Computing

  1. Tech

    Virtual critters evolve bodies that help them learn

    A combination of evolution and learning may lead to more intelligent and agile robots.

    By Kathryn Hulick
  2. Computing

    Facial expressions could be used to interact in virtual reality

    New technology allows people to interact with virtual environments using just their facial expressions.

    By Alison Pearce Stevens
  3. Tech

    Scientists Say: Machine learning

    Machine learning allows computers to learn new skills without programmers having to write out step-by-step instructions.

    By Maria Temming
  4. Tech

    Easy for you, tough for a robot

    Robots still can’t do many things that we find easy. Can engineers reduce how klutzy robots are and boost their common sense?

    By Kathryn Hulick
  5. Tech

    Let’s learn about artificial intelligence

    Computers are getting smarter all the time. At some tasks, they can even outsmart people.

    By Maria Temming
  6. Computing

    Will this smartphone app become your exercise coach?

    When one teen couldn’t go to the gym, she invented an app to bring her gymnastics coach to her home. She succeeded and won a major award for it.

    By Bethany Brookshire
  7. Materials Science

    New device gets power from 5G signals grabbed from the air

    A new way to harvest electricity relies on a tiny array of antennas and a lens. Together, they collect and focus 5G signals coming from any direction.

    By Kathryn Hulick
  8. Brain

    Patterns in brain activity can identify who will struggle to read

    Certain patterns of brain activity predict whether teens are strong readers or will struggle. Those diagnostic patterns show up even when doing math.

    By Alison Pearce Stevens
  9. Climate

    Surfing the winds would make future jet travel greener

    Simple route changes could drastically cut fuel use and greenhouse-gas emissions, a new study finds.

    By Harini Barath
  10. Tech

    5G promises new energy savings for digital tech

    A new way to transmit wireless communications promises time and energy savings by using networks of smaller cells.

    By Kathryn Hulick
  11. Tech

    Greening your digital life

    The less electricity you use while playing video games or using your devices, the less impact you’ll have on climate change.

    By Kathryn Hulick
  12. Tech

    Training AI to be really smart poses risks to climate

    As artificial intelligence models grow larger and consume more energy, experts have begun to worry about their impact on Earth’s climate.

    By Kathryn Hulick