They're not just for nerds anymore. Virtual worlds are being embraced by a variety of users as online environments expand to include concerts, classrooms, and even retail economies.

Games played on handheld devices facilitate "travel" to Baghdad, save the world from infectious diseases, and give new meaning to the dangers of "pirates" on Wall Street.

Get the latest news on the digital tools and trends that are changing the way we explore our world.

Squishable iPods and TVs you can tie in knots may be slightly closer to reality, thanks to new circuits that can bend and stretch.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Google Maps and a host of spin-off sites are giving users a bird's-eye view of the aftermath of disaster.