heat.

Just Add Heat: New 4D-Printed Objects Morph on Cue

By Tereza Pultarova published 14 April 17

Engineering

The so-called Daedalus suit is a jet engine-powered exosuit developed by amateur inventor Richard Browning.

Iron Man-Style Exosuit Turns Inventor into Real-Life Superhero

By Tereza Pultarova published 5 April 17

Engineering

Teen-Programmed AI Spits Rhymes Like Kanye West

By Kacey Deamer published 20 March 17

The AI was built with 6,000 Kanye West rap lyrics.

Artificial Intelligence

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos piloted a giant "mech" robot at the 2017 Machine Learning, Home Automation, Robotics and Space Exploration (MARS) conference.

Watch Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos Control a Giant Mech Robot

By Stephanie Pappas published 20 March 17

A mysterious mech robot makes its debut for Amazon.

Robotics

A close-up of the transparent touchpad before it is filled with gel electrodes.

Transparent Touchpad Works Even When It's Bent and Stretched

By Charles Q. Choi published 15 March 17

A new transparent, flexible touchpad can sense the touch of a finger even when the material is stretched or bent, which could help engineers one day create advanced wearable touch screens.

Engineering