A new pasta shape has been invented. Cascatelli took three years to develop, and the man who designed it says he considered a variety of different aspects of the pasta eating experience. He wanted a pasta shape that stayed easily on the fork, for example, and held sauce well. Listen to learn about the process of designing and testing a new type of pasta and hear a reporter’s reaction when she samples it for the first time.
Story Length: 5:07
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March 11, 2021
8:19
For people with physical disabilities, sometimes simple but important daily tasks are impossibile. That was true for Matthew Walzer, who was born with cerebral palsy (CP), a condition that affects muscle tone and movement. CP left Walzer unable to tie his shoes, which he worried might interfere with his ability to attend college independently. At age 16, he wrote a letter to Nike asking for a hands-free sneaker, and the company responded. Listen to Walzer describe some of the challenges people with disabilities face each day and how he inspired Nike to design a cool new sneaker that anyone can wear.
Read MoreSeptember 14, 2018
4:25
The design of schools and classroom spaces can have a big impact on students’ learning experiences. This story follows an architecture critic’s tour of a 90-year-old New York City school building and her commentary on the history of school design. Listen to learn about the relationship between classroom design and educational goals, and then debate whether schools should be redesigned for today’s students and teachers.
Read MoreJune 27, 2018
1:55
Every four years, Adidas designs a custom soccer ball for the World Cup, and the 2018 event in Russia is no different. In past years, the style and structure of the balls have actually interfered with how they move, making the games unpredictable for athletes. That’s why this year, scientists tested the new Telstar 18 ball to make sure it works properly. Experts explain how this new ball compares to past years’ and the real reason Adidas creates a new ball design for every World Cup. Listen to learn more about this high-tech soccer ball.
Read MoreDecember 9, 2014
6:00
Most streets in the United States were designed for cars, not for people riding bicycles or walking. In densely populated cities this has meant that people are forced to live on streets where they don’t feel safe walking and cycling. A new movement, called “complete streets,” pushes cities to design streets to fit the needs of all the people who use it, not just people in cars. Listen to learn how this “complete streets” movement is being put into effect in cities across the country.
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