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

Drones

New tech could finally change drone regulations for the better

FAA drone regulations require pilots to have a visual line of sight of their aircraft, but new detect-and-avoid systems could change that.

B. David Zarley

Bionics

Run faster, think better: Hugh Herr on the future of bionics

Hugh Herr, head of Biomechatronics research at MIT and hailed as a bionic pioneer, is working to close the gap between synthetic limbs and the brain.

Teresa Carey

Bionics

Scientists engineered “cyborg grasshoppers” to sniff out bombs

By implanting electrodes into the brains of grasshoppers, scientists were able to harness the insects’ sense of smell for the purpose of explosive detection.

Kristin Houser

Computer Science

We’re one step closer to a super-secure quantum internet

Scientists have successfully entangled photons across a 52-mile-long quantum loop in Chicago, a major milestone along the path to a quantum Internet.

Kristin Houser

Art

Robot artist challenges our definition of art

5:52

Artists have a history of subverting expectations and mainstream culture, but the world’s first humanoid robot artist is taking it to a new level. So far, she has sold over $1 million worth of art.

Cars

Back to the future: Classic cars go high tech

7:18

This boutique auto shop is crafting quality, custom cars that combine vintage designs with the latest technologies. And perhaps more importantly, they’re challenging the widely accepted concept that we live in a disposable world.

Accessibility

Smart cane gives the blind freedom to explore

3:33

WeWALK’s smart cane uses ultrasonic sensors and GPS navigation to help the visually impaired navigate the world around them safely and independently.

Archaeology

The tech that’s revolutionizing archeology with Josh Gates

In our interview with renowned adventurer Josh Gates, the host of Expedition Unknown discusses the beautiful connection between tech and archaeologists.

B. David Zarley

Series| The Edge

Eye tracking gives athletes an unprecedented edge

6:05

With eye tracking technology, athletes can now monitor, analyze, and train their eye movements to effectively reduce their average reaction time.

High-tech art exhibit looks at life through the eyes of AI

In this Chicago museum, artists explore some of the most polarizing forms of imagery at the moment: surveillance and facial recognition.

B. David Zarley

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