Air Conditioning Using 90 Percent Less Power
A U.S. government project combining two well-known technologies — swamp coolers and water-absorbing compounds — generates an amazingly efficient air conditioner.
Browsing Tag
Inventions
21 posts
Science Plugs Into Prediction Markets
Although some set-up hurdles remain, a market in scientific predictions may help us forecast innovation.
U.S. Challenged for High-Tech Global Leadership
A mixed picture emerges as science organizations examine the U.S. lead in innovation and where that lead is headed.
Desperately Seeking Landmines
Despite years of research on everything from 'HeroRATS' to TNT-sniffing bees, humans still remove most landmines by poking — very, very carefully — in the ground.
Where Does Innovation Come From?
A new book by W. Brian Arthur, a pioneer in the area of positive feedback in economics, argues that genius is overrated and technology drives its own innovations.
The Lotus as Water Repellant
Sto Corp's self-cleaning Lotusan exterior paint uses the plant's micro-structural qualities to remove dirt just after a rain.
Flowers and Solar Panels
MIT students use the concept of phototropism to design a sun-tracking solar panel that requires no motor or electronic control system.
Termites and Climate Control
An African skyscraper built in 2007 features a unique climate-control system inspired by the gigantic termite mounds found in the Zimbabwean bush.
Five Products From a Famous Multinational — Nature
A growing number of scientists, ecologists and entrepreneurs have begun to incorporate 'biomimicry' across a vast spectrum of enterprises.
Inventing for Peanuts
Jock Brandis invented a low-cost, people-powered peanut sheller that could raise millions out of poverty around the world. Now, if someone would just come up with the money to distribute it.