Energy

A collage of agricultural elements including a satellite, crop fields, tomatoes, and growth charts illustrating data, boosted breeding techniques, chemical formulas, and a seedling highlights efforts to combat hunger.

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.

Kristin Houser

Aerial view of solar panels arranged in rows on green grass, partially obscured by a yellowish haze.

Clean Energy

US hits 180 GW of solar power. Here’s how we get to 1,000 by 2035.

A quick look at the history of solar power in the US and the trends that could lead us into our sun-powered future.

Kristin Houser

Clean Energy

Which technologies will enable a cleaner steel industry?

Technologies like hydrogen-based direct reduction of ore, electrolysis, and advanced furnace technologies could reduce steel emissions.

Daniel Boero Vargas and Mandy Chan | World Economic Forum

Engineering

Move the sun, save the earth: the plan to relocate our solar system

This stellar engine could harness the power of the sun to drag our solar system throughout the galaxy, preventing a catastrophic collision.

Teresa Carey

Sustainability

In a circular economy, leaders look to eliminate waste

A step further than recycling, a circular economy would eliminate the idea of garbage completely. But will consumers hop on board? We gave it a try, and here's our honest review.

Teresa Carey

Planet Earth

The fleet of underwater drones probing Earth’s interior

The Earth’s interior may be the last wild frontier, but not for long. These underwater drones are scanning the ocean to create a 3D model of its internal dynamics.

Teresa Carey

Climate Crisis

The robot racing to study Antarctica’s massive ice melt

Icefin, a semi-autonomous research vessel, is on a mission to search for clues about one of the continent’s fastest melting glaciers, the Thwaites Glacier.

Sarah Wells

Climate Crisis

Tree-planting drones restore charred forests

This Seattle startup is bringing new life to charred forests by releasing swarms of smart, tree-planting drones equipped with seeds, mini seedbeds, and cameras.

Teresa Carey

Nature is good for you. What about VR nature?

Nature has the power to reduce stress and enhance our moods. Can VR nature experiences be a substitute for physically spending time in the outdoors?

Teresa Carey

Sustainability

The fight to end illegal logging

Citizen scientists are collecting tree samples to build a genetic database that will help identify the origins of stolen lumber and stop illegal logging.

Teresa Carey

Sustainability

Floating farm takes sustainable agriculture to the next level

3:15

Inspired by the food shortages witnessed in New York City following Hurricane Sandy, this husband and wife team came up with the idea for a sustainable farm that floats on the sea.

Disaster Response

NASA wants YOU to help track landslides

NASA is enlisting citizen scientists to collect important data on recent landslides, in an effort to improve prediction models and assist in disaster prevention.

B. David Zarley

Agriculture

A “death-ray” for weeds could replace chemical weed killers

Dr. Graham Brodie of the University of Melbourne is working on a device for zapping stubborn weeds with microwaves.

B. David Zarley

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