Topic: Georgia Institute of Technology

SpaceX launch: private industry inspires new generation of rocketeers (+video)

SpaceX launch a reminder that NASA isn't the only game in town anymore. Aspiring engineers, rocket designers, space geeks look to 'New Space' companies to boldly go where only governments used to go.

Earth Day technology: the spray-on solar panel?

New firms are challenging conventional rooftop solar by using thin-film technology on windows and even indoors. On this Earth Day, conventional Chinese companies are the cost leaders. But US firms have the technical edge.

Google glasses – how groovy life could be. But when will they really work? (+video)

The Google glasses video created an online sensation, but the product won't exist anytime soon. There is risk in inflating consumers' expectations.

Gun control: Will campus carry get boost from Virginia Tech ruling?

In a decision that could impact gun control nationwide, a Virginia judge on Wednesday awarded the families of two victims of the Virginia Tech massacre $8 million. Advocates of campus carry say they will use the ruling to press for more gun rights on campuses. 

Penn State attempts to move past scandal by hiring Patriots' Bill O'Brien, reports say

Penn State is reportedly in contract talks with New England's offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien. But Penn State football alumni aren't too happy with the process to replace Joe Paterno

Happy Halloween! Do giant pumpkins have a size limit?

Happy Halloween! Google commemorates Halloween with a massive-pumpkin-carving video. What's the science behind gargantuan gourds?

Unmanned drone attacks and shape-shifting robots: War's remote-control future

The Pentagon already includes unmanned drone attacks in its arsenal. Next up: housefly-sized surveillance craft, shape-changing 'chemical robots,' and tracking agents sprayed from the sky. What does it mean to have soldiers so far removed from the battlefield?

Climate study, funded in part by conservative group, confirms global warming

The latest global warming results confirm those from earlier, independent studies by scientists at NASA and elsewhere that came under fire from skeptics in an episode known as 'climategate.'

Kinect hack makes Gmail's April Fools' prank real

A new Kinect hack lets computers understand American Sign Language, and control Gmail.

Haiti's housing bubble, more pressing to some than election or Aristide

Rental prices in Port-au-Prince are estimated at 5 to 10 times higher than before the Haiti earthquake, pricing out local civic organizations in favor of wealthier international NGOs.

NCAA tournament: Morehead State joins Top 10 Cinderella teams

One of the most enjoyable things about the NCAA tournament - for basketball fanatics and casual observers alike - is the Cinderella story. This list looks some of the best upsets in NCAA tournament history.

Meltdown 101: What are spent-fuel pools and why are they a threat?

Spent-fuel pools are shielded only by the buildings at Japan's Fukushimi I nuclear power plant, and three have now been damaged by explosions. Low-level radiation leaking from the pools could dramatically worsen if the water levels drop low enough for spent rods to burn.

The Auburn oaks and oaks in your yard

The news about the poisoned live oak trees at Auburn University sparks interest in growing oak trees in general. It's easy to grow them from acorns.

American education under attack

Budget pressures at the state and federal level have led to slashed education programs and rising tuition at state universities.

Ranking the college rankings

For all their importance, there's little consensus on what the college rankings actually mean.

Killer seaweed poisons vulnerable coral reefs

A certain type of seaweed can kill corals on contact upon contact by releasing deadly chemicals.

March Madness: your five-minute guide

With the 'March Madness' NCAA men's basketball tournament set to begin Tuesday, here's a quick list of fun facts on the 65-team field. Which team has the longest current winning streak, you ask?

New role for robot warriors

Drones are just part of a bid to automate combat. Can virtual ethics make machines decisionmakers?

Howard Schmidt, cybersecurity 'czar': Who is he?

Will clash of science and politics undermine Copenhagen summit?

Climategate emails could have huge impact on summit, says Saudi Arabia’s lead climate negotiator. Others say the controversial leaked emails provide an opportunity to educate the public about climate science.

'Climategate': leaked emails push scientists toward transparency

The leaked emails from a British university don’t undermine climate-change theory, most scientists insist. But several are calling for more transparency in the global-warming field. On Monday, climate talks begin in Copenhagen, Demark.

Time for El Niño's half brother to take a bow?

A new form of El Niño has appeared on the scene. And global warming is likely to make it more common, some researchers say.

How much will you be worth, college student?

Video games that let you play with your news

Peace talks, Sully’s landing, even the economy spawn a buzzy genre of games.

On Bloomsday 2009, a pair of presents for James Joyce fans