archive
The Quest For The Perfect Toothbrush
December 27, 2012 There were 138 toothbrush-related patents filed this year in the U.S. Why so many new ideas? "Cleaning the teeth is actually a pretty complex problem, and I think that's why there's been so much invention around it," says the head of Colgate's global toothbrush division.
Big News From Mars? Rover Scientists Mum For Now
November 20, 2012 Data from a soil sample on Mars have NASA scientists buzzing with excitement over a finding that could be "one for the history books." But they're not spilling the beans about their discovery just yet.
Cellphone Medical Test Wins NPR's 'Big Idea' Contest
September 5, 2012 Here's a big idea: Use a cellphone to create a cheap, simple way to diagnose heart problems in countries with no health care system. High school senior Catherine Wong won our "Joe's Big Idea" video contest by inventing a mobile ECG and building a working prototype.
3 Clues To How Geography Fuels Innovation
September 5, 2012 Forget the notion of great inventors toiling in isolation. There's plenty of proof that geography has a big influence on innovation, with some cities inspiring far more innovation than others.
Telescope Innovator Shines His Genius On New Fields
August 23, 2012 Astronomer Roger Angel completely revolutionized the large telescopes that scientists use to look at the stars. Now he wants to use his mirror technology to make solar energy cheaper and more efficient.
Meet The Semifinalists In Our 'Joe's Big Idea' Contest
August 22, 2012 We received dozens of video entries, and we've seen some great ideas. Now that the votes have been tallied, check out the young innovators who have advanced to the semifinal round.
So You Landed On Mars. Now What?
August 10, 2012 Adam Steltzner, the leader of the Mars rover's entry, descent and landing engineering team, says he was terrified of "a false positive celebration" in the control room. Fortunately for him, Curiosity landed perfectly. Now he's eyeing Jupiter's moon.
Scientists Look To Martian Rocks For History Of Life
August 5, 2012 A rover poised for a Mars landing late Sunday will explore higher and farther than any before. It's loaded down with experiments designed to test the rocks and atmosphere of Mars. Question No. 1: Was there life there?
Crazy Smart: When A Rocker Designs A Mars Lander
August 3, 2012 Adam Steltzner's father told him he wouldn't amount to much. He spent his youth barely passing school and "studying sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll," he says. Then he found a purpose in the stars — and led the team that dreamed a daring new scheme to get NASA's latest rover on Mars.
When Art Meets Science, You'll Get The Picture
July 19, 2012 Sure, you've got a world-changing idea — but can you explain it? This new collaboration challenges artists to illuminate the inventions of young scientists.
The Salt
Cool Down With A Hot Drink? It's Not As Crazy As You Think
July 11, 2012 Hot tea might not sound like the most refreshing of drinks for a 100-degree day. But neuroscientists say that receptors in your mouth may send a cool message when they detect hot foods.
Tell the World Your Big Idea With NPR's 'What's Your Big Idea?' Video Contest
July 9, 2012 Do you have a good idea? Something that could change the world? NPR wants to know. Our new "What's Your Big Idea?" video contest will showcase the big ideas of people ages 13 to 25. It's all part of our exploration of the process of innovation and invention. So, what's your big idea?
When It Comes To Invention, This Guy Was No Rube
July 4, 2012 Rube Goldberg's name has become synonymous with the American spirit of invention. No wonder: He was born on the Fourth of July. And what's more American than inventing new ways to get the ketchup onto the holiday hot dog?
5 Ways To Spark Your Creativity
June 21, 2012 Inspiration may seem rare, but you might be able to increase the odds of having a genius moment. Research points to some surprisingly simple triggers of innovation: taking a shower, living in a far-off land or working in a blue room. Eureka!
'Eliminate Dengue' Team Has A Deep (Lab) Bench
June 8, 2012 Australian researcher Scott O'Neill is leading a charge to rid the world of dengue fever. And it's a real team sport, he says: "We don't work in isolation in any projects in science these days. The days of having someone beavering away by themselves in the backroom have long gone."
