Engineering

Biologists think it’s to keep insects away—but it took a couple of mechanical engineers to prove it

Arthur Ashkin, Gérard Mourou and Donna Strickland shared the Nobel Prize for finding ways to control and enhance laser light, leading to numerous common applications. 

Arthur Ashkin, Gérard Mourou and Donna Strickland share the 2018 physics Nobel for their work with lasers that have led to numerous practical applications, such as eye surgery.

Artificial intelligence is making it possible for anyone to manipulate audio and video. The biggest threat is that we stop trusting anything at all

The detectors aim to help oil and gas companies pinpoint methane leaks in their operations

Patterning a surface with tiny stripes of ice prevents frost formation on the rest of the surface—a technique that could keep planes or roads frost-free. Christopher Intagliata reports.

Terahertz millimeter-wave technology will screen passengers for bombs and suicide vests from 10 meters distance as they rush to make the next train

Researchers have designed a musical instrument that can detect counterfeit drugs by the pitch of its notes. Christopher Intagliata reports.

New algorithms will enable personal devices to learn any topic well enough to debate it

Understanding the latest innovations—and their challenges—will help society determine how to maximize their benefits

Coming soon: the world overlaid with data