The Little Inventions That Had a Big Impact

Because of small inventions, we’ve wound up with large buildings… Like the Shard: As a result, we can say thank you for the nail. The Impact of Small Inventions In a 99% Invisible podcast, a structural engineer selected the seven small…

Why We Should Care About “One-Click”

Asked to identify the most influential inventions, we might name the telephone or the light bulb. Then taking the next step, we need to consider what we mean by influential. In a recent paper, researchers told us what influential means…

When to Worry About Genericide

Companies with trademark protection can become the victims of genericide when their good or service becomes too popular.

Pride or Practicality? Debating NASA’s Budget

With NASA’s funding, the dilemmas of budget cuts range from intangible pride to practical on earth considerations.

The Inventions That Really Made a Difference

Lighting history can remind us that a technology timeline reflects countless incremental steps as progress unfolds.

Everything We Need To Know About Where Our Energy Comes From and Where It Goes

Looking at our energy use and emissions, we can see why we need unpredictable innovation more than “plugging in.”

The Tech We Cannot Resist From the 2023 CES

I’ve selected several irresistible items from this year’s CES (consumer electromics show) that might and might not shift our PP curves.

Happy Birthday Texting!

Looking back to the first text message, few of us would have predicted its spread and impact during the past 30 years.

Why We Want a Purple Tomato

Similar to all research and development, tomato innovation in the lab has produced a new antioxidant rich purple tomato.

Why a Starbucks Macchiato Is Like a Model-T Ford

Whether looking at coffee or cars, at Macchiatos or Model-T’s, producers care about taking fewer steps in the cafe and the factory.