50, 100 & 150 Years Ago: February 2021
New computer architecture in 1971; multistage rocket theory in 1921
Engineering1320 articles archived since 1845
Spider Legs Build Webs without the Brain’s Help
Researchers decode spiders’ web-building behavior for application in future robots
Alexander Graham Bell Goes and Flies a Kite—for Science
After patenting the telephone, the famous inventor turned his attention to giant tetrahedral kites capable of lifting people into the air
Explosive Charges Protect Backcountry Skiers
Controlled avalanches are a major safety effort during a year of outdoor activities
Rotating Sails Help to Revive Wind-Powered Shipping
A century-old concept, Flettner rotors, gets a fresh look as shippers cut back fuel
Pandemic Leads Geoengineering Experiment to Move from U.S. to Sweden
The project aims to use a balloon to release particles into the atmosphere to tamp down warming
2020’s Top 10 Tech Innovations
Scientific American and the World Economic Forum sifted through more than 75 nominations for the most innovative and potentially game-changing technologies in 2020. The final top 10 span the fields of medicine, engineering, environmental sciences and chemistry. And to win the nod, the technologies must have the potential to spur progress in societies and economies by outperforming established ways of doing things...
This Robot Can Rap—Really
Deep-learning robot Shimon writes and rhymes in real time
Inventing Us: How Inventions Shaped Humanity
Materials scientist and science writer Ainissa Ramirez talks about her latest book The Alchemy of Us: How Humans and Matter Transformed One Another.
Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2020
Experts highlight advances with the potential to revolutionize industry, health care and society
Metal-Breathing Bacteria Synthesize High-Tech Material
Bacterial breathing helps to build a futuristic “2-D” semiconductor
Snap, Crackle, Whop--How to Win the Wishbone
Don’t crack under pressure! Explore the scientific—and sometimes sleazy—secrets to win a wish at this year’s Thanksgiving wishbone pull.
We Sometimes Missed the Boat—and Bridge
Einstein wrote for this publication, as did some non-Einsteins
New Space Weather Network Extends over Africa
Sensors will monitor solar emissions that threaten GPS and radio signals
Low-Carbon Cement Can Help Combat Climate Change
Microbes will help decarbonize the construction industry
Electric Aviation Could Be Closer Than You Think
Enabling air travel to decarbonize
Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2020
Experts highlight advances with the potential to revolutionize industry, health care and society
Sun-Powered Chemistry Can Turn Carbon Dioxide into Common Materials
Visible light can drive industrial processes
Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2020
Experts highlight advances with the potential to revolutionize industry, health care and society
Facial-Recognition Technology Needs More Regulation
Algorithms that can recognize people are too often biased or inaccurate—and they can easily invade our privacy
