Expensive, unsustainable rockets have served as our primary means to exit Earth, but space elevators present a cheaper way to enter outer space. Although new materials are needed, space elevator missions are in motion and we could see the first elevator constructed in the next several decades.

Toyota will start selling its clean air hydrogen bus, the Toyota Murai, starting in 2017. Fuel cell engines create clean water and don't emit greenhouse gases — but synthesizing hydrogen for the engine does.

Scientists have isolated another gene — neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) — linked to autism symptoms in nearly half of 100,000 people suffering from the rare NF1 tumor disorder. The research provides hope in finding new genetic links and treatments for the neurological disorder that affects millions of Americans and 1 in 68 children.

Experience-based artificial intelligence may be able to give us a way to create safe and benevolent behaviors in AI by teaching and testing the machines in complex environments that challenge its goals.