Engineering
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.
Latest about Engineering
World's biggest battery coming to Maine — and it could store 130 million times more energy than your laptop
By Ian Stokes published
The battery storage system will be able to store 8,500 megawatt-hours of energy — which is 130 million times the capacity of the best laptops today.
World's fastest charger can fully power up your smartphone in under 5 minutes
By Keumars Afifi-Sabet published
New record-breaking fast-charging technology can power up your smartphone battery quicker than you can write an email.
Next-gen quantum computers could be powered using chip with high-energy lasers made 10,000 times smaller
By Tim Danton published
High-powered titanium:sapphire lasers have been shrunk down with scientists planning to cram hundreds or thousands onto a four-inch wafer in a new chip.
Massive 100-inch transparent screen set to enter production — scientists claim it will be 10 times cheaper than transparent OLEDs
By Rory Bathgate published
Researchers say the screen can work both indoors and outdoors, and can be adjusted to become more or less transparent depending on user needs.
'Holy grail' of solar technology set to consign 'unsustainable silicon' to history
By Nicola Williams published
Solar energy breakthrough sees scientists stabilize perovskite crystals for use in future solar panels, promising more efficient and sustainable green technology.
DARPA's military-grade 'quantum laser' will use entangled photons to outshine conventional laser beams
By Owen Hughes published
Prototype quantum photonic-dimer laser uses entanglement to bind photons and deliver a powerful beam of concentrated light that can shine through adverse weather like thick fog.
Razor-thin silk 'dampens noise by 75%' — could be game-changer for sound-proofing homes and offices
By Sascha Pare published
Researchers have engineered a silk fabric that can suppress noise by either generating sound waves that interfere with the noise or by blocking vibrations that are key to the transmission of sound.
DARPA considers 6 new designs for uncrewed VTOL aircraft that carry weapons payloads — with test flights set for 2026
By Rory Bathgate published
Lightweight fighter aircraft with no pilots could support conventional military missions while being easier to launch and recover.
Charging future EVs could take seconds with new sodium-ion battery tech
By Owen Hughes published
A new type of hybrid sodium-ion battery that offers both high capacity and rapid-charging capabilities could power mobile devices, electric vehicles and space tech.
DARPA's autonomous 'Manta Ray' drone can glide through ocean depths undetected
By Sascha Pare published
Northrop Grumman Corporation has built its Manta Ray uncrewed underwater vehicle, which will operate long-duration missions and carry payloads into the ocean depths in partnership with DARPA.
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