Hard Tech

Clean Energy

3D-printed “superalloy” could make power plants more efficient

The material is both stronger and lighter than those used to make conventional turbines.

Sam Jarman

a flat, clear piece of rubber in a spiral shape with thin wires running through it

Brain

This soft brain implant unfurls its arms under the skull

A soft brain implant that unfurls under the skull could make implantation surgeries less costly and risky.

Kristin Houser

a closeup of a tiny LED in the middle of a microchip

Computer Science

MIT breakthrough creates world’s smallest holographic microscope

The world’s smallest holographic microscope foreshadows a future in which smartphones could be used for high-res microscopy.

Kristin Houser

Robotics

Robot made of ice can repair and rebuild itself

A team of researchers wants to build robots out of ice and send them to space. The icy bots can use found materials to rebuild themselves.

Teresa Carey

Computer Science

Quantum computing: Explained

Quantum computing is the holy grail of computer science. Here's everything you need to know about how it works — and why it will be world-changing.

Sarah Wells

Prosthetics

Quadriplegic man, using two robot arms, can feed himself again

A man paralyzed from the neck down used a brain computer interface to control two robot arms — a big step in the field of mind-controlled prosthetics.

Teresa Carey

3D Printing

The next car you purchase could include 3D printed parts

Automakers are relying more heavily on 3D printing, and for drivers, that means more customization options.

Kristin Houser

Genetics

First-of-its-kind app lets scientists analyze DNA on the move

Genome sequencing tech is getting more portable. Now, there’s a genome analysis app that puts the ability to study those genomes in scientists’ pockets.

Kristin Houser

New optical sensor imitates the human eye

Researchers have created an optical sensor, designed to mimic the human eye. The team says this is a major breakthrough in neuromorphic computing

Teresa Carey

This VR exoskeleton lets you actually run through virtual worlds

A VR exoskeleton called the Holotron works with a person’s entire lower body to let them control the locomotion of an avatar in VR.

Kristin Houser

How to protect our future (when AI gets too smart)

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The future of AI looks promising, but it doesn’t come without risks. How can we keep the technology in check, before it outsmarts us?

Doug Dais

Robotics

Robot dogs are being deployed at a US military base

Four robot dogs are heading to a Florida Air Force base to serve as security patrol, marking the U.S. military’s first full-time deployment of a robot dog.

Kristin Houser

Heads up display lets firefighters see through smoke

Qwake Technologies’ C-Thru is a heads up display that combines AI, augmented reality, and thermal imaging to help firefighters battle blazes.

Kristin Houser

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