How Smart Does a TV Need to Be?
Sure, they're big and they're flat. But TVs still aren't that bright. This, however, could be the year they start acting more like smart phones.
February 09, 2012
| By Randy Rieland
It's not easy to think happy thoughts this time of year. But here are some examples of innovative thinking that remind us it will get better.
February 06, 2012
| By Randy Rieland
The technology developed for telescopes, it turns out, can harness solar power
February 03, 2012
| By Alaina G. Levine
The days are over when everyone at a Super Bowl party kept their eyes glued to the TV. Now most of us will be spending game day checking in on other screens, too, and advertisers want to be there with you.
February 02, 2012
| By Randy Rieland
Is that what it will take for NASA to get its mojo back? Or are there better ways to spend its money?
January 30, 2012
| By Randy Rieland
Whether it's iPads replacing textbooks or college courses being offered free around the world, education is moving into some uncharted territory.
January 26, 2012
| By Randy Rieland
A mass of debris from satellites and space missions is orbiting our planet—and it may be growing all the time
January 26, 2012
| By Joseph Stromberg
Scientists think all the personal information now being shared on social networks or collected by sensors could help them predict the future.
January 23, 2012
| By Randy Rieland
Research shows you can learn a few things about a person by watching where they're looking.
January 18, 2012
| By Randy Rieland
Here are young entrepreneurs whose innovative thinking has them poised for big things this year
January 17, 2012
| By Randy Rieland
With the Lytro camera, you no longer have to bother with focusing an image. Plus, your photos become interactive.
January 12, 2012
| By Randy Rieland
Is the day coming when your car will talk to your alarm clock and also check your heart rate?
January 09, 2012
| By Randy Rieland
Researchers are finding that our behavior may be more hard-wired than we'd like to believe. If so, can we handle the truth?
January 05, 2012
| By Randy Rieland
Here are more of the terms you should know if you want to feel plugged into innovations changing the way we live this year
January 03, 2012
| By Randy Rieland
Here are terms you should know if you want to show you're already plugged into the new year
December 29, 2011
| By Randy Rieland
In their day, maids a-milking and pipers piping might have made for one fine gift. But it is the 21st century. A replacement list is in order.
December 22, 2011
| By Randy Rieland
Thanks to medical innovations and research breakthroughs, living past your 100th birthday will one day not be such a big deal
December 19, 2011
| By Randy Rieland
Innovation happens so fast now that it's harder and harder to keep up with the pace. But is it really innovation?
December 15, 2011
| By Randy Rieland
At more and more restaurants you'll be ordering your meals on a tablet at your tabletop. Will we miss waiters?
December 13, 2011
| By Randy Rieland
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AT THE SMITHSONIAN
Scenes and Sightings from the Museums
- Around the Mall
- Visitor's Guide
Weekend Events Feb 10-12: Mourning, The Power of Chocolate Festival, and the Emerson String Quartet
This weekend, go to the Iranian Film Festival, taste and learn why chocolate was called the "food of the gods" by the Aztecs and Mayans, and enjoy a p...
By Aviva Shen
How Much the Hope Diamond is Worth and Other Questions From Our Readers
From American art, history and culture, air and space technology, contemporary art, Asian art and any of the sciences from astronomy to zoology, we'll...
By Aviva Shen
Events Feb 7-9: Water Matters, Multiplicity, and Touki Bouki
This week, learn why water matters, take a guided tour of the American Art Museum's exhibition, Multiplicity, and enjoy a free film at the African Art...
By Aviva Shen










