Topic 1 Top Technology Stories of 2018
During 2018, we reported on many inventions and new technologies aimed at making machines smarter. We also covered stories on how some technologies threaten user privacy.
Topic 2 Scientists Create ‘Social Network’ of Brains to Share Thoughts
There have been many books written and movies made describing the ability of people to communicate through thoughts.
Topic 3 World’s First Hydrogen Trains Launch in Germany
The world’s first hydrogen-powered trains have begun running in Germany.
Topic 4 Scientists List Four Ways to Capture Carbon, Limit Rising Temperatures
A new report suggests four simple ways to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Topic 5 Virtual Reality: Digital Treatment for Real Pain
Amanda Greene lives with pain. Greene says her pain comes from lupus, an autoimmune disease that attacks her organs and tissues.
Topic 6 Australian Scientists Propose a ‘Telescope’ to Look Deep Underground
Scientists in Australia want to build what they describe as a “downward looking telescope” to look for mineral wealth under the Earth’s surface.
Topic 7 Space Rock Still a Mystery to Scientists
Oumuamua is the first interstellar object scientists have found passing through our solar system.
Topic 8 Nuclear Energy's Slow Return Hurts Japan's Power Producers
A new study shows that the Japanese nuclear industry is unlikely to reach a government target of providing at least 20 percent of the country’s energy by 2030.
Topic 9 First Flight Completed of Plane with No Moving Parts
Engineers say they have carried out the first-ever flight of an electric airplane with no moving parts.
Topic 10 Study: Bees Went Silent During Total Solar Eclipse
On August 21, 2017, millions of people across America stopped what they were doing to observe a total solar eclipse.
Topic 11 First US Face Recognition Terminal Opens at Atlanta Airport
A United States airport has become the first in the nation to permit passengers to use facial recognition technology to get on flights.
Topic 12 Can Artificial Intelligence Make Doctors Better?
Artificial intelligence (AI) technology may soon be a useful tool for doctors.
Topic 13 NASA’s New Horizons Shows Image of Snowman-Like Object
Scientists say images from NASA’s spacecraft New Horizons show a snowman-like object in the cold, icy part of our solar system.
Topic 14 Study: Sahara Changed from Wet to Dry Every 20,000 Years
A new study suggests climate conditions in the Sahara Desert have changed from wet to dry about every 20,000 years.
Topic 15 Researchers Find Bright Side to Some Invasive Species
Non-native species present threats to natural environments across the world by pushing out native organisms.
Topic 16 Study Says the Brain Remembers Thousands of Faces
Some people claim they “never forget a face.” But what does that saying mean? Is there really no limit to the number of faces a person can remember?
Topic 17 Science 2018: Gene Editing, Private Space Travel Top List
Here are some of the most popular science stories on the VOA Learning English website in 2018.
Topic 18 World’s Most Popular Dinosaur Gets New Look at Chicago Museum
In the early 1990s, scientist Sue Hendrickson discovered the world's largest Tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur skeleton.
Topic 19 Experimental Treatment Targets Drug-Resistant Bacteria
You probably have heard about the Trojan Horse. Tradition says the ancient Greeks used a large wooden horse to trick enemy forces and capture the city of Troy.
Topic 20 Future of News: Will Robot Readers Take Over?
Technology is forever changing the way we get our news.