Inventions & Inventors

This adaptation of New York Times best-selling author Steven Johnson's adult book and popular PBS series explores the fascinating and interconnected stories of innovations - like clean drinking water and electricity - that changed the way people live....

Did you know that the ice cream sundae was invented because of a law forbidding the sale of ice cream on Sundays? Arranged in alphabetical order, this fascinating book is packed with the stories behind these and over 100 more inventions. Listen for more....

Video games evolved over decades from simple consoles to cutting-edge entertainment in homes and arcades. In the twenty-first century, they've also become some of the world's most popular apps. Find out more about the technological innovations that have made video game history....

In December of 1938, a chemist in a German laboratory made a shocking discovery: When placed next to radioactive material, a Uranium atom split in two. That simple discovery launched a scientific race that spanned three continents....

One day in 1882, Thomas Edison flipped a switch that lit up lower Manhattan with incandescent light and changed the way people live ever after. The electric light bulb was only one of thousands of Edison’s inventions, which include the phonograph and the kinetoscope....

You probably use Wi-Fi all the time to connect to the internet through your laptop, tablet, or phone. It's easy. Wi-Fi hotspots surround you as you go through your day—from school to a pizza place or coffee shop, and then back home. Not so long ago, the internet wasn't as accessible. Find out how Wi-Fi works, how it became commonplace, and what it might do for you in the future.

In science fiction, deflector shields protect ships, bases, and even planets from enemy attack. How could a protective space that absorbs energy from weapons be created? Scientists have some ideas, which include using lasers. Discover the science and technology behind what it would take to make a real-life deflector shield!

In science fiction, energy blades are weapons or tools that look like glowing swords. How could one of these powerful devices work? Scientists have some ideas, which include using plasma. Discover the science and technology behind what it would take to make a real-life energy blade!

In science fiction, hoverboard users glide above sidewalks on machines that look like skateboards with no wheels. How could one of these floating boards be created? Scientists have some ideas, which include using powerful magnets. Discover the science and technology behind what it would take to make a real-life hoverboard!

People have been traveling over water to get from here to there for thousands of years, but not in these vehicles! Long ago, people could only dream of what modern technology would bring. Take a tour of some of the most unique and fascinating watercraft around.

Trains and other vehicles that travel on rails and tracks have been around for hundreds of years. While most of these are for transportation, roller coasters and a few others are just for fun! Find out how maglev trains use magnets to reach speeds of more than 250 miles per hour. Discover what it's like to travel in a pod car, and learn how the world's wildest roller coasters live up to their scream-worthy rankings. See the most awesome rides on tracks and rails!

The wheel was invented more than 5,000 years ago, and it has brought some awesome vehicles our way. But this invention isn't done giving! Take a tour of some of the most unique and fascinating vehicles around.

Streaming puts a world of options at your fingertips when you’re at home and, with a smartphone or tablet, when you're on the go. Find out how streaming was invented, how it works, and what the future might hold for this part of a high-tech life.

In science fiction, people upload their minds into computers for them to be stored. How could this futuristic way of preserving the mind work? Scientists have some ideas, which involve mapping the brain cell by cell. Discover the science and technology behind what it would take to upload a mind in real life!

In science fiction, flying cars let people soar over traffic jams and get to where they're going quickly. How could a vehicle that both flies and drives be created? Scientists' ideas for this involve futuristic materials and technology from drones. Discover the science and technology behind what it would take to make a real-life flying car!

Militaries use robots and drones in the air, on the ground, and underwater all around the world. Drones spy on targets and robots disable bombs to get the job done!

How much do you know about Philo T. Farnsworth? Find out the facts you need to know about this inventor, scientist, and TV pioneer. You’ll learn about the early life, challenges, and major accomplishments of this important American.

From the stethoscope to the clinical trial, this exploration of scientific inquiry celebrates the greatest inventions in medicine. Get to know the physicians, scientists, and other researchers responsible for these breakthroughs in medicine, and explore the ups, the downs, and the eureka moments that are science in action.

A dirt trail in the woods is covered with thick mud and big bumps. What vehicle can get through? An ATV! All-terrain vehicles have wide, bumpy tires that provide good grip on all types of land. Young listeners will find out about the types of ATVs, their main parts, and how these versatile vehicles can be used for work and fun.

Vroom! A semitruck roars as it goes up a steep hill. The trailer is loaded with goods. A truck with a big engine pulls the trailer along. Together, the truck and trailer have 18 wheels! Young listeners will find out about the main parts of these huge vehicles, the kinds of cargo they carry, and why they are an important type of transportation.