Materials
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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How Ford built “an efficiency engine” around the Model T
An excerpt from author and structural engineer Brian Potter’s forthcoming book, “The Origins of Efficiency.”
The left–right twist that could rewrite tech
Scientists are harnessing chirality — the left- and right-handedness of molecules — to build better batteries, sharper displays, and more.
America’s path to maritime leadership is clear — but it demands urgency
America leads the world in aerospace, software, and clean energy. Here’s how it can lead in maritime, too.
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The US just certified its first fully electric flying car
Alef Aeronautics’ Armada Model Zero is the first fully electric flying car to secure a certificate of airworthiness from the FAA.
Toyota claims it will double the range of EVs in less than 3 years
Toyota’s been a bit behind the EV game, but claims game-changing batteries and new EV models are on the way.
Tesla Superchargers will soon work with Ford and GM EVs
Ford and GM vehicles will be able to use the 12,000 Superchargers in early 2024, helping potentially set a new charging standard.
Delta debuts spaces for passengers with wheelchairs
Passengers who use a power wheelchair have a uniquely arduous air travel experience. But a new seat looks to change that.
Why EV growth in US could be much faster than expected
Consumer preferences and technological trends suggest that most buyers will be ready to choose an EV by 2030.
How the world’s most sensitive yardstick reveals secrets of the universe
When two massive objects – like black holes or neutron stars – merge, they warp space and time. Here’s the tool that measures the resulting waves.
Why has no one broken the land speed record for 25 years?
Two groups are competing to be the first to create a 1,000-mph car, which would shatter the current land speed record.
Ancient technology that was centuries ahead of its time
These forward-thinking inventions are often called “ahead of their time.” They are reflections of the ingenuity of their civilizations.
Watch: Autonomous helicopter takes flight at sea
Airbus’ VSR700, an autonomous helicopter designed for naval use, has successfully completed test flights at sea.
Fully self-driving cars are finally available on Uber
Uber has teamed up with robotaxi operator Waymo to make rides in fully autonomous cars available to its customers.
Watch the world’s largest plane drop a hypersonic aircraft
Aerospace company Stratolaunch has dropped a hypersonic aircraft from its record-breaking Roc launch platform for the first time.
New tech creates liquid buttons on touchscreens
Carnegie Mellon researchers want to return a sense of touch to touchscreens.
World’s first thermal energy storage “gigafactory” opens
Israel’s Brenmiller Energy has opened what is believed to be the first thermal energy storage gigafactory in the world.
The grid isn’t ready for 300 million EVs by 2030. Here’s how to fix it.
There were 16.5 million electric vehicles on the world’s roads in 2020 – this is expected to rise to 300 million by 2030.
Massive autonomous robot is 3 to 5 times faster than a human construction crew
Built Robotics has unveiled an autonomous construction robot that speeds up the installation of utility-scale solar farms.
Battery density breakthrough could be enough to power electric planes
CATL, the largest manufacturer of EV batteries in the world, has announced a new super powerful one — but details are light.
Cruise driverless cars can now operate 24/7 across San Francisco
GM-backed Cruise has announced that it can now operate its driverless car service 24/7 in San Francisco.
Astronomers have directly detected a massive exoplanet. The method could transform the search for life beyond Earth.
There are many techniques to search for planets orbiting other stars. Perhaps the simplest of these is called direct imaging, but it’s not easy.
The paper plane world record has been shattered
Boeing engineers who grew up folding paper planes at family days have broken the distance flight record.
NASA’s Habitable Worlds Observatory to finally answer the epic question: “Are we alone?”
The Nancy Roman Telescope is already being built with a goal no smaller than to find inhabited planets beyond Earth.
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