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As an invention, Cold Heat seems to have everything. But reviewers -- both professionals and average users -- either love the tool or hate it, and some people question whether it's really "new" at all.

The refining of iron ore is one of the most historically significant achievements of all time. Find out how iron gets turned into steel and what it's used for.

Nanotechnology is so new, no one is really sure what will come of it. Even so, predictions range from the ability to reproduce things like diamonds and food to the world being devoured by self-replicating nanorobots.

Welcome to the wonderful and weird world of nanowires. Scientists can adapt this incredibly thin material for a number of uses, whether as a fiber-optic nanowire or to build increasingly smaller microprocessors. They're even used in medical implants.

Plastics can be shaped or molded into any form, and they're everywhere -- in your car, computer, toys and even bubble gum. But because they don't degrade, they cause big problems when it's time to throw them out.

Steam technology powered the Industrial Revolution, transformed the global shipping industry and revolutionized modern warfare. But how do steam engines actually harness the power of steam?

The centuries-old art of sword making involves incredibly intricate metal work, and it's still being practiced today. Get a rare glimpse into the creation of this ancient weaponry.

Reverse osmosis explains the process of creating drinking water from salty, or otherwise contaminated water. How does this process work? How can you create drinking water from saltwater? Learn about the process of reverse osmosis in this article.

In this clip from "How It's Made" on The Science Channel, watch how the often unnoticed shock absorber is made.

Watch this Reuters video to see how a plastics company in Japan has solved the problems that plague many ice-skating rinks - rising costs for water and air-conditioning. Instead, engineers are using a resin-based plastic floor. No Zamboni needed.

Surf's up! Well, almost. The MythBusters investigate how much dynamite it would take to create a surfable wave.

Watch this Reuters video demonstrating how Speedo and NASA engineers tested and manufactured the world's fastest swimsuit for the U.S. Olympic Team. Olympic Record holder Michael Phelps is impressed that the suit produces almost zero drag.

Watch this video about bulletproof backpacks on HowStuffWorks. A Massachusetts company has developed a new backpack that is being marketed as "bulletproof and fashionable for kids to wear" to school. Learn about bulletproof backpacks and school safety in

Watch this video from the University of Florida showing a new anti-reflective coating that could help reduce eye strain from computer screen glare. UF engineers researched moths since their eyes don't reflect light.