Scientific Innovation

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Edison vs. Westinghouse: A Shocking Rivalry

The inventors' battle over the delivery of electricity was an epic power play

"Greetings, Britons and everybody." Queen Victoria at about the time she made her Graphophone recording.

In Search of Queen Victoria’s Voice

The British monarch was present when a solicitor demonstrated one of the earliest audio recording devices. But did she really say "tomatoes"?

Are these machines making us stupid?

Are Machines Dumbing Us Down?

The idea that technology is causing us to lose our mental edge won't go away

Solyndra offices

Can Solar Survive the Solyndra Swirl?

Following the collapse of the ballyhooed solar firm, these are dark times for renewable energy. But big players are betting it's treehugger fantasy

The smart helmets of the future?

Football Tech to Protect Players

From "smart helmets" to "intelligent mouthguards," football tackles the challenge of high technology to reduce injury and improve the game

Hurricane Irene makes landfall.

Can We Do Something About This Weather?

Most climate scientists say we should expect extreme weather to happen more often in the future. Do we have to be satisfied with just being prepared?

Computers are coming closer and closer to mimicking the human brain.

When Computers Get Brains

IBM scientists say their "cognitive" chip is a key step toward developing computers that think and learn more like human beings and less like calculators

What can our schools do to better prepare students for the workplace?

A Cheat Sheet to Help Schools Foster Creativity

Corporate execs say they're looking for independent thinkers, but schools are stilled geared to assembly lines. Here are ideas to spur imaginative learning

An underwater system generates power through blades that mimic the swaying motion of coral and kelp.

How Nature Makes Us Smarter

Charles Steinmetz, circa 1915

Charles Proteus Steinmetz, the Wizard of Schenectady

His contributions to mathematics and electrical engineering made him one of the most beloved and instantly recognizable men of his time.

An ideal spot for relaxation

How to Enjoy National Relaxation Day

Some folks say this should be declared National Relaxation Day. Here are some products that claim to help you get your mellow on

The M-dress

Clothes Encounters

Clothing embedded with nanotechnology taps into our growing desire to turn everyday things into electronic gadgets

Body hackers can get all sorts of information about their personal health.

Me, My Data and I

The Department of Innovation logo by Jamie Simon

Welcome to the Department of Innovation

An introduction to our new blog about people and ideas that likely will shape the way we will live one day

Before wastewater is treated, scientists can look for traces of illegal drugs.

Sewage Epidemiology Not Just a Pipe Dream

Scientists are beginning to analyze sewage to track the use of illegal drugs

Engineer Tad McGeer, at his company's headquarters near Bingen, Washington, played a key role in getting the civilian drone industry off the ground.

Drones are Ready for Takeoff

Will unmanned aerial vehicles—drones—soon take civilian passengers on pilotless flights?

"We're just seeing the start of matching patients with the right drug and seeing rapid improvements," says Dr. Brian Druker.

A Triumph in the War Against Cancer

Oncologist Brian Druker developed a new treatment for a deadly cancer, leading to a breakthrough that has transformed medicine

Wanted: new tools for learning science.

Up with Science

The Solúcar facility's acres of heliostats, or mirrors, focus the sun's rays to create temperatures of 570 degrees, generating energy but not harmful emissions.

A Spanish Breakthrough in Harnessing Solar Power

Solar technologies being pioneered in Spain show even greater promise for the United States

Contact lenses that act as computer screens face an obstacle: power.

Embedded Technologies: Power From the People

Energy harvested from our bodies will make possible mind-boggling gadgetry

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