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

3D Printing

3D-printed nuclear reactor parts installed at US plant

An Alabama power plant is now using 3D-printed nuclear reactor parts, a milestone that could shape the future of nuclear energy.

Kristin Houser

Neuroscience

Implantable “neurograins” may be the key to mind-controlled tech

A new kind of brain-computer interface uses tiny neural implants called “neurograins” to record brain activity in rats.

Kristin Houser

Robotics

Robot café hires people with disabilities to operate robo-waiters

At the Dawn Avatar Robot Café in Tokyo, diners are served by robotic avatars controlled remotely by people with disabilities.

Kristin Houser

Entrepreneurs

The 2021 Disney Accelerator sheds light on Disney’s metaverse ambitions

From AI to AR to live video shopping: these are the 8 companies selected for the Disney’s yearly accelerator program.

Jesse Damiani

Clean Energy

The world’s first sodium-ion battery for EVs has arrived

The world’s biggest battery maker for EVs is now manufacturing a sodium-ion battery that could help end the industry’s dependence on lithium.

Kristin Houser

Drones

US Airman, missing in action, located by underwater drones

Project Recover has located the remains of an airman declared missing in action during the Vietnam War using a fleet of underwater drones.

Kristin Houser

DeepMind’s virtual playground suggests path to general AI

DeepMind’s virtual playground, XLand, could help create general AI by overcoming the problem of insufficient training data.

Kristin Houser

Transportation

Cyclists’ stress levels could improve road safety

To improve road safety, a new study suggests we measure cyclists’ stress levels as they navigate city streets to identify dangerous areas.

Kristin Houser

Facebook just made a huge upgrade to Oculus VR headsets

Here's how the Oculus Quest 2 just became a player in augmented reality.

Jesse Damiani

Transportation

The first U.S. electric tugboat will replace a tug that burns 30,000 gallons of diesel per year

Crowley Maritime Corp. is building the U.S.’s first electric tugboat for the port of San Diego.

Teresa Carey

Sections

Video

Freethink

We focus on solutions: the smartest people, the biggest ideas, and the most ground breaking technology shaping our future.