Engineering

Cracks in flexible electronics run deeper than expected—but engineers may have a fix

From foldable phones and smartwatches to medical sensors and portable solar panels, flexible electronics are becoming part of everyday life. These devices bend, fold, and...

Scientists develop eco-friendly way to extract lithium from salt lakes

The demand for lithium is soaring worldwide. As the key ingredient in rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, smartphones, and energy storage systems, lithium is essential...

How high temperatures weaken people and machines

Heat is something we all feel, whether it’s a hot summer day or the warmth given off by a phone or laptop. But beyond discomfort,...

Scientists create 2D nanomaterials with nine metals for extreme conditions

Scientists have taken a big step forward in the design of nanomaterials that could withstand some of the harshest conditions in technology and industry. A...

Scientists use light to split hydrogen at room temperature

Hydrogen is one of the most important ingredients in the chemical industry. About a quarter of all chemical processes around the world include at least...

Physicists create a visible time crystal that could change technology

Imagine a clock that never needs batteries, one that ticks forever on its own. That’s close to what physicists at the University of Colorado Boulder...

Octopus-inspired design could transform underwater vehicles

A team of engineers at the University of Iowa has developed a new underwater technology that takes inspiration from the incredible abilities of the...

New electric vehicle battery can charge in 12 minutes for 800 km drive

Electric vehicles (EVs) are about to get a huge boost thanks to a new battery technology from Korean researchers. For years, scientists have been working...

Students build game-changing 3D printer for rocket engines

Rocket engines today already rely heavily on 3D printing to squeeze out the best performance. But a group of students at ETH Zurich may...

Fingernail-sized sensor could detect hydrogen leaks in seconds

Hydrogen is often called the fuel of the future. It burns cleanly, leaving only water behind, and many countries are betting on it to power...