All Stories by Stephen Ornes
- Physics
The quantum world is mind-bogglingly weird
At the smallest scales, particles are ghostly and ill-behaved. No one understands them, but that doesn’t keep scientists from trying.
- Physics
Explainer: Quantum is the world of the super small
The word quantum often gets misused. What does it mean? Think small. Really, really small.
- Materials Science
Vinegar dissolves new electronics when they’re no longer needed
Now you see it, now you don't. A new lightweight, low-cost technology disintegrates in kitchen vinegar.
- Ecosystems
Cool Jobs: Bringing caves’ dark secrets to light
These three cave researchers study caves to learn more about climate, geology and organisms that can survive some of Earth’s most hostile environments.
- Tech
These antennas turn anything into a radio station
Engineers have developed antennas that can turn ordinary objects — even posters — into radio stations.
- Tech
Star Trek gets closer to becoming home tech
Inspired by Star Trek, inventors have created handheld devices to diagnose common medical ailments.
- Tech
‘Nanostraws’ safely sneak a peek inside cells
Scientists have developed tiny straws that let them peek inside a living cell without killing it or even damaging it.
- Tech
Auto-focus eyeglasses rely on liquid lenses
Engineers have designed what could be the last eyeglasses anyone would need. Right now, they’re bulky but smart. Liquid lenses are key to their adjustability — and those lenses focus automatically.
- Computing
Germs power new paper batteries
New paper-based batteries rely on bacteria to generate electricity. These ‘papertronic’ power systems may be a safer choice for remote sites or dangerous environments.
- Computing
When your stuff spies on you
More ordinary objects are going online. These make up the Internet of Things. But as they collect data about you and your world, they also bring security risks.
- Computing
The Internet of Things wants to link all facets of our world
The Internet of Things means everyday objects are becoming computers. Can people harness this technology to make the world better?
- Computing
How to build computer chips only 3 atoms thick
Scientists have engineered an ultrathin material only three atoms thick. The material could be used to make extremely slender computer chips.
