Podcast
Computer America
Hosted by Ben Crossman · EN
Computer America is the nation's longest running talk show on Computers and Technology, spanning 25+ years of industry guests and analysis.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
3D-Printed Brain Sensors, Internal Ultrasound Light, and Automated Neural Surgery w/ Ralph Bond
2w ago00:35:39Tap to summarizeShow Notes3D-printed brain sensors may unlock personalized neural monitoringTy TkacikPenn State websitehttps://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/3d-printed-brain-sensors-may-unlock-personalized-neural-monitoringResearchers use ultrasound to create light inside the bodyStanford University Reporthttps://news.stanford.edu/stories/2026/04/researchers-use-ultrasound-to-create-light-inside-the-bodyNeuralink builds surgical robot to speed up brain implant procedures for patientsMrigakshi DixitInteresting Engineeringhttps://interestingengineering.com/science/neuralink-unveils-surgical-robot-to-automate-bciMIT Laser Breakthrough Lets Scientists Watch Drugs Enter the Brain in Real TimeAdam ZeweSciTechDaily.comhttps://scitechdaily.com/mit-laser-breakthrough-lets-scientists-watch-drugs-enter-the-brain-in-real-time/Helium-3 mining on the lunar surfaceThe European Space Agencyhttps://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Preparing_for_the_Future/Space_for_Earth/Energy/Helium-3_mining_on_the_lunar_surfaceNo batteries, just body heat: Demonstrating the potential of battery-free sensingLisa LockTechXplore.comhttps://techxplore.com/news/2026-04-batteries-body-potential-battery-free.htmlScientists think a hidden source of clean energy could power Earth for 170,000 years — and they've figured out the 'recipe' to find itSascha PareLiveScience.comhttps://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/geology/scientists-think-a-hidden-source-of-clean-energy-could-power-earth-for-170-000-years-and-theyve-figured-out-the-recipe-to-find-itEvolution Favored Genes Linked to Red Hair – And Vitamin D May Be WhyDavid NieldScienceAlert.comhttps://www.sciencealert.com/evolution-favored-genes-linked-to-red-hair-and-vitamin-d-may-be-why
Transcribe →Shapeshifting Wings and Artificial Neurons w/ Ralph Bond
4w ago00:33:06Tap to summarizeShow Notes 8 May 2026This 'gas battery' turns CO2 and NOx pollution into electricitySungkyunkwan UniversityTechXplore.comhttps://techxplore.com/news/2026-04-gas-battery-pollution-electricity-air.htmlhttps://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2026/ee/d5ee06789hHumanoid robot takes first steps on construction siteMark GloverConstruction Managementhttps://constructionmanagement.co.uk/humanoid-robot-takes-first-steps-on-construction-site/AI-controlled morphing wings take flight as DLR tests aircraftJay MenonAerospace Global Newshttps://aerospaceglobalnews.com/news/dlr-ai-controlled-morphing-wings-aircraft/Scientists invent artificial neurons that 'talk' to real brain cellsMarianne GuenotLiveScience.comhttps://www.livescience.com/health/neuroscience/scientists-invent-artificial-neurons-that-talk-to-real-brain-cells-paving-way-to-better-brain-implantshttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-026-02149-6.epdfThe next big thing in sustainable construction: Iron-fortified wood?Anthropocene Magazinehttps://www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2025/05/the-next-big-thing-in-sustainable-construction-iron-fortified-wood/Scientists Discover an Amazing New Use for Your Leftover Coffee GroundsMichael IrvingScienceAlert.comhttps://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-discover-an-amazing-new-use-for-your-leftover-coffee-groundsImplantable ‘living pharmacy’ produces multiple drugs inside the bodyAmanda MorrisNorthwestern Universityhttps://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2026/03/implantable-living-pharmacy-produces-multiple-drugs-inside-the-bodySound Waves Could Be Used to Remotely Reprogram Material StiffnessLiezel LabiosUC San Diego Websitehttps://today.ucsd.edu/story/sound-waves-could-be-used-to-remotely-reprogram-material-stiffness-study-showshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAIvkSN_N1c
Transcribe →Sustainable Tech: From Century-Long Plane Parts to Glow-in-the-Dark Streets w/ Ralph Bond
May 100:30:34Tap to summarizeShow Notes 1 May 2026New Self-Healing Material Could Extend Life of Planes, Cars by Centuries Soo Kim Newsweek https://www.newsweek.com/self-healing-material-could-extend-life-planes-cars-centuries-11833122Chinese Scientists Bioengineering Plants with Firefly Genes to Glow Frank Landymore Futurism.com https://futurism.com/science-energy/bioengineering-plants-glow-light-cities https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1FAPvC123Q&t=1sScientists use AI to create ultra-strong, rust-proof steel for 3D-printed parts Christopher McFadden InterestingEngineering.com https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/ai-creates-rust-proof-steel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMRDl64Ixq4&t=9sSmart contact lens monitors eye pressure and delivers glaucoma drugs Annalisa Merelli Statnews.com https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/08/glaucoma-smart-contact-lens-combines-monitoring-drug-delivery/ https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.ads9541Low-frequency wireless sensor tracks artery stiffening in real time BioTechToday.com https://biotech-today.com/low-frequency-wireless-sensor-tracks-artery-stiffening-in-real-time-with-less-interference/A Bizarre Worm Could Teach Humans to Regenerate Darren Orf Popular Mechanics https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/animals/a69047453/stem-cell-worm-regeneration/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNQK2-XdZD0Common Vitamin May Reduce Buildup of Alzheimer's Proteins David Nield ScienceAlert.com https://www.sciencealert.com/common-vitamin-may-reduce-buildup-of-alzheimers-proteins-study-findsScientists Found a Way to Grow Potatoes Under Solar Panels Now Solar
Transcribe →AI Tanks, Data Center Efficiency, and Hydrogen from Breadcrumbs w/ Ralph Bond
Apr 2700:36:37Tap to summarizeShow Notes 24 April 2026XM30 Lynx: The US Army’s New 50mm Cannon‑Powered Robot War Machine Alex Barrientos GadgetReview.com https://www.gadgetreview.com/xm30-lynx-the-us-armys-new-50mm-cannon%e2%80%91powered-robot-war-machineNew software could cut cooling energy use by 25% in data centers Ty Tkacik PennState website https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/new-software-could-cut-cooling-energy-use-25-data-centersChemists make hydrogen from breadcrumbs in groundbreaking reaction that could replace some fossil fuels Victoria Atkinson LiveScience.com https://www.livescience.com/chemistry/chemists-make-hydrogen-from-breadcrumbs-in-groundbreaking-reaction-that-could-replace-some-fossil-fuelsGraphene 'scaffold' recruits bone cells and helps the body repair fractures Robert Egan Phys.org https://phys.org/news/2026-04-graphene-scaffold-bone-cells-body.htmlEco-Friendly Laser Method Turns Leather into Flexible Wearable Tech Tomorrow’s World Today https://www.tomorrowsworldtoday.com/sustainability/eco-friendly-laser-method-turns-leather-into-flexible-wearable-tech/KAIST Develops Electrode Technology Achieving 86% Efficiency for Converting CO₂ into Plastic Precursors Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology website https://www.kaist.ac.kr/newsen/html/news/?mode=V&mng_no=60350Scientists gene hacked a plant so it grows five types of psychoactive drugs at once Victor Tangermann Futurism.com https://futurism.com/health-medicine/gene-hacked-plant-grows-five-types-psychedelic-drugsScientists Just Discovered There’s Actually Something Faster than the Speed of Light Darren Orf Popular Mechanics https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a70885429/darkness-faster-than-light/
Transcribe →3D Printed Organs, AI Blood Tests, and Bionic Touch w/ Ralph Bond
Apr 1700:36:38Tap to summarizeShow Notes 17 April 2026Researchers Develop 3D Printed Lab-Grown Ear Cartilage3DPrinting.com https://3dprinting.com/news/researchers-develop-3d-printed-lab-grown-ear-cartilage/3D Printed Ear Video ETH Zurich YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01U6KC35dKwNovel prosthetic design combines AI and 3D printing to improve fitRobert Egan MedicalXpress.comhttps://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-03-prosthetic-combines-ai-3d.htmlAI blood test finds silent liver disease years before symptomsJohns Hopkins MedicineScienceDaily.com https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260305223204.htmAI Liver Disease Research Paper Science Translational MedicineScience.org https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.adw2603The Future of Mobility: How Advanced Robotic Prosthetics are Restoring Touch and MotionKevin Famuyiro Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com/doctors-scientists/innovations/technology/story/advanced-robotic-prosthetics-surgery-sensors-bionic-limbsInside world's first hydrogen-powered cruise scheduled to set sail this yearErin Deborah WaksMSNhttps://www.msn.com/en-ae/travel/cruises/inside-world-s-first-hydrogen-powered-cruise-scheduled-to-set-sail-this-year/ar-AA1ZspvQLife May Have Started as Sticky Goo, Long Before Cells Even ExistedJess CockerillScienceAlert.com https://www.sciencealert.com/life-may-have-started-as-sticky-goo-long-before-cells-even-existedBioengineered neuronal ‘circuit board’ mimics conditions of the human brainBiotech-today.comhttps://biotech-today.com/bioengineered-neuronal-circuit-board-mimics-conditions-of-the-human-brain/Chinese Scientists Create ‘Organic’ Electric Car Batteries Using PlasticNeha BhatiaGreenMatters.comhttps://www.greenmatters.com/pn/chinese-scientists-create-organic-electric-car-batteries-using-plastic-in-breakthrough-research
Transcribe →Wave Energy, Mushroom Packaging, and Robotic Skin w/ Ralph Bond
Apr 1000:39:03Tap to summarizeShow Notes 10 April 2026Scientists may have figured out how to unlock the energy of ocean waves David Nield ScienceAlert.comhttps://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-may-have-figured-out-how-to-unlock-the-energy-of-ocean-wavesPower in Motion: Transforming Energy Harvesting with Gyroscopes University of Osaka Asia Research Newshttps://www.asiaresearchnews.com/content/power-motion-transforming-energy-harvesting-gyroscopesResearchers use fungus to create plastic-free food packaging University of Maine University of Maine Newshttps://umaine.edu/news/2026/02/researchers-use-fungus-to-create-plastic-free-food-packaging/Mushroom Packaging Video University of Maine YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Be_SnPFJodoGraphene-based ‘artificial skin’ brings human-like touch closer to robots University of Cambridge University of Cambridge Researchhttps://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/graphene-based-artificial-skin-brings-human-like-touch-closer-to-robotsGraphene Artificial Skin Video University of Cambridge YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGr28Xm1bu4Artificial Skin Research Paper Nature Nanotechnology Nature.comhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41563-026-02508-7Scientists create cancer-fighting immune cells right in the body Sarah C.P. Williams University of California, San Franciscohttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-026-10235-xH&M wants to make clothing from CO2 using this startup’s tech Tim De Chant TechCrunch.comhttps://techcrunch.com/2026/03/17/hm-wants-to-make-clothing-from-co2-using-this-startups-tech/Construction Robotics in 2026: 4 Workflows Where Robots Are Actually Working on Construction Site Martin Piekarz Bricks and Byteshttps://bricks-bytes.com/technology/construction-robotics-in-2026/Japan: World’s First Onshore Operation of Hydrogen-Fueled Engine for Large Ships Begins FuelCellWorks FuelCellWorks.comhttps://fuelcellsworks.com/2026/03/30/energy-innovation/japan-world-s-first-onshore-operation-of-hydrogen-fueled-engine-for-large-ships-begins
Transcribe →From Interplanetary Light Sails to Sub-Millimeter Quantum Measuring w/ Ralph Bond
Apr 300:43:28Tap to summarizeShow Notes 3 April 2026Researchers Develop Photonic Crystal Light Sails for Interplanetary Exploration NationalToday.comhttps://nationaltoday.com/us/al/tuskegee/news/2026/03/06/researchers-develop-photonic-crystal-light-sail-for-interplanetary-exploration/Fuel-free interplanetary travel:Photonic crystal sail could help laser beams push spacecraft MSNhttps://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/fuel-free-interplanetary-travel-photonic-crystal-sail-could-help-laser-beams-push-spacecraft/ar-AA1XLjxKDesign and manufacture of a photonic crystal light sail SPIE Digital Libraryhttps://www.spiedigitallibrary.org/journals/journal-of-nanophotonics/volume-19/issue-04/046008/Design-and-manufacture-of-a-photonic-crystal-light-sail/10.1117/1.JNP.19.046008.fullNASA’s Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) NASAhttps://www.nasa.gov/mission/acs3/How UCLA scientists helped reimagine a forgotten battery design from Thomas Edison UCLAhttps://www.chemistry.ucla.edu/news/how-ucla-scientists-helped-reimagine-a-forgotten-battery-design-from-thomas-edison/A Fast-Charging, High-Stability Nickel-Iron Battery via Protein-Induced Biomineralization Wiley Online Libraryhttps://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/smll.202507934Quantum-inspired laser system delivers distance measurements with sub-millimeter accuracy Phys.orghttps://phys.org/news/2026-03-quantum-laser-distance-millimeter-accuracy.htmlHow your virtual twin could one day save your life IEEE Spectrumhttps://spectrum.ieee.org/living-heart-project-virtual-twinsThe Living Heart Project Dassault Systèmeshttps://www.3ds.com/heartThe Living Heart Project: A Decade of Innovation YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ae_IqlxgCMELab-grown algae removes microplastics from water University of Missourihttps://engineering.missouri.edu/2026/lab-grown-algae-removes-microplastics-from-water/
Transcribe →The Price of Entertainment: PlayStation, Netflix, and Nintendo w/ Calcopia
Mar 2701:23:18Tap to summarizeSony Is Raising Prices on PlayStation Consoles and Portals Polygonhttps://www.polygon.com/ps5-price-increase-sony-playstation-portalNetflix Raises Prices Across All Streaming Plans CNBChttps://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/26/netflix-raises-prices-across-all-streaming-plans.htmlPhysical vs Digital: Switch 2 Games Pricing Explained Polygonhttps://www.polygon.com/physical-vs-digital-switch-2-games-pricingApple Discontinues the Mac Pro Engadgethttps://www.engadget.com/computing/apple-discontinues-the-mac-pro-221502339.htmlMacBook Neo 2026: The Perfect Laptop for Most Users Calcopiahttps://calcopia.com/macbook-neo-2026-the-perfect-laptop-for-most-users/ChatGPT Sexy Mode Disabled Following Investor Concerns Ars Technicahttps://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/03/chatgpt-wont-talk-dirty-any-time-soon-as-sexy-mode-turns-off-investors-report-says
Transcribe →AI Search Robots, Tofu Water Batteries, and 4D Vision Chips w/ Ralph Bond
Mar 2700:36:20Tap to summarizeStory 1: AI search robot uses 3D maps and internet knowledge to find lost items Andreas Schmitz, Technical University Munich TechXplore.com https://techxplore.com/news/2026-03-ai-robot-3d-internet-knowledge.html Research paper: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11359697 Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUouwHUZPWQStory 2: Tofu brine could power safer batteries that last decades, researchers say Skye Jacobs Techspot.com https://www.techspot.com/news/111434-tofu-brine-could-power-safer-batteries-last-decades.html Research paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-69384-2Story 3: New 4D vision chip can help robots, drones track distance and speed of moving objects Mrigakshi Dixit InterestingEngineering.com https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/4d-vision-chip-helps-robots-track-distance-speed Research paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-026-10183-6Story 4: Blood test 'clock' can predict Alzheimer's symptoms before they emerge David Nield ScienceAlert.com https://www.sciencealert.com/blood-test-clock-can-predict-alzheimers-symptoms-before-they-emerge Research paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-026-04206-yStory 5: Scientists mixed dead leaves with magnesium—and created a super metal Darren Orf Popular Mechanics via MSN.com https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/scientists-mixed-dead-leaves-with-magnesium-and-created-a-supermetal/ar-AA1YOXDc?ocid=BingNewsSerpStory 6: Turning sawdust into fire-resistant materials Samuel Schlaefli ETHzurich https://ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/eth-news/news/2026/03/turning-sawdust-into-fire-resistant-materials.htmlStory 7: The world’s first self-balancing electric motorcycle is now entering production Micha Toll Electrek.com https://electrek.co/2026/03/16/the-w
Transcribe →EyeDAR Sensors, Transplant Coatings, and Prostate Cancer Advances w/ Ralph Bond
Mar 2000:37:07Tap to summarizeShow Notes 20 March 2026Story 1: Extra ‘set of eyes’ for self-driving cars: Roadside radar sensors could reduce blind spots Silvia Cernea Clark Rice University websitehttps://news.rice.edu/news/2026/extra-set-eyes-self-driving-cars-roadside-radar-sensors-could-reduce-blind-spotshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1SWRzGPQJQStory 2: Spray-on 'immune-shield' coats transplant organs to curb rejection Medical Xpress via MSN.comhttps://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/spray-on-immune-shield-coats-transplant-organs-to-curb-rejection/ar-AA1XGjVRhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S016836592501082XStory 3: A New Type of Immunotherapy Drug for Prostate Cancer Shows Up to 99% Drop in Cancer Biomarkers Tudor Tarita ZME Sciencehttps://www.zmescience.com/medicine/diseases-medicine/a-new-type-of-immunotherapy-drug-for-prostate-cancer-shows-up-to-99-drop-in-cancer-biomarkers/Story 4: Researchers develop beating, 3D‑printed heart model for surgical practice Tina Hilding Washington State Universityhttps://news.wsu.edu/press-release/2026/03/04/researchers-develop-beating-3d-printed-heart-model-for-surgical-practice/Story 5: Breakthrough laser technology enables deeper, more efficient bone surgery University of Basel News-medical.nethttps://www.news-medical.net/news/20260226/Breakthrough-laser-technology-enables-deeper-more-efficient-bone-surgery.aspxhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-37117-6Story 6: Hyundai’s Autonomous Firefighting Robot Handles 1,400+ Degree Temps TomorrowsWorldToday.comhttps://www.tomorrowsworldtoday.com/robotics/hyundais-autonomous-firefighting-robot-handles-1400-degree-temps/Story 7: Scientists discovered a way to create 3D-printed wood — and the breakthrough could change how hundreds of products get made Laurelle Stelle The Cool Down on MSN.comhttps://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/scientists-discovered-a-way-to-create-3d-printed-wood-and-the-breakthrough-could-change-how-hundreds-of-products-get-made/ar-AA1XuWWfStory 8: New microrobot swarms use whirlpools to lift objects 45,000 times heavier Mrigakshi Dixit Interesting Engineering
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