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

Transportation

Watch: Medic in jet suit reaches mountain top in 3.5 minutes

A paramedic in a jet suit flew up a mountain in just 3.5 minutes, demonstrating how the tech could shave valuable minutes off response times.

Kristin Houser

Inventions

Discovery of “impossible” superconductor promises 100x faster electronics

A device that gets electricity to flow through a superconductor in one direction without the use of magnets could revolutionize electronics.

Kristin Houser

Hacking

Bluetooth hack breaks into cars and smart locks

Researchers in the UK have identified a vulnerability in Bluetooth-based locks, including Kwikset smart locks and Teslas.

B. David Zarley

Bionics

Can your mind ever “own” an extra body part?

A robotic finger can feel like a part of our hand after just a short time using it, suggesting that our brains can "own" extra body parts.

Kristin Houser

Aerospace

NASA is planning to bring back supersonic flight over land

Supersonic flight over land is currently banned in the US, but a plane being built by NASA and Lockheed Martin could rewrite the rules.

Kristin Houser

Drones

Watch a drone swarm navigate a bamboo forest

By arming each drone with its own sensors, researchers have created the first swarm capable of navigating a wide environment.

B. David Zarley

Robotics

From robotic dogs to magnetic slime: 6 ways robots are helping humans

Robots are helping humans in a growing number of places - from archaeological sites to disaster zones to sewers.

Victoria Masterson

Big Tech

Google Maps’ “Immersive View” shows cities in a whole new way

Combining satellite and Street View images, Google Maps’ “immersive view” will let you explore select neighborhoods soon.

B. David Zarley

Apps

End-of-life planning app helps you prepare for mortality

End-of-life planning app Bereev helps you prepare for your death so that your loved ones will be able to focus on grieving after you pass.

Kristin Houser

Entertainment

Avatar 2: How much has CGI really improved since 2009?

Some critics say CGI has actually gotten worse. Here's why it's not so simple.

Stephen Johnson

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