Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions

  1. Chemistry

    Here’s how to make flip-flops biodegradable

    Innovative flip-flops made from an algae-based plastic decompose in soil or compost. The comfy shoes also avoid use of fossil fuels.

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  2. Physics

    Scientists Say: Velocity

    Velocity is more than speed. It is both speed and the direction in which an object is traveling.

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  3. Animals

    The diabolical ironclad beetle is nearly unsquishable

    The diabolical ironclad beetle is an incredibly tough little creature. A peek inside its exoskeleton reveals what makes it virtually uncrushable.

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  4. Tech

    This artificial skin feels ‘ghosts’ — things you wish were there

    Engineers have developed a wearable device that simulates the sense of touch. It may benefit robotic surgery and deep-sea exploration.

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  5. Tech

    Ordinary paper turns into flexible human-powered keypad

    Engineers have figured out how to turn sheets of paper into rugged, low-cost electronic devices, such as a computer keypad.

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  6. Materials Science

    Analyze This: Insect shells could help builders on Mars

    When mixed with rocky soil, a compound called chitin makes a strong material. It could be pulled from the shells of insects used for food.

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  7. Tech

    ‘Frozen smoke’ could protect electronics from annoying static

    A fluffy material made from cellulose nanofibers and silver nanowires can protect electronic devices by blocking more than 99.99 percent of disrupting interference, a new study reveals.

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  8. Science & Society

    Batteries not included: This Game Boy look-alike doesn’t need them

    Game Boy revolutionized the gaming industry. A newer version could help slow the rate of climate change.

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  9. Tech

    Trees power this alarm system for remote forest fires

    Wind moving through tree branches is all the energy needed to power devices that can detect a remote fire before it rages into an uncontrolled inferno.

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  10. Tech

    This high-tech sweeper is designed for super-clingy moon dust

    An electron beam is the newest tool being developed to remove sticky and damaging lunar dust from surfaces.

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  11. Environment

    Washing your jeans too much might pose risks to the environment

    Jeans shed thousands of denim fibers in every wash. Those fibers, and the chemicals used to treat them, now are showing up in even the Arctic Ocean.

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  12. Humans

    Changing climates can take cooling tips from warm regions

    When summer heat waves hit northern cities, people might look to keep cool using tropical building strategies — and forgotten architectural wisdom.

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