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.
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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.
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New nuclear fusion test overcomes “exhaust problem”
The UK’s MAST Upgrade nuclear fusion experiment appears to have solved the “exhaust problem,” a major hurdle to harnessing fusion power on Earth.
Ford unveils its first electric pickup truck
Ford’s first electric truck, the F-150 Lightning, has the potential to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles in the U.S.
New solid-state lithium battery can be recharged 10,000 times
Harvard University researchers have developed a solid-state lithium battery they believe could allow electric vehicles to last 10 to 15 years.
Transloc is using big data to create a more efficient public transit system
Cities across the U.S. are creating on-demand van transportation systems that work like Uber, but for the cost of a bus fare.
Traffic: This 100-year failure is getting a solution
These smart traffic lights are making transportation safer and more sustainable than ever before.
Bat-inspired sound location tech could allow drones to fly solo
Inspired by bat’s ears, researchers at Virginia Tech have created a device capable of pinpointing sound location more accurately than other tech — or our ears.
Drone light show creates scannable QR code in the sky
A drone light show staged in celebration of the “Princess Connect! Re:Dive” video game ended with the drones forming a scannable QR code in the sky.
Airbus will test laser communication tech for inflight WiFi
Airbus is developing a laser communication system to increase the security of military operations and bring faster inflight Wi-Fi to passenger planes.
Extreme E is bringing electric SUV racing to the ends of the Earth
With climate change and gender equity at its core, Extreme E is bringing electric SUV racing to the wild.
Airless bike tires made of space-age metal never go flat
In 2022, a startup will begin selling airless bike tires that never go flat because they’re made out of a special NASA-developed metal alloy.
A battery revolution could make electric cars a reality for everyone
We’ll need a new type of battery to make electric cars cheaper and convenient.
The future of cities starts with transportation equity
People in low-income areas have a harder time accessing jobs, schools, and health care. How can we make public transit more equitable?
SpaceX targets moving vehicles with Starlink satellite internet
SpaceX has asked the FCC for permission to attach terminals for its Starlink satellite internet to larger vehicles, such as trucks, airplanes, and boats.
Underwater gliders could soon run off of the ocean’s changing temperatures
California company Seatrec wants to bring their temperature-harnessing generator technology to underwater gliders.
This mass-produced solar car costs just $25,900
The Aptera solar car is expected to hit roads in 2021, but even if it’s not the next big thing in transportation, its design elements could be.
Electric flying car races get the green flag
Airspeeder is bringing electric flying car racing to the skies in 2021.
New scooter battery can charge in 5 minutes. Can it transform electric cars?
StoreDot’s battery fully charges in just five minutes, and it can be manufactured on the same production lines as today’s EV batteries.
Autonomous trucks are taking to the highways
Self-driving cars get all the love, but autonomous trucks are already hitting the road, with a “driver-out” demonstration scheduled for 2021.
The next car you purchase could include 3D printed parts
Automakers are relying more heavily on 3D printing, and for drivers, that means more customization options.
Smartphone app gives independent travel to the disabled
A new smartphone app unlocks independent travel for people with intellectual disabilities.
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