Armed drones flying over Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Yemen, Somalia and elsewhere have ignited intense debate about U.S. foreign policy and military tactics. Yet drone technology also offers significant promise for applications in commerce, public safety and environmental monitoring. >>

Street flooding caused by storms is much more than an inconvenience of urban life — it disrupts economic activity and hinders vital services provided by first responders. By stressing the capacity of sewers and water-treatment plants, flooding can also increase microbial threats to health. >>

The 2010 BP offshore blowout in the Gulf of Mexico killed 11 people, released approximately 200 million gallons of oil, and contaminated hundreds of miles of shoreline. What have we learned from this disaster? Are we safer today? Are the impacts over? >>