Microscale 3-D Printing
Inks made from different types of materials, precisely applied, are greatly expanding the kinds of things that can be printed. Jennifer Lewis, a materials scientist at Harvard University, prints intricately shaped objects from “the ground up,” adding materials that are useful for their mechanical properties, electrical conductivity or optical traits. This means 3-D printing technology could make objects that sense and respond to their environment.
Brain Mapping
A new map shows structures of the brain in far greater detail than ever before, providing neuroscientists with a guide to its immense complexity. Understanding the brain in close detail and depth can give immense power to resolve a number of humanity’s problems.
Smart Wind and Solar Power
Big data and artificial intelligence are producing ultra-accurate forecasts that will make it feasible to integrate much more renewable energy into the grid. Xcel, one of the country’s largest utilities, has installed more wind power than any other U.S. utility and supports a mandate for utilities to get 30 percent of their energy from renewable sources.