Hard Tech

A close-up of an engine test firing, showcasing various connected hoses and cables, with the engine emitting blue flames from the nozzle, reminiscent of a powerful jet engine.

Ian Brooke wants to revolutionize flight as we know it

This Y Combinator-backed startup has invented a new kind of jet engine, radically more efficient and versatile than anything before it.

Ross Pomeroy

A gloved hand holds a pair of tweezers gripping a small black square object against a background with concentric circles.

Batteries

Solid-state batteries are finally making their way out of the lab

Solid-state batteries could soon challenge lithium-ion as the dominant tech for powering smartphones, EVs, and more.

Kristin Houser

Silhouette of jagged cybersecurity rock formations against a vibrant yellow sky at dusk.

Employment

“Cybersecurity shortage” could reach 85 million workers by 2030

The global talent shortage could reach 85 million workers by 2030, causing approximately $8.5 trillion in unrealized annual revenue.

Michelle Meineke | Senior Writer | World Economic Forum

Engineering

Russians reportedly building a satellite-blinding laser. How would it work?

If Russia is able to build the laser, it would be capable of shielding a large part of the country from the view of satellites.

Iain Boyd

Memory

Smartphones might actually be improving your memory

Rather than causing “digital dementia,” storing important information in a digital device can actually improve memory.

Kristin Houser

Cars

MIT’s new algorithm for self-driving cars is open-source

MIT scientists unveil the first open-source simulation engine capable of constructing realistic environments for autonomous vehicles.

Rachel Gordon | MIT CSAIL

Transportation

Flying sports car cleared for takeoff by FAA

Samson Sky has received approval from the FAA to begin flight testing its flying sports car, the three-wheeled Switchblade.

Kristin Houser

Engineering

15th century futurism: Leonardo da Vinci’s famous helicopter design finally takes flight

Da Vinci dreamed up a helicopter 400 years before they actually existed. Now, engineers have brought his design to life, but with a twist.

Tom Hartsfield

Drones

US Army’s solar-powered drone is setting new records every day

A solar-powered drone being tested by the US Army has set a record for long-endurance flight, remaining aloft for more than 40 days straight.

Kristin Houser

Clean Energy

Transparent solar panels could soon turn windows into energy harvesters

A new solar panel design can efficiently convert light into electricity, while still allowing almost 80% of incoming light to pass straight through.

Sam Jarman

Magic Leap reveals release date, price for new AR glasses

Two years after laying off half of its staff, Magic Leap is back with a new pair of AR glasses, the enterprise-focused Magic Leap 2.

Kristin Houser

This portable wind turbine folds up and fits in your backpack

In partnership with Million Stories

This personal wind turbine went viral. Can it be a real business?

Freethink Team

Sustainability

Google’s free tool will breathe new life into your old laptop

Google’s free ChromeOS Flex is now widely available, giving anyone the ability to turn their old laptop into a makeshift Chromebook.

Kristin Houser

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