Most Innovative Companies

Science

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2013: Top 50, Social Media, Style

Stories about Science

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.

There’s a new AI that can guess how you feel just by watching you walk

Are you a happy, sad, or angry walker? Scientists are teaching algorithms to perceive emotions based on gait alone.

There’s a new AI that can guess how you feel just by watching you walk

Scientists are studying the dust inside homes. Here’s what they’re discovering

You vacuum it, sweep it, and wipe it off your furniture. But do you know what it actually is—and how it may affect your health?

Scientists are studying the dust inside homes. Here’s what they’re discovering

Why we trust our maps even when we shouldn’t

Our unshakeable faith in maps–digital or otherwise–has its roots in the cartographic revolution.

Why we trust our maps even when we shouldn’t

Living machines: MIT’s former president on the next technology revolution

In her new book, “The Age of Living Machines,” Susan Hockfield argues that we have entered a new era of scientific innovation in America.

Living machines: MIT’s former president on the next technology revolution

Impact

You’re generating so much waste with your food deliveries. What if it came in reusable containers instead?

If you have a spare room, you can host a person leaving prison

A new generation of younger poll workers is stepping up to protect the elderly from COVID-19

News

Reports: Trump to nominate Amy Coney Barrett to fill vacant Supreme Court seat

Don’t share passwords with your GF or BF until you read this

Got 3D milk? These adorable printed dairy products will satisfy your creamiest cravings

Co.Design

This extraordinary AI has stunned computer scientists with its writing ability

The U.S. should steal France’s excellent COVID map

Why RuPaul’s music is the fuel that keeps ‘Drag Race’ running

Work Life

Kind Snacks founder: Success in a tough economy requires balance, not brawn

Why tomorrow’s wellness programs will leave out the ‘tough love’ approach

5 reasons you need to get out of your comfort zone