In this episode, we talk about the engineers that built a wireless tag that detects and remembers overheating without a chip or a battery, enabling cold-chain monitoring without creating electronic waste.

In this episode, we speak with Vince Jesaitis (VP at Arm) who explains how AI is shifting from big data centers to everyday devices, and what that means for speed, security, and policy. Key takeaways: • AI will soon run on phones, cars, and earbuds without the cloud. This makes things faster, uses less energy, and is more secure. • Governments are racing to support chipmaking & AI but complex rules make building new products harder.

In this episode, we explore how researchers used a fiber-optic style thermal drawing process (similar to stretching candy) to create liquid-metal smart fibers that sense motion with high precision, unlocking new possibilities for wearables, soft prosthetics, and touch-sensitive humanoid robots.

In this episode, we cover how scientists mapped zebrafish brains when swimming and used that map to power a real robot fish. The robot can hold its position in flowing water using vision alone, revealing new neuron types, and proving biology can teach robots to move smarter.

In this episode, we talk about how a shift in perspective regarding wind farm power production led to a model that can increase global output by 5% and a much overdue redesign of turbine blades for hydroelectric power dams that’ll enable sustainable power production.

In this episode, we cover ETH Zurich’s biodegradable heart patch that combines 3D printing, living heart cells, and smart materials to seal and heal damaged heart tissue - paving the way for true cardiac regeneration after heart attacks.

MIT’s SustainaPrint gives 3D printing the “Hannah Montana treatment” by combining eco-friendly plastics with tough materials only where needed, delivering the best of both worlds with strong AND sustainable prints

In this episode, we cover how researchers trained a quadruped robot to play badminton, teaching it to track the shuttlecock, move into position, and swing a racket in real time, showing how AI can bring robots closer to human-like coordination.

In this episode, we cover Harvard’s soft wearable robot that learns a patient’s intent and provides just-enough support, helping stroke and ALS patients regain independence in everyday tasks.

In this episode, we explore how Georgia Tech researchers took inspiration from seashells to turn weak, unreliable recycled plastic into strong, consistent material. This breakthrough could cut virgin plastic use in packaging and help tackle the global plastic waste crisis.

In this episode, we explore how AI‑powered eco‑driving—smartly adjusting vehicle speeds to minimize stops and unnecessary acceleration—can reduce carbon emissions at city intersections by 11 to 22 percent. Even partial adoption yields significant results, making this a scalable and impactful strategy for greener, safer urban mobility.

In this episode, we explore MenstruAI, a pioneering technology that transforms a standard sanitary towel into a paper-based test strip to detect biomarkers in menstrual blood and discover how this electronic‑free system, paired with a smartphone app, offers users a simple way to monitor signs of inflammation or disease like cancer and endometriosis.

In this episode, we explore Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS)—a new take on geothermal energy that uses oil drilling tech to tap deep underground heat almost anywhere, not just rare hotspots.

In this episode, we explore a novel glucose‑powered sensor patch that enhances the safety and precision of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Discover how this smart, sugar‑infused technology enables non‑invasive monitoring and paves the way for safer, more effective medical care.

In this episode, we explore two cutting-edge environmental robots developed by ETH Zurich students: MONKEE, a tree-climbing robot for canopy research, and ReefRanger, an autonomous underwater robot that feeds and monitors corals. Discover how these versatile machines are helping protect forests and restore coral reefs by collecting data and nurturing fragile ecosystems

In this episode, we explore groundbreaking research from Princeton University where scientists have developed ultracompact cameras utilizing metasurfaces—engineered materials that manipulate light in novel ways. These tiny devices not only capture images but also process visual information using light-based neural networks, enabling rapid and energy-efficient image classification. This fusion of optics and artificial intelligence heralds a new era in computing and imaging technology.

In this episode, we explore how the simple act of popcorn popping inspired researchers at Carnegie Mellon University to revolutionize the synthesis of MXenes—a class of 2D materials known for their radiation shielding properties. By employing microwave-assisted techniques, the team achieved a 25-fold increase in production speed and a 75% reduction in energy consumption, marking a significant step toward more sustainable and efficient material manufacturing processes.

In this episode, we explore the innovative fusion of robotics and culinary arts through the creation of RoboCake—an edible robotic wedding cake developed by researchers from EPFL and discuss how this project is pushing the boundaries of food technology, introducing edible robots powered by consumable batteries, and opening new possibilities for interactive and sustainable gastronomic experiences.

In this episode, we explore how organ-on-a-chip technology is advancing our understanding of cancer behavior. Discover how researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology are using microfluidic devices to model the metastatic process, providing new insights into how cancer cells migrate and invade other tissues.

In this episode, we dive into Cornell University's groundbreaking development of the world's smallest walking robots, measuring between 2 to 5 microns. These micro-robots will likely revolutionize microscale measurements, offering unprecedented precision in scientific research and engineering applications.