Most Innovative Companies

Science

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2013: Top 50, Social Media, Style

Stories about Science

This map of the U.S. heating up is horrifying

The U.S. looks like it’s on fire.

This map of the U.S. heating up is horrifying

People trust black COVID-19 masks more than others. But why?

If you want someone to feel safe around you, go with a black (or white) mask.

People trust black COVID-19 masks more than others. But why?

STEM careers require the same kind of creative thinking as the arts, says new research

Surprisingly, creativity is general in nature, according to a new study that has big implications for education.

STEM careers require the same kind of creative thinking as the arts, says new research

This breakthrough battery recharges itself for limitless energy

It’s not a lot of power, but for many devices, it will be enough.

This breakthrough battery recharges itself for limitless energy

How one lab is turning algae into flip-flops—and taking on Big Plastic in the process

Traditional plastic is terrible for the environment. This biodegradable plastic could be a solution.

How one lab is turning algae into flip-flops—and taking on Big Plastic in the process

See the $135 million underwater lab designed by Fabien Cousteau and Yves Béhar

Four times larger than any underwater lab to date, it could change underwater research forever.

See the $135 million underwater lab designed by Fabien Cousteau and Yves Béhar

What my parents Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan taught me about the power of daily rituals

In her first book, For Small Creatures Such as We, author Sasha Sagan explores the significance of ritual in an unpredictable universe.

What my parents Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan taught me about the power of daily rituals

A scientific study on gift wrapping reveals why presents should look messy

Two colleagues and I wondered whether all that time and effort is actually worth it. Does a beautiful presentation actually lead to a better-liked gift? Or is it the other way around?

A scientific study on gift wrapping reveals why presents should look messy

The Ice Age tar pits of Los Angeles are getting a fresh new design

These bubbling pools of crude oil have existed for millions of years. Now, a new site plan aims to give them the attention they deserve.

The Ice Age tar pits of Los Angeles are getting a fresh new design

I’m a scientist. This is what I had to ‘unlearn’ to build a successful business

Karn Manhas, CEO of Terramera, explains how he had to shift his mindset to build a sustainable company.

I’m a scientist. This is what I had to ‘unlearn’ to build a successful business

There’s another reason to buy green products, and it’s totally selfish

If you’re between two products, the greener one is probably the better choice—for your own happiness.

There’s another reason to buy green products, and it’s totally selfish

Could this extra squishy new material mean safer bike helmets?

Scientists say a microlattice design can absorb 27% more energy than the foam helmets on the market now.

Could this extra squishy new material mean safer bike helmets?

Want to live longer? Surround yourself with plants

The lead author of a sweeping study on the health benefits of greenery, David Rojas, advises that “where you are, increase and support more green-ness around your home.”

Want to live longer? Surround yourself with plants

This new magical coating saves water by making toilets so slippery that poop basically flushes itself

Apply it to your toilet, cut the water use in half.

This new magical coating saves water by making toilets so slippery that poop basically flushes itself

This mesmerizing 3D map visualizes millions of scientific studies

The dense, interconnected network charts decades of collaboration and research.

This mesmerizing 3D map visualizes millions of scientific studies

See the year’s most remarkable microscope photographs

From tulip buds to Vitamin C, there’s immense beauty in the natural world that usually remains hidden.

See the year’s most remarkable microscope photographs

Is that design biodegradable? It’s complicated

The U.K. is developing standards for biodegradable, compostable, and bio-based plastics, underscoring the need for research on these promising materials.

Is that design biodegradable? It’s complicated

These scientists studied 500+ logos. Here’s what they discovered about good branding

An effective identity probably doesn’t look the way you think it looks.

This AI just passed a science test and may be smarter than an eighth grader

But can the AI get a spot on “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?”

This AI just passed a science test and may be smarter than an eighth grader

Pinterest is escalating its fight against anti-vaxxers as measles surge in the U.S.

“We’re taking this approach because we believe that showing vaccine misinformation alongside resources from public health experts isn’t responsible.”

Pinterest is escalating its fight against anti-vaxxers as measles surge in the U.S.

Impact

This game helps second-generation immigrant kids connect with their parents

This startup keeps CO2 out of the air by injecting ‘bio oil’ underground

Global agricultural subsidies are harming the planet—and our diets

News

Delta-8 is riding high in the legal cannabis market. How long can it keep this up?

IRS unemployment tax refund update: Less than a week left in summer. Where’s my check?

CDC warns delta-8 cannabis products can get you higher than thought—and cause adverse health effects

Co.Design

Ikea launches a massive collection for gamers—including the weirdest product it has ever made

This magic room charges your phone as soon as you walk in

This device sucks snot out of babies’ noses so parents don’t have to do it themselves

Work Life

The downside of hyper-positivity at work

This is how creatives can make the most of a shift to hybrid work

5 diet tips to help you succeed at work, according to a Harvard-trained psychiatrist