Joanna Thompson

Joanna Thompson is a science writer. She has written for Scientific American, LiveScience, Audobon, The Daily Beast, Vox, and more. She is also a part-time professional runner.

Innovation

The Electric Vehicle Revolution Could Hurt Low-Income Neighborhoods

Electric vehicle adoption could worsen environmental inequalities.

ByJoanna Thompson
Innovation

An Electronic Pill Inspired by Lizards Could Transform Medicine

Electrical stimulation therapy could reduce the need for surgery or drugs for some conditions.

ByJoanna Thompson
Innovation

This Bird's Ingenious Survival Skill Could Inspire Revolutionary Technology

They could also inspire tech to suck up H2O from the air.

ByJoanna Thompson
Science

Chinchillas Tested Fancy New Ear Devices to Solve a Centuries-Old Medical Problem

A simple design change could help treat ear infections more effectively.

ByJoanna Thompson
Innovation

This Surprisingly Basic Technology Might Finally Rid Our Drinking Water of Microplastics

The future of water purification sounds great.

ByJoanna Thompson
Science

Insect Smart Homes Could Help Save One Critical Creature From Climate Peril

The robotic hive could also offer new insights into the buzzing insects.

ByJoanna Thompson
Science

AI Bots May Have Defeated CAPTCHA Tests for Good

They’re also getting tougher for humans.

ByJoanna Thompson
Science

A Promising Breakthrough Could Save This Controversial Climate Tech

Direct air carbon capture could get a much-needed makeover.

ByJoanna Thompson
Science

Scientists Want to Burst Underground Gas Bubbles To Access More Helium — Will It Work?

The noble gas could get a lot greener.

ByJoanna Thompson
Science

Scientists Just ‘Grew’ Electrodes in Leeches. Can It Be Done in Humans, Too?

This method could lead to a safer treatment for neurological conditions like Parkinson’s.

ByJoanna Thompson
Science

A New Drug Could Help People With a Rare Disease Grow Longer Limbs

The potential treatment could be used for several conditions in people.

ByJoanna Thompson
Science

A New Loofah-inspired Device Purifies Water Using the Power of the Sun

It could offer a quick, low-cost solution for the billions of people around the world living without clean drinking water.

ByJoanna Thompson
Health

This $1 Ultrasound Alternative Could Help Make Childbirth Safer

It promises an affordable way to cut down on complications.

ByJoanna Thompson
Super sensitive!

Can this new artificial skin transform touch screens and video games?

A new technology uses electric fields to pick up on nearby objects.

ByJoanna Thompson
Off to the races

This biohybrid robot walks using lab-grown mouse muscles

Engineers have created the fastest-moving part-meat robot yet.

ByJoanna Thompson
Innovation

Scientists accidentally created a novel method to make fertilizer more green

A new, porous material could help decarbonize ammonia production.

ByJoanna Thompson
Unbe-leaf-able

This leaf-inspired device could be the key to hydrogen farms

The gadget turns sunlight into clean fuel. But will it go the way of the Hindenburg?

ByJoanna Thompson
Mop it up

This quick-absorbing, cheap “jello” material could replace paper towels

Say goodbye to supermarket shortages.

ByJoanna Thompson
Sticky science

'Cellular glue' could help scientists play Legos with your body's building blocks

The new bioengineering technique could have huge therapeutic potential.

ByJoanna Thompson
Innovation

A simple step could make face masks more comfortable and effective

New research into “nanowalls” could yield comfier, more effective N95s.

ByJoanna Thompson