The IT and engineering industries often boast some of the most exciting inventions and innovations imaginable. People with IT and engineering degrees work to make products that make businesses more productive and home life more enjoyable. Here's a list of the latest and greatest in the IT and engineering industries from 2007. More information can be found in the January 2008 issues of Discover and Popular Science magazines.

The US and China: Modern technology could improve pollution
Statistics show that China is rapidly catching up to the U.S. as the largest emitter of greenhouse gasses and the biggest contributor to environmental pollution. Researchers believe that modernizing technology in factories, much of which was implemented back in the early '70s, can dramatically decrease pollution, according to Discover. Engineers are working closely with other scientists to implement greener, energy-saving technology into factories.

Deep brain stimulator can reverse effects of brain injury
Engineers have developed a product called a deep-brain stimulator that can reverse some effects of severe brain injuries, which often leave victims in a state of unconsciousness for years…or for life. The stimulator is placed inside areas of the brain that reactivate consciousness. So far, one patient is on his way to successful rehabilitation, and researchers are beginning treatment on many more, according to Discover.

Wireless applies to more than the internet
Researchers are one step closer to freeing electrical transmission from power lines, and therefore freeing households and businesses from the clunky, unsightly wires that are used to charge everything from refrigerators to stereos. According to Discover, researchers at MIT loaded power into two coils to create a magnetic field that creates electrical surges that can be used to charge just about anything that runs off of electricity.

How small can they go
According to the January 2008 issue of Popular Science magazine, IBM has created a stackable computer chip that is 1,000 times faster than any chip available on the market today. It will be made available to buyers in 2008. The chip is vertically stackable and are connected internally rather than with wires that run around the edges. It's these wires that slow down traditional chips. With this technology, products will continue to get even smaller and lighter