Biotech
Gel-Based Sensor Continuously Monitors Wounds for Infection
The device can sit beneath a bandage and send infection alerts directly to a smartphone
Electronics1808 articles archived since 1845
Pollution
Assessing COVID Risk and More with Air Quality Monitors
The consumer devices track pollutants as well as CO2—a proxy for potentially virus-laden human breath
Electronics
All Small Electronics Should Have the Same Charging Port, New E.U. Rule Says
In a bid to reduce waste, a proposed regulation would require phones and other small electronics to switch to USB-C
Energy
This Room Could Wirelessly Charge All Your Devices
New technology delivers power to electronic devices in a test space
Agriculture
In-Hive Sensors Could Help Ailing Bee Colonies
The technology could help beekeepers reduce short-term losses, but it doesn’t address long-term problems facing honeybees
Electronics
Flexible Microprocessor Could Enable an ‘Internet of Everything’
Researchers have developed a microprocessor built on high-performance plastic rather than silicon—and they say it could enable smarter food labels and supply chain management...
Electronics
Smartphones Can Hear the Shape of Your Door Keys
Can you pick a lock with just a smartphone? New research shows that doing so is possible.
Engineering
2020’s Top 10 Tech Innovations
Scientific American and the World Economic Forum sifted through more than 75 nominations for the most innovative and potentially game-changing technologies in 2020. The final top 10 span the fields of medicine, engineering, environmental sciences and chemistry. And to win the nod, the technologies must have the potential to spur progress in societies and economies by outperforming established ways of doing things...
Computing
The Most Vulnerable Ransomware Targets Are the Institutions We Rely On Most
Many vital public institutions such as hospitals and fire stations lack cybersecurity to ward off popular malware
Electronics
Mining Rare-Earth Elements from Fossilized Fish
Strange as it might seem, a 2,500-square-kilometer zone south of one tiny Pacific island could supply four substances that are crucial to modern electronics for centuries
Electronics
Blood and Silicon: New Electronics-Cooling System Mimics Human Capillaries
Microchannels strategically carved in chips could help meet demand for ever-smaller devices and cut energy use
Electronics
Cheap, Self-Powered Fire Sensor Could Sound an Early Alarm
A new sensor printed on an ordinary piece of paper can send a wireless alert
Computing
Unlimited Information Is Transforming Society
Technology is blurring the lines between consumers and producers, amateurs and professionals, and laypeople and experts. We’re just starting to understand the implications
Biotech
New Pen-and-Ink Method Draws Health Sensors Directly on Skin
Using electronic ink and stencils, researchers created a cheap heart monitor and other health-detecting devices
Electronics
Speaker System Blocks City Noise
The system works like noise-cancelling headphones but fits over an open window. Christopher Intagliata reports.
Electronics
First Picturephone Requires an Enormous Pocket
Originally published in July 1964
Computing
When Will Speech-Recognition Software Finally Be Good Enough?
Think how much time we’d save if voice assistants always understood commands or questions the first time
Engineering
Winged “PigeonBot” Flies with Real Feathers
A flying robot reveals how birds stay aloft and could inspire next-generation drones
Electronics
Ultrasonic Attack Device Hacks Phones through Solid Objects
Hackers could trick voice assistants to make calls or compromise texts
Electronics
Augmented Reality Is Getting Real
AR headsets are still bulky and expensive, but smartphone-based apps are filling the gap
