Lighter Side
Patents that changed the world: Picture this
For multinationals in the information age, teleconferencing has become as vital as email, enabling managers in every part of the world to keep each other informed. ...  »
Monumentally challenged
As the Egyptian government prepares a law requiring royalties to be paid for the reproduction of its ancient monuments, Richard Brass asks what that will mean for souvenir-makers around the world...  »
Patent mistake
Valentine’s Day 1876 was not a happy one for Elisha Gray......  »
Five Inventors who chose not to Patent
Here are five inventors who spurned patents in favour of giving their inventions 'to the people' ...  »
Colour Blind
You might think telecoms companies would have more important things on their minds. Wave after wave of rapid technological change should keep them busy...  »
Accidental inventions: Cellophane
In 1900, Jaques E Brandenberger witnessed an anonymous Swiss diner spill red wine over a restaurant tablecloth. The cloth ruined, Brandenberger decided then and there to do something about it...  »
Accidental Inventions: The Pacemaker
It's comforting to know that even the great inventors can get their wires crossed. They may get blown up, but on the other hand they may find they have stumbled on something truly useful...  »
Accidental Inventions: Vaseline
Robert Chesebrough was an enterprising young kerosene salesman who fell on hard times when his supply of sperm whale dried up. ...  »
Accidental Inventions: Velcro
Often erroneously believed to have been developed as part of the American Space Programme, Velcro was actually invented in 1948 by a Swiss engineer who had just been walking his dog....  »
Open wide
Not heard of open source? It’s the new way to tap into the world’s resources. And big business and techie whizzkids alike are excited by it, says Richard Brass...  »