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

Diagram of sound waves forming an object

3D Printing

German scientists 3D print objects with “acoustic holograms”

By using shaped ultrasound, researchers in Germany have developed a way to 3D print objects in one shot.

B. David Zarley

Inventions

5 things you didn’t know GPS could do

You’d be surprised at all the things that GPS — the global positioning system that underlies all of modern navigation — can do.

Alexandra Witze | Knowable Magazine

Neuroscience

New brain implant breaks record for turning thoughts into text

Stanford researchers have developed a brain-computer interface that allowed a woman to “type” 62 words per minute using only her thoughts.

Kristin Houser

Computer Science

An open-source option is shaking up the microchip industry

The RISC-V architecture for microchips is transitioning from a novelty to a major player in the tech world.

Kristin Houser

Engineering

Cosmic dust from Venus is inspiring new air pollution-busting technology

Inspired by chemistry observed on the surface of Venus, researchers produced a synthetic material that could improve air quality.

Alexander James

Transportation

Mercedes-Benz wins race to bring Level 3 autonomous cars to US

Mercedes-Benz has permission to deploy its Level 3 autonomous driving system, DRIVE PILOT, in Nevada, and California could soon follow.

Kristin Houser

Aerospace

Scientists use laser beam to divert lightning strikes

Since the time of Benjamin Franklin, we’ve looked for ways to control, or at least deflect, lightning strikes. Enter laser-guided lightning.

Tom Hartsfield

3D Printing

This 3D-printed home is made entirely of bio-based materials

Maine researchers are testing a new approach to 3D printing homes, swapping out the standard concrete “ink” for a material made of wood waste.

Kristin Houser

Engineering

Elevator technology is going up

A new generation of elevator technology may soon change the way you ride.

B. David Zarley

Medicine

Seven science and tech breakthroughs you may have missed this year

A roundup of major science and tech achievements that flew under the radar in 2022, including new vaccines, advanced solar cells, and more.

Kristin Houser

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