Jeff Wise

Freelance Contributor

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Paris’s Air Taxi Stations Could Be Ready Before the Taxis Are

Paris’s Air Taxi Stations Could Be Ready Before the Taxis Are

Developing infrastructure for the vehicles is more straightforward than getting approvals for commercial flights.

April 4, 2023

April 4, 2023

Paris’s Air Taxi Stations Could Be Ready Before the Taxis Are

Developing infrastructure for the vehicles is more straightforward than getting approvals for commercial flights.

Paris’s Air Taxi Stations Could Be Ready Before the Taxis Are

February 21, 2023

February 21, 2023

Spy Balloons Are the Slow and Silent Future of Surveillance

The slow-moving inflatable crafts have distinct advantages for surveillance, and the recent controversy with China is only the beginning.

Spy Balloons Are the Slow and Silent Future of Surveillance

January 18, 2023

January 18, 2023

Puddle Jumpers Point the Way to Greener Aviation

With 40 routes under 250 miles and plans to electrify its fleet, New England’s Cape Air says it can be a leader in decarbonizing flight.

Puddle Jumpers Point the Way to Greener Aviation

November 11, 2022

November 11, 2022

The Golden Era of AI Chess Makes Things Tricky for Players

Cheating allegations illustrate how technology is complicating ideas about human mastery.

The Golden Era of AI Chess Makes Things Tricky for Players

March 29, 2022

March 29, 2022

The Future of the International Space Station Looks Dire

For 30 years the U.S.-Russia partnership at the ISS was above it all. Now the U.S. finds itself in need of a friend, not a foe.

The Future of the International Space Station Looks Dire

November 30, 2021

November 30, 2021

When Shipping Containers Are Abandoned, the Cargo Becomes a Mystery Prize

Supply chain carnage creates opportunities for companies willing to take a chance on random goods, from cheese to used cars—and maybe even pumpkin seeds.

When Shipping Containers Are Abandoned, the Cargo Becomes a Mystery Prize

August 5, 2021

August 5, 2021

To Fight Wildfires, California Turns to a Family With a Fleet of $8,000-an-Hour Helicopters

Coulson Aviation’s night-flying, water-siphoning Chinooks are on call to battle blazes on four continents.

To Fight Wildfires, California Turns to a Family With a Fleet of $8,000-an-Hour Helicopters

June 7, 2019

June 7, 2019

Underwater Drones Nearly Triple Data From the Ocean Floor

They’ve located lost subs and carriers, but haven’t yet found any planes.

Underwater Drones Nearly Triple Data From the Ocean Floor

January 3, 2019

January 3, 2019

Addiction to a Language-Learning App Can Be Good for You

Duolingo learns from gaming companies how to keep users coming back.

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October 9, 2018

October 9, 2018

This Thiel-Backed Startup Says It Can Clean Up the Seas. Scientists Have Doubts

Boyan Slat, a Dutch 23-year-old who’s collected $30 million for his plastic-removal startup, is ready to test Ocean Cleanup’s System 001 prototype, but he hasn’t assuaged his expert critics.

This Thiel-Backed Startup Says It Can Clean Up the Seas. Scientists Have Doubts

April 11, 2018

April 11, 2018

These Robots Are Learning to Conduct Their Own Science Experiments

Carnegie Mellon professors plan to gradually outsource their chemical work to AI.

These Robots Are Learning to Conduct Their Own Science Experiments

September 7, 2017

September 7, 2017

Brain-Computer Interfaces Are Already Here

The mind-reading technology touted by Zuckerberg and Musk may soon help quadriplegics move more than a cursor.

Brain-Computer Interfaces Are Already Here

August 31, 2017

August 31, 2017

You’re Using Foursquare All the Time. You Just Don’t Know It

Apple, Uber, and more than 100,000 other app developers use the company’s location data and other tools.

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