Invention & Innovation

A series made possible with generous support from the Lemelson Foundation. A compilation of stories from 2020 is available here.

Tech
This crumb-sized camera uses artificial intelligence to get big results

By Kendra RedmondJanuary 17, 2022
Chemistry
Could reusable ‘jelly ice’ cubes replace regular ice?

By Katie Grace CarpenterJanuary 10, 2022
Environment
A new way to make plastics could keep them from littering the seas

By Katie Grace CarpenterDecember 13, 2021
Tech
Someday soon, smartwatches may know you’re sick before you do

By Silke SchmidtNovember 22, 2021
Physics
Future cars may offer personal sound zones — no earphones needed

By Kendra RedmondNovember 15, 2021
Materials Science
These colorful butterflies were printed with transparent ink

By Maria TemmingNovember 8, 2021
Tech
Scientists find a ‘greener’ way to make jeans blue

By Shi En KimNovember 3, 2021
Materials Science
Bacteria make ‘spider silk’ that’s stronger than steel

By Manasee WaghOctober 27, 2021

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Tech
Synthetic trees could tap underground water in arid areas

By Sid PerkinsSeptember 24, 2021
Tech
Tiny swimming robots may help clean up a microplastics mess

By Stephen OrnesSeptember 10, 2021
Tech
Headphones or earmuffs could replace needles in some disease testing

By Sid PerkinsAugust 27, 2021
Chemistry
New glue offers to turn any small walking robot into Spider-Man

By Shi En KimAugust 18, 2021