Engineering news, features and articles

Engineering is a diverse branch of science and technology devoted to designing, building, problem-solving and finding practical uses for scientific discoveries. Live Science guides you through the different types of engineering— mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, aerospace engineering and many more — with explainers on everything from who invented the telephone to how Bluetooth works. Our expert writers and editors also scour the internet to break down the biggest engineering stories of the day, like biodegradable bullets or the world’s longest bridges. So, if you've got a mind for the mechanical, check out our latest engineering news, features and articles.
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How will the latest generation of fighter jets stand out? The answer lies in stealth tech.
By David Bacci published
The fighter jets are likely to incorporate AI, as well as advanced engine and stealth technology.

Stabbed, cut, attacked, twisted — scientists subject new stretchable battery to extreme torture, and it retained 90% of its capacity
By Ruari McCallion published
A new stretchable hydrogel battery can withstand extreme conditions and still operate effectively, scientists say.

New urinal designs could prevent up to 265,000 gallons of urine from spilling onto the floor each day
By Jess Thomson published
Researchers have invented two new urinal designs that could significantly reduce the amount of urine splashback, keeping public restrooms cleaner.

Scientists find previously hidden disturbances at hypersonic speeds
By Skyler Ware published
Surprising results from hypersonic air flow simulations could help design stronger, faster and more durable supersonic vehicles.

Flat, razor-thin telescope lens could change the game in deep space imaging — and production could start soon
By Owen Hughes published
Scientists have developed an impossibly thin telescope lens that addresses a key astronomical challenge in a new study funded by NASA and DARPA.

NASA captures stunning new image of shock waves from next-gen supersonic plane as it flies across the sun
By Julian Dossett published
New photograph captures breathtaking sight of history-making Boom Supersonic's XB-1 passenger plane as it hits supersonic speeds while flying across the sun

China creates powerful spy satellite capable of seeing facial details from low orbit
By Alan Bradley published
New laser-based imaging technology is reportedly capable of capturing millimeter resolution from over 60 miles away.

Boom Supersonic's XB-1 smashes the sound barrier — becoming the 1st civil aircraft to go supersonic in US history
By Rory Bathgate published
By achieving a top speed of Mach 1.1, Boom Supersonic has broken records and is on course to revive supersonic passenger travel.

Boom Supersonic's next-generation XB-1 passenger plane 1 step away from breaking the sound barrier
By Rory Bathgate published
Boom Supersonic's XB-1 demonstrator craft could become the first commercial jet to break the sound barrier since Concorde after acing its 11th test and reaching 0.95 Mach at low altitudes.
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