The Submerged History of the Submarine
Submarines played a major role in Word War I. But the first submersible was actually used, though unsuccessfully, in the Revolutionary War.
Will AI Restore Our Sense of Wonder?
According to philosopher Max Weber, science led to humanity's disenchantment. But reaching AI Singularity might spark our sense of wonder all over again.
Will the U.S. Ever Catch a High-Speed Train?
Over 20 countries have high-speed train travel, carrying 1.6 billion passengers a year. The United States is lagging behind.
Will You Ever Fly in a Plane Propelled by Plants and Seeds?
Airlines have already flown planes fueled with biofuel-petroleum mixes, and more are coming.
A Century After They First Appeared, Electric Boats Are Making a Comeback
In the late 1800s, electric boats were a promising new technology. They are now enjoying a revival.
How Natural Gas Helped Make our Industrial World
Gas was in fact one of the first readily available fuels, and shaped spaces and politics in Regency-era London.
Dreaming of Spaceflight in 1920s Russia
Early in the 20th century, Cosmism was all the rage in Russia, inspiring a utopian and mystical view of interstellar travel.
Why Luddites Are Fashionable Again
Today we call anyone with a flip phone a Luddite. But the term has radical origins.
It’s Time to Break Up the Apple App Store
Apple's stranglehold on the App Store is problematic. Our technology columnist explains why.