Experimental Nuclear Fusion Reactor Proves Limitless, Clean Power Is Possible

Curbing climate change means finding a near-limitless, zero-carbon power source. To do that scientists have often turned to nuclear fusion—the process of fusing two or more atoms together, which releases massive amounts of energy (and is also the process that makes the sun and stars shine). But while scientists have been able to generate this energy before, they haven’t been able to sustain it for …

How Design Can Respond to Environmental Crises

Between increasing natural disasters, rising sea levels and melting ice caps, a climate change-induced apocalypse seems very real and us humans—with our endless capacity for production and consumption—are responsible. But does creating always harm the planet or are there ways that creative design can foster the human instinct to produce without harming the planet? Can we foster commensalism (a symbiotic relationship between species in which no harm …

Flying Microrobots Are Upgraded With New Artificial Muscles

Over the years, researchers at MIT have been developing aerial microrobots—tiny, insect-sized robots that can fly around and perform tasks—and have just revealed a big upgrade. The latest version utilizes a new fabrication technique that allows each bot to operate on 75% lower voltage and carry an 80% heavier payload. This technique creates soft actuators that act as artificial muscles around each bot’s four sets of wings. …