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Bell Labs: The research center behind the transistor, and so much more

Bell Labs was the research arm of AT&T, a monopoly at the time the transistor was invented.
Physicists John Bardeen (left), William Shockley (center) and Walter Brattain won the Nobel Prize for their work on the transistor. It's one of nine Nobel Prizes that Bell Labs researchers have received.
Nokia USA Inc. and AT&T Archives

Delays skew patent system in favor of big corporations, some inventors say

Jun 16, 2022
It can take years for a patent to be granted, unless the inventor can pony up extra cash for expedited handling.
The first patent was granted in 1790. Since then, the Patent and Trademark Office has issued about 11 million.
jammyphotouk/Getty Images

The story of Hedy Lamarr, the Hollywood beauty whose invention helped enable Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth

A new documentary about the Golden Age of Hollywood actress turns the spotlight on her brilliant mind.
Inventor and actress Hedy Lamarr in"Dishonored Lady."
Wikimedia Commons

6 everyday inventions that were born from space tech

Sep 26, 2017
Baby formula, braces, air purifiers and more.
A digital illustration of the newly discovered gaseous planet Kepler-16, which is orbiting its two stars.
NASA/JPL-Caltech/T. Pyle via Getty Images

Thomas Jennings perfected dry cleaning as he pushed for abolition

Feb 25, 2014
Thomas Jennings was the first African American to receive a U.S. patent, 44 years before slavery ended.

Channeling Nikola Tesla's electric currents today

Jul 26, 2013
The inventor has been cast as Thomas Edison's more magical nemesis and contemporary -- and he's currently being celebrated at the New York Hall of Science.

The biggest obstacle for the Hyperloop? Money

Jul 22, 2013
Musk has only hinted at what the Hyperloop is, but he's described his latest idea as a 'cross between a Concorde, a railgun and an air hockey table.'

For public good, not for profit.

A look at the 'Hyperloop,' and other off-beat inventions in history

Jul 16, 2013
Tesla's Elon Musk hopes to revolutionize transportation with a combination railgun, air hockey table and Concorde. What can he learn from past inventions?

What is the best age for innovation?

Apr 8, 2013
Are you more innovative in your 20s or your 50s? Tom Agan, managing partner at innovation and brand consultancy Rivia, has come up with answer that might surprise you.

As the cellphone turns 40, the story behind the famous first call

Apr 4, 2013
40 years ago the cellphone was invented by Martin Cooper at Motorola, much to the dismay of a competing team at AT&T's Bell Labs.