Story Archive
Big Data from Cheap Phones
Collecting and analyzing information from simple cell phones can provide surprising insights into how people move about and behave—and even help us understand the spread of diseases.
Additive Manufacturing
GE, the world’s largest manufacturer, is on the verge of using 3-D printing to make jet parts.
Friendly Machines
Making human-friendly robots is a pressing challenge and a big opportunity.
Data Sources
Mobile phones are great sources of data—but we must be careful about privacy.
Deep Learning
With massive amounts of computational power, machines can now recognize objects and translate speech in real time. Artificial intelligence is finally getting smart.
Prenatal DNA Sequencing
Reading the DNA of fetuses is the next frontier of the genome revolution. Do you really want to know the genetic destiny of your unborn child?
Memory Implants
A maverick neuroscientist believes he has deciphered the code by which the brain forms long-term memories.
Ultra-Efficient Solar Power
Doubling the efficiency of solar devices would completely change the economics of renewable energy. Here is a design that just might make it possible.
Okonjo the Troublemaker
Nigeria’s finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, MCP ’78, PhD ’81, isn’t afraid to clean house.
