Engineering
Science, Destroyer of Worlds—And Movie Scripts
Oppenheimer won’t bomb in the box office, but despite its director’s best efforts, the science in the film is a bit of a fizzle
Engineering1416 articles archived since 1845
Engineering
How Empty Office Spaces Can Be Converted into Homes
It is possible to transform empty office buildings into residential ones—but remodeling these spaces won’t be easy
Drug Use
Science Reveals How to Roll the Perfect Joint
Researchers used a smoking machine to test the intensity of marijuana rolled into joints
Engineering
Where Are the Worst Bridges in the U.S.?
More than 42,000 highway bridges across the country are in “poor” condition, according to national bridge inspection standards
Oceans
See How Crushing Pressures Increase in the Ocean’s Depths
If the missing Titan submersible was near the Titanic when it imploded, it would have experienced pressure higher than that of a great white shark bite
Engineering
50, 100 & 150 Years Ago: June 2023
Computer chess master; private bathing for birds
Engineering
50, 100 & 150 Years Ago: May 2023
King Tut’s bountiful tomb; music from fire
Engineering
The NYPD’s Robot Dog Was a Really Bad Idea: Here’s What Went Wrong
Design, context and timing influence whether humans embrace a robot or reject it
Engineering
50, 100 & 150 Years Ago: April 2023
Artificial rain; a scientist lives on Vesuvius
Pollution
Nord Stream Pipeline Blasts Stirred Up Toxic Sediment
The Nord Stream pipeline explosions happened in a dumping ground for chemical warfare, but other contaminants proved most toxic to marine life
Food
Why Is It So Hard to Make Vegan Fish?
Futuristic food science technology could finally bring plant-based salmon filets and tuna steaks to the table
Engineering
New Color-Changing Coating Could Both Heat and Cool Buildings
A thin film can switch from releasing heat to trapping it, and wrapping the coating around buildings could make them more energy-efficient
Natural Disasters
How to Engineer Buildings That Withstand Earthquakes
Though deadly quakes can’t be prevented, science does have some ways to protect buildings—and the people inside them
Computing
New Exascale Supercomputer Can Do a Quintillion Calculations a Second
New “exascale” supercomputers will bring breakthroughs in science. But the technology also exists to study nuclear weapons
Engineering
Flavor-Enhancing Spoons and Chopsticks Could Make Food Taste Better
New types of cutlery can enhance flavors such as sweetness or saltiness for a more satisfying meal
Engineering
Mighty Morphin’ Turtle Robot Goes Amphibious by Shifting Leg Shape
A turtle-inspired robot can morph its legs to move from land to water and back
Engineering
How to Construct Buildings That Have a Positive Impact on Climate and Biodiversity
Making buildings part of a circular economy that minimizes the waste of materials could yield huge environmental rewards
Engineering
The 60-Second Podcast Takes a Short Break—But Wait, There’s More
Scientific American’s short-form podcast has been going for 16 years, three months and seven days, counting today. But it’s time for us to evolve.
Engineering
Video: How to Make the Construction Industry Circular
The world is running out of sand. Is circular thinking the solution?
Engineering
Outdoor Air-Conditioning Cools the World Cup. But Is It Sustainable?
In an ever warming world, the health benefits of stadium air-conditioning may not outweigh the climate risks
