The Material World
Though we live in a digital age, material science has shaped history—and it’s far from over. From quantum computers to fusion reactors, breakthroughs in materials will drive the next technological frontier.
Featured
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.
9 dumbphones to help curb your screen addiction
While smartphones keep getting more powerful, the growing dumbphone phenomenon is subverting expectations.
Boosted Breeding and beyond: 3 tech trends that could end world hunger
A world without hunger is possible, and the development and deployment of new farming technologies could be one key to manifesting it.
More
Solar powered cars could soon hit the streets — but can they be efficient enough to go mainstream?
If they work, solar-powered cars could be great for the environment. Here’s the startups working to make that happen.
Paris Olympics will ignite the future of electric flying taxis
France will soon begin testing electric air taxis at a hub outside of Paris, with plans to have dedicated flying taxi routes ready in time for the Olympic Games.
Falling traffic lights can kill. One tweak could save lives.
An impact-absorbing traffic light pole could save the lives of drivers and pedestrians, while also cutting repair and replacement costs.
Experimental bionic eye is ready for human trials
An experimental bionic eye designed to help restore vision in people with retinal degeneration is ready for human trials.
What comes after the ISS?
NASA is investing more than $400 million to help private companies develop space stations that could one day replace the ISS.
Goodbye, rubber. These new steel tires last a lifetime.
An Arizona-based startup called Global Air Cylinder Wheels (GACW) invented a steel tire that eliminates the need for polluting rubber tires.
Is this one-seat flying saucer the future of flight?
Startup ZEVA Aero’s vision for the future of eVTOLs is a one-person flying saucer-shaped vehicle that travels 160 miles per hour.
Bullet-shaped plane promises to slash air travel costs
Otto Aviation has finished phase 1 flight testing of its Celera 500L, a highly efficient airplane that could cut the cost of air travel.
This engineer fixed his own heart
When Tal Golesworthy was told he was at risk of his aorta bursting, he wasn’t impressed with the surgery on offer – so he came up with his own idea.
Delivery drones are now dropping off packages for Walmart
Walmart is now using Zipline delivery drones to get products to customers in Arkansas, previewing the future of on-demand delivery.
Superchargers are no longer just for Teslas
Non-Tesla EVs can now use a select number of Tesla Superchargers — and the goal is to expand that access to the entire Supercharger network.
Wireless power demonstration overcomes a major hurdle
Engineers have made optical beaming work in a proof-of-concept experiment. Their demonstration showed that wireless power could be just around the corner.
Autonomous race cars compete for $1 million prize
Autonomous race cars sped around a world-famous track in pursuit of a $1 million prize during the Indy Autonomous Challenge.
You can now buy a flying car for $92,000
More than 150 companies are developing flying cars. Here’s why they’re aren’t yet off the ground and darting across city skies.
Airless tires get their public test drive
Decades in development, Michelin’s airless tires finally hit the road.
Foldable electric cars join emergency response fleet in Israel
Emergency medical service organization United Hatzalah is adding foldable electric cars to its fleet to speed up its response times
Here’s what is really going wrong at our ports — and one simple, fast solution
There’s a myriad of disruptions along the entire chain. Solving this crisis before the global economy spins out of control is going to take many different and innovative approaches.
Germany unveils first-of-its-kind autonomous train
A new system that turns a standard electric metro train into a more efficient, higher-capacity autonomous train has debuted in Germany.
Series|
Make It Count
Artificial photosynthesis turns CO2 into sustainable fuel
A greener future by 2035 is in arm’s reach with this new tech decarbonizing the transportation industry.
Electric school buses: good for the planet, better for kids
School bus electrification is on the rise and heading toward a national fleet of people-movers that is healthier all around.
Subscribe to the newsletter