Engineering Design

  1. Materials Science

    Analyze This: Algae behind blue-glowing waves light up a new device

    Some algae glow blue when they experience forces. Held in transparent plastic, they now make devices light up in response to gentle pushes and tugs.

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  2. Computing

    Scientists Say: Code

    Writing code allows people to tell computers and other smart devices what to do.

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  3. Physics

    In a breakthrough experiment, fusion gave off more energy than it used

    The sun creates energy through nuclear fusion. Now scientists have too. This achievement raises hopes for developing a new type of clean energy.

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  4. Chemistry

    Scientists Say: Rubisco

    Rubisco is a key protein in the process of photosynthesis, which feeds plants — and, in turn, us.

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  5. Computing

    Sleep helps AI models learn new things without forgetting old ones

    Breaks in training meant to mimic human sleep helped artificial intelligence learn multiple tasks.

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  6. Physics

    Does the size of a parachute matter?

    How does a parachute work? Do bigger parachutes work better than smaller parachutes? Find out in this science project whether the size of the parachute matters.

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  7. Tech

    Think twice before using ChatGPT for help with homework

    ChatGPT is a new AI tool that generates well-formed writing and code. Despite many benefits, it makes cheating easy and can supply bad information.

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  8. Tech

    New robot can pick up a single drop of liquid

    The new device, which looks like a pair of plastic pinchers, is the first to be able to pick up individual droplets of liquid.

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  9. Tech

    Can a robot ever become your friend?

    Social robots can teach, help and keep people company. What would it take for machines to form real friendships with people? And do we even want that?

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  10. Environment

    For a better brick, just add poop

    Sewage sludge. Cow dung. They’re not just waste — scientists are finding uses for processed poop in construction materials.

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  11. Physics

    How salty does the sea have to be for an egg to float?

    Some objects float on top of the ocean, and other objects sink to the bottom. Why? Try this eggs-periment to find out!

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  12. Tech

    Will the internet soon reach the one-third of people without it?  

    Access to the internet is a human right, yet much of the world can’t get online. New tech has to be affordable and usable to end this digital divide.

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