Technology

We’re closing out the year with a roundup of the science stories that stood out to our editors in 2024.

Unless we pursue AI carefully, the Nobel committee will one day give a Peace Prize to the people cleaning up its terrible consequences, just as it did with nuclear physics

A fusion power plant will go live in the next decade and produce 400 megawatts of electricity, Commonwealth Fusion Systems says

Surging reports of strange drones in the skies over New Jersey and other parts of the northeastern U.S. have spurred calls to shoot down the unidentified objects. But that’s a very bad idea

Investigators allege that the suspect in the recent UnitedHealthcare CEO killing used a “ghost gun,” an untraceable firearm made with 3D-printed parts

Mysterious drone sightings over New Jersey and New York State are underscoring the high number of these vehicles in the U.S.

Systems that operate on behalf of people or corporations are the latest product from the AI boom, but these “agents” may present new and unpredictable risks

Following a startling spike in electric scooter and e-bike injuries, epidemiologists warn of inadequate infrastructure and safety rules

Translating complex information into captivating podcasts is no simple task. Is AI up to the challenge?

Reports of unidentified flying objects in the northeastern U.S. are on the rise, but so far officials have few answers for alarmed residents

Google’s new chip, Willow, has achieved the exponential suppression of errors. The advance is substantial, but Willow remains far from delivering on any practical applications

Large language models can create muddled, misinformed multiverses