Tech
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Math
Hidden Figures highlights three black women who were vital to the U.S. space program
"Hidden Figures" tells the untold story of the "human computers" who were essential to the launch of the U.S. space program.
- Tech
Cells snack on nanowires
Human cells eat silicon nanowires in a process called phagocytosis. Nanowire-infused cells could be a step towards biological electronic devices.
- Computing
Year in review: AlphaGo scores a win for artificial intelligence
AlphaGo’s triumph over its human opponent provides a glimpse into the future of artificial intelligence.
- Tech
Caterpillar robot uses squishy, 3-D printed legs to inch and crawl
Squishy, 3-D printed legs help a caterpillar robot switch between inching and crawling, and offer sensory info about the world.
- Tech
Rise of reusable rockets signals a new age of spaceflight
Successful landings by SpaceX and Blue Origin raise the prospect of cheaper and more efficient spaceflight.
- Tech
Five challenges for self-driving cars
Scientific and technical experts weigh in on the biggest hurdles for autonomous vehicles, and how ongoing research will help.
- Materials Science
Graphene Silly Putty detects pitter-patter of spider footsteps
Sensor made of graphene and Silly Putty can detect pulse, breathing — and spider feet.
- Tech
Zippy new jumping bot catches air again and again
Leaping robot can bounce from floor to wall, parkour-style, and, like a bush baby, uses a “super-crouch” to get extra oomph out of jumps.
- Science & Society
Readers respond to the SN 10, and awards for Science News
The human side of science, cool cloth and more in reader feedback.
- Tech
Double-charging material makes a run in the sun extra powerful
Textile stores energy from the sun and a person’s movements to power devices.
- Tech
New technique shows cells’ molecules in color
A new electron microscopy technique reveals cellular details in multicolor
- Tech
Artificial intelligence needs smart senses to be useful
Editor in chief Eva Emerson discusses the future of artificial intelligence.
