Innovations

A Preview of CES: When Cars Become Smartphones

Is the day coming when your car will talk to your alarm clock and also check your heart rate?

January 9, 2012

Just How Free is Free Will?

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 5, 2012

The ABCs of 2012, Part II

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 3, 2012

The ABCs of 2012, Part I

Here are terms you should know if you want to show you’re already plugged into the new year

December 29, 2011

The Twelve Days of Gadgets

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

One Step Closer to Beating Old Age

Thanks to medical innovations and research breakthroughs, living past your 100th birthday will one day not be such a big deal

December 19, 2011

So Many Gadgets, So Little Time

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

My Name is Presto and I’ll Be Your Waiter

At more and more restaurants you’ll be ordering your meals on a tablet at your tabletop. Will we miss waiters?

December 13, 2011

A Game Where Nice Guys Finish First

Researchers found that when it comes to building social networks, people much prefer someone who likes to cooperate over a person who looks out for himself

December 6, 2011

Will Flying Get Its Mojo Back?

Changes are on the way that should ease the grim gauntlet of long lines, security checks and cramped seats

November 22, 2011

For Children, Print Titles—Not e-Books—Reign

The act of sitting with a child and paging through pictures and words together, offers a shared understanding of the world and a memorable experience

November 22, 2011

Snooze Science Yields Doze Apps

Now you can reportedly track what your brain has been doing all night, all in the name of a good night’s sleep

November 17, 2011

In the Military, Inventiveness of All Kinds Is a Weapon

Experts say a changing battlefield prompts calls for increasing emotional intelligence as well as technical prowess

November 15, 2011

Robots Get the Human Touch

Robots are able to do a lot of things. But now they’re taking on the biggest challenge of all: Figuring out how humans work

November 10, 2011

Engineering the Climate

The idea of manipulating the Earth’s atmosphere has been derided as too risky and too arrogant. That may be changing

November 2, 2011

Where Fear Lives

Scientists are testing innovative ways to keep frightening memories from controlling people’s lives

October 31, 2011

Nine Inventions Whose Time Has Come

Some are ingenious, some long overdue and some a bit strange. But all provide a glimpse of a different future

October 27, 2011

Can Crowdsourcing Really Spark Innovation?

Companies and scientists are using games and competitions to bring in fresh thinking from outsiders

October 24, 2011

3D Printers Are Building the Future, One Part at a Time

Don’t just download music. Download sculpture. Or a bicycle. That’s the promise of 3D printing

October 20, 2011

Seven Reasons to Believe Electric Cars Are Getting in Gear

They’re not ready for prime time, but electric cars are starting to pick up speed

October 18, 2011