The roughly two thousand people walking around with glass-encapsulated RFID chips in their bodies are probably suffering from some headaches this week. Not because of the chips themselves, but the recent news that they might pose a health risk.
Though the chips are approved for use in humans by the FDA, the AP revealed recently that a number of animal studies, conducted from 1996 to 2006, showed that the implants can induce malignant tumors. The FDA stands by its approval, and implant-maker VeriChip says its products are perfectly safe. But scientists who reviewed the research had mixed reactions.—Gregory Mone
Five amazing, clean technologies that will set us free, in this month's energy-focused issue. Also: how to build a better bomb detector, the robotic toys that are raising your children, a human catapult, the world's smallest arcade, and much more.


Online Content Director: Suzanne LaBarre | Email
Senior Editor: Paul Adams | Email
Associate Editor: Dan Nosowitz | Email
Assistant Editor: Colin Lecher | Email
Assistant Editor: Rose Pastore | Email
Contributing Writers:
Kelsey D. Atherton | Email
Francie Diep | Email
Shaunacy Ferro | Email